A Grade Above

CASE Construction Equipment

The CASE 865B motor grader with all-wheel drive increases efficiency in wet and muddy conditions, and improves tractive performance, steering and side draft control in difficult conditions — ultimately improving performance in applications ranging from ditching and heavy blading to snow removal. CASE motor graders also feature floor-to-ceiling windows, large side mirrors and the industry’s only rear-mounted cab/front articulation design. This gives the operator excellent visibility down to the moldboard, circle, saddle and tires. The unique articulation also helps provide an extremely tight turning radius (23 ft, 9 in.) for greater maneuverability. The A-frame drawbar offers excellent stability, and its wide stance supports the industry’s largest circle — a feature that requires less energy to turn than other designs. The moldboard is made of high-carbon steel for longer life, and its involute multi-radius design cuts, mixes and rolls material off the moldboard effortlessly. For more information, visit www.casece.com.

John Deere

John Deere’s best-selling G-Series motor graders now meet Tier 4 Final emissions standards with the implementation of a John Deere PowerTech EPA Tier 4 Final engine. The G-Series still boasts 12 models with net horsepower ranging from 220 to 287. Six of the units feature six-wheel drive, enabling them to power through the toughest cuts with power flowing to all wheels. Six-wheel drive gives operators increased traction, the ability to get more work done in fewer blading passes and a 30 percent increase in blade pull. For more information, visit www.deere.com.

Caterpillar

The new Cat M Series 3 motor graders — 12M3, 140M3, 160M3 and their all-wheel-drive (AWD) counterparts — offer greater fuel efficiency, more operator comfort and safety features, as well as enhanced serviceability. The M Series 3 motor graders meet U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emissions standards using emissions reduction technology that is designed to be transparent, with no action required by the operator. There is no need to stop for regeneration. The system uses Caterpillar’s proven after-treatment solution with the addition of selective catalytic reduction (SCR). SCR utilizes diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), which can be conveniently filled from ground level when the machine is fueled. In the cab, operators will find the hallmark Cat motor grader controls — two electronic joysticks that reduce arm movement by 78 percent to help lessen operator fatigue and enhance productivity. The units also feature a redesigned message display located in the center console. For more information, visit www.cat.com.

Komatsu

Komatsu America’s GD655-5 motor grader is powered by a highly fuel-efficient, EPA Tier 3 emissions-certified Komatsu SAA6D107E-1 engine. For enhanced performance, the grader has a maximum horsepower of 218 and an increased standard configuration weight of 35,351 lbs. The powertrain design positions the engine at the rear of the machine, which, along with increased weight on the front axle, provides better control. The three-stage, two-mode system produces higher power from gear one through eight, and a 20 percent fuel consumption savings when compared to the previous model. There is an anti-stall mode for direct drive, so before the grader stalls in a low speed application, the transmission shifts to the torque converter mode, ensuring operator control. The Komatsu-designed cab has a hexangular shape that eliminates the front corner pillars for greater visibility and a low noise level of only 74 dB(A). For more information, visit www.komatsuamerica.com.

Volvo

With the highest blade down pressure in its weight class, the Volvo G940B motor grader is a productivity partner that keeps operators ahead of the day. The G940B boasts optimal overall machine balance and distribution of main grader components for outstanding usability and pull force. To meet the low emission requirements of Tier 4 Interim legislation, the G940B engine features cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology. This lowers the temperature in the combustion chamber and reduces the formation of nitrogen oxides by up to half. The G940B also offers increased power and torque, with eight power settings on the optional 11-speed transmission and automatic over-speed protection. Other operator-focused features include time-saving shuttle shift control, circle turn system, all-wheel drive system and CareTrack, the Volvo telematics system designed to provide information to improve productivity and efficiency. For more information, visit www.volvoce.com/na.