Attaching at a hinged connection point to one corner of the backfill blade on a mini-excavator, the Sidegrader attachment allows a contractor to grade sidewalks and shoulders with a close enough tolerance to the curb to allow for forms to be set right on the grade. The cost of the attachment includes a Topcon grade-control system with a slope sensor, which maintains the grade within 3/16 of an inch. A product of contractor Sidewalk Grading Systems, the Sidegrader is designed to replace a surveyor, a second machine, and a crew of four laborers salting the forms up to grade — collectively a costly area for any contractor. Estimated list price: $55,000.
