What is the primary purpose of the scarifier in road grading operations?

The primary purpose of the scarifier in road grading operations is to break up hard soil. Scarifiers are equipped with teeth or blades that penetrate and disrupt compacted surfaces, allowing for more efficient grading and leveling. This process is essential for preparing the ground, as it improves material looseness and facilitates better mixing with other materials, leading to a more uniform and stable road base. By breaking up hard soil, the scarifier enhances the grader's overall effectiveness in achieving the desired road surface quality.

In contrast, other functions such as smoothing the road surface, elevating the moldboard, or controlling the speed of the grader involve different equipment or operational techniques that do not leverage the specific capabilities of the scarifier itself.