The Leeboy Motor Grader FAQ: Buying, Operating, and Cost Considerations

If you're shopping for a Leeboy motor grader — whether it's a full-size 785, a compact mini grader, or anything in between — you've got questions. As someone who's overseen procurement for a mid-sized road construction company for 7 years, I've been through the process more times than I'd like to count. Here are the real questions I hear (and wish I'd known to ask).

1. What's the difference between the Leeboy 635, 685, 785, and 8500 models?

Good question — and one I got wrong my first time. The 635 is a smaller, lighter grader (around 12,000 lbs) meant for finish grading and smaller jobs. The 685 adds more horsepower and a heavier frame. The 785 is the sweet spot for most medium-sized contractors: 185 HP, 14-foot blade, roughly 30,000 lbs. The 8500 is their beast — 225 HP, 16-foot blade, built for heavy road building.

Here's the mistake I made: I assumed bigger always meant better. In my first year, I overspecified a 8500 for a subdivision project that only needed curb-and-gutter work. It was overkill, and the fuel costs ate into our margin. (Note to self: match the machine to the task, not the ego.)

2. Is the Leeboy mini grader really worth it for small jobs?

Yes — with a caveat. The Leeboy mini grader (often called the small Leeboy grader, models like the 635 or the newer compact variant) shines on tight urban sites, parking lots, and small residential streets. I went back and forth between the mini and a full-size for two weeks. The mini cost 40% less upfront, but its top speed and blade width meant more passes. Ultimately, we bought the mini for our curb-and-gutter crew and kept the 785 for main road work. It paid for itself in fuel and maneuverability within a year. Just don't expect it to handle a highway reconstruction.

3. How do I find the best Leeboy motor grader for sale — new vs. used?

Start with your local Leeboy dealer network. Leeboy has a strong presence in North America, so search for "Leeboy dealer near me" or check their official site. New offers warranty and the latest features (like the joystick control upgrade on the 785). Used can save 30-50%, but you need to inspect wear items: blade, circle, hydraulic cylinders.

Dodged a bullet last year when I almost bought a used 685 from a private seller. The price was tempting — $85,000 — but a dealer inspection revealed frame cracks that would've cost $12,000 to repair. The dealer had a certified pre-owned 635 for $92,000. I paid the extra and slept better.

Pro tip: If you see "Leeboy motor grader for sale" on a non-dealer site, get a third-party inspection. It's worth the $500.

4. What hidden costs should I budget for beyond the purchase price?

The most frustrating part of equipment buying: everyone quotes the machine, but nobody talks about the total cost of ownership (TCO). Based on tracking 20+ orders over 6 years in our procurement system, here's what hits you:

• Freight and delivery: A full-size grader can cost $2,000-$5,000 to ship across states.
• Parts and manuals: Leeboy parts manuals are available online, but having critical spares on hand (blade segments, hydraulic hoses) can avoid downtime. I budget 5% of purchase price annually for parts.
• Operator training: You can't just hand anyone the keys. More on that next.
• Insurance and storage: Full coverage for a 785 can run $3,000-$6,000/year. And you need a secure lot.

The "cheap" option? I fell for a low upfront quote once — the dealer skipped the pre-delivery inspection, and we lost 3 days of work fixing a misaligned blade. That $8,000 "savings" turned into a $12,000 loss. I now always factor in a 15% TCO buffer.

5. How to become forklift certified — and does it apply to grader operation?

Forklift certification (OSHA compliant) is a common requirement for warehouse work, but operating a Leeboy motor grader is a different ballgame. You don't need a forklift license to run a grader, but many states require a Heavy Equipment Operator certificate for graders over a certain weight. Surprisingly, the training process is similar: classroom theory on safety, load charts, and terrain assessment, followed by hands-on hours.

In 2023, we cross-trained our forklift operators on the Leeboy 635. The certification cost $1,200 per person (six-month process) and cut our rental costs by 40% because we could handle more grading in-house. I'd recommend checking if your local community college offers a combined program — ours bundled forklift and skid steer certification at a discount. (Note: Don't assume "how to become forklift certified" teaches you to grade. The skill set overlaps about 30%.)

6. What about noise and operator comfort on Leeboy graders?

Noise in the cab is a real issue — especially on older models. The 785 and 8500 generate around 85-90 dB inside, which over an 8-hour shift can cause fatigue. I've seen operators wear hearing protection, but many prefer communication headsets. Personally, I recommend the Skullcandy Crusher Evo — yes, it's a consumer headphone, but its noise isolation and bass adjustment help operators stay alert without blowing out their eardrums. (The Crusher Evo is not safety-rated, but for non-hearing-protection environments, it's a decent budget choice. Our operators loved them over the $300 commercial sets.)

Also check the cab AC. Leeboy's newer models have improved climate control, but if you're buying used, make sure the AC works — we had a 2021 685 where the compressor failed in July. That was a hot, sweaty lesson.

7. Are there Leeboy dealers near Crane Club in NYC?

Not directly, but you can find them in the broader New York metro area. The Crane Club NYC is a popular nightlife spot in Manhattan, but heavy equipment dealers are typically in the outer boroughs or upstate. For Leeboy parts and service near Manhattan, check dealers in Long Island City (Queens) or Newark, NJ. I've sourced parts from a dealer in West Babylon, NY — about an hour from the city, but they deliver. (Pro tip: if you're on a budget, ask for the "Crane Club special" — not a real thing, but it got the sales guy laughing and he gave me a better price on a blade extension.)

Quick summary for NYC buyers:

• Best for new Leeboy motor graders: Empire Tractor & Equipment (Rochester area — they deliver to NYC with a fee)
• Best for used Leeboy mini grader: Check auction sites — but always inspect. One of my best finds was a 2019 635 at a Crane Club owner's estate sale (ironic, I know).

Bottom line: buying a Leeboy grader is a major investment. Ask the right questions, budget for the hidden costs, and never skip the inspection. An informed buyer is a profitable buyer.