Road graders are some of the essential heavy construction equipment for road work applications. Whether you are preparing the road leading to your home, industrial facility, etc., road graders are a must-have. These machines ensure you have a quality base for laying asphalt on the road. However, they come in many different types to accommodate unique road construction needs. Therefore, if you are looking for one, you will need to think carefully about your project and what you need the grader to do. To make the selection a bit easier, here are some tips you can consider.

Think About Your Project Specs

Knowing your project requirements is the first key to selecting the ideal road grader. Road graders can perform many functions besides construction works. You can also use them for road maintenance, landscaping, forestry, etc. You must know whether you need one for earthmoving purposes, spreading, clearing debris and bushlands, road building, or fine grading. Therefore, understand what your project needs to choose the most suitable road grader.

Consider The Frame Type

Road graders come in two primary frame types: articulated and rigid. As the name implies, rigid-frame road graders do not turn right or left about a point, owing to their single axle. On the other hand, their articulated counterparts feature a two-axle system that allows them to turn about a point. For this reason, many people tend to prefer articulated road graders because they are easy to manoeuvre even in tight or small spaces.

Think About Engine Power

How powerful is the engine? The engine power determines the kind of job the grader can perform. For instance, it would be best to go for a road grader with higher horsepower if you have heavy-duty grading work. However, keep in mind that road graders with more powerful engines will be heavier too. Therefore, you are likely to spend more on transportation, fuel and overall rental costs.

Consider Ground Conditions

Ground conditions on your site are also worth thinking about when choosing a road grader. The ground conditions will often determine the size and type of grader that would be the most suitable. For instance, if the ground is rocky and rough, go for heavy and more powerful graders that can withstand such conditions without stressing or damaging the blades.

Ground conditions can also affect your choice of grader blades. Grader blades vary in width depending on the task at hand. Thicker blades are better at withstanding breakages and abuse but have less penetration than their thinner counterparts. Your supplier or contractor will help you choose the ideal road grader blades based on the conditions on your site. Reach out to a professional who provides civil construction services for more information. 

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