3 hours ago
The harsh reality of snow removal on heavy equipment
A newly painted motor grader may look pristine when it rolls out of the shop, but the first encounter with frozen snowbanks or a V-plow can quickly undo that shine. Operators working in northern climates often face this reality: snowbanks in late winter can be as hard as concrete, and pushing into them with a grader wing or V-plow places enormous stress on both the paint and the machine’s structure. What begins as cosmetic damage can sometimes reveal deeper mechanical vulnerabilities.
Terminology clarification
In extreme conditions, graders have been known to suffer more than scratched paint. Bolts holding the tandem assemblies can shear off under lateral force, especially when operators attempt to push snow straight sideways rather than angling upward to relieve pressure. Some manufacturers recommended drilling out original bolts and replacing them with larger sizes to handle the stress. Failures often look catastrophic, with tandems lying broken beside the machine, but in many cases repairs can be completed within a day by replacing bolts and realigning the assembly.
Operator technique matters
Snow removal is not only about horsepower but also about finesse. Experienced operators know to angle the moldboard upward when tackling frozen drifts, reducing horizontal stress on the frame. Inexperienced use—such as trying to shove snowbanks straight out—can multiply the forces on the grader’s structure. The choice of tires also plays a role: modern chainless radial tires provide far more traction than older bias-ply designs, which tended to slip sideways and relieve some of the stress. Ironically, better traction can sometimes increase the risk of breakage if the operator does not adjust technique.
Comparisons across manufacturers
Champion graders, for example, developed a reputation for weak boogie boxes in earlier series, though improvements came with later 900-series models. Volvo offered warranties on certain frame issues, while other brands like Veekmas also faced structural bending when powerful engines met rough terrain. These cases illustrate that no manufacturer is immune when machines are pushed beyond their design limits.
Lessons for maintenance and repair
One township grader operator in the Midwest admitted he would struggle to explain a broken tandem to taxpayers, given his reputation for careful machine care. Another operator in Alaska recalled that after a tandem failure, the crew had the grader back in service the next day with new bolts, despite the dramatic appearance of the damage. These stories highlight both the resilience of graders and the importance of operator judgment.
Conclusion
A new paint job may symbolize pride in equipment, but in the world of snow removal, paint is often the first casualty. More critical is the structural integrity of the grader and the skill of the operator. With proper maintenance, upgraded components, and careful technique, even older graders can withstand the punishing demands of winter work. The lesson is clear: in heavy equipment, beauty may fade quickly, but durability and experience keep the machine moving.
A newly painted motor grader may look pristine when it rolls out of the shop, but the first encounter with frozen snowbanks or a V-plow can quickly undo that shine. Operators working in northern climates often face this reality: snowbanks in late winter can be as hard as concrete, and pushing into them with a grader wing or V-plow places enormous stress on both the paint and the machine’s structure. What begins as cosmetic damage can sometimes reveal deeper mechanical vulnerabilities.
Terminology clarification
- V-Plow: A snowplow shaped like a “V” that cuts into deep drifts, splitting snow to either side.
- Moldboard: The curved blade of a grader that cuts, moves, and shapes material.
- Tandem Drive: The dual-axle drive system on graders, designed to distribute traction and load.
- Boogie Box: A structural housing for tandem axles, known to be a weak point on some older graders.
In extreme conditions, graders have been known to suffer more than scratched paint. Bolts holding the tandem assemblies can shear off under lateral force, especially when operators attempt to push snow straight sideways rather than angling upward to relieve pressure. Some manufacturers recommended drilling out original bolts and replacing them with larger sizes to handle the stress. Failures often look catastrophic, with tandems lying broken beside the machine, but in many cases repairs can be completed within a day by replacing bolts and realigning the assembly.
Operator technique matters
Snow removal is not only about horsepower but also about finesse. Experienced operators know to angle the moldboard upward when tackling frozen drifts, reducing horizontal stress on the frame. Inexperienced use—such as trying to shove snowbanks straight out—can multiply the forces on the grader’s structure. The choice of tires also plays a role: modern chainless radial tires provide far more traction than older bias-ply designs, which tended to slip sideways and relieve some of the stress. Ironically, better traction can sometimes increase the risk of breakage if the operator does not adjust technique.
Comparisons across manufacturers
Champion graders, for example, developed a reputation for weak boogie boxes in earlier series, though improvements came with later 900-series models. Volvo offered warranties on certain frame issues, while other brands like Veekmas also faced structural bending when powerful engines met rough terrain. These cases illustrate that no manufacturer is immune when machines are pushed beyond their design limits.
Lessons for maintenance and repair
- Inspect tandem bolts regularly, especially after heavy snow work.
- Consider upgrading to larger bolts if recommended by the manufacturer.
- Train operators to use upward angles when cutting into frozen drifts.
- Monitor fender clearance when using chains, as long bolts can interfere with chain locks and damage drive wheels.
One township grader operator in the Midwest admitted he would struggle to explain a broken tandem to taxpayers, given his reputation for careful machine care. Another operator in Alaska recalled that after a tandem failure, the crew had the grader back in service the next day with new bolts, despite the dramatic appearance of the damage. These stories highlight both the resilience of graders and the importance of operator judgment.
Conclusion
A new paint job may symbolize pride in equipment, but in the world of snow removal, paint is often the first casualty. More critical is the structural integrity of the grader and the skill of the operator. With proper maintenance, upgraded components, and careful technique, even older graders can withstand the punishing demands of winter work. The lesson is clear: in heavy equipment, beauty may fade quickly, but durability and experience keep the machine moving.
