Cat 12E Grader new owner !

Welcome! That's a very nice looking grader, it appears fully intact and not butchered up, plus it has good tires. There should be a serial number stamped into the engine between the rivets next to the oil cooler; I think there would be another on the gooseneck/frame on the left side if you are sitting in the seat. Take a good wire brush and clean the paint, as it looks as if the metal tag is missing (between rivets). I'm not much help, but I will look in the stack of books that a generous member donated to the chapter. JM

Welcome sir. I been on here a couple of weeks. I am not help cuz I don’t know a lot about graders. But I love anything Caterpillars

Hi, DerekOpperud.
Welkum too ther 4um.

NICE catch. That machine looks very well cared for. Congratulations.

In your 3rd photo. you can see 3 bolt holes in the down-sloping section of the frame, one up close to the top of the sloping section and two further down. It could just be my ole eyes, but I think I see what could be a rivet about 1/2-way between the single hole and the pair of holes. That is the approximate area where a serial # tag would likely have been. I did not see a tag there but the number should also be stamped into the frame around that location. If you can find the rivets or the rivet holes, it should be between those.

In your 4th photo, there appears to be a small flat area on the 3rd cylinder just behind the heat exchanger and ahead of the oil filler. Again, it could be my old eyes - or an over-active imagination - but I think I see some rivet marks there. I suggest that you try cleaning both of those areas off to look for your serial #.

There izza LOTTTA information the tech. library about these jiggers, including a lengthy scribbling by some 'know-it-all' type who had once sat his favorite rump steak on a couple of them and thought he had some of it 'figgered' out.

Happy getting to know your new toy. This link may help you - please note that I ONLY said, "may".

https://www.acmoc.org/bb/search?query=adjustments%20for%20gear%20controlled%20cat%20graders&searchdate=all&childforums=1

Just my 0.02.

I echo the other observation that it looks like you have a nice grader. If you don't know the 12E is the last iteration of the mechanical control No. 12 grader. Do yourself a favor; Buy the Parts Manual, Operators Manual, and the Serviceman's Manual. They are regularly available on the infamous auction site and aren't very expensive. You will not regret the purchases.
It goes without saying that when you purchase anything a old as your 12E, including Caterpillar equipment, you will be doing mechanical work on them regularly. Fortunately for us "seasoned" Caterpillar owners who own vintage equipment like you do, the machines are relatively uncomplicated and are without electronics.
I suggest making a "To-Do" list based upon your preliminary observations and add to it as you use it... try to have fun.
The manuals and this site will be invaluable.