Bell Equipment has been a company of firsts, introducing the industry’s first articulated motor grader and the first dual path hydrostatic front-wheel drive system. Now the tradition continues: Bell has raised the benchmark in the Motor Grader market with its new G-Series, offering users a choice of console-mounted industry standard controls or armrest-mounted industry standard fingertip controls, as well as features like cross-slope control, automatic differential lock and a rearview camera. “With the G-Series, it’s not ‘one size fits all’ – you’re free to choose the control style that makes you the most comfortable and productive,” said Llewellyn Roux, Bell Equipment Company South Africa’s Product Marketing Manager for Motor Graders. “And every grader has a steering wheel, no matter which control pattern you pick.”
Using extensive customer input and the successful D-Series as a platform, six G-Series models have been launched, ranging from 138 to 205 net kW, each engineered for increased productivity, reliability, durability, serviceability and low daily operating costs.
Choices for Everyone
With its G-Series graders, Bell is offering the industry unequalled choices. In controls, choose from the console-mounted low-effort industry standard control pattern or intuitive and easy-to-use armrest-mounted industry standard fingertip controls. If an operator specifies the fingertip controls, he will still have a choice between lever steering or the ever-present steering wheel.
Either way, G-Series controls provide a smooth, predictable response and plenty of power whether the application calls for heavy blading or fine grading.
Furthermore, in recognising that every job site has different requirements, G-Series Graders are available with a rear ripper/scarifier. “Owners and operators can set up the tool configuration that best suits the job for the day,” Roux said.
Ultimate Productivity
The Grade Pro PackageFor road builders, larger site prep contractors and municipalities with many rural roads to maintain, the G-Series’ Grade Pro package offers a suite of productivity-enhancing features for high-production grading.
Grade Pro models have industry-standard pattern fingertip controls, located on the armrest. They offer lever steering and the steering wheel for operators who prefer traditional steering.
With the push of a button, operators can engage return-to-straight, bringing the rear frame back to centre. Exclusive cross slope control allows operators to select a desired slope and maintain it with just one blade lift lever.
Slope control technology can assist less experienced operators.
“With the Grade Pro package, Bell makes it easier to do your best work,” Roux said. “When you combine smooth ergonomically correct controls, cross slope and return-to-straight, you have a machine with unmatched comfort and control. These are the controls that all blade operators prefer – there’s no need to re-learn how to run this motor grader.”
All G-Series Grade Pro units are grade-control ready.
These machines can accept Trimble® or Topcon® grade control systems, whichever manufacturer the customer prefers. All automatic grade control buttons and controls are integrated into the control levers.
A rear camera system with radar object detection is an available option and a high/wide-back air-suspension heated seat completes the package. All G-Series graders also have keyless start with multiple security codes, enabling owners to control who has access to the machine.
Engine and Transmission
John Deere PowerTech Plus™ 9.0L high torque Tier III engines provide best-in-class lugging and best-in-class low RPM power, with standard variable engine power. Coupled with the heavy-duty Deere transmission with EBS (Event Based Shifting) transmission software, operators will not only enjoy plenty of power to get the job done but will also experience extraordinary smoothness.
The rear axles feature automatic differential lock. The hydraulic clutch-style differential lock can be engaged on the go.
Three of the six new G-Series models have six-wheel drive rather than tandem drive, enabling them to power through the toughest cuts with power flowing to all wheels. As a result, operators enjoy increased traction and a 30-percent increase in tractive effort. Six-wheel-drive units also have a precision mode for ultra-low speed operations and steering compensation to help pull the machine through a turn. These models are the 672G, 772G and 872G.
All G-Series machines have programmable auto-shutdown for fuel savings.
Serviceability
Continued Roux: “We believe that easy-to-service machines are important to increased uptime and low daily operating costs. That’s why each G-Series motor grader is offered with a convenient transmission, hydraulic and differential filter bank for fast access. There’s also ground level fueling and a swing-out cool-on-demand automatic reversing fan standard on every model.“If you work in a dusty environment or one prone to debris, the standard auto reversing fan is going to save you time and maintenance costs. The entire cooling package folds out for easy cleanout. This design is based on the E Series wheeled loader Quad-Cool™ package, which has been extremely well received in the market.”
The NeverGrease™ pin joints mean a 56-percent reduction in greasing, leading to more time and money savings. “NeverGrease joints will last longer,” Roux said. “And the tighter joints will also improve the accuracy of your blade work.”
The multi-function LCD colour monitor lets the operator continuously track vital machine readings and temperatures. Other items shown include diagnostics system analysis and the view from the optional rear camera. Additional G-Series enhancements include increased blade lift height, increased circle throat clearance and a large tapered roller bearing in the articulation joint.
