On the specification sheets, most similar-size motor graders look much the same. "Length, width, height, weight and horsepower are all very comparable," says Bryan Abernathy, Champion Industries. The real differences can be found in the details.

Motor graders come with many different features, options and attachments. As such, you need to prioritize what is important to your operation.

"Obviously, the contractor needs to know the type of work he will be doing and purchase a motor grader to match his needs," says Keith Lee, research and development, VT LeeBoy, Inc. "A contractor can spend a lot of money on a motor grader that can do things he will never need. Conversely, he can find a low-cost motor grader that won't perform up to his expectations on the jobsite. Both choices may be costly."

Spec to conditions
Autry Grading, Fayetteville, NC, has vast experience tailoring motor graders to meet its jobsite conditions and operators. Its fleet currently includes four Volvo G930s and one G720 model.

"We didn't just buy standard motor graders," says Ken Autry, owner. "We run 13-ft. moldboards instead of the standard 12-ft. moldboards. It just gives us a little more stick out beyond the wheel and the frame." Yet, the setup is not so long that it is difficult to control excess movement on the end of the blade.