Caterpillar 12H Motor Grader Specs

Category: Motor Graders ➔
Manufacturer: Caterpillar ➔
Model: 12H ➔

The Caterpillar 12H is a motor grader designed for road construction, maintenance, and grading applications. Built by Caterpillar, the 12H is part of the company's H-series grader line and is used for shaping surfaces, maintaining haul roads, and fine grading work. It typically features a front-mounted moldboard, articulated frame, and rear tandem drive for controlled blade positioning and traction. The 12H is commonly used in mining, municipal, and general earthmoving operations. Known for its mechanical simplicity and serviceability, the model remains a recognized machine in the used equipment market and in fleet applications requiring reliable grading performance.

General Specifications

Caterpillar 12H Motor Grader General Specifications specifications
Approx. Ship Wt.	31,273.00 lbs (14,185.00 kg) - Starting 2008
Controls	Hyd. - Starting 1995
Displacement	537.00 cu in (8.80 L) - Starting 2006
Displacement [ES]	638.00 cu in (10.45 L) - Starting 1998
Displacement [NA]	638.00 cu in (10.45 L) - Starting 1998
Displacement [Standard]	638.00 cu in (10.45 L) - Starting 1998
Electrical - Std. Alternator	35 amp - Starting 2006
Electrical - Std. Alternator [ES]	50 A - Starting 1998
Electrical - Std. Alternator [NA]	35 A - Starting 1998
Electrical - Std. Alternator [Standard]	35 A - Starting 1998
Electrical - Std. Battery CCA @ 0° F	750 - Starting 2006
Electrical - Std. Battery CCA @ 0° F [ES]	950 A - Starting 1998
Electrical - Std. Battery CCA @ 0° F [NA]	750 A - Starting 1998
Electrical - Std. Battery CCA @ 0° F [Standard]	750 A - Starting 1998
Electrical - System Size	24V - Starting 2001
Electrical - System Size [ES]	24 V - Starting 1998
Electrical - System Size [NA]	24 V - Starting 1998
Electrical - System Size [Standard]	24 V - Starting 1998
Engine Model	C-9 - Starting 2006
Engine Model [ES]	3306 DIT - Starting 1998
Engine Model [NA]	3306 DIT - Starting 1998
Engine Model [Standard]	3306 DINA - Starting 1998
Front Axle/Steering - Articulation Angle	20 deg - Starting 2001
Front Axle/Steering - Articulation Angle [ES]	20 deg - Starting 1998
Front Axle/Steering - Articulation Angle [NA]	20 deg - Starting 1998
Front Axle/Steering - Articulation Angle [Standard]	20 deg - Starting 1998
Front Axle/Steering - Minimum Turning Radius	291.00 in (7.40 m) - Starting 2001
Front Axle/Steering - Minimum Turning Radius [ES]	291.00 in (7.40 m) - Starting 1998
Front Axle/Steering - Minimum Turning Radius [NA]	291.00 in (7.40 m) - Starting 1998
Front Axle/Steering - Minimum Turning Radius [Standard]	291.00 in (7.40 m) - Starting 1998
Front Axle/Steering - Oscillation Angle	32 deg - Starting 2001
Front Axle/Steering - Oscillation Angle [ES]	32 deg - Starting 1998
Front Axle/Steering - Oscillation Angle [NA]	32 deg - Starting 1998
Front Axle/Steering - Oscillation Angle [Standard]	32 deg - Starting 1998
Front Axle/Steering - Steering Angle	50 deg - Starting 2001
Front Axle/Steering - Steering Angle [ES]	50 deg - Starting 1998
Front Axle/Steering - Steering Angle [NA]	50 deg - Starting 1998
Front Axle/Steering - Steering Angle [Standard]	50 deg - Starting 1998
Front Axle/Steering - Wheel Lean Angle	18 deg - Starting 2001
Front Axle/Steering - Wheel Lean Angle [ES]	18 deg - Starting 1998
Front Axle/Steering - Wheel Lean Angle [NA]	18 deg - Starting 1998
Front Axle/Steering - Wheel Lean Angle [Standard]	18 deg - Starting 1998
Front Frame Section Modulus - Max.	291.00 cu in (4,785.00 cu cm) - Starting 2001
Front Frame Section Modulus - Max. [ES]	291.00 cu in (4,785.00 cu cm) - Starting 1998
Front Frame Section Modulus - Max. [NA]	291.00 cu in (4,785.00 cu cm) - Starting 1998
Front Frame Section Modulus - Max. [Standard]	291.00 cu in (4,785.00 cu cm) - Starting 1998
Front Frame Section Modulus - Min.	127.00 cu in (2,083.00 cu cm) - Starting 2001
Front Frame Section Modulus - Min. [ES]	127.00 cu in (2,083.00 cu cm) - Starting 1998
Front Frame Section Modulus - Min. [NA]	127.00 cu in (2,083.00 cu cm) - Starting 1998
Front Frame Section Modulus - Min. [Standard]	127.00 cu in (2,083.00 cu cm) - Starting 1998
Fuel Tank Capacity	100.00 US gal (378.00 L) - Starting 2006
Fuel Tank Capacity [ES]	75.00 US gal (284.00 L) - Starting 1998
Fuel Tank Capacity [NA]	75.00 US gal (284.00 L) - Starting 1998
Fuel Tank Capacity [Standard]	75.00 US gal (284.00 L) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Blade Base	101.00 in (2.57 m) - Starting 2001
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Blade Base [ES]	101.00 in (2.57 m) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Blade Base [NA]	101.00 in (2.57 m) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Blade Base [Standard]	101.00 in (2.57 m) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Height (stripped top)	120.00 in (3.04 m) - Starting 2001
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Height (stripped top) [ES]	120.00 in (3.04 m) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Height (stripped top) [NA]	120.00 in (3.04 m) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Height (stripped top) [Standard]	120.00 in (3.04 m) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Height (to top of ROPS)	122.00 in (3.11 m) - Starting 2001
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Height (to top of ROPS) [ES]	122.00 in (3.11 m) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Height (to top of ROPS) [NA]	122.00 in (3.11 m) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Height (to top of ROPS) [Standard]	122.00 in (3.11 m) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Lift Above Ground	18.90 in (480.00 mm) - Starting 2001
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Lift Above Ground [ES]	18.90 in (480.00 mm) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Lift Above Ground [NA]	18.90 in (480.00 mm) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Overall Length	337.00 in (8.57 m) - Starting 2001
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Overall Length With Pushplate [NA]	394.00 in (10.01 m) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Overall Length With Ripper & Pushplate [ES]	394.00 in (10.01 m) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Overall Length With Ripper & Pushplate [Standard]	394.00 in (10.01 m) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Overall Length [ES]	337.00 in (8.57 m) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Overall Length [NA]	337.00 in (8.57 m) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Overall Length [Standard]	333.00 in (8.45 m) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Overall Width (at top of front tires)	96.00 in (2.44 m) - Starting 2001
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Overall Width (at top of front tires) [ES]	96.00 in (2.44 m) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Overall Width (at top of front tires) [NA]	96.00 in (2.44 m) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Overall Width (at top of front tires) [Standard]	96.00 in (2.44 m) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Overall Width - (at top of front tires)	96.00 in (2.44 m) - Starting 2006
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Standard Blade: Height	24.00 in (610.00 mm) - Starting 2001
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Standard Blade: Height [ES]	24.00 in (610.00 mm) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Standard Blade: Height [NA]	24.00 in (610.00 mm) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Standard Blade: Height [Standard]	24.00 in (610.00 mm) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Standard Blade: Length	144.00 in (3.66 m) - Starting 2001
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Standard Blade: Length [ES]	144.00 in (3.66 m) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Standard Blade: Length [NA]	144.00 in (3.66 m) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Standard Blade: Length [Standard]	144.00 in (3.66 m) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Standard Blade: Thickness	0.87 in (22.00 mm) - Starting 2001
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Standard Blade: Thickness [ES]	0.87 in (22.00 mm) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Standard Blade: Thickness [NA]	0.87 in (22.00 mm) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Standard Blade: Thickness [Standard]	0.87 in (22.00 mm) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Wheelbase	240.00 in (6.09 m) - Starting 2001
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Wheelbase [ES]	240.00 in (6.09 m) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Wheelbase [NA]	240.00 in (6.09 m) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Wheelbase [Standard]	240.00 in (6.09 m) - Starting 1998
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - With Pushplate	394.00 in (10.01 m) - Starting 2001
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - With Ripper & Pushplate	394.00 in (10.01 m) - Starting 2001
Horse- power, Rated	145/185 hp - Starting 2003
Hydraulic System Capacity [ES]	20.80 US gal (80.00 L) - Starting 1998
Hydraulic System Capacity [NA]	20.80 US gal (80.00 L) - Starting 1998
Hydraulic System Capacity [Standard]	19.00 US gal (73.00 L) - Starting 1998
Hydraulics: Pump Type	Axial Piston - Starting 2001
Hydraulics: Pump Type [ES]	Axial Piston - Starting 1998
Hydraulics: Pump Type [NA]	Axial Piston - Starting 1998
Hydraulics: Pump Type [Standard]	Axial Piston - Starting 1998
Implement Pressure: Max.	3,500.00 psi (24,150.00 kPa) - Starting 2001
Implement Pressure: Max. [ES]	3,500.00 psi (24,150.00 kPa) - Starting 1998
Implement Pressure: Max. [NA]	3,500.00 psi (24,150.00 kPa) - Starting 1998
Implement Pressure: Max. [Standard]	3,500.00 psi (24,150.00 kPa) - Starting 1998
Implement Pressure: Min.	450.00 psi (3,100.00 kPa) - Starting 2001
Implement Pressure: Min. [ES]	450.00 psi (3,100.00 kPa) - Starting 1998
Implement Pressure: Min. [NA]	450.00 psi (3,100.00 kPa) - Starting 1998
Implement Pressure: Min. [Standard]	450.00 psi (3,100.00 kPa) - Starting 1998
Interior Sound Level (ISO 6394) [ES]	77 dB(A) - Starting 1998
Interior Sound Level (SAE J919) [NA]	75 dB(A) - Starting 1998
Interior Sound Level/ISO 6394	77 dBA - Starting 2001
Interior Sound Level/SAE J919	75 dBA - Starting 2001
Length	333.00 in (8.45 m) - Starting 2008
Max. Pump Flow	51.90 US gpm (196.00 L/min) - Starting 2006
Max. Pump Flow [ES]	54.40 US gpm (206.00 L/min) - Starting 1998
Max. Pump Flow [NA]	51.90 US gpm (196.00 L/min) - Starting 1998
Max. Pump Flow [Standard]	39.00 US gpm (148.00 L/min) - Starting 1998
Max. Shoulder Reach - Articulated Position	115.00 in (2.91 m) - Starting 2006
Max. Shoulder Reach - Frame Straight	78.00 in (1.97 m) - Starting 2006
Max. Shoulder Reach: § - Articulated Position	115.00 in (2.91 m) - Starting 2001
Max. Shoulder Reach: § - Frame Straight	78.00 in (1.97 m) - Starting 2001
Max. Torque Rise	30 % - Starting 2001
Max. Torque Rise [ES]	30 % - Starting 1998
Max. Torque Rise [NA]	30 % - Starting 1998
Max. Torque Rise [Standard]	30.5 % - Starting 1998
Max.Torque Rise	50 % - Starting 2006
Maximum Forward Speed	25.90 mph (41.70 km/h) - Starting 2008
Maximum Reverse Speed	20.50 mph (32.90 km/h) - Starting 2008
Maximum Right Shoulder Reach (standard blade; hydraulic sideshift and tip control) - Articulated Position [ES]	115.00 in (2.91 m) - Starting 1998
Maximum Right Shoulder Reach (standard blade; hydraulic sideshift and tip control) - Articulated Position [NA]	115.00 in (2.91 m) - Starting 1998
Maximum Right Shoulder Reach (standard blade; hydraulic sideshift and tip control) - Frame Straight [ES]	78.00 in (1.97 m) - Starting 1998
Maximum Right Shoulder Reach (standard blade; hydraulic sideshift and tip control) - Frame Straight [NA]	78.00 in (1.97 m) - Starting 1998
Maximum Right Shoulder Reach (standard blade; hydraulic sideshift and tip control) - Frame Straight [Standard]	73.00 in (1.85 m) - Starting 1998
Mold- board Length	144.00 in (3.66 m) - Starting 1995
Net Flywheel Power	145.00 hp (108.00 kW) - Starting 2006
Net Flywheel Power [NA]	140.00 hp (104.00 kW) - Starting 1998
Net Flywheel Power: Gears 1-3	140.00 hp (104.00 kW) - Starting 2006
Net Flywheel Power: Gears 1-3 [Standard]	140.00 hp (104.00 kW) - Starting 1998
Net Flywheel Power: Gears 1-3 ¶	140.00 hp (104.00 kW) - Starting 2001
Net Flywheel Power: Gears 4-8	140.00 hp (104.00 kW) - Starting 2001
Net Flywheel Power: Gears 4-8 [ES]	140.00 hp (104.00 kW) - Starting 1998
Net Flywheel Power: Gears 4-8 [Standard]	140.00 hp (104.00 kW) - Starting 1998
No. Circle Support Shoes	6 - Starting 2001
No. Circle Support Shoes [ES]	6 - Starting 1998
No. Circle Support Shoes [NA]	6 - Starting 1998
No. Circle Support Shoes [Standard]	6 - Starting 1998
No. of Cylinders	6 - Starting 2001
No. of Cylinders [ES]	6 - Starting 1998
No. of Cylinders [NA]	6 - Starting 1998
No. of Cylinders [Standard]	6 - Starting 1998
No. of Speeds Forward/Reverse	8/6 - Starting 2001
No. of Speeds Forward/Reverse [ES]	8/6 - Starting 1998
No. of Speeds Forward/Reverse [NA]	8/6 - Starting 1998
No. of Speeds Forward/Reverse [Standard]	8/6 - Starting 1998
Operating Weight	31,320.00 lbs (14,200.00 kg) - Starting 2006
Operating Weight [ES]	31,410.00 lbs (14,248.00 kg) - Starting 1998
Operating Weight [NA]	31,410.00 lbs (14,247.00 kg) - Starting 1998
Operating Weight [Standard]	28,830.00 lbs (13,077.00 kg) - Starting 1998
Product Identification Prefix	XZJ(CHINA) - Starting 2010
Rated Engine RPM	2000 rpm - Starting 2006
Rated Engine RPM [ES]	1900 rpm - Starting 1998
Rated Engine RPM [NA]	1900 rpm - Starting 1998
Rated Engine RPM [Standard]	2000 rpm - Starting 1998
Std. Tires - Front & Rear	13.00-24 (10 PR) (G-2 - Starting 2001
Std. Tires - Front & Rear [ES]	13.00-24 (10 PR) (G-2) - Starting 1998
Std. Tires - Front & Rear [NA]	13.00-24 (10 PR) (G-2) - Starting 1998
Std. Tires - Front & Rear [Standard]	13.00-24 (10 PR) (G-2) - Starting 1998
Std.Tires - Front & Rear	13.00-24 (10 PR) (G-2 - Starting 2006
System Capacity	20.80 US gal (80.00 L) - Starting 2001
Top Speed Forward [ES]	24.70 mph (39.70 km/h) - Starting 1998
Top Speed Forward [Standard]	25.90 mph (41.70 km/h) - Starting 1998
Top Speed Reverse [ES]	19.50 mph (31.30 km/h) - Starting 1998
Top Speed Reverse [Standard]	20.40 mph (32.90 km/h) - Starting 1998
Top Speed: Forward	27.40 mph (44.00 km/h) - Starting 2006
Top Speed: Forward [NA]	24.70 mph (39.70 km/h) - Starting 1998
Top Speed: Reverse	21.60 mph (34.70 km/h) - Starting 2006
Top Speed: Reverse [NA]	19.50 mph (31.30 km/h) - Starting 1998
Turning Radius	291.00 in (7.40 m) - Starting 1995
Variable Horsepower Plus: Gears 7-8	185.00 hp (138.00 kW) - Starting 2006
Variable Horsepower: Gears 4-8	165.00 hp (123.00 kW) - Starting 2006
Wheel- base	240.00 in (6.10 m) - Starting 1995
Width	96.00 in (2.44 m) - Starting 2008

Circle

Caterpillar 12H Motor Grader Circle specifications
Max Lift Above Ground	18.00 in (45.72 cm)

Dimensions

Caterpillar 12H Motor Grader Dimensions specifications
Blade Base	8.44 ft (2.57 m)
Height To Top Of Isomount Cab	10.21 ft (3.11 m)
Overall Length	28.12 ft (8.57 m)
Wheelbase	19.99 ft (6.09 m)
Width Over Tires	8.01 ft (2.44 m)

Engine

Caterpillar 12H Motor Grader Engine specifications
Displacement	637.70 cu in (10,450.05 cu cm)
Engine Make	2236
Engine Model	3306 DIT
Max Power	140.00 hp (104.40 kw)
Net Power Gears 7-8	140.00 hp (104.40 kw)

Front Axle

Caterpillar 12H Motor Grader Front Axle specifications
Oscillation - Total	32 degrees
Wheel Lean	18 degrees

Hydraulic System

Caterpillar 12H Motor Grader Hydraulic System specifications
Pump Flow	54.50 gpm (206.28 lpm)
Pump Type	Axial Piston
Relief Valve Pressure	3500 psi

Moldboard

Caterpillar 12H Motor Grader Moldboard specifications
Moldboard Height	24.10 in (61.21 cm)
Moldboard Thickness	0.90 in (2.29 cm)
Moldboard Width	12.10 ft (3.69 m)

Operational

Caterpillar 12H Motor Grader Operational specifications
Alternator Supplied Amperage	50 amps
Fuel Capacity	75.10 gal (284.25 l)
Hydraulic System Fluid Capacity	18.00 gal (68.13 l)
Operating Voltage	24 V
Std Operation Weight - Total	31,411.50 lbs (14,248.03 kg)
Tire Size	12-24 10PR (G-2)

Steering

Caterpillar 12H Motor Grader Steering specifications
Articulation Angle	20 degrees
Turning Radius	24.30 ft (7.41 m)

Transmission

Caterpillar 12H Motor Grader Transmission specifications
Max Speed - Forward	24.70 mph (39.75 kph)
Max Speed - Reverse	19.50 mph (31.38 kph)
Number Of Gears - Forward	8
Number Of Gears - Reverse	6