Expert Secrets Revealed: 5 Critical Areas to Inspect When Buying a Used Motor Grader

In the 2026 construction market, used construction machinery has become the top choice for many contractors to alleviate financial pressure and rapidly expand their fleets due to its high cost-performance ratio. As the “precision specialist” of road construction, the motor grader features complex internal structures, which means the technical barrier for purchasing is relatively high.

Many buyers are often misled by a refurbished exterior when looking at new arrived used motor graders. Today, we have invited senior machinery experts to reveal 5 critical inspection areas you cannot afford to overlook, helping you avoid hidden pitfalls.

Core Work Tools: The Circle and Moldboard

The core value of a motor grader lies in its leveling precision, and the circle directly determines the controllability of the moldboard (blade).

Inspection Focus: Check the circle gear teeth for abnormal wear or broken teeth. Start the machine, rotate the blade through its full range of motion, and check for excessive “play” or wobbling.

Expert Tip: Even with cheap used motor graders, if the circle is severely worn, the subsequent repair costs are extremely high, and the machine may lose its ability to perform precision work.

Structural Integrity: Main Frame and Articulation Points

Graders must withstand immense tractive effort and lateral stress during operation. The integrity of the frame is vital.

Inspection Focus: Look closely at the main frame for visible cracks or obvious welding repairs (especially areas with added reinforcement plates). Additionally, check the wear on the front axle oscillation pin and the main frame articulation joints.

Expert Tip: Structural damage often indicates the machine was overloaded for long periods. When browsing used construction machinery, structural safety should always be your number one priority.

The Power Heart: Engine and Exhaust Condition

The engine is the lifeblood of the equipment. For newly arrived used motor graders, a cold-start test is mandatory.

Inspection Focus: Observe the exhaust color—black smoke may indicate fuel system issues, while blue smoke suggests the engine is burning oil. Also, check around the engine block for oil leaks and ensure the fluids are free of contaminants.

Hydraulic System: Pumps, Valves, and Cylinders

All movements of a grader rely on hydraulic power. The health of the hydraulic system directly impacts operational efficiency.

Inspection Focus: Test the lift and side-shift speeds of all cylinders to ensure they are consistent and that there is no “drifting” (unwanted movement). Inspect hydraulic hoses for aging or cracking.

Drivetrain: Transmission and Tandem Cases

A grader’s drivetrain is more complex than that of a loader, particularly regarding the drive chains and bearings within the tandem cases.

Inspection Focus: During a test drive, shift through different gears to feel for hesitation or unusual noises. Check the tandem cases for oil leaks, as this directly affects the distribution of driving power to the wheels.

Conclusion: Don’t Buy the Most Expensive, Buy the Most Reliable

In the vast market for used construction machinery, finding cheap used motor graders is not difficult; the challenge is finding a machine where performance matches the price. Experts recommend reviewing maintenance logs whenever possible and choosing a reputable supplier.