What happens if the operator sets the mouldboard too shallow (too close to a right angle relative to the direction of travel, or too vertical in terms of tip/heel) when cutting an initial pass on a rough surface?

Question: What happens if the operator sets the mouldboard too shallow (too close to a right angle relative to the direction of travel, or too vertical in terms of tip/heel) when cutting an initial pass on a rough surface?

Answer options: ✅ The blade will tend to chatter and dig in unevenly, potentially stalling the machine.

• The material will spill over the top of the mouldboard, reducing cutting efficiency.
• The grader will experience excessive side drift, making it difficult to maintain a straight line.
• The cutting edge will wear out prematurely due to increased friction.

Correct answer: The blade will tend to chatter and dig in unevenly, potentially stalling the machine.

Explanation: If the mouldboard is set too shallow (meaning the cutting edge is too vertical or the blade angle to the direction of travel is too close to 90 degrees), it tends to dig in aggressively and unevenly, causing the blade to chatter. This can lead to an inconsistent cut, potential damage to the machine, and can even stall the grader if the resistance becomes too great. Adjusting pitch to 'lie back' the blade or a more acute angle to the direction of travel helps.