LeeBoy 685D - Articulation; Front Wheel Lean

Inexperienced operators should
pay particular attention and watch both ends of the
moldboard blade when articulating to ensure the
blade is far enough away to prevent slashing a tire.
For new operators, it’s a good idea to practice turning
around in both directions to get familiar with using
articulation:
1. ALWAYS raise the moldboard (and any other
attachments) before turning the grader around.
(See Pages 4-23 to 4-24)
2. Set the Work/Travel switch to Work mode.
3. With the grader moving forward, turn the steering
wheel into the direction of the turn (the example in
Figure 4-31 is shown turning left), then move the
articulate lever forward if turning left or move the
lever back if turning right.
Figure 4-31. Turning Around Using Articulation
4. Upon completing the turn, move the articulate lever
back to it’s neutral position as you straighten the
steering wheel.
Figure 4-32. Front Wheel Lean
Front Wheel Lean
The proper use of the front wheels is a great aid in
steering and grading. The front wheels can be leaned in
either direction to lean the weight of the grader toward
and balance the weight against the pulling forces
(inertia) caused by the angled moldboard. The leaning
wheels, combined with the angled blade, increase
the grader’s ability to excavate and move material in a
specic direction.
The top of the front wheels are normally leaned in the
direction the material comes off the angled moldboard
(heel) to counteract inertia exerted on the front end of
the moldboard (toe). Leaning the front wheels can also
be used in conjunction with articulation to achieve an
even tighter turning radius if needed. Front wheel lean
helps keep the front wheels from sliding off the desired
straight line, shortens turn radius, reduces front sliding
on slopes, and is especially helpful when cutting ditches.
Use the front wheel lean feature:
• To increase slope angle capability when cutting high
or ditch-back slopes. It allows keeping the front
wheels in a vertical position when working slopes or
ditches to enhance steering in this terrain.
• For cutting ditches, lean the wheels toward the top of
the ditch.
• For high bank-cutting operations, lean the top of the
wheels toward the bank to counteract inertia.
• For side slope work, use articulation and lean the front
wheels up the slope.
4
Operation
LeeBoy 685D Motor Grader 4-21