Caterpillar 120M Motor Grader Specs

Category: Motor Graders ➔
Manufacturer: Caterpillar ➔
Model: 120M ➔

The Caterpillar 120M is a motor grader designed for road construction, maintenance, and site preparation. It is part of Caterpillar's M Series grader lineup and is commonly used for grading, ditching, slope work, and fine surface finishing. The 120M typically features a front-mounted blade, articulated frame, and operator controls suited to precision earthmoving tasks. It is used in municipal, highway, mining, and general construction applications. Known for its balance of maneuverability and grading performance, the Caterpillar 120M is a widely recognized machine in the motor grader category for medium-duty grading operations and material shaping.

General Specifications

Caterpillar 120M Motor Grader General Specifications specifications
Base Power - Net	138.00 hp (102.91 kw) - Starting 2010
Displacement	403.00 cu in (6,604.00 cu cm) - Starting 2010
Electrical - Std. Alternator	80 - Starting 2010
Electrical - Std. Battery CCA @ 0° F	1125 - Starting 2013
Electrical - System Size	24V - Starting 2010
Engine Model	C6.6 ACERT - Starting 2015
Front Axle/Steering - Articulation Angle	20 deg - Starting 2010
Front Axle/Steering - Minimum Turning Radius	289.00 in (734.06 cm) - Starting 2015
Front Axle/Steering - Oscillation Angle	32 deg - Starting 2010
Front Axle/Steering - Steering Angle	47.5 deg - Starting 2010
Front Axle/Steering - Wheel Lean Angle	18.0 deg - Starting 2010
Fuel Tank Capacity	100.00 US gal (378.00 L) - Starting 2015
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Blade Base	98.90 in (251.21 cm) - Starting 2015
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Height	24.00 in (60.96 cm) - Starting 2010
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Height (to top of ROPS)	130.20 in (330.71 cm) - Starting 2015
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Lift Above Ground	16.80 in (42.67 cm) - Starting 2010
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Overal Width (at top of front tires)	98.00 in (248.92 cm) - Starting 2010
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Overall Length	332.10 in (843.53 cm) - Starting 2015
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Overall Width (at top of front tires)	98.10 in (249.17 cm) - Starting 2015
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Standard Blade: Height	24.00 in (60.96 cm) - Starting 2015
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Standard Blade: Length	144.00 in (365.76 cm) - Starting 2010
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Standard Blade: Thickness	0.87 in (2.21 cm) - Starting 2013
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Thickness	0.87 in (2.21 cm) - Starting 2010
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Wheelbase	233.00 in (591.82 cm) - Starting 2015
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - With Ripper and Pushplate	390.90 in (992.89 cm) - Starting 2015
Hydraulics - Implement Pressure: Max.	3,500.00 psi (24,150.00 kPa) - Starting 2010
Hydraulics - Implement Pressure: Min.	450.00 psi (3,100.00 kPa) - Starting 2013
Hydraulics - Max. Pump Flow	55.70 US gpm (210.00 L) - Starting 2013
Hydraulics - Min.	450.00 psi (3,100.00 kPa) - Starting 2010
Hydraulics - Pump Type	Variable Piston - Starting 2010
Hydraulics - Tank Capacity	16.90 US gal (64.00 L) - Starting 2015
Interior Sound Level/SAE J919	70 dB(A - Starting 2010
Max. Shoulder Reach: - Frame Straight - left	68.60 in (174.24 cm) - Starting 2010
Max. Shoulder Reach: - Frame Straight - right	75.00 in (190.50 cm) - Starting 2010
Max. Torque	690.00 lb-ft (859.00 N-m) - Starting 2010
No. Circle Support Shoes	4 - Starting 2010
No. of Cylinders	6 - Starting 2010
No. of Speeds Forward/Reverse	8/6 - Starting 2010
Operating Weight	31,951.00 lbs (14,492.75 kg) - Starting 2013
Rated Engine RPM	2000 rpm - Starting 2010
Reverse	23.50 mph (37.82 kph) - Starting 2010
Std. Tires - Front and Rear	14.00 24 (12 PR) (G-2 - Starting 2015
Top Speed: Forward	29.50 mph (47.48 kph) - Starting 2015
Top Speed: Reverse	23.30 mph (37.50 kph) - Starting 2015
VHP Plus Range - Net	138.00-173.00 hp (102.91-129.01 kw)
VHP Range - Net	138.00-153.00 hp (102.91-114.09 kw)

Blade Range

Caterpillar 120M Motor Grader Blade Range specifications
Blade Tip Range - Backward	5 degrees
Blade Tip Range - Forward	40 degrees
Circle Centershift - Left	25.80 in (65.53 cm)
Circle Centershift - Right	25.80 in (65.53 cm)
Maximum Blade Position Angle	90 degrees
Maximum Depth Of Cut	28.30 in (71.88 cm)
Maximum Lift Above Ground	16.80 in (42.67 cm)
Maximum Shoulder Reach Outside Of Tires - Left	68.60 in (174.24 cm)
Maximum Shoulder Reach Outside Of Tires - Right	75.00 in (190.50 cm)
Moldboard Sideshift - Left	20.10 in (51.05 cm)
Moldboard Sideshift - Right	26.00 in (66.04 cm)

Circle

Caterpillar 120M Motor Grader Circle specifications
Blade Tip Angle - Front	40 degrees
Blade Tip Angle - Rear	5 degrees
Diameter	60.20 in (152.91 cm)
Max Lift Above Ground	16.80 in (42.67 cm)
Max Reach Outside Tires - Left	68.60 in (174.24 cm)
Max Reach Outside Tires - Right	75.00 in (190.50 cm)
Shift Left	25.80 in (65.53 cm)
Shift Right	25.80 in (65.53 cm)

Dimensions

Caterpillar 120M Motor Grader Dimensions specifications
Blade Base	8.24 ft (2.51 m)
Front Ground Clearance	1.87 ft (0.57 m)
Ground Clearance - Rear Axle	13.60 in (34.54 cm)
Height	10.92 ft (3.33 m)
Height - Exhaust Stack	112.40 in (285.50 cm)
Height - Front Axle Center	22.50 in (57.15 cm)
Height - Top Of Cab	10.75 ft (3.28 m)
Height - Top Of Cylinders	113.70 in (288.80 cm)
Height To Top Of Isomount Cab	10.75 ft (3.28 m)
Length	32.50 ft (9.91 m)
Length - Between Tandem Axles	59.50 in (151.13 cm)
Length - Counterweight To Ripper	389.30 in (988.82 cm)
Length - Front Axle To Mid Tandem	232.80 in (591.31 cm)
Length - Front Axle To Moldboard	98.85 in (251.08 cm)
Length - Front Tire To Rear Of Machine	334.10 in (848.61 cm)
Overall Length	27.85 ft (8.49 m)
Rear Ground Clearance	1.13 ft (0.34 m)
Tandem Axle Wheelbase	4.96 ft (1.51 m)
Weight	37,204.00 lbs (16,875.47 kg)
Wheelbase	19.40 ft (5.91 m)
Width	8.25 ft (2.51 m)
Width - Outside Front Tires	97.70 in (248.16 cm)
Width - Outside Rear Tires	97.70 in (248.16 cm)
Width - Tire Center Lines	84.10 in (213.61 cm)
Width Over Tires	8.14 ft (2.48 m)

Engine

Caterpillar 120M Motor Grader Engine specifications
Base Power (1st Gear) - Net	138.00 hp (102.91 kw)
Base Power (1st Gear) - Net - Metric	140.00 hp (104.40 kw)
Base Power (All Gears) - Net	138.00 hp (102.91 kw)
Bore	4.20 in (10.67 cm)
Derating Altitude	11,500.00 ft (3,505.20 m)
Displacement	403.00 cu in (6,604.00 cu cm)
Emissions	U.S. EPA Tier 3/EU Stage IIIA equivalent
Engine Make	2236
Engine Model	C6.6 ACERT VHP
High - Ambient Capability	122 degrees
High Ambient - Fan Speed - Maximum	1,650 rpm
High Ambient - Fan Speed - Minimum	600 rpm
Max Power	138.00 hp (102.91 kw)
Maximum Torque	690.00 lbs ft (935.50 nm)
Maximum Torque - Vhp Plus - Net	668.00 lbs ft (905.67 nm)
Net Power Gears 7-8	138.00 hp (102.91 kw)
Note (1)	Maximum torque (VHP Plus) measured at 1,400 rpm.
Note (2)	Net power is tested per ISO 9249, SAE J1349, and EEC 80/1269 Standards in effect at the time of manufacture.
Note (3)	Net power advertised is the power available at rated speed of 2,000 rpm, measured at the flywheel when engine is equipped with fan running at minimum speed, air cleaner, muffler and alternator.
Note (4)	Power as declared per ISO 14396: Rated Speed = 2,000 rpm; VHP Plus = 175 kW (234 hp)
Note (5)	No engine derating required up to 3048 m (10,000 ft).
Number Of Cylinders	6
Power Measured @	2000 rpm
Speed At Rated Power	2,000 rpm
Standard - Ambient Capability	109 degrees
Standard - Fan Speed - Maximum	1,150 rpm
Standard - Fan Speed - Minimum	600 rpm
Stroke	5.00 in (12.70 cm)
Torque Rise - Vhp Plus	40%
Vhp Plus Range - Net	103-136 kW (138-182 hp)
Vhp Plus Range - Net - Metric	103-136 kW (140-185 hp)
Vhp Range - Net	103-114 kW (138-153 hp)

Frame

Caterpillar 120M Motor Grader Frame specifications
Circle - Blade Beam Thickness	1.40 in (3.56 cm)
Circle - Diameter	60.20 in (152.91 cm)
Drawbar - Height	6.00 in (15.24 cm)
Drawbar - Thickness	0.40 in (1.02 cm)
Drawbar - Width	3.00 in (7.62 cm)
Drawbar - Yoke Bar Thickness	0.80 in (2.03 cm)
Front Axle - Height To Center	22.50 in (57.15 cm)
Front Axle - Total Oscillation Per Side	32 degrees
Front Axle - Wheel Lean - Left/Right	18 degrees
Front Frame Structure - Height	0.90 ft (0.27 m)
Front Frame Structure - Thickness	0.10 ft (0.03 m)
Front Frame Structure - Width	0.90 ft (0.27 m)

Front Axle

Caterpillar 120M Motor Grader Front Axle specifications
Ground Clearance	1.90 ft (0.58 m)
Oscillation - Total	32 degrees
Wheel Lean	18 degrees

Hydraulic System

Caterpillar 120M Motor Grader Hydraulic System specifications
Circuit Type	Electro-hydraulic load sensing, closed center
Maximum System Pressure	3500 psi
Pump Flow	40.00 gpm (151.40 lpm)
Pump Output	40.00 gpm (151.40 lpm)
Pump Type	Variable piston
Relief Valve Pressure	3500 psi
Standby Pressure	450 psi

Moldboard

Caterpillar 120M Motor Grader Moldboard specifications
Arc Radius	16.30 in (41.40 cm)
Blade Down Pressure	28,887.20 lbs (13,103.03 kg)
Blade Down Pressure - Base Gvw	16,435.00 lbs (7,454.80 kg)
Blade Down Pressure - Maximum Gvw	29,125.00 lbs (13,210.89 kg)
Blade Pull - Base Gvw	20,350.00 lbs (9,230.62 kg)
Blade Pull - Maximum Gvw	24,218.00 lbs (10,985.11 kg)
Blade Pull At Max Weight	40,221.00 lbs (18,243.96 kg)
Blade Width	12.00 ft (3.66 m)
Cutting Edge Thickness	0.60 in (1.52 cm)
Cutting Edge Width	6.00 in (15.24 cm)
End Bit - Thickness	0.60 in (1.52 cm)
End Bit - Width	6.00 in (15.24 cm)
Max Depth Of Cut	28.30 in (71.88 cm)
Moldboard - Height	24.00 in (60.96 cm)
Moldboard - Thickness	0.90 in (2.29 cm)
Moldboard - Width	12.00 ft (3.66 m)
Moldboard Height	24.00 in (60.96 cm)
Moldboard Thickness	0.90 in (2.29 cm)
Moldboard Width	12.00 ft (3.66 m)
Side Shift Left	20.10 in (51.05 cm)
Side Shift Right	26.00 in (66.04 cm)
Throat Clearance	5.20 in (13.21 cm)

Operating Specifications

Caterpillar 120M Motor Grader Operating Specifications specifications
Articulation Angle - Left/Right	20 degrees
Forward - 1st	2.40 mph (3.86 kph)
Forward - 2nd	3.30 mph (5.31 kph)
Forward - 3rd	4.80 mph (7.72 kph)
Forward - 4th	6.50 mph (10.46 kph)
Forward - 5th	10.20 mph (16.42 kph)
Forward - 6th	13.80 mph (22.21 kph)
Forward - 7th	19.00 mph (30.58 kph)
Forward - 8th	27.70 mph (44.58 kph)
Reverse - 1st	2.00 mph (3.22 kph)
Reverse - 2nd	3.80 mph (6.12 kph)
Reverse - 3rd	5.60 mph (9.01 kph)
Reverse - 4th	8.60 mph (13.84 kph)
Reverse - 5th	16.10 mph (25.91 kph)
Reverse - 6th	23.50 mph (37.82 kph)
Steering Range - Left/Right	47.5 degrees
Top Speed - Forward	27.70 mph (44.58 kph)
Top Speed - Reverse	23.50 mph (37.82 kph)
Turning Radius - Outside Front Tires	24.50 ft (7.47 m)

Operational

Caterpillar 120M Motor Grader Operational specifications
Circle Gearbox Fluid Capacity	1.80 gal (6.81 l)
Cooling System Fluid Capacity	10.40 gal (39.36 l)
Fuel Capacity	90.00 gal (340.65 l)
Hydraulic System Fluid Capacity	15.90 gal (60.18 l)
Max Operation Weight - Front Axle	16,312.00 lbs (7,399.01 kg)
Max Operation Weight - Rear Axle	28,378.00 lbs (12,872.06 kg)
Max Operation Weight - Total	44,690.00 lbs (20,271.07 kg)
Rear Diff/Final Drive Fluid Capacity	13.20 gal (49.96 l)
Std Operation Weight - Front Axle	8,233.00 lbs (3,734.43 kg)
Std Operation Weight - Rear Axle	22,836.00 lbs (10,358.25 kg)
Std Operation Weight - Total	31,069.00 lbs (14,092.68 kg)
Tandem Case Fluid Capacity (Each)	16.90 gal (63.97 l)

Power Train

Caterpillar 120M Motor Grader Power Train specifications
Brakes - Parking	Multiple oil disc
Brakes - Secondary	Dual circuit control system
Brakes - Service	Multiple oil-disc
Brakes - Service - Surface Area	3565 in2
Forward/Reverse Gears	8 Fwd / 6 Rev
Transmission	Direct drive, power shift, countershaft

Ripper

Caterpillar 120M Motor Grader Ripper specifications
Machine Length Increase, Beam Raised	39.20 in (99.57 cm)
Penetration Force	17,705.00 lbs (8,030.86 kg)
Pry-Out Force	26,303.00 lbs (11,930.85 kg)
Ripper Shank Holder Spacing	21.00 in (53.34 cm)
Ripper Shank Holders	5
Ripping Depth - Maximum	17.00 in (43.18 cm)

Scarifier

Caterpillar 120M Motor Grader Scarifier specifications
Front, V-Type, 5 Or 11 Tooth - Scarifier Shank Holder Spacing	4.60 in (11.68 cm)
Front, V-Type, 5 Or 11 Tooth - Scarifier Shank Holders	5 / 11
Front, V-Type, 5 Or 11 Tooth - Scarifying Depth, Maximum	18.40 in (46.74 cm)
Front, V-Type, 5 Or 11 Tooth - Working Width	47.40 in (120.40 cm)
Mid, Straight - Scarifier Shank Holder Spacing	4.40 in (11.18 cm)
Mid, Straight - Scarifier Shank Holders	17
Mid, Straight - Scarifying Depth, Maximum	12.50 in (31.75 cm)
Mid, Straight - Working Width	71.00 in (180.34 cm)
Mid, V-Type - Scarifier Shank Holder Spacing	4.60 in (11.68 cm)
Mid, V-Type - Scarifier Shank Holders	11
Mid, V-Type - Scarifying Depth, Maximum	11.50 in (29.21 cm)
Mid, V-Type - Working Width	46.60 in (118.36 cm)
Rear - Scarifier Shank Holder Spacing	10.50 in (26.67 cm)
Rear - Scarifier Shank Holders	9
Rear - Scarifying Depth, Maximum	10.50 in (26.67 cm)
Rear - Working Width	91.00 in (231.14 cm)

Service Refill

Caterpillar 120M Motor Grader Service Refill specifications
Circle Drive Housing	1.80 gal (6.81 l)
Cooling System	8.70 gal (32.93 l)
Engine Oil	3.70 gal (14.00 l)
Front Wheel Spindle Bearing Housing	0.10 gal (0.38 l)
Fuel Capacity	90.00 gal (340.65 l)
Hydraulic System - Tank	16.90 gal (63.97 l)
Tandem Housing - Each	15.60 gal (59.05 l)
Transmission - Differential - Final Drives	16.50 gal (62.45 l)

Standards

Caterpillar 120M Motor Grader Standards specifications
Brakes	ISO 3450:1996
Rops/Fops	ISO 3471:1992 / ISO 3449:1992
Sound	ISO 6394:1998 / ISO 6395:1988
Steering	ISO 5010:1992

Steering

Caterpillar 120M Motor Grader Steering specifications
Articulation Angle	20 degrees
Turning Radius	24.50 ft (7.47 m)

Tandems

Caterpillar 120M Motor Grader Tandems specifications
Drive Chain Pitch	1.80 in (4.57 cm)
Height	19.80 in (50.29 cm)
Sidewall Thickness - Inner	0.50 in (1.27 cm)
Sidewall Thickness - Outer	0.60 in (1.52 cm)
Tandem Oscillation - Front Down	25 degrees
Tandem Oscillation - Front Up	15 degrees
Wheel Axle Spacing	59.50 in (151.13 cm)
Width	6.80 in (17.27 cm)

Transmission

Caterpillar 120M Motor Grader Transmission specifications
Max Speed - Forward	27.70 mph (44.58 kph)
Max Speed - Reverse	23.50 mph (37.82 kph)
Number Of Gears - Forward	8
Number Of Gears - Reverse	6
Transmission Type	direct drive, power shift, countershaft

Weights

Caterpillar 120M Motor Grader Weights specifications
Gross Vehicle Weight - Base - Front Axle	9,303.00 lbs (4,219.78 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight - Base - Rear Axle	26,479.00 lbs (12,010.69 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight - Base - Total	35,783.00 lbs (16,230.92 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight - Maximum - Front Axle	15,077.00 lbs (6,838.82 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight - Maximum - Rear Axle	33,523.00 lbs (15,205.80 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight - Maximum - Total	48,601.00 lbs (22,045.07 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight - Typically Equipped - Front Axle	11,221.00 lbs (5,089.77 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight - Typically Equipped - Rear Axle	29,343.00 lbs (13,309.78 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight - Typically Equipped - Total	40,565.00 lbs (18,400.00 kg)
Operating Weight - Typically Equipped	40,565.00 lbs (18,400.00 kg)