The motor grader/Motoniveladora/Niveleuse is the main machine used for shaping and leveling operations in earthwork projects. It is widely used in large-area ground leveling operations such as roads and airports. It has the characteristics of high speed, high efficiency, high precision and versatility.
In practical applications, should we choose a new motor grader or a second-hand one?
What should you pay attention to when buying a second-hand grader?
How to choose a second-hand grader?
When purchasing a used motor grader, you need to consider factors such as equipment performance, usage history, maintenance status, and after-sales service.
1. Clarify requirements and applicable scenarios
Clarifier les exigences et les scénarios applicables
Aclarar los requisitos y los escenarios aplicables
(1) **Project scale and operation type**
– For large projects (such as highways and airports), choose models with high power (over 200 horsepower) and long scrapers (such as XCMG GR2153) to improve efficiency.
– For small and medium-sized projects (such as farmland leveling and small construction sites), you can choose a medium or light grader (such as 160-180 horsepower models) to reduce costs.
(2) **Topography and soil quality**
– For hard surfaces such as sand, rock, etc., it is necessary to give priority to models with strong traction and equipped with a scarifier.
– In wetland or swamp environments, a wetland grader can be selected to prevent the vehicle from getting stuck.
2. Evaluate equipment condition/Évaluer l’état de l’équipement/ Evaluar el estado del equipo
(1). **Core Component Inspection**
– **Engine**: Diesel engines are preferred, check for oil leaks and abnormal noises, and test starting performance and power output (must reach more than 80% of the rated power).
– **Transmission system**: Hydraulic transmission (such as torque converter) is more adaptable to complex working conditions than mechanical transmission; hydrostatic transmission is suitable for delicate operations.
– **Hydraulic system**: Check whether the oil cylinder and hydraulic pump are leaking, and whether the operation of the shovel blade lifting and side shifting is smooth.
– **Working device**: the degree of scraper wear, whether the tiller functions normally, and whether auxiliary devices (such as bulldozers and snow sweepers) are complete.
– **Steering system**: Check whether the equipment can provide stable and flexible steering capabilities.
– **Mobility of bulldozer blade and cutter disc**: Check whether the height of bulldozer blade and angle of cutter disc can be adjusted flexibly and conveniently.
– **Suspension system**: Check whether the device can drive smoothly on various terrains.
(2). **Appearance and usage records**
– Check whether the surface of the equipment is flat and whether there are obvious signs of equipment damage or wear.
– Check the fuselage for signs of rust or welding repairs. The tread depth of the tires must be ≥2mm to avoid retreaded tires.
– Check the operating hours (for example, the equipment in page 1 has been in operation for 500 hours and is 90% new), and give priority to equipment with short usage time and complete maintenance records.
-Also need to pay attention to the size and weight of the equipment to ensure that the equipment can adapt to our working environment and transportation conditions.
3. Repair and maintenance/Réparation et entretien/Reparación y mantenimiento
Maintenance and care are important aspects to ensure the normal operation of equipment and extend its service life.
When shopping for a used motor grader, we need to understand the equipment’s maintenance history and upkeep.
Whether the equipment has complete maintenance records and whether the maintenance cycle is reasonable can reflect the usage and maintenance level of the equipment.
We can also observe whether the equipment’s vulnerable parts show obvious signs of wear and whether spare parts and accessories can be easily found.
4. Legal and formalities verification/Vérification légale et des formalités
Verificación legal y de formalidades
(1) **Completeness of documents**
– Ensure that the equipment has the original invoice and certificate of conformity, and check whether the nameplate information (brand, model, year of manufacture) is consistent.
– Check whether the transfer procedures have been completed to avoid legal disputes caused by purchasing a “black car”.
(2) Emissions compliance
– Models that meet National IV (China) or Tier 4 (Europe and the United States) standards are more environmentally friendly and meet future construction requirements.
5. After-sales service and spare parts supply
Service après-vente et fourniture de pièces détachées
Servicio postventa y suministro de repuestos
(1). **Brand selection**
– Prioritize well-known brands such as XCMG, LiuGong, Caterpillar, etc., and the spare parts supply is more convenient.
– Avoid purchasing discontinued models (such as some older models) to avoid spare parts shortages.
(2). **Supplier Qualification**
– Choose regular suppliers with business licenses and after-sales services. Some platforms provide certified membership protection.
6. Testing and price negotiation/Tests et négociation des prix/Pruebas y negociación de precios
(1). **Testing operation**
– Test the engine idle speed and acceleration performance, and check whether the steering and braking systems are sensitive (such as steering wheel free travel ≤ 15°).
– Observe whether there is any abnormal vibration or noise during operation to verify the function of the automatic leveling device (if equipped).
(2). **Price comparison**
The price of second-hand equipment is relatively low, but we also need to weigh the price against the service life of the equipment and the subsequent maintenance costs, refer to the market price, combine the age of the equipment, compare with multiple dealers, and choose the most cost-effective equipment.
It is also necessary to consider the equipment’s fuel consumption, maintenance costs and other operating costs to ensure that the selected equipment is economical and practical in the long term.
Be wary of equipment that is priced far below market price, as it may have hidden faults or refurbishment issues.
7. Other matters needing attention
– **Avoid old equipment**: Equipment that has been used for more than 5 years is severely worn and has high maintenance costs, so it needs to be carefully evaluated.
– **Check the cooling and lubrication system**: Prevent engine overheating or abnormal oil pressure, and ensure that the radiator is clean and the oil circuit is unobstructed.
**Summarize**
When purchasing a used motor grader, you need to consider specific needs, equipment conditions, and legal procedures. Prioritize models with well-known brands, relatively new condition, and complete after-sales service. When testing the machine, pay attention to the power system, hydraulic performance, and operational stability to avoid ignoring potential risks due to low prices. It is recommended to contact the supplier through a formal platform and invite a professional mechanic to assist in the inspection of the machine.
Lors de l’achat d’une niveleuse d’occasion, vous devez tenir compte de vos besoins spécifiques, de l’état de votre équipement et des procédures légales, et privilégier les modèles de marques connues, dans un état relativement neuf et avec un service après-vente complet. Lors du test de la machine, concentrez-vous sur le système d’alimentation, les performances hydrauliques et la stabilité opérationnelle pour éviter d’ignorer les risques potentiels dus aux prix bas. Il est recommandé de contacter le fournisseur via une plateforme formelle et d’inviter un mécanicien professionnel pour aider à l’inspection de la machine.
A la hora de comprar una motoniveladora usada hay que tener en cuenta sus necesidades específicas, el estado del equipo y los trámites legales, y dar prioridad a modelos de marcas reconocidas, en estado relativamente nuevo y con servicio posventa completo. Al probar la máquina, concéntrese en el sistema de potencia, el rendimiento hidráulico y la estabilidad operativa para evitar ignorar los riesgos potenciales debido a los bajos precios. Se recomienda contactar al proveedor a través de una plataforma formal e invitar a un mecánico profesional para que ayude en la inspección de la máquina.
How to buy Motor Grader maintenance related accessories at CNFORCE?
If you need to buy Motor Grader/Niveleuse accessories or a new Motor Grader/Niveleuse , you can contact us. If you need to buy a second-hand Motor Grader/Motoniveladora , you can also contact us. CNFORCE provides you with comprehensive Motor Grader/Motoniveladora sales services.
