Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/748269
EquipmentWorld.com | November 2016 57 extra features that are on the machine," Kurth adds. Kurth explains that, in that sense, many of the capa- bilities of the machine, for which manufacturers have worked diligently to advance, are wasted. Six-wheel drive, he says, is a good example. "Six wheel drive is going to give you a third more power to the front of the machine," he says. "It's going to pull way more of the blade on the tandem machine. You'd be surprised how many operators get in a mo- tor grader and don't know to throw on that switch." Teaching operators that simple step, he adds, will give them a major boost in performance. Machine control Machine control, however, will probably help an inexpe- rienced operator most in producing better grading results. "One of the biggest steps a contractor can take to improve motor grader performance is through machine control," says John Bauer, brand marketing manager for Case Construction Equipment. "Machine control continues to evolve and offer new ways for contractors to operate more efficiently, and it helps contractors plan for the right materials and the right equipment to do the job." Bauer says machine control also offers specific benefits to motor grader operators by cutting down on rework, because it gives them the ability to reach a final grade in fewer passes. This also minimizes maintenance and wear and tear, increases productivity and accuracy, improves planning, simplifys training and reduces the cost and effort associated with re-staking jobsites. Caterpillar's Wade Porter, market professional for Visualize what you want to achieve. If blade (moldboard) is set up properly, only minor adjustments will be necessary. The grader is designed to do this work. Know the controls so you can take advantage of its capabilities. Experiment with controls in areas where possible to do so. Control speed, as going too fast will cause chattering (hopping), which leaves washboards. If you feel chattering, immediately change angle for a few feet so that the blade can correct. Try to minimize hollowed out blades. Hollowed out blades make cutting, and especially laying out, much more difficult. Try to keep equal lengths of blade, regardless of length, outside the tires. This allows more equal distribution and prevents obstacles for passing motorists. Using blade pitch (roll) makes feathering up to a bridge or pavement or ending a spreading pass, much easier than trying to lift both ends of the blade and steer at the same time. Raising or lowering one end of the blade has a slight opposite effect on the other end. Shifting the table to the outside will lower the outside edge and raise the in- side edge. Sometimes this can be useful and only requires moving one lever. Motor grader operating tips Vermont Agency of Transportation Local Technical Assistance Program