Motor Graders feature electronically-controlled engine.

Press Release Summary:

Models 120H, 135H and 12H offer power ranges of 125-140, 135-155, and 145-155 net hp, respectively. Variable Horsepower and VHP Plus provide precise delivery of power as system adjusts according to gear selection. Hydraulically driven, variable speed cooling fan operates on demand. Electronic Monitoring System III keeps operator informed and helps protect machine from damage. Standard blade width for all three is 12 ft and moldboard height is 24 in.

Original Press Release:

Three Caterpillar® Motor Graders Offer More Powerful and Efficient Engines, Easier Operation and Improved Serviceability

Caterpillar has improved the 120H, 135H and 12H motor graders to achieve higher productivity and lower operating cost. Each of the graders offers improved performance and fuel efficiency with a new electronically controlled Cat engine. Variable Horsepower (VHP) and VHP Plus provide more precise delivery of power as the system automatically adjusts according to gear selection. Advancements in control, comfort and viewing area enhance operator efficiency. Re-engineered inspection and service points as well as extended fluid change intervals reduce maintenance time and operating cost. The motor graders operate more cleanly and quietly than previous models. Each meets current EPA emissions control standards. The 120H and 135H generate exterior sound levels of less than 106 decibels (ISO 6393) and the 12H less than 108 decibels (ISO 6393) for minimal disturbance to people and animals. VHP and VHP Plus restrict power when traction is limited and increase power in higher gears when the machine can use more power. The result is greater efficiency and higher productivity. The 120H and 135H can be equipped with VHP, which provides additional power in fourth through eighth gears. The 12H can be equipped with VHP or the new option, VHP Plus. In seventh and eighth gears, VHP Plus delivers an additional 11 percent power when compared to the VHP arrangement. The power range for the 120H is 125 net horsepower (93 kW) to 140 net horsepower (104 kW), and the range for the 135H is 135 net horsepower (101 kW) to 155 net horsepower (116 kW). The 12H offers more power in every gear when compared to the previous model-nearly 4 percent more in the base configuration. The 12H power range is 145 net horsepower (108 kW) to 185 net horsepower (138 kW). Standard blade width for all three motor graders is 12 feet (3.66 meters), and moldboard height is 24 inches (610 mm). Efficient, responsive engines The Cat 3126B engine powers the 120H and 135H. The six-cylinder, direct injection, turbocharged and air-to-air aftercooled diesel engine has displacement of 439 cubic inches (7.2 liters). The Cat C-9 engine powers the 12H. The six-cylinder, turbocharged and air-to-air aftercooled diesel engine has displacement of 537 cubic inches (8.8 liters). Compared to the engines used previously, the electronically controlled engines give the improved graders increased torque at all engine speeds and 5 to 10 percent better fuel efficiency. High torque output and 50 percent torque rise make the engines very responsive. Increased lugging capability maintains consistent grading speeds without the need to downshift. Rimpull in each gear is higher and power curves are customized for each machine. Maximum rimpull is 11 percent higher for the 120H and 135H and 14 percent higher for the 12H. The result is higher productivity. The hydraulically driven, variable speed cooling fan automatically operates on demand and at a speed appropriate to meet cooling requirements. The system reduces demands on the engine, improves fuel efficiency and allows more power to go to production tasks. Redesigned operator station enhances comfort and efficiency The 120H, 135H and 12H are designed for straightforward, comfortable operation. Changes optimize control effort and response, improve sight lines to the work area and enhance operator comfort. Electronic throttle control makes throttle operation easier and more precise, which promotes accurately matching speed to conditions. Electronic Clutch Pressure Control delivers optimized inching modulation and smooth, consistent shifting. The Electronic Monitoring System III keeps the operator informed and helps protect the machine from damage. Using an electronic service tool, a technician can easily adjust many machine parameters and can quickly perform diagnostic tests. All gauges, switches and controls have been carefully located within easy reach of the operator. The appropriate ones are backlit for nighttime operation. The pedals have been redesigned and repositioned to reduce operator fatigue. The Cat Contour suspension seat is fully adjustable to allow the operator to tailor it for maximum support and comfort. An optional high-pressure air conditioning system pressurizes the cab to keep dust out, and 16 vents evenly distribute air. Reduced engine noise and vibration further improve operator comfort. A redesigned console improves sight lines to the front. Large side windows provide a good view of the moldboard and tandems, and moving the air dryer and air cleaner as well as other refinements improve the sight lines to the rear. The good field of view enables operators to work more confidently and efficiently. Easy maintenance access, extended service intervals Inspection and service points on H-Series graders have been re-engineered to reduce maintenance time and operating expense. A ground-level service center provides easy, centralized access to most routine maintenance points, such as fluid level gauges, fluid sampling ports, filters and remote lubrication points. Fueling, too, is designed to be done at ground level. A larger fuel tank reduces the frequency of refueling, and a sediment drain enables the operator to quickly remove sediment. The fuse panel with new, automotive-style fuses is conveniently located within the cab. A new access panel to the radiator enables the operator to clean out debris. The engine oil change interval has been extended to 500 hours, and the hydraulic oil change interval is 4,000 hours. Coolant changes are extended to 6,000 hours. Extended fluid change intervals help keep the grader on the job and cut maintenance expenses. The improved 120H, 135H and 12H graders continue to offer proven Caterpillar drive trains, load-sensing hydraulics, versatile blade linkages and durable structures. For more information, customers should contact their local Caterpillar dealer or visit the Cat web site at www.cat.com.

Basic Specifications for 120H, 135H and 12H 1N 120H 135H 12H Engine Cat 3126B Cat 3126B Cat C-9 Transmission 8F/6R, power shift 8F/6R, power shift 8F/6R, power shift Power(net) Base Base Base 1-8: 125 hp (93 kW) 1-8: 135 hp (101 kW) 1-8:135 hp (101 kW) VHP VHP VHP 1-3: 125 hp (93 kW) 1-3: 135 hp (101 kW) 1-3:145 hp(108 kW) 4-8: 140 hp (104 kW) 4-8: 155 hp (116 kW) 4-8: 165 hp (123 kW) VHP Plus 1-3: 145 hp (108 kW) 4-6: 165 hp (123 kW) 7-8: 185 hp (138 kW) Gross vehicle 27,880 lb (12 650 kg) 28,840 lb (13 080 kg) 31,320 lb (14 200 kg) weight-base Std. blade width 12 ft (3.66 m) 12 ft (3.66 m) 12 ft (3.66 m) Circle diameter 60.2 in. (1530 mm) 60.2 in. (1530 mm) 60.2 in. (1530 mm)