MOTOR GRADER CUTTING EDGE OPTIONS

PARTNER WITH CATERPILLAR, EDGE OUT THE COMPETITION.

Caterpillar offers a wide range of cutting edges for motor graders. Each provides certain benefits when used in the appropriate application. Using the right edge is critical for enhancing production and keeping total costs to a minimum. The three factors to consider in choosing a cutting edge are shape, width and thickness.

There are two basic edge shapes—flat and curved—with serrated edges available in both configurations. In addition, the Cat GraderBits system dramatically expands the range of edge shape options. Cat offers two types of grader edges and three edge thicknesses for the 16M and 24M motor graders.

Name	Description
SUPERIOR DURABILITY, MORE OPTIONS	Cat DH-2 through-hardened steel edges are available in a variety of shapes and thicknesses to fit every application.
EXTENDED EDGE LIFE	Maximize your edge life with tungsten carbide edges.
MAXIMUM PENETRATION, MINIMUM WASTE	Cutting bit systems.

CHOOSING AN EDGE

Edge selection is critical for enhancing production and keeping cost to a minimum. Application affects the cutting edge shape, metallurgy and style. Impact, penetration and abrasion define your application environment. An edge has to penetrate the material and not break during operation. Edge life then becomes a matter of metallurgy and thickness.

WHAT IS YOUR APPLICATION?

Image	Description
	DEVELOPING A ROAD OR PERFORMING HEAVY MAINTENANCE » A flat edge is best suited for this application. A better penetrating option is a flat serrated edge. A flat edge has limited ability to carry material forward.
	GRADING HARD-PACKED GRAVEL, FROZEN EARTH AND ICE » A serrated edge penetrates better than a continuous edge because it exerts more down pressure. A curved serrated edge penetrates better than a flat serrated edge with a forward mold board.
	RECONDITIONING OR FINISH GRADING AN EXISTING ROAD SURFACE » Curved edges penetrate the roadway while carrying existing material forward to leave a smooth flat surface. A better penetrating option is a curved serrated edge. A serrated edge will not leave as clean a roadway surface as a continuous edge.

THROUGH-HARDENED CUTTING EDGES

Most Cat edges are through-hardened steel, which offers high-impact resistance. High-carbon edges have good surface hardness and perform well in high-abrasion, low-impact applications such as finish work. High-carbon edges will not withstand the impact level of a through-hardened edge.

Image	Description
	FLAT » Heavy road maintenance and pioneering » Maximum strength and available wear material » Best option for abrasion and impact resistance
	FLAT SERRATED » Better penetration than a continuous edge (greater down pressure per inch of edge contact) » Designed to penetrate packed gravel, frozen earth and ice » For severe impact conditions, install over a 6" (152 mm) edge to reduce tooth breakage
	CURVED » Provides superior penetration and rolling action necessary for fine grading and finish work » Finishing tolerances less than 1/4" (6 mm)—the best value may be in selecting a narrow and thin cutting edge
	CURVED SERRATED » A curved serrated edge penetrates better than a straight serrated edge with a forward mold board
	EDGE WIDTH EQUALS WEAR MATERIAL » An 8" (203 mm) edge provides twice the wear material as a 6" (152 mm) edge at about 35% more cost » Hardware cost and R&I downtime are reduced by 50%

TUNGSTEN CARBIDE TILE CUTTING EDGES

Cat Tungsten Carbide Cutting Edges combine through-hardened steel with the wear resistance of tungsten carbide. When used in high-abrasion, low-impact applications, they can provide up to 20 times the life of a standard through-hardened edge. Fewer edge changes means less downtime and lower hardware costs.

Image	Description	Option
	TUNGSTEN CARBIDE EDGES » Tungsten carbide edges have a continuous row of trapezoid-shaped carbide “tiles." This patented shape forms a leading / cutting edge » Carbide tile bottom must be flat to the ground. 20° maximum tilt » Max 5 mph/8kph » Do not use on roads with large embedded rocks
	FLAT EDGES » Maximum strength and available wear material » Longest wearing edge available in high abrasion and low impact
	CURVED EDGES » Curved-edge design improves penetration and rolling action » Trapezoid-shaped tungsten carbide tile on leading edge stays sharp as it wears » Shorter edge sections speed rotation and reduce “throw-away" due to edge crowning
	SERRATED EDGES » Better penetration than a continuous edge (greater down pressure per in of edge contact) » No cast angle restrictions

TUNGSTEN CARBIDE INSERT CUTTING EDGES

Cat carbide insert edges offer long wear life in higher speed applications like state/county road snow removal. The tungsten carbide is brazed into a milled groove in the center of the edge. The design offers impact resistance and minimizes edge “crowning" in applications that require a level grading operation.

GRADERBIT SYSTEM

SMOOTH OUT THE TOUGHEST ROADWAYS IN A SINGLE PASS.

The Cat GraderBit edge system outperforms steel blades in high-production road reconditioning applications. Individual cutting bits are faced with tungsten carbide to form a serrated edge to penetrate and lift material to the surface immediately. As a result, most road maintenance jobs can be accomplished in a single pass.

Name	Description
MORE PRODUCTION, LESS WASTE	Cuts through tough and compact materials, causing lower ripping resistance and less horsepower loss.
CUSTOMIZABLE	Create edge patterns that deliver optimum performance.
LONGER LIFE	Up to 10x more wear life than a 10" edge.

INSTALLATION & REMOVAL

Operators can install the entire system in about an hour and field-replace individual bits in minutes without removing the moldboard. Varying bit widths allow you to create both serrated and continuous edge configurations. GraderBits do not require daily inspection like rotating bit systems.

Image	Description
	1. Bit insertion into adapter board.
	2. GraderBits are held in place with a snap ring.
	3. Adapter boards bolt up to the moldboard like standard edges.
	4. Keep bits perpendicular to the road surface. The cast angle is not to exceed 10°, penetration depth 11/2“ max, max 6 mph/10kph.

GRADERBIT SYSTEM

GraderBit adapter board options are 3' (914mm) and 4' (1219mm) sections. Two holespacing patterns are available to control aggregate flow. Standard boards are used for most roadways, and the mining board hold pattern is 50% wider to accommodate large aggregate in mine environments.

Image	Description
	STANDARD BITS » Baseline bit - 30mm wide » Moderate penetration » Standard Board Bit Gap: 32mm » Mining Board Bit Gap: 48mm
	PENETRATION BITS » Narrower than standard bit - 23 mm wide » Wider gap allows larger aggregate to flow through » Standard Board Bit Gap: 40mm » Mining Board Bit Gap: 55mm
	SHARP BITS » 50% narrower than the standard bit - 15.5 mm wide » Allows larger aggregate to flow through » Standard Board Bit Gap: 45mm » Mining Board Bit Gap: 62mm
	WIDE BITS » Can configure as a continuous edge » Twice as wide as the standard bit (60 mm) » Standard Board Bit Gap: 3mm » Mining Board Bit Gap: 18mm
	MIX AND MATCH » Mix and match bits to control the size of the aggregate left behind » Use wide bits on the end of the moldboard to prevent excessive wear

MINING BIT SYSTEM

The Mining Bit System works like the GraderBit system, but is upgraded to withstand the extreme applications faced by large motor graders (16M and 24M).

Name	Description
DOUBLE CARBIDE, NO RESTRICTIONS	Protects the face and bottom of the bit, eliminating vast angle restrictions.
INTEGRATED DESIGN	Bit profile helps maintain proper grading angle.

ROTATING BIT SYSTEM

The rotating bit system outperforms steel blades in high-production road reconditioning applications. Individual cutting bits have tungsten carbide tips and form a serrated edge to penetrate and lift material to the surface immediately. As a result, most road maintenance jobs can be accomplished in a single pass.

Name	Description
MORE PRODUCTION, LESS WASTE	Material is brought to the surface for reuse, reducing the expense of spreading new gravel.
NO RESTRICTIONS	No cast angle restriction.
EASY INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE	Bits changed individually with no special tools.

ROTATING BIT SYSTEM

Rotating Scarifier Bits are self-sharpening for more uniform wear and long life. Cutting height is maintained as cutting tools may be rotated from position to position. Carbide bits can last as long as 5 -10 sets of conventional grader blades.
Rotating Scarifier Bits are made for applications such as dirt and gravel reclamation, oil road reclamation, and snow and ice removal.

Image	Description
	1” SHANK » Smooth design 7/8” SHANK » Engineered with flat sides that aid in bit rotation
	ADAPTER BOARDS » Either 5/8” or 3/4” bolt hole punch » 3‘ (914mm)-21 bits » 4’ (1219mm)-28 bits » Standard Board uses 7/8” bit » Heavy Duty board uses 1” bit
	OPERATING TIPS » 20° Board Angle » Moldboard may vibrate and bits may not turn if angle is not correct

INSTALLATION & REMOVAL

Improve safety and simplify edge change-out. Cat cutting edges allow you to use a threaded bolt and link to remove and install sections. Even worn edges can be removed, because the threads are located in the back half of the hole.

Image	Description
	1. Drilled and tapped holes.
	2. Attach approved lifting device.
	3. Lift.

OPERATING TECHNIQUES FOR REDUCED COST.

Through better management of the interface between machine and materials, operators can maximize productivity, lower machine operating costs and reduce cab vibration, improving operator comfort.

Image	Description
	MOLDBOARD POSITION » Start with moldboard 2” (4“ for 24M) ahead of the edge » Grade with cutting edge 90° to the road » Maintain fixed angle to ensure constant edge thickness » Laid back reduces penetration and can wear moldboard » Frequent angle changes will shorten the edge life
	SPEED AND EXCESSIVE DOWN PRESSURE » Use accumulator to absorb shocks » < 6mph/8kph speed » Excess speed can cause edge slivering » Need penetration? Choose a thinner edge, a serrated edge or the Cat GraderBits system for the most compacted materials
	CROWNING » Occurs when the cutting edge conforms to the material being graded » A narrow and thin edge reduces the “throw away” material » Extreme crowning may require a bit system
	STANDARDIZE YOUR HARDWARE » Moldboard bushings reduce 3/4” holes to 5/8” » Simplify inventory and lower cost

PUT AN END TO MOLDBOARD WEAR.

Made of through-hardened DH-2 steel for added strength and service life, Cat end bits protect moldboard edges from wear.
Maximize moldboard life and lower repair costs. Use Cat end bits, overlays, repair plates and hardware to protect and repair your moldboards and working edges.

Image	Description	Option
	MOLDBOARD END BITS » Recommended for all applications » Made of through-hardened DH-2 steel for added strength and service life
	OVERLAY END BITS » Fit over existing end bit » Recommended for applications such as ditching » Add strength and limit corner wear » When worn on one side, overlay end bits can be rotated for a second wear life
	MOLDBOARD REPAIR PLATES » Extend moldboard life with Cat Moldboard Repair Plates » Routine monitoring and timely edge replacement can prevent damage » When repair is needed, repair plates provide a way to extend moldboard life
	HARDWARE » When replacing ground engaging tools, always use Cat hardware regardless of the application » Cat Grade 8 hardware is performance-matched to Cat G.E.T. in both strength and durability

RIPPER-SCARIFIER SYSTEM

GET MORE OUT OF YOUR GRADER.

Scarifier and ripper systems on motor graders can be used to improve road surfaces by lifting material from compacted and worn areas or by removing the “crowning” that causes excessive wear on cutting edges.

Description
ENHANCE PRODUCTION » Loosen material to reduce grading time and fill voids while saving on edge wear.
EXTEND VERSATILITY » Reduce need for dozer ripping or cutting bit systems.

RIPPER-SCARIFIER COMPONENTS

Scarifiers can be mounted before the blade (V-Block design) or behind the machine (Straight Block design). Rear-mounted ripper-scarifiers are more versatile than forward-mounted configurations. Rip or scarify by changing shank position.

Image	Description
	V-BLOCK » Loosen compacted surfaces, rocky subgrades and frozen ground » Fit ahead of the blade (mid mount) » Holds up to 11 shanks and scarifies up to 46” (1168 mm) wide
	STRAIGHT BLOCK » Low-impact applications and shallow scarifying » Higher allowable speed (up to 3rd gear) in shallow » Holds up to 17 shanks and scarifies up to 72” (1828 mm) wide » May be used as a mid-mount scarifier
	SCARIFIER TIPS » We offer three types of scarifier tips for surface reconditioning. Tip has a tapered design that secures it to the shank » Through-hardened tips for general purpose scarifying » Heavy-Duty for deep penetration and extended distances » A.R.M. for high-abrasion/low-impact conditions extends tip life 3 to 5 times over through-hardened
	SCARIFIER SHANKS » Through-hardened and tempered to resist wear, bending and breakage » Front or rear notch for V-Block or Straight Block » Standard or extended lengths

R SERIES RIPPER TIP OPTIONS

Caterpillar offers three options for the R350 ripper tip size class for 16M and 24M motor graders. Due to the extreme nature of maintaining haul roads, scarifiers are not offered on 16M and 24M.

Image	Description	Option
	CENTERLINE tips have equal wear material on both sides and can be reversed, which can extend the life and help maintain sharpness.	A.R.M. OPTION AVAILABLE
	PENETRATION ripper tips have an aggressive angle to break through even the hardest surfaces and dig into the ground more effectively.	A.R.M. OPTION AVAILABLE
	PENETRATION - SHARP tips are an intermediate length. They come factory sharpened to ensure maximum penetration.