Patent ID: 7841423

Claim:
In a road grader having a rear frame including left and right longitudinal beams, each having a rear end, and providing for the components or subassemblies of a rear counterweight, lights and a bumper, the improvement comprising: the bumper and the rear counterweight having a first and second configuration and comprised of a first or a second generally flat elongate rear end plate having opposing outer end regions and extending across the entire width of the grader; in a first configuration the first rear end plate exhibits a small wall thickness and is connected to the grader in combination with a rear-mounted piece of equipment of a high weight and in a second configuration the second rear end plate exhibits a greater wall thickness than the wall thickness of the first rear end plate and is connected to the grader in combination with a rear-mounted piece of equipment of a lower weight than the piece of equipment of the first configuration or without any rear-mounted equipment; the rear end plates viewed in the direction of travel of the grader constitutes the rearmost part of the rear frame and are removably attached to the rear transverse beam; the first and second rear end plates having similar opposing outer end portions and openings through the outer end portions and backup/brake and flasher lights are fitted therein such that the lights do not extend beyond the end of the frame; and wherein in both configurations the rear end plate are similarly mounted directly above the piece of equipment of high or low weight, attached to the frame, such that an axle load distribution of the grader is generally maintained between the first and second configurations.