The 120H blends productivity and durability to give you the best return on your investment. The Cat® 3126B engine, direct-drive power shift transmission and load-sensing hydraulics are perfectly balanced, working together to deliver top productivity in all applications.
Engine
Base Power (1st gear) – Net |
93.0 kW |
Engine Model |
Cat® 3126B DITA ATAAC VHP |
VHP - gears 4-8 Net |
104.0 kW |
Base Power (all gears) Gross |
104.0 kW |
VHP - gears 1-3 Gross |
104.0 kW |
VHP - gears 4-8 Gross |
115.0 kW |
Bore |
110.0 mm |
Stroke |
127.0 mm |
Speed @ Rated Power |
2000 RPM |
Base Power (all gears) – Net |
93.0 kW |
Maximum Torque |
737.0 N·m |
Torque Rise |
50% |
Displacement |
7.2 L |
VHP - gears 1-3 Net |
93.0 kW |
Number of Cylinders |
6 |
Derating Altitude |
3048.0 m |
Standard – Fan Speed – Maximum |
1210 RPM |
Standard – Fan Speed – Minimum |
500 RPM |
Standard – Ambient Capability |
47.0 ° C |
High Ambient – Fan Speed – Maximum |
1300 RPM |
High Ambient – Fan Speed – Minimum |
500 RPM |
High Ambient Capability |
50.0 ° C |
Weights
Gross Vehicle Weight – Maximum – Front Axle |
5076.0 kg |
Gross Vehicle Weight – Maximum – Rear Axle |
11846.0 kg |
Gross Vehicle Weight – Base – Front Axle |
3611.0 kg |
Gross Vehicle Weight – Base – Rear Axle |
9039.0 kg |
Gross Vehicle Weight – Maximum – Total |
16922.0 kg |
Gross Vehicle Weight – Base – Total |
12650.0 kg |
Moldboard
Blade Width |
3.658 m |
Moldboard – Height |
610.0 mm |
Moldboard – Thickness |
22.0 mm |
Arc Radius |
413.0 mm |
Throat Clearance |
120.0 mm |
Cutting Edge – Width |
152.0 mm |
Cutting Edge – Thickness |
16.0 mm |
End Bit – Width |
152.0 mm |
End Bit – Thickness |
16.0 mm |
Blade Pull – Base GVW |
8081.0 kg |
Blade Pull – Maximum GVW |
10661.0 kg |
Blade Down Pressure – Base GVW |
6574.0 kg |
Blade Down Pressure – Maximum GVW |
9100.0 kg |
Dimensions
Height – Top of Cab |
3108.0 mm |
Height - high profile cab |
3332.0 mm |
Height - no cab |
3090.0 mm |
Length – Counterweight to Ripper |
10064.0 mm |
Width – Outside Front Tires |
2441.0 mm |
Length – Front Axle to Mid Tandem |
5923.0 mm |
Length – Front Tire to Rear of Machine |
8314.0 mm |
Length – Front Axle to Moldboard |
2596.0 mm |
Length – Between Tandem Axles |
1510.0 mm |
Width – Outside Rear Tires |
2402.0 mm |
Width – Tire Center Lines |
2056.0 mm |
Height – Front Axle Center |
594.0 mm |
Height to Exhaust Stack |
3138.0 mm |
Height to Top of Cylinders |
2912.0 mm |
Ground Clearance at Rear Axle |
351.0 mm |
Operating Specifications
Top Speed – Forward |
42.6 km/h |
Top Speed – Reverse |
33.7 km/h |
Turning Radius, Outside Front Tires |
7.3 m |
Steering Range – Left/Right |
50° |
Articulation Angle – Left/Right |
20° |
Forward – 1st |
3.6 km/h |
Forward – 2nd |
5.0 km/h |
Forward – 3rd |
7.2 km/h |
Forward – 4th |
9.9 km/h |
Forward – 5th |
15.7 km/h |
Forward – 6th |
21.3 km/h |
Forward – 7th |
29.3 km/h |
Forward – 8th |
42.6 km/h |
Reverse – 1st |
2.9 km/h |
Reverse – 2nd |
5.4 km/h |
Reverse – 3rd |
7.8 km/h |
Reverse – 4th |
12.4 km/h |
Reverse – 5th |
23.1 km/h |
Reverse – 6th |
33.7 km/h |
Service Refill
Fuel Capacity |
340.0 L |
Cooling System |
40.0 L |
Hydraulic System – Total |
68.0 L |
Hydraulic System – Tank |
38.0 L |
Engine Oil |
29.5 L |
Transmission/Differential/Final Drives |
47.0 L |
Tandem Housing (each) |
49.0 L |
Front Wheel Spindle Bearing Housing |
0.5 L |
Circle Drive Housing |
7.0 L |
Power Train
Forward/Reverse Gears |
8 fwd / 6 rev |
Transmission |
direct drive, power shift |
Brakes – Service |
air actuated, multiple oil disc |
Brakes – Service, Surface Area |
16744.0 cm2 |
Brakes – Parking |
air-actuated, multiple oil-disc |
Brakes – Secondary |
dual circuit |
Hydraulic System
Circuit Type |
closed center load sense |
Pump Type |
variable piston |
Pump Output |
144.0 L/min |
Maximum System Pressure |
24150.0 kPa |
Reservoir Tank Capacity |
38.0 L |
Standby Pressure |
3100.0 kPa |
Frame
Circle – Diameter |
1530.0 mm |
Circle – Blade Beam Thickness |
30.0 mm |
Drawbar – Height |
127.0 mm |
Front-Top/Bottom Plate – Width |
280.0 mm |
Front-Top/Bottom Plate – Thickness |
22.0 mm |
Front-Side Plates – Width |
236.0 mm |
Front-Side Plates – Thickness |
10.0 mm |
Front-linear weights - min |
134.0 kg/m |
Front-linear weights - max |
172.0 kg/m |
Front-section modulus - min |
1619.0 cm3 |
Front-section modulus - max |
3681.0 cm3 |
Front Axle – Height to Center |
608.0 mm |
Front Axle – Wheel Lean, Left/Right |
18° |
Front Axle – Total Oscillation per Side |
32° |
Blade Range
Circle Centershift – Right |
628.0 mm |
Circle Centershift – Left |
625.0 mm |
Moldboard Sideshift – Right |
660.0 mm |
Moldboard Sideshift – Left |
524.0 mm |
Maximum Blade Position Angle |
90° |
Blade Tip Range – Forward |
40° |
Blade Tip Range – Backward |
5° |
Maximum Shoulder Reach Outside of Tires – Right |
1912.0 mm |
Maximum Shoulder Reach Outside of Tires – Left |
1840.0 mm |
Maximum Lift above Ground |
457.0 mm |
Maximum Depth of Cut |
775.0 mm |
Scarifier
Front, V-Type – Scarifier shank holder spacing |
116.0 mm |
Front, V-Type – Scarifier shank holders |
11 |
Front, V-Type – Scarifying depth, maximum |
292.0 mm |
Front, V-Type: Working Width |
1184.0 mm |
Front, straight: Working width |
1800.0 mm |
Front, straight: Scarfying depth, maximum |
317.0 mm |
Front, straight: Scarifier shank holders |
17 |
Front, straight: Scarifier shank holder spacing |
111.0 mm |
Ripper
Ripping Depth – Maximum |
262.0 mm |
Ripper Shank Holders |
5 |
Shank Holder Spacing – Minimum |
533.0 mm |
Penetration Force |
4343.0 kg |
Pryout Force |
2279.0 kg |
Machine Length Increase, Beam Raised |
1058.0 mm |
Tandems
Height |
438.0 mm |
Width |
172.0 mm |
Sidewall Thickness – Inner |
14.0 mm |
Sidewall Thickness – Outer |
16.0 mm |
Drive Chain Pitch |
44.5 mm |
Wheel Axle Spacing |
1510.0 mm |
Tandem Oscillation – Front Up |
15° |
Tandem Oscillation – Front Down |
25° |
Engine
Caterpillar engines deliver increased performance and lower operating costs.
3126B DITA ATAAC Engine
The innovative Cat 3126B diesel engine delivers large-engine performance from a compact engine design. The six-cylinder engine is turbocharged and air-to-air aftercooled. With high displacement and low rated speed, this engine provides excellent fuel economy and durability that can significantly reduce operating costs.
Power Train
Matched Caterpillar components deliver smooth, responsive performance and reliability.
Power Shift Transmission
Designed and built specifically for Cat motor graders, the rugged transmission provides on-the-go, full-power shifting as well as inching capability.
Brakes
Caterpillar multi-disc brakes offer a large surface area for dependable, extended-life braking. The air-actuated service brakes, located in each of the four wheel spindle housings, are sealed, adjustment free, and lubricated and cooled by tandem housing oil. The parking/emergency brakes, located in the transmission on the output shaft, are spring actuated and air pressure released. When engaged, they neutralize the transmission and lock the wheels on any surface.
Hydraulics

Balanced hydraulics deliver consistent, precise and responsive control.
Load Sensing Hydraulics
A load sensing variable displacement pump and the advanced proportional priority pressure-compensating (PPPC, or "triple-PC") hydraulic valves provide superior implement control and enhanced machine performance and efficiency. Continuously matching hydraulic flow and pressure to power demands creates less heat and reduces power consumption.
Implement Control Valves
PPPC valves have different flow rates for the head and rod ends of the cylinder. This insures consistent extension and retraction properties for each cylinder, and improves operator 'feel' and system response. All control valves use lock valves to maintain blade settings. Line relief valves protect cylinders from excessive pressure.
Balanced Flow
Hydraulic flow is proportioned to ensure all implements operate simultaneously. If demand exceeds pump capacity, all cylinders are reduced by the same ratio. The result is improved productivity in virtually any application.
Blade Float
Blade float, incorporated into the blade lift control valves, allows the blade to move freely under its own weight. By floating both cylinders, the blade can follow the contours of the road when removing snow. Floating only one cylinder permits the toe of the blade to follow a hard surface while the operator controls the slope with the other lift cylinder.
Independent Oil Supply
Large separate hydraulic oil supply prevents cross-contamination and provides proper oil cooling, which reduces heat build-up and extends component life.
Heavy Duty XT™ Hose
Caterpillar hose technology allows high pressures for maximum power and reduced downtime, and intelligent routing minimizes exposure to damage.
Optional Hydraulic Lockout
Mechanically locks all moldboard, machine, and attachment control levers during machine roading. This prevents implements from being accidentally engaged when the motor grader is travelling down the road.
Drawbar, Circle, Moldboard
Every component is designed for maximum productivity and durability.
Blade
Heat treated moldboard rails, through-hardened, curved DH-2™ steel cutting edge and end bits, and replaceable metallic wear inserts assure a long, reliable service life. Three sideshift mounting locations for the optional moldboard add flexibility.
Blade Positioning
The blade linkage design provides extensive moldboard positioning, most beneficial in mid-range bank sloping and in ditch cutting and cleaning.
Circle Construction
One-piece forged circle with hydraulically driven motor stands up to high stress loads. Raised wear surfaces prevent circle teeth wear against the drawbar. Sixty-four uniformly spaced teeth on the front 240° of the circle are flame cut and heat induction hardened to resist wear. And the circle, with 360° rotation, is secured to the drawbar by four vertically and horizontally adjustable shoes for maximum support.
Drawbar Construction
The Y-frame drawbar is constructed of two solid beams for high strength and optimum durability, as well as precise blading control.
Blade Lift Accumulators
These optional blade lift accumulators absorb vertical shocks encountered when the moldboard contacts immovable objects. This option is especially useful in rough grading and rocky areas.
Structures

The 120H frame is designed and built to exceed the expectations of the customer.
Integrated Bumper
The integrated bumper ties the rear frame together into a cohesive unit, to handle the loads possible with the new 3126B power train. This is especially important in ripping and snow removal applications where graders are equipped with snow wing attachments.
Rear Frame
Rear frame has two box-sectioned channels integral with fully welded differential case for a solid working platform.
Front Frame
Continuous top and bottom plate construction provides consistency and strength. The flanged box section design removes welds from high stress areas, improving reliability and durability, and increasing resale values for the customer.
Operator's Station

The 120H includes innovative changes to improve operator efficiency and, in turn, greater machine productivity.
Comfort and Convenience
Comfort and convenience are designed into every feature of the operator's station.
Exceptional Visibility
The narrow operator's console provides good forward visibility. Large side windows allow a clear view of the moldboard heel and tandem tires. A wide rear window and tapered engine hood provide a good view to the rear of the machine. The position of the air dryer and air cleaner, and the alignment the precleaner and muffler, provides good visibility to the rear of the machine. Operators can work more confidently and efficiently.
Serviceability

Re-engineered inspection and service points save time and expense.
Service Center
Gathering many of the frequently serviced items into a ‘Service Center’ on the left side greatly improves access, and helps ensure proper maintenance and inspection routines, The result is better machine availability and lower operating costs.
- Large hinged doors provide easy access to the adjacent engine and maintenance service compartments.
- Engine and hydraulic oil checkpoints, coolant gauges, and air filters
- Spin-on filters for oils, fuel, coolant
- Remote lubrication points, purge valves and ecology drain lines
- Fuse panel with new automotive style fuses located inside cab
- Sample ports for engine, hydraulic, transmission fluids, coolant and fuel, encourages preventive maintenance and diagnostics like the S•O•SSM analysis program.
Fuel Tank
A 340 L (90 gal) ground level fuel tank allows longer work shifts and reduces refueling times. A fuel tank sediment drain enables the operator to remove sediment accumulation, reducing the risk of fuel system damage.
Extended Fluid Change Interval
Operate a full 500 hours between engine oil and filter changes, 4,000 hours between hydraulic oil changes, and 12,000 hours between engine coolant changes. This reduces downtime and operating expense.
Cat XT Hose
Caterpillar XT hose technology allows high pressures for maximum power and reduced downtime, and intelligent routing minimizes exposure to damage.
O-Ring Face Seals
Cat O-ring face seals assure rock-solid connections that maintain pressure and reduce oil leaks. Intelligent hose routing minimizes exposure to damage, increasing hose life and enhancing reliability.
Radiator Cleanout Access
Radiator clean-out access gives the operator the ability to clear away debris and other materials that build up around the radiator. This ensures that the radiator functions properly keeping the engine cool and increasing component life.
Environmentally Responsible Design

Caterpillar builds machines that help you create a better world.
Quiet Cab
The resiliently mounted engine and transmission provide interior sound levels of 76dB(A) when measured with the doors and windows closed per ISO 6394. Lower interior noise levels improve operator working conditions.
Quiet Machine
Exterior sound level of 107dB(A) when tested per ISO 6395, Annex B. The optional sound suppression group complies with the EU 2000/14/EC sound limit of 107 dB(A). This quiet operation lets the 120H work with minimal disturbance to the surroundings.
Low Emissions
The 120H Motor Grader is even more environmentally friendly than its predecessors with reductions in NOx, hydrocarbon, and particulate emissions. It meets or exceeds all U.S. EPA Tier II and EU Stage II emissions control standards worldwide.
Dry Machine
Lubricant fill points and filters are designed to minimize spillage. O-ring face seals, Cat XT hose and Cat hydraulic cylinders protect against leaks.
Ozone Protection
To help protect the earth's ozone layer, air-conditioning units use a refrigerant free of chloroflourocarbons (CFCs).
Customer Support

Cat dealer services help you operate longer with lower costs.
Product Support
You will find nearly all parts at our dealer parts counter. Cat dealers use a world-wide computer network to find in-stock parts to minimize machine down time. Save money with genuine Cat Reman parts. You receive the same warranty and reliability as new products at substantial cost savings.
Machine Selection
Make detailed comparisons of the machines under consideration before purchase. Cat dealers can estimate component life, preventive maintenance cost, and the true cost of lost production.
Customer Support Agreements
Cat dealers offer a variety of product support agreements, and work with customers to develop a plan that best meets specific needs. These plans can cover the entire machine, including attachments, to help protect the customer's investment.
Operation
Improving operating techniques can boost your profits. Your Cat dealer has videotapes, literature and other ideas to help you increase productivity, and Caterpillar offers certified operator training classes to help maximize the return on your machine investment.
Maintenance Services
Talk to your dealer about the range of available maintenance services. Repair option programs guarantee the cost of repairs up front. Diagnostic programs such as S•O•SSM Analysis and Coolant Sampling and Technical Analysis help avoid unscheduled repairs.
Replacement
Repair, rebuild or replace? Your Cat dealer can help you evaluate the cost involved so you can make the right choice.
ELECTRICAL
Alarm, back-up
Alternator, 35 ampere, sealed
Batteries, maintenance free, 750 CCA
Electrical system, 24 volt
Lights, stop and tail
Motor, starting
Product Link connection
OPERATOR ENVIRONMENT
Accelerator
Ashtray and lighter
Coat hook
Control console, adjustable
Cup holder
EMS III operator warning system
Panel gauges inside the cab
Hydraulic controls, load sensing
Meter, hour, digital
Mirror, inside rearview, wide angle
Mounting bracket, general purpose
Power steering, hydraulic
ROPS cab, sound suppressed, low profile
Seat, cloth, covered adjustable
Seat belt, retractable 76 mm (3 in)
Steering wheel, tilt, adjustable
Storage area for cooler/lunchbox
Sunscreen, front windshield
Throttle control, electronic
Washer / wipers, (3) front windshields
Windows, fixed lower front
POWERTRAIN
Air cleaner with dry type radial seal, service indicator, sutomatic dust ejector
Air to air after cooler (ATAAC)
Brakes - oil disc, four-wheel air actuated
Demand fan
Differential, lock-unlock
Engine, 3126 DITA diesel with VHP, automatic derate, automatic idle control
Fuel tank, sediment drain
Fuel-water separator
Lube for life pump drive shaft
Muffler, under hood
Parking brake - multi-disc, sealed and oil cooled
Pre-screener
Priming pump, fuel
Serpentine belt, automatic tensioner
Tandem drive
Transmission
OTHER STANDARD EQUIPMENT
Antifreeze -35°C (-30°F)
Bumper, rear, integrated, with hitch
Clutch, circle drive slip
Cutting edges
Doors, engine compartment, locking
Drawbar - 4 shoe, replaceable wear strips
Endbits - 16mm (5/8 in) DH-2 steel, 16mm (5/8 in) mounting bolts
Frame, articulated with safety lock
Fuel tank, 90 gallon (340 L)
Fueling, ground level
Ground level engine shutdown
Horn, air
Link bar, 7 position
Moldboard
Radiator cleanout access
SOS ports: engine, hydraulic, transmission, coolant, fuel
Tool box
TIRES, RIMS, & WHEELS
Partial allowance: 13.00-24 10PR on 9" single piece rims
Partial allowance: 13.00-24 10PR on 9" single piece rims
Accumulators, blade lift - 71 kg (156 lb)
Air conditioner with heater and pressurizer - 49 kg (107 lb)
Air dryer - 13 kg (29 lb)
Alternator, 75 ampere 6 kg (15 lb)
Batteries, heavy duty, 1100 CCA - 44 kg (96 lb)
Blade, 3962 mm x 688 mm x 25 mm (13' ft x 27 in x 1 in) - 209 kg (460 lb)
Blade, 4267 mm x 610 mm x 22 mm (14 ft x 24 in x 7/8 in)- 75 kg (166 lb)
Blade, 4267 mm x 688 mm x 25 mm (14 ft x 27 in x 1 in) - 261 kg (574 lb)
Blade, front-mounted 2750 mm x 980 mm (9 ft x 39 in) - 850 kg (1874 lb)
Blade, front - 1180 kg (2602 lb)
Blade, front, narrow - 1100 kg (2425 lb)
Blade, front with foldable ends - 1525 kg (3362 lb)
Cab, ROPS, high profile, sound suppressed - 77 kg (170 lb)
Canopy, ROPS, high profile, with rear wall and window - -41 kg (-90 lb)
Converter, 25 ampere, 24V to 12V - 5 kg (11 lb)
Covers, metallic, fuel tank 11 25
Cutting edges for 22 mm (7/8 in) thick blade
203 mm x 19 mm (8 in x 3/4 in) for 3.7 m blade
203 mm x 19 mm (8 in x 3/4 in) for 4.1 m blade
203 mm x 16 mm (8 in x 5/8 in) for 3.7 m blade
203 mm x 16 mm (8 in x 5/8 in) for 4.1m blade
203 mm x 19 mm (8 in x 3/4 in) for 3.7 m blade
203 mm x 19 mm (8 in x 3/4 in) for 4.1 m blade
203 mm x 16 mm (8 in x 5/8 in) for 3.7 m blade
203 mm x 16 mm (8 in x 5/8 in) for 4.1m blade
Cutting edges for 25 mm (1 in) thick blade
203 mm x 19 mm (8 in x 3/4 in) for 3.7 m blade
203 mm x 19 mm (8 in x 3/4 in) for 4.1 m blade
Endbits, overlay, reversible - 11 kg (24 lb)
Engine, VHP - 4 kg (10 lb)
Extensions, blade 610 mm (2 ft) right and left
for 22 mm (7/8 in) thick blade - 114 kg (250 lb)
for 25 mm (1 in) thick blade - 148 kg (325 lb)
for 22 mm (7/8 in) thick blade - 114 kg (250 lb)
for 25 mm (1 in) thick blade - 148 kg (325 lb)
Fan, defroster, front and rear - 2 kg (4 lb)
Graderbit system, penetration bit type - 163 kg (360 lb)
Guard, lower platform - 23 kg (50 lb)
Guard, transmission - 98 kg (215 lb)
Hammer, with mounting - 5 kg (12 lb)
Heater, engine coolant - 1 kg (3 lb)
Heater, cab - 14 kg (30 lb)
Heater, cab, with pressurizer - 18 kg (40 lb)
Hydraulic arrangements with one or more additional hydraulic valves are available for front scarifier, rear ripper-scarifier, dozer, dozer angle, snow plow and snow wing. See dealer price list.
Hydraulic lockout - 2 kg (5 lb)
Lighting systems:
bar mounted, directional and headlights - 13 kg (28 lb)
cab mounted, directional and headlights - 9 kg (20 lb)
cab and bar mounted, directional, headlights and work lights - 22 kg (48 lb)
cab and bar mounted, high, directional, headlights and work lights - 22 kg (48 lb)
work lights, front and rear - 6 kg (13 lb)
snow wing light, right - 18 kg (40 lb)
warning light, cab or canopy mounted - 3 kg (6 lb)
Mirrors, dual, inside mounted
Mirrors, outside mounted - 8 kg (18 lb)
Mirrors, outside mounted, heated - 11 kg (25 lb)
Power port, 12-V - 2 kg (5 lb)
Push plate, counterweight - 919 kg (2025 lb)
Precleaner, turbine-type 2 kg (5 lb)
Radio ready, entertainment
Receptacle, starting, plug-in - 2 kg (5 lb)
Rims, tires - refer to dealer price list
Ripper, rear - 612 kg ( 1350 lb)
Ripper-scarifier/tooth, one - 12 kg ( 26 lb)
Scarifier, front mounted, V-type - 845 kg (1862 lb)
Scarifier, front mounted, straight - 903 kg (1988 lb)
Seat, cloth-covered, contour air suspension
Seat, vinyl-covered, contour suspension
Sound suppression - 91 kg (200 lb)
Speedometer/tachometer - 1 kg (2 lb)
Steering, secondary - 50 kg (111 lb)
Sunshade, rear window - 3 kg (7 lb)
Windows, lower front, opening - 3 kg (6 lb)
Windows, sliding side - 4 kg (8 lb)
Wiper and washer, rear, intermittent - 7 kg (16 lb)
Wiper and washer, front, intermittent
European roading group which provides an additional air tank, air circuit protection valve and two position lights with integral turn signals. Dealer supplied equipment is required to meet some specific country on-road requirements - 23 kg (52 lb)