{"id":8573,"date":"2026-10-13T19:50:01","date_gmt":"2026-10-13T19:50:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/?p=8573"},"modified":"2026-10-13T19:53:25","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T19:53:25","slug":"why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Is Your Motor Grader Not Cutting Grade Correctly? 9 Common Problems &amp; Fixes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>You set the blade, do a pass and the road still isn&#8217;t looking right. Many county roads, job sites and farm lanes complain of a <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/listings\/for-sale\/motor-graders\">motor grader<\/a> not cutting grade<\/strong>. It is typically one of a few causes: the setting of the blade, the rate the vehicle is moving, the shape of the road, or machine condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The following provides information about nine frequent issues and, then, the first place to check. It is based on information in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fhwa.dot.gov\/construction\/pubs\/ots15002.pdf\"><strong>FHWA Gravel Roads Maintenance and Design Manual<\/strong><\/a> and from manufacturers (Caterpillar and John Deere).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"801\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/cat-140h-motor-grader-blade-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8580\" style=\"width:1039px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/cat-140h-motor-grader-blade-1.jpeg 801w, https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/cat-140h-motor-grader-blade-1-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/cat-140h-motor-grader-blade-1-768x431.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 801px) 100vw, 801px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #848484;color:#848484\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #848484;color:#848484\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/#1_Blade_Bounce_Is_Leaving_Washboards_Behind\" >1. Blade Bounce Is Leaving Washboards Behind<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/#2_The_Grader_Wont_Hold_the_Desired_Grade\" >2. The Grader Won&#8217;t Hold the Desired Grade<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/#3_Material_Is_Rolling_Off_the_Moldboard_Incorrectly\" >3. Material Is Rolling Off the Moldboard Incorrectly<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/#4_The_Grader_Struggles_on_Slopes\" >4. The Grader Struggles on Slopes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/#5_The_Front_Wheels_Keep_Sliding\" >5. The Front Wheels Keep Sliding<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/#6_The_Road_Crown_Is_Uneven\" >6. The Road Crown Is Uneven<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/#7_Ditches_Are_Not_Being_Cut_to_the_Correct_Profile\" >7. Ditches Are Not Being Cut to the Correct Profile<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/#8_The_Grader_Requires_Too_Many_Passes\" >8. The Grader Requires Too Many Passes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/#9_The_Machine_Lacks_Traction_in_Difficult_Material\" >9. The Machine Lacks Traction in Difficult Material<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/#When_the_Problem_Is_the_Machine_Rather_Than_the_Operator\" >When the Problem Is the Machine Rather Than the Operator<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/#Where_Used_Graders_Get_Put_to_Work_and_Who_Buys_Them\" >Where Used Graders Get Put to Work (and Who Buys Them)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/#Used_vs_New_Motor_Graders_What_Changes\" >Used vs. New Motor Graders: What Changes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/#Looking_at_a_Used_Caterpillar_140H\" >Looking at a Used Caterpillar 140H?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/#Why_is_my_motor_grader_leaving_washboard\" >Why is my motor grader leaving washboard?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/#What_causes_a_grader_blade_to_bounce\" >What causes a grader blade to bounce?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/#How_much_crown_should_a_gravel_road_have\" >How much crown should a gravel road have?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/#Is_it_better_to_buy_a_used_motor_grader\" >Is it better to buy a used motor grader?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Blade_Bounce_Is_Leaving_Washboards_Behind\"><\/span>1. Blade Bounce Is Leaving Washboards Behind<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Grader blade bounce<\/strong> is probably the most frustrating one. The blade skips across the surface and leaves ripples, called <strong>washboards<\/strong>. Then you go back and fix it, which means more fuel and more hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Try changing your travel speed first. Bounce often shows up at one specific speed, and a small adjustment can stop it. Check tire pressure and look for worn blade-rail or circle bushings too. An older USDOT road manual also points out that the blade angle itself can make a blade bounce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some newer machines handle this for you. Cat&#8217;s Stable Blade system, offered on M Series 3 graders and as a retrofit on some older M Series models, senses bounce and adjusts machine speed automatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_The_Grader_Wont_Hold_the_Desired_Grade\"><\/span>2. The Grader Won&#8217;t Hold the Desired Grade<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you can&#8217;t hold <strong>grade<\/strong>, look at the basics before blaming the operator. Worn <strong>cutting edges<\/strong>, loose bushings, and sensors that haven&#8217;t been calibrated all cause drift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Machines with <strong>grade control<\/strong> help a lot. Cat offers Cat GRADE with Cross Slope, and John Deere offers SmartGrade, a mastless system that holds accuracy while the operator still controls articulation, pitch, and wheel lean. Even with these systems, they need regular calibration to work properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Material_Is_Rolling_Off_the_Moldboard_Incorrectly\"><\/span>3. Material Is Rolling Off the Moldboard Incorrectly<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Material needs to roll freely down the <strong>moldboard<\/strong> and off where you desire it to go! The common causes for spilling the wrong way or the blade stacking are the blade angle, blade pitch, or speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Good gravel road work begins, according to the FHWA manual, with the <strong>moldboard angle<\/strong> being one of the primary factors. It also refers to the blade pitch from a highly aggressive cutting position to a more general maintenance position. Stop and bend slightly and repeat. Avoid using the same configuration on a repeated basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_The_Grader_Struggles_on_Slopes\"><\/span>4. The Grader Struggles on Slopes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If working on a side slope, use <strong>wheel lean<\/strong>. The operators typically do that manually and, according to Deere&#8217;s patent filing, it requires a degree of skill to do it well when slope banking. First, look to lean, articulation and tires if the machine is going downhill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_The_Front_Wheels_Keep_Sliding\"><\/span>5. The Front Wheels Keep Sliding<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sliding front wheels usually mean a loose surface, a heavy cut, or not enough traction at the front. An <strong>all-wheel-drive motor grader<\/strong> can help here. Case describes its hydrostatic AWD as sensing a slipping front tire and moving power to the one that&#8217;s gripping. Cat and Deere both offer AWD options as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_The_Road_Crown_Is_Uneven\"><\/span>6. The Road Crown Is Uneven<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Water drains off a good <strong>road crown<\/strong>. It is contained in a flat or inverted one and this&#8217;s where you see some of the ruts and potholes germinating. The FHWA guidance is recommended at about 1\/2\u201d of crown per foot or approximately 4 per cent. Excessive crown may look shaky on snow or icy roads. However, a simple crown gauge will inform you about the amount of crown you have, not what you\u2019re assuming you do have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Ditches_Are_Not_Being_Cut_to_the_Correct_Profile\"><\/span>7. Ditches Are Not Being Cut to the Correct Profile<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The FHWA manual has separate sections on ditches and high shoulders because drainage drives the whole road&#8217;s condition. If your <strong>ditch cutting<\/strong> looks off, check blade angle, cutting-edge wear, and whether you&#8217;re using cross-slope control or at least a slope indicator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_The_Grader_Requires_Too_Many_Passes\"><\/span>8. The Grader Requires Too Many Passes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Extra passes are a symptom. Bounce, wrong angle, a dull edge, or poor <strong>grade control<\/strong> all add them. Cat says automated cross slope can save material in some applications, up to 40% by its own estimate. Treat that as a manufacturer figure, but the point holds: fewer corrections mean fewer passes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_The_Machine_Lacks_Traction_in_Difficult_Material\"><\/span>9. The Machine Lacks Traction in Difficult Material<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mud, wet clay, loose gravel, and snow all test a grader. Cat&#8217;s AWD option is aimed at rough terrain and poor underfoot conditions. Deere offers AWD as an option and includes a no-spin differential as standard. Ballast, tire condition, and tire pressure matter too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_the_Problem_Is_the_Machine_Rather_Than_the_Operator\"><\/span>When the Problem Is the Machine Rather Than the Operator<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes you do everything right and the grader still won&#8217;t cooperate. The FHWA manual includes a walk-around grader inspection for this reason. Look at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cutting edges and moldboard wear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Circle and blade-rail bushings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tire wear and pressure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grade control sensors and calibration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AWD or differential function<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If the machine is simply worn out, repairs can cost more than the machine is worth. That&#8217;s when many buyers look at a <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/listings\/for-sale\/motor-graders\">used motor grader for sale<\/a><\/strong> instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_Used_Graders_Get_Put_to_Work_and_Who_Buys_Them\"><\/span>Where Used Graders Get Put to Work (and Who Buys Them)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Used graders are common in a few places:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>County and township road departments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gravel road contractors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Site-prep and excavation companies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mining and quarry operations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Farms and ranches with long private roads<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of these buyers want a working machine at a lower cost, without waiting on new equipment delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Used_vs_New_Motor_Graders_What_Changes\"><\/span>Used vs. New Motor Graders: What Changes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>New graders are available equipped with the latest technology and with a full warranty but are very expensive. The older the motor grader, the lower the price of a <strong>used Caterpillar motor grader<\/strong>, and if your crew is performing standard gravel and ditch applications, then an older grader with less advanced grade control may get the job done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is some sacrifice because older machines might exhibit wear. This is the reason why buyers should find out what the machine&#8217;s condition and history are before purchasing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"796\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/used-cat-140h-motor-grader-for-sale-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8581\" style=\"width:1036px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/used-cat-140h-motor-grader-for-sale-1.jpeg 796w, https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/used-cat-140h-motor-grader-for-sale-1-300x170.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/used-cat-140h-motor-grader-for-sale-1-768x434.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 796px) 100vw, 796px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Looking_at_a_Used_Caterpillar_140H\"><\/span>Looking at a Used Caterpillar 140H?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/listings\/for-sale\/motor-graders\/caterpillar-140H\/242\">Caterpillar 140H<\/a><\/strong> is a well-known model on U.S. road crews, and <strong>Mico Equipment<\/strong> has a list of <strong>motor graders for sale<\/strong>. Mico has supplied <strong>heavy equipment<\/strong> in the U.S. since 2008. The machines are sold as received and described as being in good condition. Buyers who want a closer look can request an inspection, and Mico can arrange one on request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fix the Setup, Then Check the Machine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The vast majority of grade issues begin with setup and the technique, and finish with wear. Go through the list top to bottom and most will be picked up. If the machine is a problem, please visit our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/listings\/for-sale\/motor-graders\">used motor graders for sale<\/a><\/strong> at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\">Mico Equipment<\/a> or give the team a call to request more information about the Caterpillar 140H.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span>FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_my_motor_grader_leaving_washboard\"><\/span>Why is my motor grader leaving washboard?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Usually speed, blade angle, tire pressure, or worn bushings. Try a small speed change first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_causes_a_grader_blade_to_bounce\"><\/span>What causes a grader blade to bounce?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Travel speed, hard surfaces, blade setup, and worn components. Some Cat models have Stable Blade to correct it automatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_crown_should_a_gravel_road_have\"><\/span>How much crown should a gravel road have?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>About 1\/2 inch per foot, roughly 4 percent, according to a summary of FHWA guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_better_to_buy_a_used_motor_grader\"><\/span>Is it better to buy a used motor grader?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For many road and site crews, yes, because of the lower cost. Know the machine&#8217;s condition first.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You set the blade, do a pass and the road still isn&#8217;t looking right. Many county roads, job sites and farm lanes complain of a motor grader not cutting grade. It is typically one of a few causes: the setting of the blade, the rate the vehicle is moving, the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":8578,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,6,649,589],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8573","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-construction-equipment","category-equipment-inspection-tips","category-heavy-machinery","category-motor-graders"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Why Is Your Motor Grader Not Cutting Grade Correctly? 9 Common Problems &amp; Fixes - Used Equipment<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"adminX\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"adminX\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/517389fb9c9115b14c41fe037e7db48e\"},\"headline\":\"Why Is Your Motor Grader Not Cutting Grade Correctly? 9 Common Problems &amp; Fixes\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-10-13T19:50:01+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-13T19:53:25+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1240,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/cat-140h-motor-grader-for-sale.jpeg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Construction Equipment\",\"Equipment Inspection Tips\",\"Heavy Machinery\",\"Motor Graders\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\\\/\",\"name\":\"Why Is Your Motor Grader Not Cutting Grade Correctly? 9 Common Problems &amp; Fixes - Used Equipment\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/cat-140h-motor-grader-for-sale.jpeg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-10-13T19:50:01+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-13T19:53:25+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/cat-140h-motor-grader-for-sale.jpeg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/cat-140h-motor-grader-for-sale.jpeg\",\"width\":800,\"height\":450,\"caption\":\"CAT 140H Motor Grader for Sale\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Why Is Your Motor Grader Not Cutting Grade Correctly? 9 Common Problems &amp; Fixes\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"Used Equipment\",\"description\":\"Blogs\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Used Equipment\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/11\\\/cropped-new-logo.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/11\\\/cropped-new-logo.jpg\",\"width\":200,\"height\":90,\"caption\":\"Used Equipment\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.micoequipment.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/517389fb9c9115b14c41fe037e7db48e\",\"name\":\"adminX\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/c6c4c986a10fb2021d2629dd2f6ab494cf75e02e49d37b319622f8c929a349cc?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/c6c4c986a10fb2021d2629dd2f6ab494cf75e02e49d37b319622f8c929a349cc?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/c6c4c986a10fb2021d2629dd2f6ab494cf75e02e49d37b319622f8c929a349cc?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"adminX\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Why Is Your Motor Grader Not Cutting Grade Correctly? 9 Common Problems &amp; Fixes - Used Equipment","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"adminX","Est. reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/"},"author":{"name":"adminX","@id":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/517389fb9c9115b14c41fe037e7db48e"},"headline":"Why Is Your Motor Grader Not Cutting Grade Correctly? 9 Common Problems &amp; Fixes","datePublished":"2026-10-13T19:50:01+00:00","dateModified":"2026-10-13T19:53:25+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/"},"wordCount":1240,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/cat-140h-motor-grader-for-sale.jpeg","articleSection":["Construction Equipment","Equipment Inspection Tips","Heavy Machinery","Motor Graders"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/","url":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/","name":"Why Is Your Motor Grader Not Cutting Grade Correctly? 9 Common Problems &amp; Fixes - Used Equipment","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/cat-140h-motor-grader-for-sale.jpeg","datePublished":"2026-10-13T19:50:01+00:00","dateModified":"2026-10-13T19:53:25+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/cat-140h-motor-grader-for-sale.jpeg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/cat-140h-motor-grader-for-sale.jpeg","width":800,"height":450,"caption":"CAT 140H Motor Grader for Sale"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/why-is-your-motor-grader-not-cutting-grade-correctly-9-common-problems-fixes\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Why Is Your Motor Grader Not Cutting Grade Correctly? 9 Common Problems &amp; Fixes"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/","name":"Used Equipment","description":"Blogs","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Used Equipment","url":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/cropped-new-logo.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/cropped-new-logo.jpg","width":200,"height":90,"caption":"Used Equipment"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/517389fb9c9115b14c41fe037e7db48e","name":"adminX","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c6c4c986a10fb2021d2629dd2f6ab494cf75e02e49d37b319622f8c929a349cc?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c6c4c986a10fb2021d2629dd2f6ab494cf75e02e49d37b319622f8c929a349cc?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c6c4c986a10fb2021d2629dd2f6ab494cf75e02e49d37b319622f8c929a349cc?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"adminX"}}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8573","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8573"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8573\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8582,"href":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8573\/revisions\/8582"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8578"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8573"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8573"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.micoequipment.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8573"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}