A motor grader (also known as a road grader or motor grader) is a heavy-duty construction machine equipped with a long blade. It is widely used for leveling and finishing roads or site foundations, and is an indispensable piece of equipment during the "finishing" phase. As the primary machine for shaping and leveling earthwork, the motor grader plays a vital role in projects such as road construction and site leveling. Let's take a closer look at the operating procedures, professional techniques, safety regulations, and solutions to common problems associated with using a motor grader to create a level floor. To ensure efficiency and safety, operators must be familiar with the equipment's characteristics and strictly follow standard procedures.
A motor grader is an earthmoving machine that uses a scraper to level the ground. The scraper is mounted between the front and rear axles and can perform a variety of movements, including lifting, tilting, rotating, and extending. This design allows for flexible and accurate movement, easy operation, and high-precision leveling.
A motor grader primarily consists of the following components:
Blade system: The core working mechanism, with adjustable angle and height;
Power system: Provides mechanical drive force;
Hydraulic system: Controls the various movements of the blade;
Travel system: Includes front and rear axles, enabling mechanical movement;
Cab: Equipped with various operating levers and an instrument panel;
Motor graders are suitable for constructing roadbeds and pavements, building slopes, and excavating ditches. They can also be used for mixing road mix, clearing snow, moving bulk materials, and maintaining dirt and gravel roads.
2.1 Pre-Operation Preparation
Site Survey: Detailed understanding of the work content and construction technical requirements. Check the locations of various pile numbers within the work area and determine the location and direction of any exposed and concealed structures (electrical wires, underground cables, pipelines, etc.). Operations within 1 meter of electrical cables are strictly prohibited.
Equipment Inspection: According to routine maintenance requirements, inspect the motor grader for loose, missing parts, excessive wear, sediment accumulation, fluid leakage, tire wear, and reduced air pressure.
Environmental Preparation: Clear obstacles such as tree roots and large rocks from the work area. Hard soil should be loosened first.
2.2 Starting and Preheating
Place the scraper and other operating equipment in transport position and check their integrity and proper operation.
Start the engine and idle for a while to allow the oil to fully lubricate all components. Observe the instrument indicators for proper operation. Ensure the transmission is in neutral. Start the machine while the driver is seated, and set the brakes to the correct position. Avoid sudden starts or repeated attempts to start the machine.
Check the lighting and sound systems for proper operation, and ensure that the fuel, lubricating oil, and hydraulic oil levels are within specified specifications.
Adjust the operating rhythm and posture, avoiding sudden turns and sudden braking. Maintain a speed that matches the terrain. Exercise caution when operating on slopes. Keep the scraper pointed downhill and the front wheels vertical to prevent rollover.
Control the scraper's movement. After starting, lower the scraper, gradually applying force to ensure smooth contact with the ground. The scraper's angle and inclination can be adjusted to accommodate different soil types, achieving precise leveling.
Reversing and blind spot precautions: Always observe the rear blind spot before reversing. Use warning lights or an assistant to guide you to avoid collisions with equipment or personnel.
Maintain vigilance and signposting. Maintain full attention during operation. Use flashing lights and warning flags to alert traffic and nearby personnel. Ensure proper lighting at night or in low visibility conditions.
2.3 Basic Leveling Operations
Preliminary Leveling: Lower the scraper close to the ground, start, and then lower it to scrape the soil. Adjust the scraper's cutting depth based on the resistance of the soil.
Layered Operation: Use a segmented, layered approach, gradually advancing from one side to the other. Control the amount of movement of the scraper to a small amount to minimize the formation of a wavy working surface.
Speed Control: Drive in second or third gear for scraping and leveling operations. Drive at a low speed for all types of scraping operations.
2.4 Fine Leveling Techniques
Blade Angle Adjustment: Adjust the blade's position and angle according to construction requirements. Rotation, scraping angle adjustment, and tilting to the outside of the machine should be performed while the machine is stopped.
Special Terrain Treatment: When leveling steeply sloping surfaces, use a bulldozer first, then use a motor grader for leveling.
Corner Treatment: For corners, extend the blade slightly for fine finishing, but ensure smooth operation.
3.1 Operation Techniques
Segmented Operation Method: Large areas should be leveled in sections, with each section approximately 15-20 meters long, to ensure consistent leveling.
Blade Operation: Master the coordinated operation of the blade's lift, tilt, and rotation, maintaining smooth and accurate movements.
Speed Matching: Choose the appropriate operating speed based on the ground conditions. Increase the speed appropriately for soft soil and reduce the speed for hard surfaces.
Steering Techniques: Use low gear when turning or reversing; use the front wheels for steering during normal operation. If the area is particularly confined, use both front and rear wheels for steering.
3.2 Safety Precautions
Work Area: Ensure that no unauthorized personnel are in the work area and display clear warning signs.
Driving Safety: Raise the scraper blade and keep it within the width of the motor grader while driving. Ensure that the front wheels do not contact the scraper blade when turning.
Special Environments: Ensure that lighting and signal systems are functioning properly when operating at night or in inclement weather.
Downhill Operation: Do not coast in neutral when driving downhill. Raise the scraper blade and rake to their highest position. Position the scraper blade at an angle, with both ends of the blade not extending beyond the outside of the rear wheels.
3.3 Maintenance Points
Daily Inspection: Regularly check the hydraulic system seal and operating pressure, and replace consumable parts such as the engine oil and filter promptly.
Cleaning and Maintenance: After operation, promptly remove dirt and debris from the scraper blade and machine body to prevent corrosion.
Regular Lubrication: Lubricate all lubrication points regularly according to the instructions to maintain the flexibility of moving parts.
Long-term Parking: When parked for an extended period, drop the scraper to the ground, apply the handbrake, and park in a flat, safe area.
4.1 Torque Converter Failure
Low Pressure: Check the oil level, the pilot pressure valve or outlet pressure valve, and the hydraulic pump for damage.
High Oil Temperature: Check the aluminum dust content in the oil. If excessive, it may indicate component damage; if insufficient, it may indicate excessive machining errors leading to motion interference.
4.2 Main Clutch Failure
Shifting Difficulty: Adjust the clearance between the main clutch release plate and the release bearing, maintaining a 2.5mm gap between the one-way thrust bearing and the release plate.
Release Plate Runout: Keep the runout within 0.15-0.20mm to avoid "missing legs" that can cause uneven force distribution.
4.3 Engine Failure
Unable to Start: Check the fuel system for air, check the fuel filter for blockage, and ensure sufficient power.
Water temperature is too high: Check for sufficient cooling water, damage to the thermostat, and blockage in the engine water lines.
4.4 Hydraulic System Malfunction
Slow operation: Check the hydraulic oil level, filter blockage, and pump pressure.
Oil leakage: Check the seals of all joints and replace any worn or damaged seals promptly.
5.1 Pre-operation Procedures
Completely inspect the equipment to ensure all components are in good condition.
Clear all obstacles in the operating area.
Post necessary safety warning signs.
5.2 During-operation Procedures
Always remain alert and aware of your surroundings and other personnel.
Control operating speed and avoid sudden braking and sharp turns.
Always monitor instrument indicators, especially the torque converter oil temperature (which must not exceed 120°C).
5.3 Special Operation Specifications
When clearing snow, install anti-skid chains on tires.
Identify any deep potholes and grooves before operating.
Do not use articulated frames when operating on steep slopes to prevent rollover.
5.4 Emergency Response
Immediately stop operations upon receiving an alarm and determine the cause.
Use the parking brake first in emergencies.
Do not operate faulty equipment while it is in operation.
6.1 Regularly lubricate and replace wearing parts
This includes filters, hydraulic oil, and engine oil, following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule.
6.2 Checking Equipment Condition
Promptly check for leaks, abnormal noises, loose hydraulic systems, etc., and record any repairs to avoid operating while the equipment is faulty.
6.3 Safety Maintenance Procedures
Before maintenance, shut down the engine, disconnect the power supply, and depressurize the equipment. Wear protective equipment and pay attention to the safety of hot fluids and moving parts.
With the above professional operating guidelines and safety regulations for motor graders, we believe operators will be able to use motor graders efficiently and safely to complete various floor leveling operations, ensuring construction quality and operational safety.
If you have any questions about using a motor grader to create a flat floor, or would like to customize a motor grader, please contact us. We offer custom-designed motor graders.
