The 5 most common motor scrapers and their features

Motor scrapers are one of the larger machines you'd find on a site and are crucial for earthmoving, land development, and construction projects. If you’ve read our piece on a scraper machine’s general uses or our guide on what to expect from hiring a scraper, you’re probably ready to learn more about the wide range of motor scrapers that are out on the market.

With each type designed for unique site requirements, understanding their differences and uses can help customers choose the right machine for their project. Here's a breakdown of the five main types of motor scrapers, their general hire rates and their key applications to help you choose the right machine to hire for your next project.

Scraper hire guide

Scrapers are quite a niche machine, meaning you won’t be able to find them everywhere in the country, so be prepared to get one transported to your project site. Due to their massive size and the logistics of getting these machines to your site, scrapers typically come with lengthy hire minimums for both wet and dry hire. Don’t expect single-day or one-week hire contracts, as the chances of a supplier agreeing will be close to none.

Factors that influence the cost of scraper hire include:

Fuel efficiency: The amount of fuel a scraper consumes affects overall costs, especially for longer projects. Machines with higher fuel consumption will increase expenses.
Operators: Hiring a skilled operator for wet hire can raise costs compared to dry hire. The operator’s experience level and the duration of hire also impact the rate.
Running rate and stand-down rate: The running rate is charged when the machine is actively working, while the stand-down rate applies when the scrape is idle but still on-site.
Project duration: Longer projects may qualify for discounted rates, while short-term hires may incur higher per-hour costs due to mobilisation expenses.
Location and transport: Costs increase if the scraper needs to be mobilised from a distant location, especially in remote areas.
Additional scraper charges: Scraper mobilisation, scraper demobilisation, operator travel (if requiring wet hire services), GPS and more can contribute to the total hire cost.

For exact values, get a quote directly from our scraper suppliers here.

1. Single-engine wheeled scrapers

Single-engine wheeled scrapers are the most common type of scraper. They're straightforward and cost-effective, powered by a single engine driving the wheels and blade, and are ideal for moderate earthmoving tasks in open spaces with accessible terrain.

Main features: Powered by a single engine for both wheels and blade, simple design, and lower maintenance.
Advantages: Cost-effective and reliable, ideal for straightforward earthmoving.
Ideal projects: Suitable for smaller roadwork, light excavation, and land clearing tasks.

2. Single-engine wheeled scrapers

Designed for challenging sites, dual-engine scrapers bring extra traction and power. They feature two engines that control both the front wheels and rear end, which are ideal for moving a large amount of earth and operating on rougher terrain.

Main features: Two engines enhance traction and self-loading capabilities.
Advantages: Excellent on slopes and rugged terrain – no need for push assistance.
Ideal projects: Works well on challenging sites such as hillside construction and quarry sites.

3. elevating scrapers

An elevating scraper moves large amounts of material over shorter distances and contains a special hydraulic or electronic conveyor belt system to lift and mix materials into the bowl or hopper.

Main features: Built-in elevator loads material directly into the bowl, optimising material handling.
Advantages: Efficient in confined spaces, and removes the need for external loading equipment.
Ideal projects: Urban construction, landscaping, and short-distance hauling.

4. pull-type scrapers

Pull-type scrapers are versatile and budget-friendly tools suitable for agricultural and construction settings. They rely on a tractor or other vehicle for movement, making them suitable for lighter earthmoving tasks.

Main features: Non-motorised but adaptable to various towing equipment.
Advantages: Cost-effective, especially if compatible equipment is available.
Ideal projects: Agriculture, smaller construction projects, and basic earthmoving applications.

4. push-pull scrapers

Push-pull scrapers work in pairs for high-efficiency material handling. This setup is perfect for large-scale projects with heavy loads.

Main features: Designed to work in pairs for efficient loading and unloading.
Advantages: Increases speed and efficiency on massive tasks, reducing cycle times.
Ideal projects: Large-scale projects like highway construction, dam building, and extensive land clearing.

Find a motor scraper for hire on iseekplant

If you need a platform to hire any one of these motor scrapers or want details on suppliers local to your site, look no further than iseekplant, Australia's largest construction marketplace. With competitive rates and flexible scraper hire options, iseekplant puts you in contact with reliable providers offering cutting-edge single-engines, dual-engines, pull-types and other scrapers. Start your search with iseekplant and ensure your site has the right machine to get the job done efficiently.