ForConstructionPros.com

Lowe adds, “Where ever there is a sliding surface, there is the potential to have wear and subsequent loss of blading tolerance. By default, the circle support shoes and moldboard slides get the most attention. But the operator must also consider the connection between the lift and sideshift cylinders and the drawbar.”

Tight tolerances allow the machine to react quickly to operator input. “Clamp and guide shoes in the circle turn system can restrict the circle’s rotation when worn or out of adjustment, therefore, not allowing quick and accurate adjustments while grading,” says Ferrell. “The ball stud connected to the drawbar can affect this, but not as much, and it is quickly adjusted if there are shims that can be removed once wear has been detected.”

You also need to watch the trunnions. “The trunnions hold the blade lift cylinders and receive the majority of the shock loads during grading,” says Ferrell. “You can properly adjust your circle and slide, but if your grader has excessive wear in the trunnions, then you lose the ability to hold tighter tolerances.”

In addition, out-of-tolerance components can create excessive wear. “By not keeping your circle and slide maintained to within 1/16 to 3/16 in., you subject yourself to premature wear,” says Ferrell. “A lot of play in your components allows lubricants to get out and more dirt [to get] in.”

Monitor the cutting edge

The type of material you commonly work with has a major impact on how often you need to examine your cutting edges. “The type of material greatly affects cutting edge life,” says Newberry. “Very abrasive material can wear out a set of cutting edges in an eight-hour shift. And in softer, non-abrasive material, the cutting edge may last a month.”