Graders, also known as motor graders, are frequently used to construct and upkeep gravel and dirt roads to create a level surface for laying asphalt. They are also used in civil engineering projects for fine grading. Additionally, these machines are present at large mining sites worldwide.
Earlier models were pulled by horses or tractors, but modern graders are self-propelled and referred to as “motor graders.” A typical grader has three axles, with the steering wheels in front, followed by the grading blade or mouldboard, then a cab and engine atop tandem rear axles. Some graders have front-wheel drives to enhance their performance. Furthermore, optional rear attachments, such as a ripper, scarifier, or compactor, can be added to some graders, and a blade can be installed forward of the front axle. A main blade extension can also be mounted for snowploughing and some dirt grading operations. Grader sizes vary, with blade widths ranging from 2.50 to 7.30 m (8 to 24 ft) and engines ranging from 93–373 kW (125–500 hp). Certain graders can operate multiple attachments or be designed for specialized tasks such as underground mining.