LeeBoy Motor Graders in Light Construction and Road Maintenance

[MikePhua]

The Evolution of LeeBoy Graders
LeeBoy, founded in the 1960s by B.R. Lee in North Carolina, began as a manufacturer of asphalt pavers and quickly expanded into compact road-building equipment. By the 1990s, the company introduced its line of motor graders, targeting municipalities, contractors, and utility crews needing maneuverable machines for grading, ditching, and shoulder work. The LeeBoy 685 and 785 series became popular for their compact size, hydrostatic drive, and operator-friendly controls.
Unlike full-size graders from Caterpillar or John Deere, LeeBoy graders are designed for tight spaces and lighter-duty applications. Their appeal lies in simplicity, affordability, and ease of transport. Many counties and small towns use them for gravel road maintenance, snow removal, and culvert shaping.
Hydrostatic Drive and Steering Characteristics
LeeBoy graders use a hydrostatic transmission, which provides smooth, infinitely variable speed control without shifting gears. This system is ideal for fine grading, where precision matters more than raw power. However, hydrostatic drive also affects steering behavior, especially when compared to mechanical or torque-converter systems.
Operators report that LeeBoy graders steer more like skid steers than traditional graders. The steering wheel controls hydraulic flow to the front axle, and the machine pivots quickly, sometimes requiring finesse to avoid overcorrection. In tight quarters, this responsiveness is an asset, but on open roads, it can feel twitchy.
To improve control:

• Reduce travel speed during fine grading
  
• Use short, deliberate steering inputs
  
• Adjust hydraulic flow settings if available
  
• Train operators on hydrostatic steering dynamics
  

One county road supervisor noted that new operators often oversteer until they learn to “feather the wheel” rather than crank it like a truck.
Blade Control and Moldboard Geometry
LeeBoy graders feature joystick or lever-controlled moldboards with full articulation:

• Blade lift and lower
  
• Side shift
  
• Tilt
  
• Circle rotation
  

The moldboard is typically 10 to 12 feet wide, with a curvature optimized for mixing and rolling material. While not as heavy-duty as larger graders, the blade can handle gravel, light clay, and snow with ease.
Operators should:

• Keep blade edges sharp and replace worn cutting edges
  
• Grease circle bearings regularly
  
• Check hydraulic cylinders for leaks or drift
  
• Use blade tilt to crown roads and shed water
  

In one rural township, a LeeBoy grader was used to reshape gravel roads after spring thaw. The operator used a 2-inch crown and feathered the edges with blade tilt, achieving drainage without washboarding.
Engine and Powertrain Reliability
Most LeeBoy graders are powered by Cummins or Kubota diesel engines in the 100–130 hp range. These engines are known for reliability and fuel efficiency. The hydrostatic transmission, while less common in full-size graders, is durable when maintained properly.
Maintenance tips:

• Change hydraulic fluid every 500 hours
  
• Inspect drive motors and hoses for leaks
  
• Monitor engine coolant and oil levels
  
• Replace filters at recommended intervals
  

One contractor reported 4,000 hours of trouble-free operation on a LeeBoy 685 after following a strict service schedule. He emphasized the importance of keeping the hydrostatic system clean and avoiding contaminated fluid.
Visibility and Operator Comfort
LeeBoy graders offer excellent visibility due to their compact cab and forward blade position. The operator sits close to the moldboard, allowing precise control during ditching and shoulder work. Cabs are equipped with:

• Adjustable seats
  
• HVAC systems
  
• LED work lights
  
• Simple instrument panels
  

While not luxurious, the cab layout is functional and intuitive. Operators transitioning from skid steers or compact loaders often adapt quickly.
Applications and Market Position
LeeBoy graders are ideal for:

• County road maintenance
  
• Subdivision grading
  
• Snow removal
  
• Utility trench backfill
  
• Driveway shaping
  

They are not suited for heavy ripping or deep cut grading in rocky terrain. For those tasks, larger graders with mechanical drive and higher horsepower are preferred.
LeeBoy’s market niche is defined by:

• Compact size
  
• Low operating cost
  
• Easy transport on tag trailers
  
• Dealer support in rural areas
  

Sales data from the early 2000s showed strong adoption in the southeastern U.S., with expansion into Canada and Latin America.
Recommendations for Prospective Buyers
Before purchasing a LeeBoy grader:

• Evaluate jobsite size and grading needs
  
• Test drive for steering feel and blade control
  
• Inspect hydraulic system and moldboard wear
  
• Compare models for cab layout and engine options
  

For municipalities, consider leasing or demo programs to train operators and assess suitability. For contractors, factor in transport logistics and resale value.
Conclusion
LeeBoy motor graders offer a practical solution for light-duty grading and road maintenance. Their hydrostatic drive, compact footprint, and responsive controls make them ideal for tight spaces and precision work. While not built for extreme conditions, they excel in the hands of skilled operators who understand their strengths. In the world of grading, finesse often beats brute force—and LeeBoy delivers just that.