Leeboy Equipment Dealer FAQs: Your Questions About Graders, Pavers, and More Answered

What you'll find here

I've spent the last 8 years coordinating emergency parts and service for construction crews. When a grader breaks down 36 hours before a deadline, or a paver's AC compressor dies mid-job, I'm the one on the phone finding solutions. Below are the questions I hear most often — the real ones, not the marketing fluff.

1. What makes Leeboy construction equipment different from other brands?

Let me clear up a common misconception. It's tempting to think all motor graders and asphalt pavers are basically the same — just pick the cheapest one. But the execution matters way more than the spec sheet. Leeboy specializes in grading and paving equipment, not bulldozers or excavators. That focus means our machines are built for precision work: whether it's a grade tolerance of 1/8" or a smooth mat finish on a two-lane road.

Take the Leeboy 685 grader versus a general-purpose grader from a full-line manufacturer. The 685 has a modular frame design that makes field repairs faster. In 2024 alone, we had three customers who needed a frame section swapped mid-project — we got it done in 48 hours. A general contractor told me, 'With my old machine, that would've been a week.'

2. How do I find a reliable Leeboy equipment dealer near me?

Here's what you need to know: not every dealer is created equal. The best ones have dedicated parts inventory for high-wear items — blades, bearings, hydraulic hoses. When I get a call from a crew in the middle of a paving job at 10 PM, the first thing I check is whether their dealer stocks Leeboy genuine parts. If not, we're looking at a 3-day wait instead of overnight.

I've seen this mistake before: a contractor chose a dealer based on price alone, then couldn't get a simple AC compressor for their paver. That single part delayed a $50,000 project by four days. Trust me on this one — pick a dealer who stocks common replacement parts, not just sales.

Use the Leeboy dealer locator on the official website (it's updated monthly). For backup, I keep a list of top dealers in each region — drop me a comment if you need a recommendation.

3. What is a telehandler, and do I need one?

Good question, because telehandlers show up on job sites alongside graders and pavers. A telehandler is a telescopic handler — basically a forklift with a boom that can reach forward and up. It's used for lifting pallets of materials, loading, and sometimes as a manlift with a work platform.

If your crew is doing any work that involves moving heavy loads across rough terrain, a telehandler is way more versatile than a standard forklift. That said, Leeboy doesn't make telehandlers. But we do work with several dealers who rent them. I've had customers who needed a telehandler for a site preparation job alongside a Leeboy grader. In that case, your dealer can often bundle a rental with your equipment purchase.

4. My asphalt paver's AC compressor just failed. Can I get a replacement quickly?

This one hits close to home. In March 2024, a client called at 4 PM needing a replacement AC compressor for a paver — their crew was starting a night shift at 6 PM. Normal lead time from the OEM was 5 days. We found a Leeboy dealer 200 miles away that had one in stock, paid $350 extra in rush shipping (on top of the $1,200 base cost), and had it delivered by 5:45 AM the next day. The client's alternative was canceling a 3-day shift worth $18,000.

Here's what I've learned: AC compressors on pavers take a beating from dust and heat. Always keep a spare if your climate is hot. Leeboy parts manuals list the exact compressor model. If you're in a pinch, call a dealer who can cross-reference with aftermarket units — I've sourced compatible compressors from industrial HVAC suppliers in a few hours.

5. Do you carry gantry crane attachments or parts?

Gantry cranes aren't typically Leeboy equipment, but we see them used in maintenance shops for lifting grader blades and paver screeds. If you're looking for a gantry crane to service your Leeboy machines, here's the deal: you don't need a brand-name attachment. Most 2-ton to 5-ton mobile gantries from reputable manufacturers work fine. What matters is the lifting points — your Leeboy grader's frame probably has designated lifting eyes. Check the operator's manual for the exact weight.

I once made a rookie mistake: assumed a standard sling would work on a 785 grader, and it slipped during a test lift. No damage, but it scared the crew. Since then, I recommend using adjustable spreader bars with gantries to avoid off-center loads. And always verify the gantry's height matches your shop clearance.

6. What's the difference between a small Leeboy grader (like the 635) and a 685 or 785?

Size isn't everything, but it's the biggest practical difference. The 635 is designed for tight urban streets and roundabouts — it's narrower and has a smaller blade (10 ft vs 12-14 ft). The 685 and 785 are for highway jobs and large subdivisions. The 785 has a higher horsepower engine (205 HP vs 175 HP) and more blade downforce for heavy grading.

But here's something most beginners get wrong: they assume the smallest grader is always cheaper. In reality, a 635 can cost almost as much as a 685 because the hydraulics and controls are similar. The real cost difference is in the frame and tires. I've had customers who bought a 635 for a job that needed a 685, then spent extra on re-grading because the smaller machine couldn't maintain grade on longer stretches.

Pro tip: Rent the size you're considering for a week before buying. That's what I tell every new contractor.

7. How can I ensure my equipment is ready for a big project with a tight deadline?

This is where my job gets real. An emergency isn't the time to discover a worn blade or low hydraulic fluid. Our company lost a $200,000 contract in 2022 because we tried to save $1,200 on preventive maintenance. The grader failed on day one of a highway job — a $35,000 penalty for missing the first week's milestone.

Now, my policy is: 48 hours before any critical start, I run a checklist that includes:

• Blade cutting edge thickness (replace if worn past 1/2 inch)
• AC compressor operation (test in both heat and cool modes)
• Hydraulic oil level and filter condition
• Grade control calibration (if equipped with GPS)
• Wheel motor seals (leaks show up under load)

Also, confirm with your dealer that they've got your common parts on the shelf. When I've had to source a gantry crane for an emergency blade change, or an AC compressor on a Saturday, the dealers with good stock saved the project. That's not a coincidence.

Bottom line

The industry is changing — Tier 4 engines, GPS grading, and just-in-time delivery mean the old ways of planning projects need updating. But the fundamentals haven't changed: know your equipment, know your dealer, and never assume things will work out without a check.

If you've got a question I didn't cover, drop it below. I've probably handled something similar on a late-night call.