#1400 Road Grader Nylint never claimed this toy to be arepresentation of any real life machine, but it was a well-proportioned example nonetheless. There were 4 basic versions of the Road Grader. Although there were very few construction detail changes made throughout its production run from 1951 through 1958, a few variations stand out. Dates shown are best estimates. Individual toys found may differ from those pictured here.
The change in grille designs is definitely one of the major characteristics of the different versions.
Decal changes will also be pointed out as they varied from year to year.
Version #1 – 1951
The small wheel size is a dead give-away that this is a first version toy.
Another obvious feature is the large hub caps, used only on Version #1 toys.
Although this example displays a black "Road Grader" decal here, it is reported that some very early toys used white lettering.
The red Nylint equilateral triangle was used only on Version #1 Graders
The blade circle remained unchanged throughout production.
The blade circle lift I ing rod was straight on Version #1 toys.
Version #2 – 1952-53
Advertised as "Improved" the only significant change for Version #2 was the larger wheels.
Steel wheels with rubber tires replaced the one-piece rubber wheels of Version #1.
No changes here.
The red triangle is now replaced with a simple black triangle.
The spring steel lift arm separator was often the first part of this toy to go missing.
