Shantui Motor Grader Performance and Field Adaptability

[MikePhua]

Shantui’s Entry into the Grader Market
Shantui Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., founded in 1980 and headquartered in Jining, China, is best known for its bulldozers, but its expansion into motor graders marked a strategic move to diversify its earthmoving portfolio. With global competition intensifying, Shantui introduced a range of graders designed to meet the demands of road construction, mining, and agricultural leveling. The SG21 series, including models like the SG21-B6 and SG21-C6, reflects this evolution, combining robust mechanical design with modern operator comfort and electronic control.
Terminology annotation:
- Motor grader: A machine used for fine grading and shaping of surfaces, equipped with a long blade and articulated steering.
- Articulated steering: A steering system where the frame pivots at a central joint, improving maneuverability.
Engine and Transmission Configuration
The SG21-B6 is powered by the Cummins 6CTAA8.3-C215 engine, delivering stable torque and fuel efficiency under demanding conditions. This engine is paired with an electro-hydraulic power shift transmission offering six forward and three reverse gears. The gear selection is electronically controlled, allowing the operator to match speed and torque to terrain and task.
Key specifications:

• Engine power: 215 hp
  
• Transmission: Electro-hydraulic power shift
  
• Gear range: 6 forward / 3 reverse
  
• Max forward speed: 25 km/h
  
• Rear axle: No-Spin automatic differential
  

Suggestions:

• Use lower gears for precision grading and higher gears for haul road maintenance
  
• Monitor transmission fluid temperature during extended operation
  
• Replace gear oil every 1,000 hours to maintain shift smoothness
  

Terminology annotation:
- No-Spin differential: A locking differential that automatically engages to prevent wheel slip without driver input.
- Power shift transmission: A transmission that allows gear changes without clutching, using hydraulic actuators.
Frame Strength and Blade Control
The SG21 series features a square-structured main frame with I-beam vertical plates, offering high torsional resistance. The moldboard is mounted on a slewing bearing with internal gear ring meshing, allowing precise blade rotation and tilt. The tandem box uses a heavy roller chain drive and ±15° swing capability, ensuring consistent ground contact across uneven terrain.
Structural highlights:

• Moldboard width: 4.27 m
  
• Blade rotation: 360° via slewing bearing
  
• Tandem box swing: ±15°
  
• Cutting angle: Adjustable for varied soil conditions
  

Recommendations:

• Use steep cutting angles for compacted soil and shallow angles for finish grading
  
• Grease slewing bearing weekly to prevent binding
  
• Inspect roller chain tension monthly to avoid drive loss
  

Terminology annotation:
- Moldboard: The main grading blade of a motor grader, used to cut, spread, and level material.
- Slewing bearing: A large bearing that allows rotation of heavy components, often used in cranes and graders.
Cab Design and Operator Comfort
Shantui’s grader cab integrates FOPS/ROPS protection with a four-column structure for enhanced visibility. The interior includes a mechanical suspension seat, cruise control throttle, and an 8-inch LCD display. Controls are arranged ergonomically, with overhead air vents, Bluetooth radio, USB charging, and sunshades enhancing operator comfort.
Cab features:

• Suspension seat with lumbar support
  
• Electronically controlled shift handle
  
• Real-time monitoring system
  
• Noise-reduction insulation
  

Suggestions:

• Replace cabin air filters every 500 hours
  
• Use polarized glass for glare reduction in desert regions
  
• Install auxiliary cameras for rear visibility in confined sites
  

Terminology annotation:
- FOPS/ROPS: Falling Object Protective Structure / Roll-Over Protective Structure, safety features for operator protection.
- Cruise control throttle: A system that maintains engine speed automatically, reducing fatigue during long grading passes.
Maintenance Access and Serviceability
The SG21 series emphasizes ease of maintenance with centralized lubrication points, externally accessible filters, and dual engine hoods. The machine includes a pressure testing system and real-time fault monitoring, reducing diagnostic time and minimizing downtime.
Maintenance highlights:

• Centralized grease fittings
  
• Dual hood access for engine and hydraulic systems
  
• Pressure test ports for hydraulic diagnostics
  
• Real-time fault display on LCD
  

Recommendations:

• Perform weekly visual inspections of hydraulic lines and fittings
  
• Use infrared thermography to detect bearing overheating
  
• Keep a digital log of service intervals and fault codes
  

Terminology annotation:
- Infrared thermography: A diagnostic technique using thermal imaging to detect heat anomalies in mechanical systems.
- Fault code: A diagnostic signal indicating a system error or maintenance requirement.
Field Performance and Global Deployment
Shantui graders have been deployed in road construction projects across Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. In Kenya, SG21 units were used to shape rural access roads, praised for their fuel efficiency and blade responsiveness. In Brazil, contractors used SG21-C6 models for mine haul road maintenance, noting the machine’s ability to maintain traction on clay-rich slopes.
In Mongolia, graders were fitted with cold-weather packages including engine heaters and insulated cabs, enabling operation in sub-zero conditions. The machines performed reliably during snow removal and gravel road shaping.
Suggestions:

• Equip graders with rear rippers for frost penetration in cold climates
  
• Use high-viscosity hydraulic fluid in tropical regions to prevent overheating
  
• Install GPS blade control for precision grading in urban projects
  

Terminology annotation:
- Rear ripper: A claw-like attachment used to break up hard or frozen ground before grading.
- GPS blade control: A system that uses satellite positioning to guide blade movement for accurate grading.
Conclusion
Shantui motor graders combine structural strength, hydraulic precision, and operator-focused design to meet the demands of global construction. With advanced transmission systems, ergonomic cabs, and adaptable blade configurations, the SG21 series offers a compelling alternative in the mid-to-heavy grader segment. Whether shaping highways, reclaiming mine roads, or leveling farmland, Shantui’s graders prove that performance and practicality can coexist in a machine built for real-world challenges.