22305

NCCER Module 22305: Motor Graders Course Syllabus

Course Information

• Module ID: 22305 (Heavy Equipment Operations)
• Course Title: Motor Graders
• Edition: Current NCCER curriculum (4th Edition references where applicable)
• Total Hours: 40 hours (combination of classroom instruction, lab demonstrations, and hands-on performance tasks)
• Delivery Format: Blended (theory, discussion, simulation if available, and practical operation on actual equipment)
• Prerequisites:
  • Completion of NCCER Heavy Equipment Operations Level 1 (including modules on Orientation to the Trade, Heavy Equipment Safety, Identification of Heavy Equipment, and Basic Operational Techniques)
  • Basic understanding of heavy equipment safety and site operations
  • Valid driver’s license (recommended for operational tasks)
• Required Materials:
  • NCCER Heavy Equipment Operations Trainee Guide (relevant module section)
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Hard hat, safety glasses, high-visibility vest, steel-toed boots, gloves, hearing protection
  • Notebook and writing materials
  • Access to a motor grader (rigid-frame or articulated-frame) for hands-on training
  • Performance Profile Sheets (provided by instructor)

Course Description

This module introduces trainees to the safe and effective operation of motor graders. It identifies and describes common types and uses of motor graders, emphasizing safety guidelines, prestart inspections, preventive maintenance, startup/shutdown procedures, basic controls, maneuvers, and typical site work activities such as ditching, scarifying, rough grading, finish grading, windrowing, and snow plowing (where applicable). Trainees will gain the knowledge and skills needed to perform basic motor grader operations in construction and maintenance environments.

The course aligns with NCCER standards, preparing trainees for module completion, performance verifications, and potential credentialing as a Motor Grader Operator.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this module, trainees will be able to:

• Identify and describe rigid-frame and articulated-frame motor graders, their components, blades, attachments, and common applications.
• Explain and apply safety guidelines specific to motor grader operations.
• Perform prestart inspections, basic preventive maintenance, startup, and shutdown procedures.
• Interpret instrumentation and controls to operate the machine safely.
• Execute basic maneuvers and operational techniques.
• Perform common site work activities, including ditching, scarifying, rough and finish grading, and related tasks.
• Recognize hazards and demonstrate safe practices during all operations.

Course Outline

The 40 hours are typically divided over 5–10 days, depending on class size and equipment availability. Approximate breakdown:

1. Introduction to Motor Graders (5 hours)
   • Common uses and types (rigid-frame vs. articulated-frame)
   • Components: Frame, moldboard (blade), scarifier, ripper, attachments
   • Site work activities overview (ditching, windrowing, grading, snow plowing)
2. Safety Guidelines (5 hours)
   • OSHA/MSHA regulations specific to motor graders
   • Hazard recognition (rollover, blind spots, pinch points)
   • Personal protective equipment and safe work practices
   • Emergency procedures
3. Instrumentation, Controls, and Inspections (7.5 hours)
   • Dashboard gauges, controls, and operator station
   • Prestart walkthrough inspections
   • Preventive maintenance tasks (fluid checks, lubrication, track/tire inspection)
4. Startup, Shutdown, and Basic Maintenance (5 hours)
   • Safe startup and shutdown sequences
   • Daily maintenance checklists
   • Troubleshooting common issues
5. Basic Maneuvers and Controls (7.5 hours)
   • Blade positioning and control (angle, tilt, height)
   • Articulation and steering techniques
   • Basic travel and positioning maneuvers (hands-on practice)
6. Blades, Attachments, and Advanced Operations (7.5 hours)
   • Blade types and adjustments
   • Use of scarifiers, rippers, and other attachments
   • Techniques for scarifying and ripping
7. Site Work Activities and Performance Tasks (7.5 hours)
   • Ditching and bank sloping
   • Rough and finish grading
   • Windrowing and spreading material
   • Integrated hands-on operations and simulations
8. Review, Assessments, and Wrap-Up (2.5 hours)
   • Module review
   • Final performance verifications

Note: Schedule includes breaks and allows flexibility for weather/equipment availability during hands-on sessions. Hands-on training constitutes at least 50% of total hours.

Assessment and Evaluation

• Written Exam: Multiple-choice test covering theory, safety, and procedures (minimum passing score: 70%)
• Performance Profiles: Hands-on verifications of key tasks (e.g., prestart inspection, basic maneuvers, grading operations). Tasks must be completed safely and accurately per NCCER rubrics.
• Attendance and Participation: Required for all sessions; excessive absences may require makeup.
• Grading: Pass/Fail based on NCCER standards (successful completion of written exam and all performance tasks)
• Retesting: Available for failed components per program policy.

Certification

Trainees who successfully complete the module (written exam and performance profiles) will earn:

• NCCER credential for Module 22305: Motor Graders (entered into NCCER’s National Registry)
• Contribution toward full Heavy Equipment Operator certification pathways

Safety Emphasis

Safety is integrated throughout the course. All operations prioritize zero-incident practices. Trainees must demonstrate safe behavior at all times; unsafe actions will result in removal from hands-on activities.

Instructor Contact

[Insert instructor name, email, office hours, and contact information]

Policies

• Attendance: Mandatory for certification eligibility
• Academic Integrity: NCCER standards prohibit cheating
• Accommodations: Available for qualified individuals per institutional policy

This syllabus is based on NCCER’s standardized curriculum for Module 22305 and may be adjusted for specific training program needs.