Using a grader attachment on a Bobcat^® loader is an economical alternative to dozers and an efficient method of spreading and grading material, especially on jobsites larger equipment can’t access. Bobcat now offers two additional grader options for larger and more powerful loaders. New features include hydraulic side-shift for easier grading in tight areas or next to obstacles, and an end-wing kit to use the grader like a box blade.

Grader attachments are typically used to prepare base material for roads, parking lots, buildings, sports fields and lawns. The new 96-inch and 108-inch graders are approved for use on Bobcat S300 and S330 skid-steer loaders; the Bobcat-exclusive A300 all-wheel steer loader; and the T250, T300 and T320 compact track loaders.

The combination of a heavy-duty grader on an approved loader will move as much material as a small, dedicated dozer. When used with the Bobcat laser-control system, grader attachments on loaders will grade material to within plus or minus 0.25 inch of the desired grade.

Bobcat graders have blades that move six different ways to grade any surface. A new feature available on heavy-duty graders is hydraulic side shift, which moves the blade as much as 13 inches to the left or right, making it easier to grade next to buildings, poles and other obstacles. This feature eliminates hand labor and excessive movement of the loader when grading. When the grader approaches an obstacle, such as a pole, the blade can be moved out of the way and then moved back in place once the pole has been passed.

A feature normally found on dedicated dozers is now also available on Bobcat heavy-duty graders. A proportional hydraulic valve provides three speeds at which the moldboard is raised or lowered so operation is more closely matched to the speed of the loader. The longer the operator presses the button that controls the valve, the faster the moldboard moves. The operator can make small adjustments when performing fine grading or move the moldboard more quickly when making faster passes.

The proportional hydraulic valve provides smoother operation and quicker reaction of the grader when used with a laser-control system. With the laser system, the farther the blade is from grade, the more quickly it will move to grade. A high-speed moldboard raise-and-lower function is available on loaders with Selectable Joystick Controls, to allow the operator to override the laser system and make quick adjustments as necessary.

The front bolster on the graders oscillates 12 degrees to the right or left to minimize the effect of uneven ground and how much and how quickly the blade needs to respond while grading. The tires on the bolster provide excellent flotation to keep the grader moving smoothly over the work area.