A grading beam (grading plate) turns an excavator into a finishing tool: a wide, flat, heavy plate pulled across the surface that slices high spots and drags fill into hollows. Compared with re-bucketing and back-blabbing, a beam covers meters per pass and produces a plane surface that compactors can follow. This guide runs through the beam types and where each earns its keep.
Fixed grading beams
The simplest type: a steel beam with a cutting edge, suspended from the coupler. Depth is set by the operator watching the edge. Fixed beams are light, cheap and robust – the standard choice for short driveways, house pads and trench backfill where tolerance is loose.
Rolling / vibrating grading plates
A rolling plate adds a powered roller or vibratory action on the cutting edge. The roller keeps the blade from dragging loose material and breaks surface crust, so the finish holds its level better on dry, granular ground. Our LG1500-S40 (1500 mm) and LG2000-S45 (2000 mm) are in this family and mount on S40 and S45 couplers respectively.
Laser / electric controlled beams
Top of the range: a laser receiver on the beam drives an electric top link that raises and lowers the cutting edge in real time, holding a set elevation across the whole pass. This is the class of tool used for sports fields, warehouse floors and parking areas specified to a tolerance. It needs a machine with the right hydraulic/electric provisions – confirm with us before ordering.
Selection checklist
- Width: wider is faster but heavier. Match the beam to machine lift capacity, not just coupler size.
- Cutting edge: replaceable bolted edges cost more up front and less over the life of the beam.
- Mount: confirm the coupler interface (S40 / S45 in our range) and any top-link requirement.
- Tolerance: if the spec calls out millimetres, you need laser control; otherwise a fixed beam is enough.
Both KaiVoy beams, with weights and edge details, are listed on the specifications page. Ask us which width suits your machine tonnage.