Cat motor graders designed to raise production and lower costs

Caterpillar has introduced two all new motor graders: the 120, which offers options to tailor the machine to a customer's preferences and applications, and the 140, which is designed as a high-production model. 

They all feature scalable Cat GRADE technologies that provide grade control options for customers with different application requirements and budgets but all aimed at allowing operators to work faster and more accurately. In addition, the optional Stable Blade system automatically slows the machine if the grade will be adversely affected by machine bounce.

120 Motor Grader 
The 120 is available with either joysticks or traditional steering wheel and lever controls. The benefit of joystick control on the 120 is the reduction of repetitive hand and arm movements by up to 78 percent, eliminating related fatigue. Technology options are integrated into the joysticks to make it a seamless motion and the angled joystick cab provides extra blade visibility. 

Cat conducted a test to gauge interest in traditional steering wheel and lever controls on their motor graders and both dealers and customers overwhelmingly said they wanted them. This system a 45-year long history and many operators still prefer it. In terms of technology, Cat offers advanced optional integration of automatic grade control switches and buttons on the levers, providing full control within arm's reach. 

Another choice on the 120 is standard tandem drive or all-wheel drive. Power on the tandem unit is from 139 to 165 hp (104 to 123 kW) while the all-wheel drive option ranges from 145 to 189 hp (108 to 141 kW). 

The all-wheel-drive system assists with traction and maneuvering in loose material, and provides a front-wheel only creep mode for precise grading. The added power is useful for working in rough terrain. 

Even more versatility can be gained from the selection of Cat Attachments, from rippers to blades. Each one is designed to fit the needs for improved performance, safety, and stability. 

The 120 sports a new cab design with an innovative connecting rear window for better visibility. Even more visibility can be obtained with the Cat Detect Vision System. 

Conveniently located wear inserts can save up to 20 percent in labour costs by using the top adjust drawbar circle option to achieve maximum tightness and precision grading. New filtration technology can save up to 15 percent in maintenance costs. 

For added operator safety, the standard secondary-steering system automatically activates should main-pump pressure drop.

140 Motor Grader
Designed as a high-production model, the Cat 140 Motor Grader combines a selection of grade control technologies with conventional steering wheel/lever controls, an efficient power train, enhanced operator comfort/convenience features, and simple, extended-interval serviceability. The new model offers an all-wheel-drive system option with a standard operating weight of 42,325 pounds (19,198 kg) and features a 12-foot moldboard, a fuel-efficient Cat C9.3 engine rated at 250 standard net horsepower (186 kW), an 8F/6R direct-drive power-shift transmission, and the Cat Product Link telematics system.

Scalable Cat GRADE technologies provide grade control options for customers with different application requirements and budgets - but all aimed at allowing operators to work faster and more accurately for increased productivity. In addition, the optional Stable Blade system automatically slows the machine if the grade will be adversely affected by machine bounce.

The Cat C9.3 engine provides optimum power in all gears, with the Variable Horsepower Plus (VHP) system regulating power output between 177 and 250 horsepower (132 and 186 kW) for maximum efficiency and fuel economy. When operating in the standard ECO mode, fuel consumption is reduced up to 10 percent in certain applications. 

 The all-wheel-drive option provides added performance in rough terrain or poor underfoot conditions. The VHP system regulates power output between 176 and 270 horsepower (131 and 291 kW). Optimized machine balance ensures maximum drawbar power to the ground.

Optional hydraulic lines accommodate various powered work tools. To expand versatility, there are several attachments available such as the mast-type and mast-less snow wings, plows, straight blades, scarifiers, and the lift group for precise control of front-mounted tools.