120M Road Grader: Blade and Inching Pedal Tips

Operators, remember these two pointers before the day’s run at the worksite.
          
Give your grader the edge it needs to move dirt and sand. The blade’s cutting edge protects the moldboard. If it wears down too far, the moldboard is damaged and has to be replaced or sent off for repair.
        
Here’s what you should do:        

• Raise the blade about six (6) inches off the ground and place wooden blocks under it.
• Next, lower the blade and take a close look. If the cutting edge is worn to less than ¾ inch, about the width of a penny, report it.  

Your mechanic can reverse the edge or replace it if the edge was reversed before.
          
The grader’s transmission modulator control (inching pedal) is designed to disengage power to the wheels. That’s why you need to keep your big boot off it and to the side during operations.
        
Here are two other reminders:

• Avoid prolonged use of the inching pedal when moving heavy loads.  Instead, shift into a lower gear to match load conditions, especially if the grader is stalling out.
• It’s OK to use the inching pedal as a clutch for directional changes.  The machine is designed to “shuttle shift.” It makes direction changes quick and effortless, reducing cycle time in typical grader applications.     

You’ll find this info in WP 0005-25 of TM 5-3805-293-10 (Dec 10).