LeeBoy 685D - Grading Techniques and Tips

Figure 4-48. Operating the 685D Motor Grader
OPERATING TECHNIQUES
The information provided on the following pages are
basic grading techniques. Every road construction
project is different with a unique set of variables
operators must take into account, such as terrain and
weather conditions, that affect operation. Mastering
such versatile grading skills requires experience.
Grading Tips
The following are general tips for project success when
operating your motor grader:
• Keep your grader and its attachments in good
mechanical condition. Pay extra attention in checking
for wear on the moldboard blade edge often. If
the blade edge is worn or damaged, contact your
authorized dealer for replacement.
• Be very familiar with the controls, attachments and
component functions. Be especially familiar with
blade movement that are made possible by the
hydraulic controls for different tasks. Know the
settings needed, angle, height, and what you want the
blade to do before you lower it to the ground.
• Every job requires a specic blade setting with the
right speed for optimum production. Be familiar with
the moldboard blade movements. Know what you
want to do before lowering the moldboard.
• Moldboard angles of 10 - 30 degrees can be used for
light, free-owing material. Higher angles of 30 - 50
degrees is required when processing wet or sticky
material, mixing large windrows, and ditch work.
• Remember that pitching, or tilting the top of the
moldboard tip forward or backward, changes the
depth of the cut across the entire moldboard.
• If material starts to ow around the leading end of the
moldboard or the rolling action stops, increase the
blade angle.
• Apply only enough downward pressure with the
moldboard to accomplish the task. Excessive
pressure, especially on hard, dry surfaces, causes
rapid cutting edge wear, requires more horsepower
and fuel, and reduces productivity.
• Choosing the right speed for a task is just as important
as the moldboard angle. Drive slowly for delicate
work, but faster if removing rocks from a road surface.
• Avoid moving material more often than needed.
• Trimming is much easier with good compaction.
• If dressing a road, the surface should be moist
whether from rain or hosed from a water truck. Ensure
there is good drainage by grading with appropriate
crown.
• Articulating the rear frame toward the toe of the
moldboard by 2 - 5 degrees helps reduce the
machine’s tendency to bounce. This is extremely
effective when cutting “washboards.”
• Wheel leans can help an operator make steering
adjustments without taking hands off the controls.
Wheel lean is also useful for moving heavy windrows.
• Graders remove snow the same as snow plows. Be
sure to raise the moldboard 1/2 to 1 inch (1.3 - 2.5 cm)
if removing snow from uneven pavement or other
surfaces to prevent damage to the blade.
4
Operation
LeeBoy 685D Motor Grader 4-29