Which tool is typically used by a contractor to complete grading?

In grading operations, the bulldozer is the most commonly used tool among the options provided, which makes it the correct choice. Bulldozers are specifically designed for moving and leveling large amounts of earth. They have a broad blade at the front, enabling operators to push soil, rock, debris, and other materials efficiently. The tracks on a bulldozer provide excellent stability and traction, allowing the machine to work on various terrains, making it ideal for grading tasks.

While excavators, backhoes, and skid steers can also be used for grading to some extent, they serve different primary functions. Excavators are mainly designed for digging and lifting, backhoes are versatile but more focused on digging and loading, and skid steers, although maneuverable and useful for smaller grading jobs, do not have the same capacity for moving large quantities of material as a bulldozer does. Thus, the bulldozer stands out as the optimal choice for completing grading work effectively.