Champion Motor Grader Update

Hello Forum Friends. This is an update from Champion Motor Graders...not a sales pitch. The past few years have been very difficult for this small family owned manufacturing business. At times we weren't sure what our next move was. Earlier in 2012 we were presented with an unlikely opportunity. We were approached by our #1 competitor, LeeBoy. They had an interest in our C80C and C86C grader models. LeeBoy has now acquired these 2 models from Champion and they are now being marketed through their new business line LB Performance Paving Products. I'm not going to try and explain their business strategy or why they have a separate business line called LBP. What I can tell you is that LeeBoy has made us the vendor to keep producing these graders for them. So when I say its the same great product manufactured by the same great people I really mean it. So far the new arrangement is working well. LeeBoy has been very helpful in gearing our operation back up. Champion Motor Graders is still in the business of engineering and manufacturing our other remaining models which do not compete with LBP. We also still market and sell C80C and C86C Champion graders outside of North America. So essentially nothing changes for my International Dealers. So when you see a new LBP G700 Motor Grader you will know it was a Champion, which was a Volvo, which was a Champion, which started out as a Lee, and even had some LeeBoy branding in the early 80's. Crazy right? Talk about a 32 year long circle to go around. We are excited to be working so closely with what used to be our strongest competition. It's a new world out there friends, a world where fierce throat biting competition is giving way to strategic partnerships aimed at reducing cost, improving quality, and ultimately serving the customers better. Photos below are of the first LBP G-700 formally known as a C80C.
Any questions:Banghead

Hey Bryan, whatever you did to still be in business in 2013, Congratulations! :drinkup We're all just hanging on by our teeth and toenails.

BTW, if you've been going through all that, I guess I'll forgive you for not sending me that champion hat.

Sorry for anything I promised! I haven't purchased any hats in over 3 or 4 years now.

Nice looking machine, were looking for trade shows in your area. If you know of any this year doesn't seem to be many listed on internet.
Im looking to fill vacancies of some dates. I sell tools that install cutting edges on graders and truck plows.

LEEBOY will have an even better lineup if they take the G-800 aka leeboy 785 and replace it with a Champion C116. Its a shame such a good looking mid size machine has not taken over the us market yet.

Thanks, There are no discussions of LB taking the C110/C116 to market. However, Champion can still produce and market this model. It is still a Champion owned product. Hopefully once we are stable again we can look at re-launching the product.

fldeereman said:

LEEBOY will have an even better lineup if they take the G-800 aka leeboy 785 and replace it with a Champion C116. Its a shame such a good looking mid size machine has not taken over the us market yet.

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Mr. Abernathy,

A little confused here, are you still manufacturing and selling the C60/66 and C70 Champion models?

I remain very curious about the C60/66models. I have often wondered, and you may have the answer: Will the hydraulic assist front wheel drive model C66 render about the same performance in stable soil conditions as the full tandem rear wheel drive C70?

The C60 is probably not viable here in Louisiana due to the prevalence of wet ground conditions. But I see a future for the C66 for a small scale contractor unless there are really some big problems. Fewer tires, no chains lighter weight, easier transport. Years ago there were some single axle rear wheel drive graders, but I never ran one, and I'm not sure they had front wheel assist. But i have heard some operators say good things about them, and there must be a reason why your firm still builds the C66.

Thanks in advance for a reply.

Yes, we still offer the C60/66. I can tell you that a C60 has the same rim pull as a C70 without the use of all wheel drive. It may only be 2 tires vs 4 but the tires are larger and provide a good amount of surface area to the ground. I can't speak for your area but we have had great success from the Pan Handle of Florida all the way over to Mobile, Alabama with the C60. Probably more success than anywhere else in the country. I know in some of the sandy areas the single axle can out perform the tandem. All Wheel Drive increases the productivity as with anything else. Currently we are trying to meet the demand put on us from LBP. It looks like we could be booked through this year but hopefully next year we will have a separate production facility setup to produce C60,66, and 70.

That's great news Bryan, thanks for the update. Hope things keep going strong for you.

Hello Bryan.

This Delio, how to be in touch with you?
We will be across in late September and planing a visit to your office? could be possible?
I will travel with the largest distributor of Volvo equipment in the Middle East?
Please advise.
Best regards
Delio

I like to see the "Champion " name still in the industry..When "Volvo" bought and closed the Canadian manufacturing plant it was a sad day...I like your products , they appear to be well built..Good luck on your continued future business..

After waiting 4 months this year for a replacement axle for my C80C, I put it on the market after finally receiving the parts. Any chance your parts supply chain will become acceptable with the infusion from LBP? I like the machine, but absolutely cannot wait 16 weeks for replacement of a defective part.

Please provide me with a email address so we can discuss further. Is your machine back up and running and do you need any further assistance with parts? Thanks, the Factory

Glad to hear things are getting better. Nice to see smaller graders again. they do have a place.

Motor Grader said:

Please provide me with a email address so we can discuss further. Is your machine back up and running and do you need any further assistance with parts? Thanks, the Factory

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Bryan
Welcome the direct correspondence. My email is chipleycompany@gmail.com. We are in Florence, SC. I'll gladly travel to your NC location any time. I believe in the C80C grader, would not have bought it otherwise. Talk more at any time.
Roy

That's a good looking machine. I would like to congratulate you for that machine.

Hi am looking to purchase a GD555 komatsu grader y
ear 2000 to 2005.. anyone?? US only

Hello Bryan.

Thanks for your time and drive us to the Airport in Charlotte, glad that the customer now he is in touch with you.
I just arrive back at home in Spain.
We have to continue our discussions to go further.
Best regards.
Delio