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The Austin-Western Super 301 motor grader uses a moldboard blade system that can be retrofitted with modern cutting edges, provided bolt spacing and curvature match. While OEM parts are scarce, aftermarket suppliers and fabrication shops offer viable solutions for continued operation.
Machine Background and Historical Significance
The Austin-Western Super 301 was part of a lineage of American motor graders produced during the mid-20th century, known for their mechanical simplicity and rugged steel construction. Austin-Western, founded in the late 1800s and later absorbed into the Clark Equipment Company, was a pioneer in road-building machinery. The Super 301 featured a manually controlled blade with hydraulic assist, a mid-mounted moldboard, and a rear-wheel drive configuration.
These graders were widely used by municipalities, logging outfits, and rural contractors for road maintenance, ditch shaping, and snow removal. Though production ceased decades ago, many units remain in service due to their rebuildable design and durable castings.
Terminology and Blade Assembly Overview
Finding replacement blades for the Super 301 requires matching several parameters:
Field Anecdotes and Practical Solutions
A county road crew in Montana retrofitted their Super 301 with blades sourced from a retired Galion grader. After drilling two new bolt holes and trimming the ends, the blade fit perfectly and performed well on gravel roads. Another operator in Oregon used a plasma cutter to shape a salvaged Caterpillar blade, then welded on custom end bits for added durability.
In some cases, operators have replaced the entire moldboard assembly with a modern hydraulic tilt unit, allowing for better control and compatibility with standard blades. While this requires frame modification, it can extend the grader’s useful life by decades.
Maintenance Recommendations and Blade Longevity
The Austin-Western Super 301 remains a viable grading machine with proper blade maintenance and sourcing. While OEM parts are rare, aftermarket blades and custom fabrication offer reliable alternatives. By matching bolt patterns, curvature, and steel grade, operators can keep these classic graders working effectively on modern job sites.
Machine Background and Historical Significance
The Austin-Western Super 301 was part of a lineage of American motor graders produced during the mid-20th century, known for their mechanical simplicity and rugged steel construction. Austin-Western, founded in the late 1800s and later absorbed into the Clark Equipment Company, was a pioneer in road-building machinery. The Super 301 featured a manually controlled blade with hydraulic assist, a mid-mounted moldboard, and a rear-wheel drive configuration.
These graders were widely used by municipalities, logging outfits, and rural contractors for road maintenance, ditch shaping, and snow removal. Though production ceased decades ago, many units remain in service due to their rebuildable design and durable castings.
Terminology and Blade Assembly Overview
- Moldboard: The curved steel blade mounted beneath the grader frame, used to cut, shape, and move soil or aggregate.
- Cutting Edge: A replaceable steel strip bolted to the bottom of the moldboard, often made from high-carbon or heat-treated steel.
- Bolt Pattern: The spacing and number of holes used to secure the cutting edge to the moldboard.
- Curvature Radius: The arc of the blade, which affects material flow and grading efficiency.
- End Bits: Reinforced steel plates mounted at the ends of the moldboard to protect against wear and impact.
Finding replacement blades for the Super 301 requires matching several parameters:
- Bolt spacing: Most Super 301 moldboards use a 6- or 8-hole pattern with 3-inch spacing. Verify with calipers or a template.
- Blade length: Standard moldboards range from 10 to 12 feet. Measure the full span and confirm overlap with end bits.
- Thickness: Cutting edges are typically 5/8" or 3/4" thick. Thicker blades offer longer wear life but may require longer bolts.
- Curvature: Match the radius to ensure proper material roll-off. A mismatch can cause gouging or poor finish grading.
Field Anecdotes and Practical Solutions
A county road crew in Montana retrofitted their Super 301 with blades sourced from a retired Galion grader. After drilling two new bolt holes and trimming the ends, the blade fit perfectly and performed well on gravel roads. Another operator in Oregon used a plasma cutter to shape a salvaged Caterpillar blade, then welded on custom end bits for added durability.
In some cases, operators have replaced the entire moldboard assembly with a modern hydraulic tilt unit, allowing for better control and compatibility with standard blades. While this requires frame modification, it can extend the grader’s useful life by decades.
Maintenance Recommendations and Blade Longevity
- Inspect bolt holes for elongation and ream or weld as needed to maintain tight fit.
- Use Grade 8 bolts with hardened washers to prevent loosening under vibration.
- Apply anti-seize compound to bolts for easier removal during blade changes.
- Rotate cutting edges periodically to distribute wear evenly.
- Store spare blades indoors to prevent rust and pitting.
The Austin-Western Super 301 remains a viable grading machine with proper blade maintenance and sourcing. While OEM parts are rare, aftermarket blades and custom fabrication offer reliable alternatives. By matching bolt patterns, curvature, and steel grade, operators can keep these classic graders working effectively on modern job sites.
