Fused Equipment Blog

Frame: Graders usually have an articulated frame that allows the machine's front wheels and rear half to pivot independently- we’ll talk in depth about this later. 

Cab and Controls: Motor graders are equipped with enclosed cabs where you’ll find the machine’s controls.  

Front Axle and Steering: Graders typically feature front-wheel or all-wheel steering. The front axle can lean side-to-side to help maintain blade alignment on uneven terrain.  

Motor Graders vs. Other Heavy Equipment

While motor graders share some capabilities with bulldozers, skid steers, and wheel loaders, they’re unique in their ability to do precise, long-distance grading work.  

While a bulldozer pushes heavy material over short distances, a grader is designed to shape it. While a skid steer might level a small area, a grader can manage large roadways or fields with consistent depth and slope. This makes motor graders the go-to machine for worksites that need smooth grading over large areas.  

Is a Motor Grader Right for Your Industry? 

Motor graders are used across many industries for a variety of tasks- here are a few examples: 

Why Go with a Used Motor Grader?

The expansive heavy equipment market means there’s a vast selection of motor graders available, both new and used. While buying new means access to the latest tech and modern features, don’t overlook a used motor grader. We’ve compiled some of the key benefits of going with a used grader, from lower prices to slower depreciation.  

Lower Purchase Cost 

The most obvious benefit of going with a used motor grader is the significant cost savings. A brand-new motor grader comes with a steep price tag, while used graders can be found for a fraction of the cost, often 40-60% less. The savings associated with a used machine mean you’re able to get your hands on a higher-spec or larger model that might be out of your price range if you were to buy new. If you don’t want all your capital tied up in a new machine, a used grader is a great option.  

Lower Insurance and Financing Costs 

It’s not just the purchase price that’s lower on a used grader. Insurance premiums on used equipment are generally less than those for new machines, making it all around cheaper to go with a used motor grader. Financing is also available for used graders through banks or equipment lenders, often with competitive terms and great rates.  

Slower Depreciation 

Like all heavy machinery, motor graders depreciate the most in the first few years after purchase. When you buy new, your grader may lose 20-30% of its value just by being put to work. By choosing used, you’re avoiding that steep initial depreciation curve. Used graders tend to retain their value more steadily, making them a great investment if you decide to resell in the future.  

Immediate Availability 

If time is of the essence, a used grader is a great choice. Used motor graders are immediately available, unlike new machines, which might undergo manufacturing or shipping delays. For last-minute projects or out-of-the-blue breakdowns, used motor graders can serve as a quick fix.  

Performance and Reliability 

A well-maintained used motor grader can be just as powerful as a brand-new machine. Reputable sellers and marketplaces often inspect, service, and certify machines before listing, giving you peace of mind. You can also view the grader’s maintenance records and operational history before you buy to make sure you’re investing in a well-oiled machine.  

Flexibility  

When you shop for used motor graders, you have the flexibility to accommodate your preferences. Whether you prefer to spend less on a grader with higher hours or spend more on a grader with lower hours, the used equipment market makes it easy to find the perfect fit. While new equipment falls within a consistent price range, shopping for used equipment means you have access to a bigger variety of graders at a wider range of prices.  

Used Motor Grader Purchase Options

If you’re in the market for a used grader machine for sale, choosing the right purchase option is just as important as selecting the right model or size. When you’re expanding your fleet, your buying strategy can affect your long-term costs, productivity, and flexibility.  

If you only need occasional access to a motor grader, renting is a great alternative to buying. Whether you’re looking for a motor grader for seasonal road maintenance, a one-off project, or short-term snow clearing, renting gives you access to a grader without the commitment of a purchase. Plus, many heavy equipment rental companies have late-model machines available, so you can get your hands on new tech without tying up all your capital in ownership. 

Despite its benefits, renting a motor grader has some downsides. While you don’t have to shell out the full payment associated with buying a grader, renting often comes with high daily or weekly costs. Plus, it can be difficult to source rental equipment during peak seasons like summer, which can be inconvenient when a project pops up.  

Leasing a Motor Grader 

Leasing offers a middle ground between buying and renting a motor grader. You make set payments over a term period and usually have the option to buy the grader at the end of your lease. Leasing is a great choice for many businesses, especially those that value predictable payments. Some leases also give you the option to upgrade to a newer model every few years, making it an ideal option if you prefer to rotate machines rather than commit to just one.  

While leasing a motor grader offers plenty of advantages, it also has some pitfalls to consider. Some heavy equipment leases come with mileage limits, meaning you can incur extra fees if you overuse your grader. Leasing is also somewhat inflexible, as you’ll likely be charged if you need to end the lease early.  

Motor Grader Types

Motor graders come in an array of sizes, frames and undercarriage types to meet the demands of various industries. While all graders serve the same core function- to level and grade surfaces- not all graders are built the same.  

Small Motor Graders 

Compact graders, sometimes called mini graders, are smaller and lighter than full-sized machines. These motor graders are the easiest to maneuver in small areas, making them ideal for worksites where space is limited. Their small size also means lower operating costs and easy transport between worksites.  

Best Suited For: Landscaping and driveway maintenance, snow removal, light grading and fine finish work.  

Does a small motor grader sound like the size for you? Shop popular models like the Cat 120 and more mini graders for sale from Fused.  

Medium Motor Graders 

Medium or mid-sized motor graders are the most common size on the market. These graders are versatile- they’re not as bulky and hard to maneuver as a large grader, but they offer more power than a mini grader. If you’re looking for a balance between strength and size, a medium motor grader might be the right choice for your worksite.  

Best Suited For: Road maintenance, grading on commercial job sites, agricultural field work.  

Interested in a mid-size grader? Fused has an expansive selection of models like the Cat 140M, Cat 160M, John Deere 870G and other medium-sized used road graders for sale. 

Large Motor Graders

Large motor graders are built for heavy-duty jobsites and tough applications. These graders are the most powerful of the bunch, prioritizing strength over maneuverability. If your worksite needs a machine that can handle large volumes of material and wide-scale projects, a large motor grader is the way to go.  

Best Suited For: Large-scale projects, mining and quarry operations, highway construction.  

Does a large motor grader sound like the right addition to your fleet? Shop models like the Cat 14M and other large second-hand graders for sale at Fused.  

Articulated Frame Motor Graders 

Articulated motor graders have a pivot point in the frame that allows the front of the machine to turn independently of the rear. This offers increased maneuverability and a tight turning radius, providing operators more control when working on small sites or around obstacles.  

Best For: Parking lots and curved driveways, snow removal around structures, road maintenance in urban and suburban areas.  

Need an articulated frame motor grader for your worksite? Fused has a variety of articulating motor graders for sale from industry-leading brands like Cat and John Deere.  

Rigid Frame Motor Graders 

Rigid frame motor graders are designed with a fixed, non-articulating frame. This frame type is more common in older grader models and offers less maneuverability than articulating graders. However, rigid frame graders are easier to maintain thanks to their simpler mechanics and are great for wide open worksites.  

Best Suited For: Work in open areas, large-scale site prep, mining haul roads.  

Looking for a rigid frame grader for sale? Shop Fused’s selection of used graders for sale from top brands.  

Track-Mounted Graders

Track-mounted graders, also known as crawler graders, are a less common type of grader undercarriage. Rather than wheels, track-mounted motor graders use continuous tracks that offer superior traction on soft and muddy ground and are more stable in rough conditions.  

Best For: Slope grading, work on unpredictable ground. 

Wheel-Mounted Graders 

Wheeled graders are the most common type of motor grader undercarriage. Their large tires provide more speed than tracked graders and are easier to maintain. Plus, wheeled graders are often considered more fuel efficient than crawler graders.  

Best For: Site prep, snow removal, general grading tasks. 

Motor Grader Attachments

Motor graders are powerful machines designed for grading and levelling surfaces- but their functionality goes far beyond just smoothing dirt. With the right attachments, a motor grader becomes a multi-purpose tool that can handle everything from. Snow removal and ditching to mining and road maintenance.  

Whether you’re working in construction, agriculture, mining, or another heavy-duty industry, understanding which attachments are available- and how they can help- will make sure you get the most out of your motor grader investment.  

Rippers and Scarifiers 

Rippers and scarifiers are mounted at the rear of the grader and are used to break up compacted surfaces such as asphalt, frozen soil, gravel, and rocky terrain. These attachments make it easier for your motor grader to work on rough surfaces and reduce strain on the blade by breaking up tough materials before grading begins.  

Industry	Use
Road Construction	Breaking up old pavement or compacted gravel before laying new material.
Mining and Quarrying	Loosening compacted ground in haul roads or pit floors.
Agriculture	Breaking up hardpan layers in fields.

Moldboard Extensions

These attachments are add-on segments that increase the length of your grader’s moldboard, or blade. This allows your blade to cover more ground in one pass, making it an ideal attachment for work in large areas. Moldboard extensions increase productivity and reduce do-over time while grading.

Industry	Use
Highway Construction	Increases surface coverage and lessens time spent on grading.
Municipal Road Maintenance	Grading long stretches of road more efficiently.

Snow Wings and Snow Plows

Popular in colder climates, snow wings are side mounted attachments that allow operators to clear long stretches of snow. Snow plows are similar in function but attach to the front of the grader to move snow and sleet. Most snow plows and snow wings can be hydraulicly angled, giving you complete control over where excess snow is distributed. Snow wings and plows turn your grader into a multi-use machine, so you don’t have to add separate and expensive snow removal equipment to your fleet.
   

Industry	Use
Municipal Services	Plowing roads, city streets, and highways.
Airports	Clearing runways and taxiways.
Industrial Facilities	Keeping access roads and lots operational in winter.

V-Plows 

V-plows are similar to snow plows and snow wings with their snow removal capabilities, but are better suited for moving heavy, deep snow. Their V-shape allows them to distribute snow to either side of the road or pathway you’re clearing. For narrow trails, road shoulders, and large capacities of snow, a v-plow is the right choice for your motor grader.  

Industry	Use
Municipal Services	Clearing deep snow from roads.
Forestry	Keeping access routes open during wintertime.

Front Dozer Blades

Front blades turn your motor grader into a bulldozer, allowing you to push soil, gravel, and other materials. Unlike the machine’s original grader blade, a front dozer blade gives your motor grader more aggressive cutting power for pushing and backfilling work. These attachments allow you to tackle multiple phases of earthmoving, without the need for a separate machine.  

Industry	Use
Construction	Light dozing work before grading begins.
Farming	Moving soil, clearing brush, or managing feedlots.
Landscaping	Rough terrain levelling.

Compaction Attachments 

Some graders can be equipped with drum compactors or vibrating rollers that follow behind the blade to compact freshly-graded material. These attachments combine two functions into one pass, so you can grade and compact with efficiency. Compaction attachments save you money, as you can use your motor grader instead of investing in a separate compaction machine.  

Industry	Use
Road Building	Compacting base layers.
Pipeline Installation	Compacting backfilled trenches.
Parking Lot Construction	Preparing subgrades.

Brush Cutters and Mowers 

These motor grader attachments mount on your grader to clear vegetation along roadsides or open areas. Brush cutters and mowers mean you don’t have to outsource a crew to take care of overgrowth, you can tackle it yourself with your motor grader.  

Industry	Use
Municipal Maintenance	Keeping roadsides clear.
Forestry and Land Development	Managing and preparing land for development or industrial work.

Which Attachment is Right for You and Your Motor Grader? 

With a wide range of motor grader attachments available, choosing the right one for you and your worksite is crucial to getting the most out of your machine. Here are some important factors to consider before you make a decision: 

Know Your Application 

To pick the right attachment for your grader, its essential to understand your day-to-day tasks and the work you do most often. A great motor grader attachment is one that you’ll use over and over again, so understanding the most common tasks on your worksite will help narrow down your choices. For example, if you find yourself grading in large spaces, consider a moldboard extension. But if you work with a lot of overgrowth and vegetation, consider a brush cutter or mower. 

Match the Attachment to the Machine  

Not every attachment is compatible with every motor grader. Before you buy, consider: 

Model Size: A mid-size Cat 140M or John Deere 870G have different specs than smaller machines like a Cat 908. Consider the size of your grader before you choose an attachment- larger machines can handle heavier-duty attachments, while small machines can’t.  

Hydraulic Compatibility: Some attachments, like snow wings and mowers, might require additional hydraulic lines or capabilities. Ensure your motor grader’s hydraulic system is compatible with the attachments you’re considering.  

Mounting Compatibility: Some rear-mounted attachments might not fit on compact graders, so consider your machine’s mounting capabilities before you select an attachment.  

Consider Climate and Terrain 

Your operating environment is an important factor in your attachment decision. Selecting motor grader attachments that align with your climate and ground conditions ensures year-round usability.  

Cold Climates: Snow wings, V-plows, and snow blades are crucial for winter maintenance.  

Hot, Arid Regions: Rippers and scarifiers are ideal for breaking up clay, compacted dirt, or hardpan layers.  

Rural or Undeveloped Land: Brush cutters and front dozer blades help clear paths, remove vegetation, and move loose material.  

Conclusion 

Finding the right motor grader at the right price doesn’t have to be hard. Keep this guide in mind the next time you’re in the market for a used motor grader for sale to secure a grader that checks all your boxes.   

Interested in used road graders for sale? Check out Fused’s selection of used motor graders and motor grader attachments for sale from top brands- or reach out to our team of experts for answers to all your heavy equipment questions.