Caterpillar No.12 Motor Grader

Firing up the museums 1952 Cat No.12 8T series motor grader for a little bit of landscaping and soil packing. The No.12 is one of Caterpillar's most successful products, introduced in 1938 the "12"s in reference to the moldboards width: 12 feet. The 8T version of the 12 was one of the most popular with over 17,000 rolling off the assembly line, demand was so high a second assembly line was set up in Australia, designated the 94C. Powered by the legendary D318 diesel engine, this unit develops 115 horsepower at the flywheel and is capable of an impressive turn of speed. It tips the scale at just under 11 short tons. All controls are direct mechanical, sometimes referred to by their crews as "wrist breakers" theses systems prevailed until the advent of hydraulic systems of suitable power. Filmed at Pioneer Acres Museum of Irricana, Alberta.
Song: parttime SP
Artist: 今堀恒雄
Album: 劇場版 TRIGUN Badlands Rumble O.S.T

[@dougcooper6004]

I had a Cat 12 70D, which had the pony motor controls in the Cab. I replaced it with a Cat 12 71 D which is direct electric start. Slightly newer machines but I was plowing deep snow today. Not bad for a 64 year old tractor in below zero temperature. My grader will not move its circle like this one, so someday will have to work on it. Great to see a good one still working.

[@AugsterA]

Tell me if possible, what would a grader like yours go for in relatively good shape such as yours? Thank you on this.

[@Rainhill1829]

Im actually not sure about these since there is very few of these models left working in the world today.

[@johnnyallen2090]

Try letting the pony motor run a bit longer without introducing the fuel to the diesel , reason being the hot exhaust from the pony runs through the inlet manifold of the diesel ,heats it up, hot air into diesel ,will start much easier especially during you guys cold winters Cheers.

[@mog5858]

nice video thanks for putting it up. but i think your guys should review how to use the pony motor and the proper staring information. i to like my #12 .

[@Rainhill1829]

No problem, by the by, how would the best starting procedure go?

[@ryanmueller3551]

Rainhill1829 watch squatch253. He has a caterpillar d2 d4 detailed starting sequence

[@Fatamus]

@@Rainhill1829 Good question; squatch253's video - I cannot say it any better ... th-cam.com/video/Jcz7qPz8QTE/w-d-xo.html

[@Spartan375X]

When I was about 10, I had some fascination watching these scrape up dirt on roads.
I'm going to guess that most of these videos are recorded during the warmer months in Canada, the grass is really green. Meanwhile almost everything is dead here in Colorado.

[@Rainhill1829]

Your quite right about it being summer, very little happens here in the winter months sadly. The soil is quite sandy in this area as well so it sheds rain water very fast so droughts tend to happen occasionally.

[@michaelmckenzie5232]

Tilt the front wheels,roll the moldboard over,angle the deck, let’s make some money.

[@robertlogan442]

Could someone tell me when the wrist breakers went out of production and hydraulics were first made? I learnt how to operate a grader on one of these when I was a lad in Australia back in the early 90's but it wouldn't of been this old..and can someone explain or let me know how all controls came from the engine..Thanks from Queensland, Australia 😊👍

[@Rainhill1829]

the wrist breakers lasted up until the 12E model and where then replaced with planetary systems on the 12F starting in 1965. Engine power was transmitted under the cab via a drive shaft and routed through a bank of dog clutches controlled by the operator through the control levers. The power was then transmitted through shafts, universal joints and v drives to the various devices on the front of the machine. That's how I understand it at least.

[@Gabriel-he6ih]

Man I love these

[@AugsterA]

Year for year how did these rate against The Galions and other makes? Thank you

[@Rainhill1829]

Very good question, I’m actually not sure. I do know the US army used them as well as LaTorneau’s in many theaters of the war and in civil project all over the world so I’m guessing they stacked up well.

[@AugsterA]

@@Rainhill1829 Thank you, i have an opportunity to buy one that is in pretty nice shape for 9k.

[@samseale2071]

Cat 8t 12 grader has over 100 ten hour places to grease.

[@Rainhill1829]

I believe it.

[@farmerpete]

My Grandfather worked for our local township from the late 1950s until the late 1970s. I remember him using one of these to keep the gravel roads graded smooth in the summer and plow snow in the winter. In the late 60s or early 70s they replaced it with a 14. Thanks for posting.

[@Rainhill1829]

Thanks for watching, neat to see this evokes some memories.

[@hogfarmer4422]

I have two of these machines. Both are not running. Would be a fun toy tho.

[@juanasanelli6831]

Muy lindo Video Felicitaciones ,pero revisa los inyectores esta rengo poca fuerza y hecha humo