Acquiring heavy equipment for a well-established contractor is not a big deal. They have deep roots in the industry and a strong connection with heavy equipment dealers and market experts; however, the scenario is different for small contractors. For them, investing in machines can impact their efficiency and project quality. Also, these contractors are not in a position to skip such an important process as ground leveling and surfacing; for that purpose, they need road construction motor graders. Nonetheless, there are other options available in the market in the motor grader category that could be game changers for small contractors especially.
Getting the best road grader for construction and other activities requires balancing performance, cost, and versatility. Large contractors and fleet managers have a large budget to add the new road grader for specific jobs. They can get the latest model of motor grader, which is filled with new features and smart technology. Small businesses need machines that offer reliability without excessive costs.
Essential Considerations for Small Contractors
Before opting for a road construction motor grader, small contractors will need to analyze aspects like the size of the machine, output power, costs of operation, and maintenance complexity. Mid-range and compact graders are most suitable since they provide the right grading capacity at a lower price and fuel without the excessive energy consumption of heavy models. Also, these small and mid-level motor graders are highly useful in urban areas. The demand for infrastructure projects also increased in urban areas. Thus, these compact machines and mid-level motor graders are important to have in the fleet.
Moreover, reliability, simplicity of use, and choice of attachments go a long way in ensuring optimized productivity. Keeping these factors in mind, here are some of the top road construction motor graders perfect for small contractors.
Caterpillar 120 GC
Caterpillar is a renowned name in construction equipment, and the Caterpillar 120 GC is a great option for small contractors. This mid-range motor grader offers a compromise of power, fuel efficiency, and ease of operation and is a good choice for road construction work. Caterpillar has a strong market presence with their state-of-the-art heavy construction equipment. This road construction motor grader of Caterpillar is another practical example of an exceptional machine.
One of the best and attractive selling points for the 120 GC is the low cost of operation.
It has a no-frills service system with lengthy service intervals to minimize downtime and repair costs. Its cab, too, has been optimized for comfort, using intuitive controls so that it becomes easier to handle, even in the hands of less experienced users. This is perfect for small to mid-range road construction applications for contractors that need an efficient yet affordable piece of equipment.
John Deere 570G
Known for its most advanced approach in the heavy equipment industry. Having successfully established a brand name of sorts in the manufacture of construction equipment par excellence, the 570G motor grader is a suitable product for small contractors. This model features a 6.8L John Deere PowerTech engine capable of performing well while being fuel-efficient. The GP Grade Pro version comes with advanced automation features that make grading operations more precise and easier for operators.
Hydraulics that respond instantaneously are possibly what give the John Deere 570G its power. The integrated grade control system allows for the utmost precision and minimal effort input from the operator. Such performance is perfect for a road construction motor grader that values accuracy.
Most significantly, John Deere offers the strongest dealer support, which means small contractors will have parts and service in a timely fashion. Combining affordability and performance, the 570G will prove to be a worthwhile investment for any growing business.
Komatsu GD655-6
Komatsu has a reputation for building long-lasting and effective construction equipment. The GD655-6 motor grader fits the account for small road construction contractors. The mid-sized grader has a powerful Komatsu engine for a balance between power and fuel consumption. Its state-of-the-art hydraulic system allows for smooth and accurate blade movement, enabling contractors to create high-quality grading work.
A notable aspect of the GD655-6 is its Komatsu Advanced Transmission with Electronic Control, which allows for smooth shifting and better fuel economy. Its operator-centric design, featuring an ergonomic control station and enhanced visibility, makes it simple to operate for small crew contractors. Low maintenance and excellent durability at a low cost make the GD655-6 a sensible choice for small contractors looking for a dependable motor grader.
Volvo G930
It is a robust machine by which small contractors can really balance the three important characteristics: power, efficiency, and cost. The machine features the advanced Volvo engine, the D7E, which is highly fuel-efficient. A well-positioned weight and its advanced blade control system allow the easy achievement of precision grading on tougher terrains.
However, what makes the Volvo G930 stand out is its durability and ease of maintenance; it is designed in such a way that most Volvo graders ensure long life and reduced total maintenance and downtime costs.
Also, the cab design and controls are operator-friendly, thus making this grader well accessible to contractors with no highly specialized operators. Whether for road construction, site preparation, or land grading, the Volvo G930 ensures true performance at a reasonable cost.
