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Aveling Barford’s Legacy in Heavy Equipment
Aveling Barford, a British manufacturer with roots dating back to the early 20th century, built its reputation on robust road construction machinery. Known for producing dump trucks, rollers, and graders, the company supplied equipment across Europe, Africa, and Asia. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, Aveling Barford introduced the ASG series of motor graders, designed for heavy-duty grading in mining, infrastructure, and large-scale earthmoving.
The ASG 018 was one of the standout models in this series. With its imposing frame and powerful drivetrain, it was engineered to handle rough terrain and extended duty cycles. Though production numbers were limited, the ASG 018 became a cult favorite among operators who valued mechanical simplicity and brute strength.
Technical Specifications and Design Features
The ASG 018 was built for endurance and torque. Key specifications include:
Field Discovery and Restoration Potential
One unit was recently found in a field, showing just 2,700 hours on the meter. While hour meters on older machines can be unreliable, the physical condition suggested limited use. The presence of a V8 Detroit engine hinted at a possible upgrade from the original 6-cylinder configuration, a common practice among owners seeking more torque or easier parts sourcing.
The machine’s tires—massive 23.1x26 flotation types—suggest it may have been used in soft ground or agricultural reclamation. These tires are not standard for the ASG 018, indicating field customization.
For restoration enthusiasts, the ASG 018 offers a unique opportunity. Its mechanical systems are straightforward, with minimal electronics, making it ideal for rebuilds. Parts may be sourced from Detroit Diesel suppliers, ZF transmission distributors, or salvage yards specializing in vintage graders.
Production History and Serial Number Insights
Serial numbers on surviving units suggest that production ran through the mid-1980s. One documented machine carried serial number 1838 and was listed as a 1986 build. Another unit bore serial number 1804, indicating close proximity in production. While exact annual output figures are unavailable, the numbering implies low-volume manufacturing, likely fewer than 100 units per year.
The ASG series later evolved into the ASG 021, which some sources claim debuted in 1997. However, field reports from Africa and Australia show ASG 021 units operating as early as 1986, suggesting that the model number change may have preceded formal documentation. The ASG 021 was essentially a rebranded SG 500, with minor frame and cab updates.
Operational Characteristics and User Feedback
Operators who ran ASG 018 graders praised their stability and pushing power. The all-wheel steering allowed tight turns on narrow haul roads, while the ZF transmission delivered smooth shifts under load. The Detroit 6V71N65 engine, though noisy, was known for reliability and ease of service.
One contractor in Queensland recalled using an ASG 018 for road base shaping in granite country. Despite the harsh conditions, the grader held up for over a decade with only minor hydraulic repairs and a clutch replacement.
Parts Availability and Maintenance Tips
While Aveling Barford no longer produces graders, parts for the ASG 018 can still be sourced through:
Conclusion
The Aveling Barford ASG 018 is more than a forgotten grader—it’s a testament to British engineering and the durability of mechanical design. With its solid frame, powerful drivetrain, and adaptable steering, it remains a viable workhorse for those willing to invest in restoration. Whether rediscovered in a paddock or preserved in a fleet, the ASG 018 continues to inspire admiration among those who appreciate heavy iron built to last.
Aveling Barford, a British manufacturer with roots dating back to the early 20th century, built its reputation on robust road construction machinery. Known for producing dump trucks, rollers, and graders, the company supplied equipment across Europe, Africa, and Asia. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, Aveling Barford introduced the ASG series of motor graders, designed for heavy-duty grading in mining, infrastructure, and large-scale earthmoving.
The ASG 018 was one of the standout models in this series. With its imposing frame and powerful drivetrain, it was engineered to handle rough terrain and extended duty cycles. Though production numbers were limited, the ASG 018 became a cult favorite among operators who valued mechanical simplicity and brute strength.
Technical Specifications and Design Features
The ASG 018 was built for endurance and torque. Key specifications include:
- Operating weight: approximately 18,824 kg (41,500 lbs) with ROPS cab
- Engine: Detroit Diesel 6V71N65, rated at 228 horsepower gross
- Transmission: ZF 4PW-45H, a heavy-duty powershift unit
- Tires: Standard 16.00x24, with optional 17.50x24 or oversized 23.1x26 for flotation
- Steering: All-wheel steering for enhanced maneuverability
Field Discovery and Restoration Potential
One unit was recently found in a field, showing just 2,700 hours on the meter. While hour meters on older machines can be unreliable, the physical condition suggested limited use. The presence of a V8 Detroit engine hinted at a possible upgrade from the original 6-cylinder configuration, a common practice among owners seeking more torque or easier parts sourcing.
The machine’s tires—massive 23.1x26 flotation types—suggest it may have been used in soft ground or agricultural reclamation. These tires are not standard for the ASG 018, indicating field customization.
For restoration enthusiasts, the ASG 018 offers a unique opportunity. Its mechanical systems are straightforward, with minimal electronics, making it ideal for rebuilds. Parts may be sourced from Detroit Diesel suppliers, ZF transmission distributors, or salvage yards specializing in vintage graders.
Production History and Serial Number Insights
Serial numbers on surviving units suggest that production ran through the mid-1980s. One documented machine carried serial number 1838 and was listed as a 1986 build. Another unit bore serial number 1804, indicating close proximity in production. While exact annual output figures are unavailable, the numbering implies low-volume manufacturing, likely fewer than 100 units per year.
The ASG series later evolved into the ASG 021, which some sources claim debuted in 1997. However, field reports from Africa and Australia show ASG 021 units operating as early as 1986, suggesting that the model number change may have preceded formal documentation. The ASG 021 was essentially a rebranded SG 500, with minor frame and cab updates.
Operational Characteristics and User Feedback
Operators who ran ASG 018 graders praised their stability and pushing power. The all-wheel steering allowed tight turns on narrow haul roads, while the ZF transmission delivered smooth shifts under load. The Detroit 6V71N65 engine, though noisy, was known for reliability and ease of service.
One contractor in Queensland recalled using an ASG 018 for road base shaping in granite country. Despite the harsh conditions, the grader held up for over a decade with only minor hydraulic repairs and a clutch replacement.
Parts Availability and Maintenance Tips
While Aveling Barford no longer produces graders, parts for the ASG 018 can still be sourced through:
- Detroit Diesel remanufacturers for engine components
- ZF transmission service centers for clutch packs and gear sets
- Custom hydraulic shops for cylinder rebuilds and seal kits
- Fabricators for blade edges, linkages, and cab components
- Hydraulic hoses and fittings for age-related cracking
- Electrical wiring for rodent damage or corrosion
- Transmission oil for metal particles or discoloration
- Blade lift and articulation joints for wear
Conclusion
The Aveling Barford ASG 018 is more than a forgotten grader—it’s a testament to British engineering and the durability of mechanical design. With its solid frame, powerful drivetrain, and adaptable steering, it remains a viable workhorse for those willing to invest in restoration. Whether rediscovered in a paddock or preserved in a fleet, the ASG 018 continues to inspire admiration among those who appreciate heavy iron built to last.
