NorAm Motor Graders and Their Role in Compact Road Maintenance

[MikePhua]

The Origins and Evolution of NorAm Graders
NorAm Construction Equipment was formed in the early 1990s following the acquisition of the Champion 720 grader line, a compact motor grader originally developed by Champion Road Machinery in Canada. The 720 series had earned a reputation for reliability in municipal and light construction work, and NorAm continued refining the design to meet modern demands. By focusing solely on compact graders, NorAm carved out a niche in a market dominated by larger machines from Caterpillar, John Deere, and Volvo.
The flagship model, the NorAm 65E, is a direct descendant of the Champion 720, retaining its mechanical simplicity while integrating hydraulic and ergonomic upgrades. Thousands of units have been sold across North America, with strong adoption in counties, cities, and private contractors handling road maintenance, snow removal, and site grading.
Terminology Annotation

• Articulated Frame: A design allowing the front and rear halves of the grader to pivot independently, improving maneuverability.
  
• Circle Drive: The mechanism that rotates the moldboard (blade) to adjust grading angle.
  
• Moldboard: The curved blade used to cut, spread, and shape material.
  
• Hydrostatic Drive: A transmission system using hydraulic fluid to vary speed and torque without gears.
  

Performance Profile and Operator Feedback
The NorAm 65E is powered by a Cummins QSB 4.5 diesel engine producing approximately 110 horsepower. It features a 10-foot moldboard, hydraulic circle drive, and joystick controls. Key performance metrics include:

• Operating weight: ~16,000 lbs
  
• Turning radius: ~20 feet
  
• Blade down pressure: ~8,000 lbs
  
• Travel speed: Up to 25 mph
  

Operators consistently praise the 65E for its visibility, tight turning radius, and ease of transport. Unlike full-size graders, the 65E can be hauled on a standard equipment trailer without special permits, making it ideal for small contractors and rural municipalities.
Anecdote from a County Road Supervisor
In 2018, a road supervisor in Iowa replaced a worn-out CAT 12G with a NorAm 65E for shoulder maintenance and snow removal. Initially skeptical of the smaller frame, the crew quickly adapted and found the machine more responsive in tight ditches and cul-de-sacs. Fuel consumption dropped by 30%, and the grader required fewer repairs due to its simplified hydraulic layout. The county later purchased a second unit for gravel road shaping.
Maintenance and Reliability Considerations
NorAm graders are known for their mechanical accessibility. Common service points include:

• Grease fittings on articulation joints and circle drive
  
• Hydraulic filter replacement every 500 hours
  
• Engine oil and coolant checks weekly
  
• Moldboard wear strip inspection quarterly
  
• Tire pressure monitoring before each shift
  

The 65E’s open engine bay and modular hydraulic layout allow most repairs to be completed without specialized tools. Parts availability is supported by NorAm’s centralized distribution network and compatibility with off-the-shelf components from Cummins and Parker.
Recommended Enhancements for Field Use
To optimize performance and longevity:

• Install LED work lights for night grading
  
• Add a rear ripper for compacted gravel roads
  
• Use high-visibility decals and reflective tape for roadside safety
  
• Retrofit with GPS blade control for precision grading
  
• Keep spare hydraulic hoses and filters in the field kit
  

Design Reflections and Future Improvements
While the 65E excels in compact grading, future upgrades could include:

• Integrated telematics for fleet tracking and diagnostics
  
• Enclosed cab with climate control for extreme weather
  
• Adjustable joystick sensitivity for operator preference
  
• Moldboard angle presets for common grading profiles
  

Conclusion
NorAm motor graders offer a compelling blend of simplicity, maneuverability, and cost-effectiveness for light to medium-duty grading tasks. Their lineage from the Champion 720 series ensures proven reliability, while modern refinements make them competitive in today’s market. Whether maintaining gravel roads, shaping construction sites, or clearing snow, the NorAm 65E stands as a practical solution for operators who value precision without complexity.