Cat redesigns motor graders with an all-new finishing gear for precision grading results
Smart controls are operated through the new easy-to-use joystick, reducing fatigue and increasing productivity
Caterpillar continues to shift its range of motor graders to the Next-Generation platform. The Cat 150 and 160 Motor Graders are the latest models to receive the redesign, made to solve tough challenges through smarter controls, improved efficiency, and enhanced operator comfort.
Cat is improving the work atmosphere with easy-to-use joystick controls
Both models now feature Caterpillar's easy-to-use joystick steering controls: optional on the Cat 150 and fitted as standard on the Cat 160.
"Hours of ergonomic research shows how joystick controls reduce hand and arm movements for the operator, when compared to the usual level and steering configuration," says Eric Kohout, Caterpillar senior product consultant for motor graders.
"Reducing operator fatigue is key to maintaining and improving productivity," he points out, "so transferring control into two, three-axis joysticks completely redefines operator comfort."
Smarter power and transmission create the ultimate grading machine
The joysticks place transmission, gear shifting, and machine-direction control on the left, while the right handles drawbar, circle, and moldboard functions as well as throttle control and the manual differential lock and unlock.
Both the 150 and 160 offer exacting control through nine forward and six reverse gears, with a new offering of a finish gear that allows the operator to achieve precise grading results. Used for the final stage of the grading process, the finish gear ensures that the ground is uniform and even, delivering the specified slope and elevation requirements for the most demanding construction projects. The 150 sports a 12-foot moldboard as standard, with a 14-footer on the 160; upgrades are available to 14 and 16 feet, respectively.
"The Next-Generation platform is all about efficiency, productivity and operator comfort," says Kohout. "These new models achieve those objectives in many ways."
"From a practical perspective, the new models maintain the dimensions of those they replace with a C9.3 engine providing strong, consistent power to the ground."
Total visibility is possible through a redesigned cab
"Another obvious improvement is in the fully redesigned cab, first seen on the upgraded 120 and 140 models. Larger windows provide better visibility all around the cab, with particular focus on the moldboard and tires, while we continue the ‘operator first' approach by improving HVAC and seat adjustment options."
Operator comfort comes standard
Visibility can be further enhanced by specifying the optional integrated rear vision, front vision, 360-degree cameras and Caterpillar's People Detection system, all feeding into the cab's 10-inch touchscreen. The same touchscreen also controls optional technologies, such as Cat Grade. Both models allow easy upgrades to attachments, ensuring they hit grade faster.
"It's exciting to see the Next-Generation features arriving with the 150 and 160," Kohout enthuses. "Caterpillar motor graders have long been revered for their ‘grade any terrain' capability and impressive jobsite productivity. The new platform serves only to make that offering more robust still."
