Cat 12M vs Cat 160

The Cat 160 is the heavier machine, at 19.7 t against 18.4 t, and the Cat 160 has more power (159 kW against 136 kW).

The Cat 160 is ahead on: more power, more torque, faster.

Below, every figure both makers publish sits side by side, with the Cat 12M and the Cat 160 drawn to the same scale from their dimension drawings.

Cat · motor grader
Cat 12M
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Cat · motor grader
Cat 160
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At a glance

Bold is the machine ahead on each figure, with its lead.

Figure	Cat 12M	Cat 160
Operating weight	18,400 kg	19,715 kg
Net powerHigher is better	136 kW	159 kW+17%
Max torqueHigher is better	1,052 Nm	1,237 Nm+18%
Top speedHigher is better	46.6 km/h	47.4 km/h+2%
Overall length	10.136 m	10.136 m

All specifications

Every figure the makers publish. Search for one, or show only those that differ.

Differences only(24)

FigureCat 12M Cat 160

Dimensions

Overall length10.136 mpush plate to ripper10.136 mpush plate to ripper

Overall length, ripper raised9.818 mpush plate to ripper, retracted9.818 mpush plate to ripper, retracted

Front tyre to rear of machine8.754 m8.754 m

Wheelbase6.123 mfront axle to mid tandem6.123 mfront axle to mid tandem

Front axle to moldboard2.552 m2.552 m

Tandem axle spacing1.523 mlength between tandem axles1.523 mlength between tandem axles

Overall height (to top of cab)3.308 m3.378 m with Product Link3.308 m3.378 m with Product Link

Height to top of exhaust3.076 m3.256 msame for AWD

Height to top of cylinders3.04 m3.04 m

Height to front axle centre0.596 m0.596 m

Ground clearance0.339 mat rear axle0.339 mat rear axle

Tread width2.14 mtyre centre lines2.14 mtyre centre lines (AWD front 2.223 m)

Width over rear tyres2.511 m2.511 m

Width over tyres2.511 moutside front tyres2.511 moutside front tyres (AWD 2.594 m)

Weight

Operating weight18,400 kg19,715 kg

Base weight16,231 kg16,820 kg

Maximum gross vehicle weight22,045 kg23,947 kg

Engine

Engine modelCat C7 ACERTCat C9

EmissionsEquivalent to U.S. EPA Tier 3 / EU Stage IIIAEquivalent to U.S. EPA Tier 3 / EU Stage IIIA

Cylinders66

Displacement7.2 L8.8 L

Net power136 kW (183 hp)base power, 1st gear (ISO 9249)159 kW (213 hp)base power, 1st gear (ISO 9249)

Net power, VHP Plus range136-159 kW159-185 kW

Max torque1,052 NmVHP Plus, at 1,000 rpm1,237 NmVHP Plus, at 1,000 rpm

Rated speed2,000 rpm2,000 rpm

Performance

Top speed46.6 km/hforward47.4 km/hforward

Top speed, reverse36.8 km/h37.4 km/h

Turning radius (outside front tyres)7.6 m7.6 m

Steering range, left/right48°48°

Articulation angle, left/right20°20°

Transmission and hydraulics

TransmissionDirect drive, power shift, countershaft; 8 forward / 6 reverseDirect drive, power shift, countershaft; 8 forward / 6 reverse

Pump flow210 L/minvariable piston pump, at 2,150 rpm210 L/minvariable piston pump, at 2,150 rpm

Max pressure24 150 kPa24 150 kPa

Moldboard and blade range

Blade width3.7 m3.7 m

Moldboard height610 mm610 mm

Moldboard thickness22 mm22 mm

Arc radius413 mm413 mm

Throat clearance166 mm95 mm

Blade pull10,810 kgbase GVW (maximum GVW 13 685 kg)11,110 kgbase GVW (maximum GVW 14 656 kg)

Down pressure7,244 kgbase GVW (maximum GVW 11 739 kg)7,682 kgbase GVW (maximum GVW 13 153 kg)

Circle centreshift, right728 mm728 mm

Circle centreshift, left695 mm695 mm

Moldboard sideshift, right660 mm950 mm

Moldboard sideshift, left510 mm820 mm

Maximum blade position angle90°90°

Blade tip range, forward40°40°

Blade tip range, backward5°5°

Max shoulder reach outside tyres, right1,978 mm2,278 mm

Max shoulder reach outside tyres, left1,790 mm2,090 mm

Max lift above ground480 mm452 mm

Max depth of cut715 mm750 mm

Ripping depth, maximum428 mm428 mm

Tyres

Tyres14.00R24 on multi-piece rims14.00R24 on 10 x 24 multi-piece rims

Service capacities

Fuel tank416 L416 L

Cooling system40 L40 L

Hydraulic tank64 L64 L

Engine oil25 L30 L

Transmission, differential and final drives64 L65 L

Tandem housing, each64 L80 L

Circle drive housing7 L7 L

Service intervals

Coolant12,000 hours12,000 hours

Sources: Cat 12M/140M/140M AWD/160M/160M AWD Motor Graders specalog AEHQ7232-02 (03-2018) · Cat 160/160 AWD Motor Graders specalog AEHQ7233-03 (11-2019), build 14A

Drawn to scale

Side views measured off each maker's dimension drawing, front edges and ground lined up.

Cat 12MCat 160Same scale, front edges and ground lined up.

Cat 12M vs Cat 160: questions

Which is bigger, the Cat 12M or Cat 160?

By operating weight the Cat 160 is the biggest at 19.7 t, then the Cat 12M at 18.4 t.

Which has more power, the Cat 12M or Cat 160?

The Cat 160: Cat 12M 136 kW (183 hp), Cat 160 159 kW (213 hp) (net power), a 17% difference.

Where do these figures come from?

Each model's own published spec sheet or brochure, linked under the table. Builds differ by market and year, so confirm the figures for a particular machine with its dealer.

Can I rent or buy these machines in the UAE?

Each model's page lists the ones for hire and for sale on EquipmentsFinder now, with typical prices in AED.