The best motorgraders get even better. By Daniel C. Brown

Engineers for the major grader manufacturers havebeen hard at work lately. They have upgradedengines to Tier 4 Interim compliance. They haveimproved visibility and controls. Each companyhas optimized the weight, balance, and stability of

the machine.John Deere, for example, has redesigned its G-Series graders

to include an Inlerim-Tier-4-certified engine and the industry'sonly choice betvveen console-mounted or annrest-mounted

industry standard fingertip controls.There are 12 C-5eries models, ranging from 195 to 283 net

horsepower. Six of the units feature six-wheel drive. That featuregives operators increased traction, the ability to get more workdone in fewer blading passes and a 30% increase in blade pull.

As one of many contractors that were part of Deere's longjoint product development process, grader customer Jerry Patehad a definite idea what kind of controls he wanted. ''If you're

going to go with electro-hydraulic controls, don't put them inthe old 'antler rack' position," Pate says. ~Put them where guyswant them-in the annrest but in the same familiar pattern.

Now you can run this machine nine to 10 hours a day andyou don't get fatigued. You're not reaching out. It's almost

like sitting in a recliner or an easy chair because you're in anatural position."

"With the G-Series, it's not 'one size fits all'-you're free tochoose the control style that makes you the most comfortableand productive," says Kent Stickler, product marketing manager

38 www.GradingandExcavation.comIJanuary/February 2013

for motor graders, John Deere Construction & Forestry. "Andevery grader has a steering wheel. no matter which controlsystem you pick."

Another customer need that Deere has built into theG-Series is the new Interim-Tier-4-certified engine. For maxi­

mum uptime, diesel particulate filter cleaning occurs duringnormal operation, without requiring action by the operator.The engine also has a new stall-prevention system that senses

when the engine is going to stall, then automatically shifts thetransmission to neutral. This saves wear and tear on the engine,which prolongs engine life and boosts uptime.

With Deere's G-Series graders, operators continue to get

a steering wheel and can choose from the console-mountedcontrol pattern (G models) or intuitive and easy-to-use annrest­

mounted fingertip controls (GP models). If an operator specifiesthe fingertip controls, he'll still have a choice between using

lever steering and the ever-present steering wheel. Either way,G-Series controls provide a smooth, predictable response andplenty of power whether the application calls for heavy bladingor fme grading.

All John Deere G-Series Grade Pro units are grade-control

ready. These machines can accept Trimble or Topcon grade-con­trol systems, whichever the customer prefers. Customers askedDeere to integrate grade control buttons into the knobs of thecontrol levers, making the system comfortable to use and easy

to run. As a result, operators can keep their hands on the bladecontrols for higher productivity.

Better balance helps Volvo's G900B achieve higher productivity.

Case's New BSeriesThe B Series motor grader line from Case Constmction Equip­ment includes all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions of the 885B and865B motor graders, as well as the Case 845B and 885B dual­horsepower models.

Case says AWD provides more versatility to handle a greater

variety of applications and working conditions. It delivers bettertraction, steering and side-draft control in wet and muddy condi­tions, and in applications requiring heavy blading for cutting,moving and mixing material.

Case B Series motor graders all feature an industry-exclusivefront-alticulation design and a multiradius, involute moldboard."Front articulation allows for a tight turning radius that workswell for cul-de-sacs and tight job sites. 1l1e cab is mounted fur­ther back on the machine,which gives the operator acommanding view of thecomplete moldboard, circle,saddle and tires," says PaulWade, brand marketingmanager, Case ConstructionEquipment.

According to Case, thereinforced, involute mold­board enables the CaseB Selies motor gradersto move more materialwith less horsepower andless fuel than competitivemodels. The exclusive Casemoldboard design incorpo-rates three different radiuses to cut, mix, and roll matelial moreefficiently, creating a consistent, durable road surface.

The circle design, with outer-facing gear teeth, improvesoperations and serviceability, maintains gear power andincreases the life of circle drive components. Anti-shock accu­mulators automatically protect circle drive components. 1l1e Aframe drawbar design provides additional stability and sb·ength.

All Case B Series motor grader models share several keyspecifications:• 6.7-liter, electronically controlled Case engines• Direct-drive transmissions providing eight fonvard and four

reverse gears• A turning radius of just 23 feet, 9 inches for working in

close quarters• Blade pitch positions ranging from 42 to 87 degrees• Maximum blade shift of 27 inches to the light and 21 inches

to tile left• Maximum ground penetration of 28 inchesThe Case 885B motor grader, available in both two-wheel andall-wheel drive models, operates at either 205 or 219 net horse­power. Operating weights are 39,771 pounds for the 885B and41,248 pounds for the 885B AWD. A 14-foot moldboard isstandard for both models.

The Case 865B variable horsepower (VHPj motor graderfeatures tliple horsepower ranges to match the power require­ments of various applications and deliver optimum fuel effi­ciency. 1l1e Case 8658 motor grader operates across a rangeof 178 to 205 net horsepower. It has an operating weight of

35,993 pounds and a standard 13-foot-wide moldboard. TIle865B is also available with a 12-foot-wide or 14-foot-widemoldboard. The all-wheel-drive version of the Case 865B VHPmotor grader has an operating weight of 35,273 pounds and astandard 14-foot moldboard.

The Case 8458 motor grader features dual power ratingsof 140 and 160 net horsepower, with an operating weight of31,812 pounds and a standard 12-foot moldboard.

"Case has designed the B Series motor grader line to providesuperior operator control, visibility, and comfort," Wade said."For example, the hydraulic control valve on all B Series modelsis designed specifically for grading applications, giving opera­tors more accurate control and better feel for the work beingperformed."

Cabs in the new B Seriesmachines otTer improvedcontrol layout, while main­taining the b·aditional nine­lever motor grader controlsprefened by most operators.

The standard Isomountcab improves operatorcomf0J1 by reducing noiseand vibration. The slop-ing rear hood, breakawayheavy-duty side min'Ors,floor-to-ceiling glass and rearwindow defroster combineto provide superior visibilityfrom the cab.

The B Series motor grad­ers feature a flip-up hood for easy engine compartment access.1l1e machine design also incorporates ground-level access todaily service checkpoints for quick and efficient maintenance.

Cat Upgrades to M2To date, Caterpillar has upgraded four M Series motor gradersto M2 status: 120M2, 12M2, 140M2, and 160M2. The newmodels are equipped with low-emitting engines that complywith Tier 4 Interim or ED Stage I1IB emissions standards. Onall four of those models Caterpillar otTers all-wheel-dlive ver­sions. The graders are designed for a broad range of tasks,including heavy blade work, road maintenance, ripping, andprecision-finishing applications.

The 140M2 and 160M2 models use lhe Cal C9.3 ACERTengine with VHP. TIle 140M2 and 160M2 have ranges of 193to 243 horsepower and 213 to 263 horsepower, respectively.Net horsepower ratings for the 140M2 AWD and 160M2 AWDare 202 to 243 horsepower and 223 to 263 horsepower,respectively.

The 120M2 and 120M2 AWD use tile C7.1 ACERT engine,and the 12M2 and 12M2 AWD the C9.3 ACERT engine. Maxi­mum net power ratings for the new models, respectively, are141 kW, 156 kW, 166 kWand 181 kW. Variable HorsepowerPlus is now standard on the full lineup of M Series 2 machinemodels, deliveling additional power in each forward gear 5through 8 for more power at higher speeds. The system limitspower in lower gears, which helps reduce wheel slip where trac­tion is limited. This optimizes rimpull in all gears by balancing

Grading & Excavation Contractor 39

Komatsu's GD655-5 burns less fuel for more horsepower.

traction, speed and power while conserv­ing fuel.

The C9.3 ACERT engine complieswith Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emissionsstandards utilizing the building blocksof ACERT technology. The technologycombines refined fuel, air-managementand electronic systems with the CatNOx-Reduction System and Cat CleanEmissions Module (CEM). The innovativeair-management system, using optimizedturbocharging, works with the electroni­cally controlled, common-rail fuel-injec­tion system to provide clean, efficientcombustion and optimum fuel economy.

The M Series 2 design uses twoelectronic joysticks to provide complete,precise control of the machine. Caterpil­lar claims that the control system resultsin nearly 80% fewer hand and wristmovements compared with conventionalmotor-grader controls; the net result isenhanced operator comfort and effi­ciency The intuitive design helps bothnew and experienced operators be moreproductive.

The M Series 2 motorgraders also feature elec­tronic vertical adjustmentof the joystick control pods,allowing each operatorto tailor joystick heiglitfor optimum control andcomfort, resulting in greaterproductivity. Selectableblade lift speed modesallow more precise controlto match lift response tothe job. The spacious MSeries 2 cab, with standardair conditioning, uses angled doors anda patented sloping rear window to affordexcellent visibility to the heel and toe ofthe moldboard and to the ripper.

Integrated TechnologiesThe M Series 2 models offer the new CatGrade Control Cross Slope system. Thatis a complete machine-control and guid­ance system that integrates traditionalgrade control with standard machinecomponents at the factOly. This optionalfactory-installed and calibrated cross-slopesystem provides automatic cross-slopeconb'ol capability, ready to operate fromthe moment it leaves the factory. In addi­tion, Cat Cross Slope is fully upgradeableand compatible with AccuGrade systemsto grow with customers.

A manually controlled differentiallock improves traction in adverse groundconditions. When engaged, an automaticsystem locks and unlocks the differentialas required to optimize traction while pro­tecting the tandem chains and differentialfrom possible damage. Located at eachtandem wheel, multidisc brakes providelarge braking surfaces for sure stops andlong brake life.

The M Series 2 front frame uses con­tinuous top- and bottom-plate construc­tion for high strength, and the rear framefeahlres a box-section hitch design, castaxle mounting and integrated rear bum­per for durability in harsh applicationssuch as ripping.

New from VolvoWhen it comes to grader productivity,Volvo Construction Equipment says whatreally matters is blade down pressure andblade pull force. The company says itsnew G900B-Series generation of motorgraders has the highest blade down pres-

sure in each weight class, thanks to opti­mal overall machine balance and the dis­tribution of the main grader components.That's not all: The new four-model rangefeahlres new engines, rugged frames, andsophisticated transmissions.

The range consists of the 34,520­pound G930B, the 35,843-poundG940B, the 37,827-pound G946B, andthe 38,709-pound G960B. All modelsfeahlre new, larger displacement engineswith increased power and torque thanthe models they replace. Meeting the lowemission requirements of Tier 4 Interimlegislation, these new units feature cooledexhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technol­ogy. That lowers the temperature in thecombustion chamber and reduces the for­mation of nitrogen oxides by up to half.

Matched PerformanceVolvo says the increased and reshapedpower and torque curves of the engineshave been carefully matched to meetthe needs of the transmission. The Volvoeight forward gear/four reverse gearHTE840 or (optional) 11 forward/sixreverse gear HTE1160 transmissionsfeature "shuttle shift," a system thatenables easy shifting between forwardand reverse without the need to stopor use the inching pedal. Shift quality iscomputer controlled and transmissionsprovide a choice of auto shift modesand programmable target gears, allow­ing for optimal productivity and low fuelconsumption.

Auto shifting (optional on theHTE840) changes the gear in responseto varying blade loads, resulting in lessrework and longer transmission life.Smart Shift and Shuttle Shift are fitted asstandard, with Smart Shift recalling thelast forward or reverse gear used. ShuttleShift allows quick direction changes,

thereby reducing grader cycletimes. Heavy-duty inchingclutches have been exten­sively tested. The optionalHTE 1160 transmission hasmore gears in a typical work­ing range, slower gears forfine grading, and more gearsfor fast travel, such as isneeded in snow removal.

Traction is dependentupon the weight over thedrive wheels and the groundsurface. Too much power tothe back wheels when there

is a lack of traction results in wheel spin,tire wear and excess fuel usage. Theengines fitted to the G900B-Series fea­ture three power curves with the 8-by-4transmission and eight power curveswith the II-by-6 transmission. That way,the power matches the level of tractionavailable.

To improve traction, the transmissionis located ahead of the articulation pivotpoint beneath the cab. This providesoptimum weight distribution, assisting inblade down pressure at the front whileat the same time weighing down therear wheels and aiding drawbar pullvalues. Traction is further improved by anoperator-controlled hydraulic differentiallock system that reduces rear-axle strainand tire wear.

40 www.GradingandExcavation.comIJanuary/February 2013

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the weight of the base machine has beenincreased 8%. The additional weight andincreased wheelbase add up to more sta­bility, easier blade positioning and greaterproductivity.

New CabThe new Komatsu-designed cab (patentpending) has a hexangular shape thaleliminates the front comer pillars, allow­ing for greater visibility. The cab of theGD655-5 provides excellent visibilitythrough the wide floor-to-ceiling sidewindows. The narrow front console andnanuw saddle arms offer the operator aclear view, providing the confidence tomaximize productivity. A tapered enginehood improves the view to the rear of themachine and the rear ripper. Ox

Daniel C. Brown writes on topics related

to safety and the constmction industry.

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Komatsu engine technology providesa three-stage, two-mode system thatproduces higher power with reduced fuelconsumption. The operator can selecteither an economy mode or a powermode, depending on the work application.The three-stage system offers three levelsof power from gear one through geareight, producing more productivity with a20% fuel savings when compared to theprevious model.

The Komatsu dual-mode power shifttransmission is designed and built specifi­cally for Komatsu graders. The dual-modeprovides a lockup torque converter modeas well as a direct drive mode. There is anew anti-stall mode for direct drive. Beforethe grader stalls in a low speed applica­tion, the transmission shifts to the torqueconverter mode enslUing operator control.

In addition to a 9% power increase,

www.gradingandexcavation.com/graders

Komatsu's new Dash 5At Conexpo last year, Komatsu Amelicaintroduced the GD655-5 motor grader,powered by an EPA Tier 3 emission certi­fied Komatsu engine. With an increasedmaximum horsepower of 218 and anincreased standard configuration weightof 35,351 pounds, the GD655-5 is enter­ing the largest grader segment in NorthAmerica.

The completely new power traindesign positions the engine at the rear ofthe machine. Komatsu says this place­ment, along with the increased weight onthe front axle, provides better control.

All-wheel drive model G946B featurestwo variable displacement pumps anddirect drive wheel motors. The systemis capable of providing 8,500 pounds ofextra drawbar pulJ at the front wheels,especially useful when working in

reduced. traction conditions or in snowremoval applications (where drive at thefront wheels can offset the sideways effectof working on slippery conditions).

The AWD system also allows for a"Creep Mode," which allows the opera­tor to grade using the hydrostaticallypowered front-wheel drive only. That canbe desirable when performing fine gradework where the rear tandem wheelsmight damage the surface.

Pleasant Place to WorkVolvo says the company's engineersdesigned the G900B-Series motor gradersto provide a pleasant place to work. Theoperators have unobstructed lines of viewto the moldboard, over the front frame.to the side and rear, allowing them towork more easily and safely. The spaciouscab also featlU'es easy-to-use ergonomi­cally designed controls, high-performanceclimate control, a comfortable seat, andfamiliar steering wheel.

These graders are fitted with industJy­standard pattern controls, which featurelow effort, low stroke levers and anadjustable pedestal, sited in front of theoperator. Optional joystick controls areavailable that have buttons or triggers forthe conbul of all main attachments. Joy­sticks offer predictable and proportionalresponse for hydraulic fi.mctions, articula­tion, (low-speed) steeling and b-ansmissionsettings. A dual steering system allowssteering via joystick (up to 18 mph) or viabaditional steeling wheel.

Grading & Excavation Contractor 41