A motor grader is a wheeled road-building machine with a long frame and an adjustable steel blade, the moldboard, mounted between the front and rear axles. The operator sets the blade angle and height to cut, move and spread a thin layer of material, which is how roads, shoulders, ditches and building pads are brought to line, level and slope. LICH builds nine motor graders from 12 to 28 t; this guide explains the parts, how the blade works and how the models compare.
Parts of a motor grader
- Moldboard (blade): the curved steel blade that does the cutting. LICH models carry moldboards from 3,658 mm to 4,920 mm long, with a 16 mm cutting edge on the models that publish it.
- Circle and drawbar: a rotating ring under the frame that turns the blade to face forward, sideways or at an angle. The LC-G220-B lists a blade slewing angle of 360°.
- Front axle and wheels: steering wheels that can lean into the turn, which helps the grader hold its line on a crowned road. The LC-G220-B lists a front wheel tilt of ±17°.
- Tandem rear axles: drive wheels carrying most of the weight, so the blade can push against firm ground.
- Frame: a rigid or articulated frame; the LC-G180 and LC-G220-B are articulated motor graders that turn tighter at the road edge.
- Rear ripper (optional): breaks up hard surface before the blade cuts it. The LC-G220-B lists an optional five-tooth rear ripper.
How a motor grader works
A motor grader works in passes. The operator lowers the blade, angles it so material rolls along its face and runs the machine forward in a gear that matches the cut. Three blade settings do most of the work: the slew angle sets how far the blade is turned across the machine, the tilt sets how aggressively it cuts or carries, and the lift height sets how deep the cutting edge bites. A deep cut with the blade turned moves a windrow of soil to the side; a light pass with the blade near square spreads and smooths it. Our motor grader blade angle guide covers the settings and how to read blade wear.
Graders earn their place after the bulk earthmoving is done. A bulldozer or excavator moves the volume; the grader then sets final line, level and cross slope for the roller to compact. See motor grader vs bulldozer for how the two share a road job.
What a motor grader is used for
- Forming the subgrade and base layers of new roads.
- Maintaining gravel and unpaved roads, restoring crown and cross slope.
- Cutting side ditches and shaping drainage slopes.
- Spreading and mixing material in controlled layers.
- Fine grading building pads and large yards before paving.
LICH motor grader range
| Model | Operating weight (kg) | Rated power (kW) | Power per tonne (kW/t) | Overall length × width × height (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LC-G130 | 12,000 | 97 | 8.1 | 8,290 × 2,600 × 3,465 |
| LC-G170 | 14,500 | 132 | 9.1 | 8,820 × 2,600 × 3,420 |
| LC-G190 | 15,600 | 142 | 9.1 | 8,950 × 2,600 × 3,420 |
| LC-G180 | 16,000 | 132 | 8.3 | 8,605 × 2,695 × 3,420 |
| LC-G220-A | 16,100 | 162 | 10.1 | 9,235 × 2,600 × 3,370 |
| LC-G220-B | 16,900 | 160 | 9.5 | 8,605 × 2,695 × 3,420 |
| LC-G240 | 20,000 | 179 | 9.0 | 9,250 × 2,600 × 3,420 |
| LC-G320 | 28,000 | 246 | 8.8 | 12,500 × 3,300 × 3,700 |
| LC-G350 | 28,000 | 268 | 9.6 | 12,500 × 3,300 × 3,700 |
Source: LICH product catalogue, read on 26 October 2026. Power per tonne is rated power divided by operating weight, calculated by LICH.
Power per tonne stays between 8.1 and 10.1 kW/t across all nine models, so the real choice is the weight class and blade width. Published moldboard lengths run from 3,658 mm (LC-G130 and LC-G170) to 4,920 mm (LC-G350), and maximum grading depth from 500 mm (LC-G240) to 735 mm (LC-G320 and LC-G350).
How to choose a motor grader
- Pick the weight class. Six models weigh 12 to 16.9 t (LC-G130, LC-G170, LC-G190, LC-G180, LC-G220-A, LC-G220-B), one weighs 20 t (LC-G240) and two weigh 28 t (LC-G320, LC-G350).
- Match blade width to the job. A longer moldboard covers more width per pass on wide haul roads; a shorter one is easier to place in narrow work.
- Match power to the ground. The LC-G320 and LC-G350 are listed for hard-surface cutting and earthmoving, the LC-G240 for heavy grading and land shaping, and the LC-G180 for large-scale land levelling and road construction.
- Check transport size. The 28 t models are 12,500 mm long and 3,300 mm wide; the 12 to 16.9 t models are 8.3 to 9.2 m long.
Compare weight, power, moldboard and grading depth for each model on the motor grader for sale page.
Motor grader questions
What does a motor grader do?
It uses an adjustable moldboard to cut, move and spread a thin layer of material, setting the line, level and slope of a road or pad.
What is a motor grader used for in road construction?
Forming subgrade and base layers, cutting ditches, shaping shoulders and maintaining gravel roads. A roller then compacts the prepared layer.
Is a road grader the same as a motor grader?
Yes. Road grader is another common name for a motor grader.
How much does a motor grader weigh?
LICH motor graders weigh 12,000 to 28,000 kg: 12 t (LC-G130), 14.5 t (LC-G170), 15.6 t (LC-G190), 16 t (LC-G180), 16.1 t (LC-G220-A), 16.9 t (LC-G220-B), 20 t (LC-G240) and 28 t (LC-G320, LC-G350).
How wide is a motor grader blade?
The published moldboards are 3,658 to 4,920 mm long. The 12 t LC-G130 carries 3,658 mm and the 28 t LC-G350 carries 4,920 mm.
Is a motor grader a compactor?
No. A grader shapes the surface; a single drum roller compacts soil and base layers, and a pneumatic tyre roller works on asphalt and stabilised layers.
Find the motor grader for your road job
Tell us the road width, material, cut depth and destination. We will recommend the weight class and blade width and quote the motor grader with spare cutting edges.