Aveling-Barford ATG2 Grader

[MikePhua]

Let’s explore the legacy and character of the Aveling-Barford ATG2 grader—from its British roots and design evolution through to operational quirks, best practices, and tales from the jobsite.
Company Lineage and Grader Origins
Aveling-Barford emerged in 1934, born from a merger between two venerable British engineering firms: Aveling & Porter (founded in the mid-19th century) and Barford & Perkins. Their survival and consolidation were backed by Ruston & Hornsby’s support . Operating from Invicta Works in Grantham, the company produced a diverse lineup—including steam and motor rollers, site dumpers, articulated loaders, and motor graders .
Originally licensed from Austin-Western, early graders included models like the Super-88 and 99-H (later dubbed “Invicta” designs), fitted with British-built engines from Leyland, Perkins, AEC, or Rolls-Royce . By the early 1970s they began designing indigenous machines—among them the articulated-frame ATG2—to compete with Caterpillar’s G-Series graders .
ATG2 Grader Design and Features
While formal specification lists are scarce, engineers of that era recall the ATG2 as an articulated-frame motor grader offering four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering—an advanced configuration for its time. Power was typically provided by a British-made diesel, with outputs estimated between 100 HP and 125 HP. The drivetrain likely featured a dry-plate clutch mated to a multi-range manual gearbox. The blade circle was hydraulically operated—remarkably modern when many contemporaries still relied on mechanical linkages.
The housing frame was stoutly built, offering good ground clearance for grading on rough terrain. Operator comfort was decent for the era, though enclosed cabs were rare and operator stations tended to amplify engine and hydraulic noise.
Operational Strengths and Common Faults
Operators often praised the ATG2’s agility—its crab-steering capability allowed versatile positioning when tracking contours or grading ditches. Compared to rigid-frame graders, the articulation improved maneuverability in confined construction zones.
However, challenges included hydraulic leak-offs—hydraulic circuits of the time often featured rudimentary seals prone to minor seepage. Loss of hydraulic responsiveness could result if reservoirs were allowed to run low or filters clogged. Another recurring issue involved blade circle drive bearings; inadequate lubrication or contaminated grease sometimes resulted in noisy operation or binding. Operators found that regular greasing at intervals of about 100 operating hours kept the blade responsive and quiet.
On diesel-powered units, cooling systems became maintenance focal points. Radiators with heavy duty cores required regular cleaning in dusty environments to avert overheating—especially during summer work.
Maintenance Insights and Suggestions

• Hydraulic upkeep: Change hydraulic filters and fluid every 800–1,000 hours to preserve actuator speed and blade control. Keep reservoir sight gauges clean for accurate monitoring.
  
• Blade circle care: Grease within grease-intervals of 100 hours to prevent binding and wear. Replace worn bearings early to avoid costly rebuilds.
  
• Cooling system vigilance: Clean radiator fins weekly in high-dust conditions. Monitor coolant temperature optically and replace antifreeze every 2 years.
  
• Engine service: Superficial inspections of fan belts, hoses, and air filters every 250 hours help maintain power and prolong service intervals.
  

Terminology Clarified
• Articulated frame Jointed pivot frame allowing the front and rear frames to angle independently, aiding maneuverability.
• Crab steering Steering method that angles wheels or axles to move the machine diagonally—ideal for aligning grading operations.
• Hydraulic leak-off Fluid escape in hydraulic circuits due to seal wear or overpressure, reducing response.
• Blade circle drive Mechanism that enables blade rotation and tilt; proper lubrication is essential to smooth operation.
Worksite Anecdote
One grader crew recounted that during a road maintenance project in rural terrain, the ATG2 suddenly slowed its blade swinging action midway through the shift. A quick check revealed a severely clogged hydraulic filter. After replacement and filling, the grading speed resumed, and foremen joked that the grader “had taken a coffee break without asking.” That quick fix on the spot proved how routine maintenance avoids downtime—and morale suffers when a machine “paces slower than me.”
Historical and Legacy Context
As of the late 1980s, Aveling-Barford entered administration under the Wordsworth Holdings group and ceased operations in their traditional form by 1988 . Although ATG2s are rare today, a few survive in restoration or as nostalgic working units among classic machinery enthusiasts.
The company’s grading legacy reflects a uniquely British chapter of construction engineering—combining local engine content, rugged design, and adaptation from earlier American licensees to create a distinct grader lineage.
Summary
The Aveling-Barford ATG2 stands as an example of mid-20th-century British grader innovation—balancing articulated agility, weather-tough mechanics, and hydraulic control within a legacy built by a company whose roots trace back to the dawn of road-roller engineering. Proper maintenance—especially hydraulic, blade circle, and cooling system attention—can keep these vintage machines running strong. Though no longer widely produced, they remain symbols of engineering heritage and practical construction ingenuity.