Construction Equipment Guide
470 Maryland Drive
Fort Washington, PA 19034
800-523-2200
The Caterpillar 12M3 is a motor grader designed for road construction, maintenance, and fine grading applications. It is part of Caterpillar's M Series grader lineup and is used for shaping surfaces, maintaining haul roads, ditching, and snow removal. The 12M3 typically features a front-mounted engine, articulated frame, and moldboard control system for precise blade positioning. It is commonly equipped with advanced hydraulic controls, operator comfort features, and optional grade control technology. The machine is used in municipal, mining, and construction environments where accurate grading and surface finishing are required.
| Base Power - Net | 179.00 hp (133.00 kW) - Starting 2015 |
|---|---|
| Diesel Exhaust Fluid Capacity | 5.80 US gal (22.00 L) - Starting 2015 |
| Displacement | 567.00 cu in (9.30 L) - Starting 2015 |
| Electrical - Std. Alternator | 150 - Starting 2015 |
| Electrical - Std. Battery CCA @ 0° F | 1125 - Starting 2015 |
| Electrical - System Size | 24V - Starting 2015 |
| Engine Model | C9.3 ACERT - Starting 2015 |
| Front Axle/Steering - Articulation Angle | 20 deg - Starting 2015 |
| Front Axle/Steering - Minimum Turning Radius | 298.00 in (7.60 m) - Starting 2015 |
| Front Axle/Steering - Minimum Turning Radius** | 298.00 in (7.60 m) - Starting 2018 |
| Front Axle/Steering - Oscillation Angle | 32 deg - Starting 2015 |
| Front Axle/Steering - Steering Angle | 47.5 deg - Starting 2015 |
| Front Axle/Steering - Wheel Lean Angle | 18.0 deg - Starting 2015 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 104.00 US gal (394.00 L) - Starting 2015 |
| GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Blade Base | 100.50 in (2,552.00 mm) - Starting 2015 |
| 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 2015 |
| GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Overall Length | 350.90 in (8,912.00 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 2015 |
| GENERAL DIMENSIONS - Standard Blade: Thickness | 0.87 in (22.00 mm) - Starting 2015 |
| 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 2015 |
| Hydraulics - Implement Pressure: Min. | 885.00 psi (6,100.00 kPa) - Starting 2015 |
| Hydraulics - Max. Pump Flow | 55.70 US gpm (210.00 L/min) - Starting 2015 |
| Hydraulics - Pump Type | Variable Piston - Starting 2015 |
| Hydraulics - Tank Capacity | 16.90 US gal (64.00 L) - Starting 2015 |
| Interior Sound Level/SAE J919 | 71 dB(A - Starting 2015 |
| Max. Shoulder Reach: - Frame Straight - left | 70.50 in (1,790.00 mm) - Starting 2015 |
| Max. Shoulder Reach: - Frame Straight - right | 77.90 in (1,978.00 mm) - Starting 2015 |
| 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 | 840.00 lb-ft (1,138.00 N-m) - Starting 2015 |
| No. Circle Support Shoes | 6 - Starting 2015 |
| No. of Cylinders | 6 - Starting 2015 |
| No. of Speeds Forward/Reverse | 8/6 - Starting 2015 |
| Operating Weight (Typical) | 37,420.00 lbs (16,974.00 kg) - Starting 2015 |
| Operating Weight (Typical)* | 37,420.00 lbs (16,974.00 kg) - Starting 2018 |
| Rated Engine RPM | 2000 rpm - Starting 2015 |
| Std. Tires - Front and Rear | 14.00R24 (G-2 - Starting 2015 |
| Top Speed: Forward | 29.00 mph (46.60 km/h) - Starting 2015 |
| Top Speed: Reverse | 23.00 mph (36.80 km/h) - Starting 2015 |
| VHP Plus Range - Net | 179.00-231.00 hp (133.00-172.00 kW) |