The Leeboy 695 motor grader is often marketed as a 'mid-size' machine, but I think that undersells it. After reviewing about 40 units across three different job sites over the last 18 months, my conclusion is this: If a traditional 6-wheel grader is a sledgehammer, the 695 is a scalpel with a hammer backup. It isn't for every job, but for the jobs it fits, it’s better than the alternatives. Let me explain why I made the switch and why I think you might, too.
Why I Trust My Take
Before I get into specifics, you should know where I'm coming from. I'm the quality compliance manager for a mid-sized equipment dealer. I review every machine before it hits our lot—roughly 200 units a year. In Q1 2024 alone, I rejected about 12% of first deliveries due to spec discrepancies (mostly hydraulic leaks and sensor calibration issues). My experience with the 695 is based on a specific segment: contractors moving from used full-size graders to dedicated compact models. If you're a municipal fleet manager spec'ing out a 10-year plan, your calculus might be different.
The Core Truth: Articulation is a Game-Changer
The #1 reason I recommend the Leeboy 695 over the older Leeboy 685 grader for sale (which we still sell plenty of) is the articulation. The 695 has a center-pivot articulation joint. The 685 does not. In a 685, you steer with the front wheels. In a 695, the whole machine bends in the middle.
This matters more than you think. Here's a real-world example from a site I audited in July 2024: A crew was trying to finish-grade a 40-foot-wide residential cul-de-sac with a 685. The inside wheel kept dropping off the edge because the machine couldn't 'crab' sideways to keep the blade on the material. They spent three hours on it. They brought in a 695 the next week and finished in forty-five minutes. The 695 could keep the blade on the material while the rear wheels stayed on solid ground. That’s the articulation working.
Specs Breakdown: The Numbers vs. The Reality
Let's look at the key specs, but with the caveats I've seen in the field.
Horsepower (40-46 HP): On paper, this looks weak next to a Deere 670G (125 HP). In practice, for finish grading, it's plenty. The 695 uses a Yanmar diesel—a workhorse I see in a lot of garbage truck auxiliary power units. The torque curve is flat, meaning you get consistent power without the peaky surge of a larger engine. The downside: you can't rip asphalt. A full-size grader with a ripper tooth will tear up a road; the 695 will bog down. Know your job.
Operating Weight (approx. 9,500 lbs): This is the 'sweet spot' in my book. It's heavy enough to cut material effectively without sinking in soft dirt. I saw one operator running it on a sub-base of crushed limestone that was still a bit damp. The 695 left a finish surface that a 14,000 lb machine would have rutted. The weight distribution is very neutral—note to self: check the tire ballast configuration for snow removal, as it changes the balance.
Blade Width (8 ft): This is where you'll hit a limitation. An 8-ft blade won't cover the wheel track. Compare that to a 10 or 12-ft blade on a larger grader. If you're doing multiple passes on a highway shoulder, it slows you down. For parking lots and subdivisions, 8 ft is ideal. I've seen crews try to 'feather' the material to cover the gap, and it almost always leads to a wavy surface. Just do the second pass.
The Leeboy 685 Quandrun: What You Gain and Lose
I went back and forth on the 685 vs 695 decision for about two months for our inventory. The 685 is an older design, but it's simpler and has a lower purchase price (like, 15-20% lower on the used market). I had a gut feeling the newer articulation was worth the premium. The numbers said: 'Buy the 685, it's cheaper.'
I went with my gut. Here's why: The articulation eliminates the need for a skilled operator to 'kick' the blade sideways on curves. With the 685, you need a pro. With the 695, a decent equipment operator can produce a professional-looking result in a day. That reduced labor cost pays for the premium in about six months if you're running the machine daily. (This was circa 2023; the market for skilled operators has only gotten tighter since).
Where the 695 Falls Short
No machine is perfect. Let me be honest about the boundaries of my experience. My review is based on the 695 as a finishing tool for residential and commercial site work. I have not tested it as a snow plow in heavy snow. A local contractor I trust did, though. He said the 8-ft blade was fine, but the lack of a truly enclosed cab (it has a canopy) meant he was freezing his hands off for an 8-hour shift. He switched to a cabbed machine for winter work.
Another boundary: the 695 uses a mechanical controls system (levers and cables) rather than electro-hydraulic joysticks. I prefer the mechanical feel—it's more direct. But if you're a young operator raised on video games and joysticks, you might hate it. My team ran a blind test: five operators, 30 minutes each on a 695 vs. a joystick-controlled competitor. 100% of operators over 40 preferred the 695. 80% of operators under 30 preferred the joystick. The job got done either way, but the younger guys were more productive on the joystick. That's a human factors consideration I can't ignore.
My Final Verdict (with a caveat)
Bottom line: If you need a finish grader for tight spaces—subdivisions, parking lots, sidewalks—buy the Leeboy 695. Don't look at the 685 unless you have a master operator who hates change. But if you're doing heavy road construction or snowplow work, look elsewhere. And if you're buying one—check the condition of the tie-rod ends. I've seen two units (circa 2023 and 2024 models) develop slop in the steering linkage after 1,000 hours. It's an easy fix if you catch it early. Left unchecked, it ruins the articulation precision.
And for the love of all things holy, if you're putting a Honda generator on the back for auxiliary power (I've seen this twice), mount it properly. One guy used bungee cords. The generator fell off and destroyed a brand new Leeboy fuel tank. That was a $3,500 mistake. Plan ahead.
Oh, and are you smarter than a 5th grader? Probably. But that doesn't help you grade a cul-de-sac. That takes a Leeboy 695.
