Reviving the Austin-Western Grader with a Custom Bush Cutter

[MikePhua]

The Austin-Western Legacy in Road Machinery
Austin-Western was a prominent name in American road construction equipment throughout the mid-20th century. Founded in the early 1900s, the company specialized in graders, snowplows, and road maintenance machinery. By the 1940s and 1950s, their Super 300 series graders had become a staple in county fleets across the United States. These machines were known for their rugged build, mechanical simplicity, and adaptability to various attachments.
In the 1970s, Austin-Western was absorbed into Clark Equipment, and later into Volvo Construction Equipment. Despite the brand’s disappearance from the market, many of its machines—especially the Super 300 and Pacer 300 models—remain in operation today, often retrofitted with modern implements.
Identifying the Grader Model and Configuration
The grader in question appears to be a late-model Austin-Western Super 300, possibly manufactured between 1969 and 1971. While the registration lists it as a 1971 unit, several design cues suggest it may be older. Notably:

• The steering system features a unique wheel and handlebar combination, uncommon in post-1970 models.
  
• The rear axle is a single configuration, which typically identifies it as a Pacer 300, although some Super 300s were built with single axles for specific applications.
  
• Dual wheels on the working side were added to improve stability and reduce shoulder breakup during mowing operations.
  

Terminology annotation:

• Super 300: A tandem-axle grader model built by Austin-Western, often used for heavy-duty road grading.
  
• Pacer 300: A lighter, single-axle variant of the Super 300, designed for more maneuverable tasks.
  
• Orbital Steering: A hydraulic steering system using an orbitrol valve, common in older graders.
  

Custom Bush Cutter Integration
The standout feature of this machine is its bush cutter attachment, which was installed by the operator himself. The cutter, likely manufactured by Roanoke Mfg. of North Carolina in the 1970s, was purchased for $1,500 and retrofitted onto the grader without factory support. Originally controlled by four separate levers, the operator redesigned the control system using two custom handles—one of which functions as a four-way joystick.
This modification simplified operation and allowed for more intuitive control while mowing roadside vegetation. The cutter is mounted on the side of the grader, requiring the operator to keep the door closed during use due to debris and heat exposure. The cab lacks a floorboard, contributing to high cabin temperatures during summer work.
Performance and Economic Impact
Despite its age, the grader performs competitively against newer tractor-mounted mowers. The extended reach of the cutter and the stability provided by the dual wheels allow it to clear brush more efficiently, especially along ditches and embankments. The operator charges approximately $100 per hour for mowing services and works for both municipal and private clients.
This setup has proven so effective that workers in one county protested the sale of a similar machine, citing its superior reach and versatility compared to newer equipment. The resale value of such graders remains modest—one county sold a hydraulic and cable mower-equipped Cat 12 for just $2,500—but their utility far exceeds their market price when properly maintained.
Recommendations for Similar Retrofits
Operators considering similar grader-to-cutter conversions should:

• Choose a cutter with a robust gearbox and replaceable blades
  
• Reinforce mounting points on the grader frame to handle lateral loads
  
• Use joystick-style controls to reduce operator fatigue
  
• Install protective shielding around the cutter to prevent debris ejection
  
• Add dual wheels or ballast to improve stability on uneven terrain
  

Hydraulic flow should be matched to the cutter’s motor specifications. If the grader’s pump output is insufficient, consider adding an auxiliary hydraulic power unit.
Preserving and Documenting Vintage Equipment
As more counties and contractors retire older graders, there’s growing interest in preserving these machines. Enthusiasts have begun cataloging serial numbers, photographing rare configurations, and restoring units for show and light-duty work. The Austin-Western Super 300, with its distinctive cab and mechanical charm, is a favorite among collectors.
In one case, a 1962 Super 366 was restored to full operational condition and used for snow removal in a rural township. Its orbital steering and 13-foot moldboard made it ideal for clearing wide roads with minimal passes.
Conclusion
The Austin-Western grader retrofitted with a bush cutter is a testament to mechanical ingenuity and the enduring value of vintage equipment. Through thoughtful modification and practical design, an aging machine has been transformed into a profitable and efficient roadside mower. As modern equipment grows more complex and costly, these legacy machines remind us that simplicity, adaptability, and craftsmanship still have a place in today’s work fleet.