Restoring a 1928 Western Wheeled Road Grader

[MikePhua]

The Origins of Western Wheeled Scraper Company
The Western Wheeled Scraper Company, founded in the late 19th century in Aurora, Illinois, was a pioneer in road-building equipment. Before the rise of hydraulic systems, their graders and scrapers relied on mechanical linkages, gears, and hand-cranked adjustments. By the 1920s, Western Wheeled had become a respected name in the industry, producing graders that were used across North America for rural road construction, railroad grading, and early municipal infrastructure.
The 1928 road grader in question represents a transitional moment in equipment design—just before hydraulics began to dominate the market. It was built for durability, simplicity, and field serviceability, with steel wheels, mechanical blade lift mechanisms, and a gasoline engine driving the transmission and differential.
Mechanical Features and Blade Control
Unlike modern graders that use hydraulic cylinders to raise and angle the moldboard, the 1928 Western Wheeled grader employed a scissor-style mechanical lift system. This design, reminiscent of automotive jack mechanisms, used a series of linkages and gears to raise the blade vertically. Operators adjusted blade height and angle using handwheels and levers, often requiring physical strength and precision.
The grader also featured a scarifier mounted ahead of the blade, used to break up compacted soil or gravel. The scarifier’s adjustment was controlled by a gear-driven mechanism located near the steering column. Though the steering wheel on this particular unit was broken, the vertical movement remained functional, indicating the resilience of its internal gearing.
Key mechanical components included:

• Steel spoke wheels with solid rubber tires
  
• Chain-driven transmission with manual clutch
  
• Gearbox-driven blade angle adjustment
  
• Mechanical differential with open gearing
  
• Generator and starter requiring rebuild for full restoration
  

Restoration Challenges and Progress
Restoring a nearly century-old grader involves more than cosmetic work. The owner of this 1928 unit spent countless hours removing rust, cleaning dirt, and inspecting mechanical linkages. Despite its age, the controls still functioned, and the drivetrain rotated freely. The starter, generator, and wiring harness were identified as key components needing overhaul before the engine could be restarted.
Restoration advice for similar machines:

• Begin with a full mechanical inspection, checking for seized bearings, cracked castings, and missing teeth on gears
  
• Use electrolysis or chemical rust removers for deep corrosion
  
• Replace wiring with cloth-covered or marine-grade wire to preserve historical appearance
  
• Rebuild starter and generator using period-correct brushes and bushings
  
• Document all serial numbers and casting marks for historical reference
  

One challenge was the lack of documentation. Machines from this era rarely came with manuals, and part numbers may have been stamped directly into castings. Networking with vintage equipment collectors and museums can help fill in gaps.
Historical Context and Design Evolution
By 1929–1930, most manufacturers began transitioning to hydraulic blade lifts, which offered smoother control and reduced operator fatigue. Western Wheeled was eventually absorbed into larger equipment conglomerates, and their mechanical graders became obsolete as hydraulic systems took over.
However, mechanical graders remained in use well into the 1970s, especially in rural areas where simplicity and repairability were valued over modern features. Caterpillar, for example, continued producing mechanical-lift graders for decades, and many were retrofitted with hydraulic kits later in life.
The 1928 model stands out for its originality. Still bearing its red paint, it offers a rare glimpse into pre-hydraulic engineering. The scissor-style lift, though unconventional, was likely more efficient than early hydraulic prototypes and may have influenced later designs.
Preservation and Community Interest
Vintage graders like this one often spark curiosity among enthusiasts and historians. While few remain in operable condition, many are displayed in museums or private collections. The scarcity of online documentation makes each restored unit a valuable resource for understanding early road-building technology.
Suggestions for preservation:

• Photograph and catalog each restoration step
  
• Share findings with historical equipment registries
  
• Host demonstrations at local fairs or machinery shows
  
• Consider publishing a restoration guide for similar graders
  

In one anecdote, a retired operator recalled using a mechanical grader in the 1950s to maintain gravel roads in northern Wisconsin. He described the blade adjustments as “a workout,” but praised the machine’s reliability and simplicity.
Conclusion
The 1928 Western Wheeled road grader is more than a relic—it’s a testament to early engineering ingenuity. With its mechanical blade lift, gear-driven scarifier, and enduring steel frame, it reflects a time when roads were built by hand, and machines were designed to last. Restoring such a grader is not just a mechanical task—it’s a tribute to the legacy of road builders who shaped the modern landscape with grit, gears, and grease.