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Have you ever wondered how roads were built in the past? Discover how horses were used to pull patrol cars at a time when technology did not yet exist.
Motor graders, or Patrols, as they are known in Brazil, are essential for road construction, mining and agriculture.
These incredible machines have evolved dramatically since their invention at the end of the century. XIX. What began as rudimentary horse-drawn tools became a symbol of technological efficiency.
But how did these machines get to their current stage? Follow this fascinating journey.
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Horse-drawn Patrols
At the end of the century XIX, the advancement of motor graders, patrols, began with simple steel structures, pulled by horses or wood.
In 1885, Joseph D. Adams revolutionized the industry by creating the “Little Wonder” in Indianapolis. This rudimentary model used the tilt-wheel principle to adjust the blade angle.
Adams didn’t stop there. In the 1890s, his company developed the “Road King”, equipped with four wheels and a 2,5 m blade.
This model became a landmark, showing the potential of graders to transform rudimentary roads into safer and more accessible routes. Um youtuber showed how the equipment worked.
The transition to tractors
With the arrival of steam tractors in the early 20th century, horses were gradually replaced.
After World War I, internal combustion engines brought even greater efficiency. Gasoline-powered tractors were lighter and faster, which boosted their use in conjunction with graders.
In this scenario, the Russell Grader Manufacturing Company stood out. In 1920, it launched the “Hi-Way Patrol Engine No. 1”, a grader attached to an Allis-Chalmers tractor.
The innovation quickly attracted other manufacturers, such as McCormick Deering and Fordson, who adapted tractors to integrate graders into their designs.
The Caterpillar Era
The 1930s marked a turning point with the emergence of the “Caterpillar Auto Patrol”. This 1931 model cemented Caterpillar as the industry leader.
Unlike previous graders, it was an integrated machine: engine, drive train and blade designed as a single unit.
The model introduced rubber tires, abandoning traditional tracks, and set the standard for future motor graders.
Additionally, the rear-engine design offered superior balance and improved operator visibility, standing out for its innovation.
Technological advances during the 20th century
Between the 1930s and 1960s, the market witnessed constant evolution. In 1935, JD Adams developed a blade that could be extended laterally, making it easier to cut embankments and shoulders.
Three years later, Caterpillar launched the diesel-powered “No. 12 Auto Patrol,” setting a new standard for durability.
The growth of the construction industry after the war, especially with the boom in superhighways, increased the demand for larger, more robust motor graders.
In the 1960s, Caterpillar responded with the “No. 16 Motor Grader,” weighing in at an impressive 21 tons and equipped with a 4,3-foot blade. Later, the 16G series further refined this design with hydraulic controls.
The Age of Giant Machines
The year 1996 brought the 24H, the largest motor grader ever launched by Caterpillar. Weighing 61 tons and measuring over 16 meters, this machine was designed for extreme demands, such as mining and construction of large highways.
Equipped with all-wheel drive and turbocharged engines, these machines redefined the concept of efficiency.
Recent Innovations and the Future of Motor Graders
Motor grader technology has continued to evolve. In recent years, advances in hydraulic systems, electronic controls and ergonomics have made these machines more precise and easier to operate. The use of joysticks has replaced traditional levers, while GPS technology has brought millimeter precision to operations.
Manufacturers like Caterpillar continue to lead the way in innovation. More efficient and sustainable engines have been developed to reduce emissions, while cabins offer greater comfort and visibility for operators.
