MOTOR GRADER VS. DOZER
Both bulldozers and motor graders are extremely adaptable construction machines. They can be used interchangeably a lot of the time. They are, however, built to do distinct jobs better than the others. If you must select between the two, you must first determine which is the most efficient for your project.
The first item to examine is the job requirements and what the equipment will be used for. You should also be aware of the distinctions between the two types of equipment, as well as their respective pros and disadvantages. We’ll compare motor graders and bulldozers in this post to help you make the best decision.
EQUIPMENT FOR BULLDOZER CONSTRUCTION
Bulldozers are massive machines that can move rocks, soil, demolition waste, and other materials. They’re found in quarries, farms, building sites, and a wide range of other places.
The tractor, which is usually a track or crawler type, is mounted on metal treads in a bulldozer. Bulldozers can go across rough terrain like muddy or sandy areas without becoming trapped because they frequently employ tracks instead of wheels. The machine’s weight is distributed equally by the huge tracks, which allows it to go through a range of terrains. A large, wide steel blade or plate at the front of the machine is used for pushing, grading, or lifting. Here’s a quick rundown of the main components:
The majority of the controls are located in the operator’s cab, which is enclosed by a rollover protection structure (ROPS). The wide, side-mounted tracks provide plenty of room for operators to enter and exit the cab.
Track rollers, track assembly, and track frame: The track rollers, track assembly, and other mechanisms are all supported by the track frame. A continuous chain surrounds the track frame in the track assembly. The track rollers move on a flat surface created by the chains.
The bulldozer’s principal working tool is the blade. To drift and cast material, it has a bottom cutting edge and corner bits. Depending on the mechanism, the blade may be manually or hydraulically positioned. To assist with a variety of operations, the blade can be tilted, lifted, slanted, and pushed forward or backward.
The ripper is a claw-like device that attaches to the back of the machine. It’s hydraulically raised and lowered, and it’s used to break up or loosen diverse materials like shale or asphalt. It’s also used to easily remove stones, stumps, and roots.
Push arms are mounted to the bottom of the blade, outside of the track frame, in most cases.
Pitch arms are diagonal units that run between the blade and the push arms and are used to manage blade tilt and pitch as well as support the push arms.
2. BULLDOZER ATTACHMENTS OF VARIOUS TYPES
The ability to use a variety of attachments is one of the advantages of a bulldozer. This gives you a lot of flexibility with only one machine and eliminates the need to rent or buy additional equipment. Instead, rent the appropriate attachment for the job to save time and money. The following are some of the attachments that can be used with a bulldozer:
Straight blades are ideal for drifting materials across short or medium distances or for fine grading. There are no curves or side wings on this style of blade.
Angle blade: An angle blade is a versatile instrument that can be used to side cast materials.
U-blade: A U-blade is a type of blade that is used to transport big loads over great distances. It is taller than a straight blade and has a curved form.
A box blade is used for grading and leveling large properties, parking lots, and highways. For best leveling performance, it may feature side cutters as well as front and rear moldboards.
A winch is a cable or chain that is used to lift or move things, as well as uproot trees or stumps. It is attached to the back of a bulldozer.
Despite its large size, operating a bulldozer is rather simple and may be suitable for novices. If a typical track dozer isn’t right for you or your staff, wheeled or micro dozers provide more agility in tighter locations.
A smaller bulldozer could be ideal for residential construction. Bulldozers are commonly used to fulfill the following tasks:
Brush, trees, stones, and anything else that is embedded in the ground and in the path of a building project can be removed with bulldozers. They can also be used to remove wet topsoil in preparation for road building. When it comes to removing boulders and rocks, a tilted blade is a powerful tool.
Drifting is when materials are pushed directly ahead of the dozer blade. The maximum operating distance is determined by the capacity of the blade. The maximum drifting distance for a medium-sized bulldozer is normally 200 to 500 feet. Bulldozers can also be used to transport demolition waste.
Dozers are excellent in spreading fill materials like rock or soil.
Backfilling: Backfilling holes or trenches can be done with dozers. When using a bulldozer to backfill, the angle blade is the greatest instrument.
After clearing or spreading debris, bulldozers are capable of fine grading and constructing drainage. When it comes to complete, however, they are not as exact as motor graders, as you will see.
Bulldozers are handy for shallow digging during ditching.
With a bulldozer, you may transport a variety of commodities across short distances.
Bulldozers are frequently employed in the following situations:
Farming
Roadbuilding
The following are some of the benefits of using a bulldozer:
The tracks enable bulldozers to avoid sinking while crossing difficult terrain.
Manual felling is more expensive than using a bulldozer to clear trees.
Bulldozers are powerful and versatile machines.
Bulldozers are less difficult to operate than other heavy machinery.
They come in a variety of sizes to meet the needs of various projects.
To improve operator safety and control, they frequently include comfortable cabs.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF USING A BULLDOZER
Bulldozers aren’t built to be precise. As a result, if you require a machine that can do fine grading, a motor grader is likely the best option.
Another downside of bulldozers is that they can harm the environment. They may cause soil disturbance and erosion on sloping land, as well as the destruction of trees. Bulldozers, for example, damaged 33% of trees on steep terrain during forest road construction, according to one research.
Bulldozers are also large machinery. Their weight compacts the soil, perhaps causing irrigation problems on shallow soils. Consider the impact and how it will affect your project goals in the long run before choosing a bulldozer.
EQUIPMENT FOR MOTOR GRADER CONSTRUCTION
A motor grader, also known as a grader or a road grader, is a thin multipurpose construction machine that is used to level a surface during grading projects. A motor grader’s general operating principle is that it uses its moldboard, or blade, for rough or fine grading. The position and pitch of the moldboard, on the other hand, can be hydraulically adjusted to fulfill a range of jobs.
When a job necessitates fine grading, a motor grader should be considered. Snow removal is also a breeze with motor graders. Many business owners place a high value on their motor graders. According to a poll, over 88 percent of engineers and equipment operations managers said their grader was the most critical piece of equipment they owned. Many people in the business choose graders because they keep roads in good shape and are useful instruments for large projects.
A motor grader is a huge machine with a distinctive form. Here are some of the most important elements:
Multiple controls, levers, and a steering wheel can be found in the operator’s cab. The cab is enclosed by a windshield and wide windows.
Moldboard: A grader’s working tool is the moldboard. It has a cutting edge attached to the bottom and end bits on the sides and is usually 12 or 14 feet long. Between the front and rear axles is the moldboard. It may be spun in either direction 360 degrees, allowing the operator to save time by using a process known as reverse grading. It can also be tilted forward or backward, as well as lowered and lifted.
The rubber-tired tractor positioned at the back serves as the prime mover. It is propelled by a diesel engine.
The grader’s frame is connected to the front axle and runs the length of the machine. Its height gives the moldboard enough room to do its job.
Scarifier: The scarifier is hydraulically controlled and is situated in front of or behind the front wheels. It breaks apart compacted surfaces using its teeth.
2. MOTOR GRADER ATTACHMENTS OF DIFFERENT KINDS
A motor grader, like a bulldozer, can be equipped with various blades and work tools, such as angle blades, box blades, and U-blades. Other regularly used accessories include:
V-plow: A V-plow is a snowplow that attaches to the front of a motor grader’s frame. Its high “V” shape casts snow to both sides, making it perfect for deep snow removal. It’s made to dig into the snow and raise it.
Tire chains: In the winter, tire chains are frequently necessary to improve traction. They’re usually seen on rear-drive tires, although they can also be found on front-drive tires to help with front-end sliding.
A one-way snow plow is ideal for clearing snow and ice off roadways and city streets.
A ripper attachment, like a bulldozer, is a claw-like unit that is installed to the back of a motor grader and is used to break up asphalt, rocks, and other materials.
3. APPLICATIONS OF A MOTOR GRADER
Motor graders are critical for completing precise grading and leveling. Consider the several layers that a piece of equipment must operate with to highlight the need for accuracy in roadbuilding. The surface, the base, and the subgrade are the three layers that make up a road. Asphalt, gravel, or other materials may be used as the surface. It must provide a safe driving surface that is resistant to wear, skids, and water. The pavement surface is supported by the base and subbase layers. Compacted gravel, sand, rock, or a combination of these elements make up the basis. The existing natural soil serves as the subgrade.
The top 12 to 24 inches of the earth must be cleared of rocks, stumps, vegetation, and other debris before road building can begin. To maintain a stable foundation, proper drainage is also required. From start to end, a motor grader can do all of the necessary jobs in road construction, assuring sturdy, long-lasting roadways.
Motor graders are versatile, powerful devices that are well suited to huge tasks. They can be used for a variety of tasks, including:
- Make the foundation for cemented highways.
- Lay the groundwork for a massive structure.
- Make an inclination
- Drainage ditches are created.
- Snow should be removed.
- Materials should be mixed and dispersed.
- Complete your grading.
- Cutting the ditch
- Scarifying
- Cutting on the high bank
- The following are the most prevalent projects in which motor graders are used:
- Construction of roads
- Maintenance and repair of roads
- removing snow
Working with a motor grader has a number of advantages, including:
- Quick and effective performance
- The soil is less disturbed by precise capabilities.
- Frame graders with articulation can work in small places.
- You won’t have to truck between job locations because you can travel over roadways.
- This is ideal for larger jobs.
4. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF A MOTOR GRADER
The operation of a motor grader necessitates knowledge and experience. As a result, it might not be the greatest option for newcomers to the construction sector. According to some operators, learning how to use a motor grader to its full ability is the most challenging task. A motor grader can accomplish a lot of things, but it’s up to the operator to understand how to employ all of them.
In addition, because motor graders use rubber tires rather than rails, they have low traction. Due to the moldboard placement, they are not ideal for transporting big loads such as a bulldozer. Finally, certain projects are too huge for motor graders.
WHICH IS BETTER: A MOTOR GRADER OR A BULLDOZER?
You should have a good idea of which piece of equipment is best for your job by now. Let’s have a look at the important factors to help you make a selection. Bulldozers are employed in the following situations:
For operating on tough terrain, to push big volumes of material
For small to medium-sized construction, mining, land clearing, and forestry applications.
Motor graders are commonly used for the following tasks:
Precision and fine grading
Working in huge, open spaces is a challenge.
Working on large-scale projects such as road construction and maintenance
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT NMC.
Bulldozers and motor graders are both powerful machines capable of completing a variety of tasks on time. The possibilities expand when you include work equipment attachments. However, deciding which type of equipment to employ might be difficult. Sometimes it’s best to seek advice from a professional. That’s what we’re here for at NMC.
We recognize that selecting the appropriate piece of equipment is crucial to finishing a job on schedule and at a high level of productivity. Regardless of the scope of the job, we’ll assist you in selecting the ideal piece of equipment for your budget, staff, and objectives. We’re happy to provide the best brands in the industry, as well as exceptional customer service, to assist contractors and heavy equipment operators succeed. Contact us today for more information about our bulldozers, graders, and other heavy construction equipment.
Source: NMCCAT