Caterpillar 12M Motor Grader Specs

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

The Caterpillar 12M is a motor grader designed for road construction, maintenance, and fine grading applications. It is part of Caterpillar's M Series and is used for shaping surfaces, ditching, slope work, and snow removal. The 12M typically features a diesel engine, articulated frame, hydraulic controls, and a moldboard for precise material movement. It is commonly used by contractors, municipalities, and mining operations where accurate grading and reliable performance are required. The machine is available with various blade widths, tire configurations, and attachments to suit different jobsite conditions and operating requirements.

General Specifications

Caterpillar 12M Motor Grader General Specifications specifications
Base Power	158.00 hp (117.82 kw) - Starting 2012
Base Power - Net	183.00 hp (136.00 kW) - Starting 2013
Base Weight	35,783.00 lbs (16,231.00 kg) - Starting 2013
Displacement	439.00 cu in (7.20 L) - Starting 2015
Electrical - Std. Alternator	80 - Starting 2010
Electrical - Std. Battery CCA @ 0° F	1125 - Starting 2013
Electrical - System Size	24V - Starting 2010
Engine Model	C7 ACERT - Starting 2015
Front Axle/Steering - Articulation Angle	20 deg - Starting 2010
Front Axle/Steering - Minimum Turning Radius	298.00 in (7.57 m) - Starting 2013
Front Axle/Steering - Minimum Turning Radius**	298.00 in (7.60 m) - Starting 2018
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 deg - Starting 2012
Fuel Tank Capacity	110.00 US gal (416.00 L) - Starting 2013
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Blade Base	98.90 in (2,511.00 mm) - Starting 2015
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Height	24.00 in (610.00 mm) - Starting 2010
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Height (to top of ROPS)	130.20 in (3,308.00 mm) - Starting 2015
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Lift Above Ground	18.90 in (480.00 mm) - Starting 2013
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Overal Width (at top of front tires)	98.00 in (2,481.00 mm) - Starting 2010
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Overall Length	344.60 in (8,754.00 mm) - Starting 2015
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Overall Width (at top of front tires)	98.90 in (2,511.00 mm) - Starting 2015
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Standard Blade: Height	24.00 in (610.00 mm) - Starting 2015
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Standard Blade: Length	144.00 in (3,658.00 mm) - Starting 2010
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Standard Blade: Thickness	0.87 in (22.00 mm) - Starting 2013
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Thickness	0.87 in (22.00 mm) - Starting 2010
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Wheelbase	241.10 in (6,123.00 mm) - Starting 2015
GENERAL DIMENSIONS - With Ripper and Pushplate	399.10 in (10,136.00 mm) - 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/min) - 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	70.50 in (1,790.00 mm) - Starting 2013
Max. Shoulder Reach: - Frame Straight - right	77.90 in (1,978.00 mm) - Starting 2013
Max. Shoulder Reach:*** - Frame Straight - Left	70.50 in (1,790.00 mm) - Starting 2018
Max. Shoulder Reach:*** - Frame Straight - Right	77.90 in (1,978.00 mm) - Starting 2018
Max. Torque	776.00 lb-ft (1,052.00 N-m) - Starting 2015
Maximum Net Power with VHP+	193.00 hp (143.92 kw) - Starting 2012
No. Circle Support Shoes	6 - Starting 2010
No. of Cylinders	6 - Starting 2010
No. of Speeds Forward/Reverse	8/6 - Starting 2010
Operating Weight	35,783.00 lbs (16,231.00 kg) - Starting 2015
Operating Weight - Typically Equipped	38,381 lb - Starting 2012
Operating Weight*	35,783.00 lbs (16,231.00 kg) - Starting 2018
Rated Engine RPM	2000 rpm - Starting 2010
Reverse	23.50 mph (37.80 km/h) - Starting 2010
Standard Blade Length	12.00 ft (3.66 m) - Starting 2012
Std. Tires - Front and Rear	14.00 24 (10 PR) (G-2 - Starting 2015
Top Speed: Forward	29.00 mph (46.60 km/h) - Starting 2015
Top Speed: Reverse	22.90 mph (36.80 km/h) - Starting 2013
VHP Plus Range - Net	183.00-213.00 hp (136.00-159.00 kW)
VHP Range - Net	183.00-193.00 hp (136.00-144.00 kW)

Blade Range

Caterpillar 12M 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 12M 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 12M 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 - 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 - 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)
Wheelbase	19.40 ft (5.91 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 12M Motor Grader Engine specifications
Base Power (1st Gear) - Net	158.00 hp (117.82 kw)
Base Power (All Gears) - Net	158.00 hp (117.82 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)
Engine Make	2236
Engine Model	Cat C6.6 ACERT VHP
High - Ambient Capability	122 degrees
High Ambient - Fan Speed - Maximum	1650 rpm
High Ambient - Fan Speed - Minimum	550 rpm
Max Power	173.00 hp (129.01 kw)
Maximum Torque	690.00 lbs ft (935.50 nm)
Net Power Gear 1-2	163.00 hp (121.55 kw)
Net Power Gear 4-6	173.00 hp (129.01 kw)
Net Power Gear 5-6	173.00 hp (129.01 kw)
Net Power Gears 7-8	173.00 hp (129.01 kw)
Number Of Cylinders	6
Power Measured @	2000 rpm
Speed At Rated Power	2000 rpm
Standard - Ambient Capability	109 degrees
Standard - Fan Speed - Maximum	1150 rpm
Standard - Fan Speed - Minimum	550 rpm
Stroke	5.00 in (12.70 cm)
Torque Rise - Vhp Plus	40%
Vhp Plus Range - Net	118-144 kW (158-193 hp)
Vhp Range - Net	118 -129 kW (158-173 hp)

Frame

Caterpillar 12M 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 12M Motor Grader Front Axle specifications
Ground Clearance	1.90 ft (0.58 m)
Oscillation - Total	32 degrees
Wheel Lean	18 degrees

Hydraulic System

Caterpillar 12M Motor Grader Hydraulic System specifications
Circuit Type	Electro-hydraulic closed center, load sensing,
Maximum System Pressure	3500 psi
Pump Flow	51.00 gpm (193.04 lpm)
Pump Output	51.00 gpm (193.04 lpm)
Pump Type	Variable piston
Relief Valve Pressure	3500 psi
Standby Pressure	450 psi

Moldboard

Caterpillar 12M Motor Grader Moldboard specifications
Arc Radius	16.30 in (41.40 cm)
Blade Down Pressure	27,066.20 lbs (12,277.04 kg)
Blade Down Pressure - Base Gvw	17,566.00 lbs (7,967.81 kg)
Blade Down Pressure - Maximum Gvw	28,254.00 lbs (12,815.81 kg)
Blade Pull - Base Gvw	20,830.00 lbs (9,448.34 kg)
Blade Pull - Maximum Gvw	25,862.00 lbs (11,730.82 kg)
Blade Pull At Max Weight	26,465.00 lbs (12,004.34 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 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	4.90 in (12.45 cm)

Operating Specifications

Caterpillar 12M 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 12M 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	16.00 gal (60.56 l)
Max Operation Weight - Front Axle	15,284.00 lbs (6,932.71 kg)
Max Operation Weight - Rear Axle	29,406.00 lbs (13,338.35 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	8,836.00 lbs (4,007.95 kg)
Std Operation Weight - Rear Axle	23,180.00 lbs (10,514.28 kg)
Std Operation Weight - Total	32,016.00 lbs (14,522.23 kg)
Tandem Case Fluid Capacity (Each)	16.90 gal (63.97 l)

Power Train

Caterpillar 12M 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 12M Motor Grader Ripper specifications
Machine Length Increase, Beam Raised	39.20 in (99.57 cm)
Penetration Force	18,911.00 lbs (8,577.90 kg)
Pry-Out Force	25,972.00 lbs (11,780.72 kg)

Scarifier

Caterpillar 12M 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 12M Motor Grader Service Refill specifications
Circle Drive Housing	1.80 gal (6.81 l)
Cooling System	10.40 gal (39.36 l)
Engine Oil	4.10 gal (15.52 l)
Front Wheel Spindle Bearing Housing	0.10 gal (0.38 l)
Fuel Capacity	90.00 gal (340.65 l)
Hydraulic System - Tank	16.00 gal (60.56 l)
Tandem Housing - Each	16.90 gal (63.97 l)
Transmission - Differential - Final Drives	13.20 gal (49.96 l)

Standards

Caterpillar 12M 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 12M Motor Grader Steering specifications
Articulation Angle	20 degrees
Turning Radius	24.50 ft (7.47 m)

Tandems

Caterpillar 12M 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 12M 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 12M Motor Grader Weights specifications
Gross Vehicle Weight - Base - Front Axle	9,919.00 lbs (4,499.19 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight - Base - Rear Axle	23,145.00 lbs (10,498.41 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight - Base - Total	33,064.00 lbs (14,997.60 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight - Maximum - Front Axle	15,954.00 lbs (7,236.62 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight - Maximum - Rear Axle	48,736.00 lbs (22,106.31 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight - Maximum - Total	44,690.00 lbs (20,271.07 kg)