In This Guide
Motor graders are the backbone of African rural road building, highway paving, and mining haul road maintenance. Over-specifying horsepower leads to unnecessary diesel consumption, while under-specifying blade pull leads to engine strain on hard-packed laterite soils.
Matching Blade Width & Horsepower to Application
| HP Range | Blade Length | Primary Use Case | Landed Cost Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 – 140 HP | 12 ft (3.66 m) | Rural feeder roads, light leveling, municipal upkeep | $65,000 – $85,000 |
| 160 – 190 HP | 13–14 ft (4.27 m) | Highway construction, sub-base preparation, large sites | $95,000 – $130,000 |
| 200+ HP | 14–16 ft (4.88 m) | Heavy mining haul road grading, large earthworks | $145,000 – $210,000 |