Grader

[laurencen]

Well after reading all the information I have built a grader that works very well, the sides are 14 x 40 inches 3/8 plate, the edges are wrapped 2 x 3/8 flat and channel between sides, I used 4 x 1/2 flat to mount used grader blades on, the blades were worn out 7 footers from highways, once worn they scrap them, cutting them down to 49 inches and turning them over there is still life in them and the price was right, all other fabrication was scraps. Total cost well under $200.00 and 20 hours fabrication.

Laurence

 

[laurencen]

a few more pictures, one shot after using on the yard, it was orety rough, looking back I would have made the front blade angle less to facilitate it cutting easier, I may get the cutting torch out and burn a slot every couple inches sort of teeth. Next up is a tree planter, any ideas would be appreciated, for this grader I have notes used for construction if anyone wants them

Laurence

 

[RedRocker]

Looks great, doesn't match your tractor as well as it does mine though.
You should give it to me and build you another one!!

 

[laurencen]

Hi Red, the paint was left over from my stock car racing days, at the time figured it would be a closer match, the other choice is flourecent green and did not want it compared to Kermit, would anyone on this forum have the color code for Kioti orange,

 

[sandman2234]

The only one of these I have looked at is Wayne Freeman's, and his used angle iron for the grader blades to mount to. For anyone contemplating a project like this, it would seem a better choice, especially if they are subject to hitting rocks or stumps buried in the area that they are working. I realize a grader blade backed by flatbar isn't likely to be bent unless overpowered by a large tractor, but my Dad swears I can tear up a steel ball bearing with a rubber mallet, so I try to overbuild things.
Nice job, and there isn't anything wrong with that paint job. It could use some blue stripes added to it, in true Gator fashion...
David from jax

 

[gboudreau]

Very nice job. where did you get the information to build this one?

 

[MtnViewRanch]

laurencen, your grader looks great, and it looks like it works very good also. How much do you think that it weighs?

 

[laurencen]

Hi Brian, the weight is 350 to 400 pounds, the middle blade is 3/4 inch below the rails, set at 30 deg, the 4 x 1/2 has a 3 x 1/2 welded to form a angle, the front blade will take all the impacts, rear blade is level with rails. There is a aditional 2 x 3/8 tacked to the bottom, if it wears it can be easily replaced, my CK20 easily pulls it in third low and feel it could have been a foot wider with no issues, only thing I will do is torch some slots in the front blade about 2 inch apart, this will help the front blade bite however adding another 100 pounds may do the same, rocks in the ground are the issue but one idea is to add 6 adjustable teeth to cut in front of the blade maybe 6 inches from the front, this could be set about 3 or 4 inches down, it would loosen rocks and break hard ground.

Laurence

 

[RedRocker]

I had English color mix me some paint, but it seems like Chevy orange is close enough for most things. A grader is one of my many "future" projects.

 

[Tig]

Great job Laurence
Thanks for discussing the details. I'm building a grader and it's nice to know your thoughts. I am planning to notch the front blade like this \_/\_/\_/ and then follow with a straight blade, both set 3/4" deep.