For the motor grader or a dozer to work efficiently, its cutting edges must be kept sharp and plant operators know well about this fact. I believe it is one of the best practices taught in class to keep the machine in condition. When the cutting edges are worn out or blunt, it can lead to other major issues to the machine in future. Cutting through a material with blunt edges can cause the grader to use more fuel and it gives excess shock to the drivetrain and the rest of the frame which can shorten the life of other components which can be very costly to repair or replace.
Additionally, worn-out cutting edges can impact the overall productivity of a machine because it requires more horsepower to maneuver the earthmoving process leading to a high cost of fuel and damage on tyres. The responsibility of keeping cutting edges in the right conditions lies squarely within the jurisdiction of a plant operator.
Here are some of the expert tips for keeping the cutting edges sharp for long working hours:
An operator has to ensure the cutting edges are sharp and at the right angle before beginning any earthmoving process. A skilled operator knows how to keep the cutting edges and the blades at the right angles before beginning the operation. He is expected to keep the cutting edges sharp and make the replacements when necessary to keep other machine components from unnecessary pressure, wear or tear. A responsible operator will therefore operate under the recommended speed and keep off jerky movements that could cause unnecessary shock to the framing and the drivetrain.
Playing the cutting edges right is significantly important. Sometimes some operators may tilt the cutting edges wrong in an attempt to see the cutting edge while operating. This can cause the blades to go blunt prematurely making the process of cutting through more difficult. It should align correctly to the moldboard for efficiency and keep the cutting edge sharp for a long time. A plant operator must find a way to balance the cutting edge usage to prevent uneven wear on the edges.
Speed is a fundamental factor for graders or dozers and any other plant operating machinery. Any machine demands smooth and slow operationality to prevent unnecessary harm to the cutting edge. The recommended speed for any earthmoving operation should be 10 kilometres/hour and the maximum limit is 16 KM/H. Operating beyond the recommended speed can be disastrous and dangerous for the machine and the plant operator. Above keeping the speed low, the operator should avoid jerky movements of the blades to minimize stress exerted onto the cutting edge reducing shocks and loads to other parts of the machine.
The other important point is to replace the scrapper cutting edges when necessary. With time, even when all the best practices for keeping the blades sharp are observed, there comes a time when wear and tear are inevitable. After extensive and continuous use, the cutting edges will finally demand to retire due to wear and tear. And when it is due, the plant operator must make recommendations for replacement.
Final Thoughts
Summing it up, the cutting edge of every plant machinery is important and should be visually inspected after every 50 hours of work.
