In the earthmoving machinery market, crawler excavators dominate the sector with the largest overall sales of any type of machine around the world. Wheeled loaders, bulldozers, single drum rollers and articulated dumptrucks also account for much of the sales.
The grader is often overlooked in the earthmoving machinery segment, a precision machine that is sold in smaller numbers, yet plays a key role in many operations for its fine finishing work. Of note at the recent bauma 2025 exhibition in Munich, Germany was the introduction of several new and innovative grader designs, bristling with the latest connected construction technology. This last is a highly important point as the motor grader is one of the hardest of all construction machines to operate properly. And with a shortage of labour for driving all construction machine types, fitting sophisticated 3D technology to graders (whether from Leica Geosystems, Topcon or Trimble) has become essential in recent years, allowing inexperienced operators to deliver a quality finish.
Aimed initially at developing markets, the three Bell graders being introduced are Tier 3 compliant and available in either a 4WD or 6WD configuration, although Tier 4 Final/Stage V compliant versions will be offered in due course.
The G140 is the base model and is suited to maintenance and light-medium construction tasks. The G160 has more power and performance, suiting it to heavy construction applications, while the G200 is designed for bulk earthworks.
The firm designed all three models to be available with six-wheel-drive, reasoning that this would provide better controllability and durability. All three models feature Cummins diesels and ZF transmissions. The G140 uses a 6.7litre capacity engine that drives through a ZF ERGOPOWER transmission. The larger G160 and G200 models are both powered by 9litre engines driving through ZF cPOWER transmissions.
Maintenance needs are said to be low and the engines do not require EGR systems to meet emissions requirements for developing markets, while they can run on either HVO or B20 biodiesel.
According to CASE Construction Equipment, its new D series graders retain the operator comfort and high productivity of the previous C series but benefit from upgraded with improved operator controls and systems.
The 836D and 856D are equipped with new touchscreen displays, providing all key machine and maintenance information as well as a monitor for the rear-view camera. This screen is mounted on top of the redesigned front console. A second console to the right-hand side of the cab features the ignition key, the new electronic hand throttle and USB charging ports.
The new graders come with both electro-hydraulic joystick controls or mechanical levers, giving the driver a choice, depending on preference. The electro-hydraulic system uses highly precise, three-axis joysticks that are built into multi-adjustable armrests. The joysticks have multiple roller switches and buttons to control various machine functions.
The joysticks also provide accurate control of all moldboard operation, comfort steering options and TwinLift control, which allows the operator to control both lift cylinders from a single joystick.
The Stage V compliant FPT diesel features Hi-eSCR2 emissions technology, delivering a dual-power curve, with automatic switching as higher transmission ratios are reached and ensuring maximum power is available as travel speed increases, optimising productivity.
Caterpillar says that its 140 AWD Next Generation Motor Grader prototype benefits from a range of new technologies that boost productivity and finish quality. Weighing in at 20tonnes, the 140 AWD model combines two existing platforms into a common next generation platform for graders. Caterpillar claims that its new grader design will provides customer with a wider array of operating features, technologies and configurations.
The cab design offers high comfort and all round visibility, making working easier and safer, while the machine has ergonomic controls to minimise operator fatigue. Of key importance are the sophisticated technology packages meanwhile help to optimise productivity and finish quality, as well as ease of use. The AWD system and driveline technology meanwhile ensures high tractive effort in all underfoot conditions, as well as fuel savings and low emissions from the latest generation engine.
Hidromek has updated its grader offering with the HMK 600 MG model, which is aimed at sales in developing markets. This retains the reliability and durability of earlier models but now offers increased precision and performance according to the firm.
Productivity is claimed for all applications, with the machine featuring an eight speed transmission, in both forward and reverse. The machine can be steered by either the steering wheel or by tilting the joystick to left or right. Speed can also be controlled from the joysticks, which are also used to guide blade position, height and angle. Automatic gear selection and a cruise control system are also said to make operation easier.
Power comes from a Tier 3 compliant Mercedes engine, with a variable power feature delivering 139-160kW. The variable power feature allows for higher efficiency and lower fuel consumption. The hydrostatic cooling fan, which operates at variable speeds depending on engine temperature, also reverses automatically to clean the cooling system and increase cooling efficiency.
Hydraulic pressure can be adjusted due to closed-loop central electro-hydraulic valve fed by a variable flow-rate piston pump. The load-sensing feature provides hydraulic flow according to operation, reducing heat and power losses and boosting overall efficiency.
The new hexagonal cab provides a wide viewing angle, while the display allows the operator to monitor machine data or the work schedule when driving the machine. The screen also provides a rear view for reversing safely.
The standard blade length is 3.7m although 4m and 4.3m lengths are available. A sophisticated clutch system means that sudden impacts encountered by the blade are absorbed, preventing blade damage. The HMK 600 MG also features two blade accumulators that absorb sudden vertical shocks to the blade.
Arguably the most innovative of the graders unveiled at bauma however came from LiuGong, in the shape of its 4280DE model. This 24tonne machine features electric drive, with an LFP battery rated at 423kWh and a motor delivering a peak power of 160kW. Nominal voltage is 618V while system voltage is 24V DC. Charging can be achieved using a supply of 120-300kW and with a 300kW supply, charging time is around 80 minutes.
An intelligent temperature control ensures that battery temperature is optimised, allowing the machine to operate in ambient temperatures from -30C up to 85C and altitudes up to 5,000m.
The machine has a 4.3m wide blade delivering a maximum blade pull of 123kN. Minimum turning radius is 7.5m, while maximum forward speed is 40km/h and maximum reversing speed is 28km/h.
