112 Grader

John - the only info I have is 91G358 was made in 1966 manufacture that year was 91G258 to 91G452. Sorry don't have any info on engine. cheers. Al

A 112 grader has the same engine as the D4 tractor of the same age. I believe that would be a D330 in 1966. Next engine out was the D330C, but I believe that was a couple years later at least.

What shape is the grader in? Should be a very useful machine unless it's been abused. The 112's were a large frame grader almost comparable in size to the 12, but with a D4 size 4 cylinder instead of the D6/D5 size 6 cylinder engine.

Hi, John Mackey.
The 112 grader may only have had the 4-cylinder D4 engine in it but it was not very far at all behind the 6-cylinder engined Cat 12 graders of the time when it came to getting the job done. I don't know how true it is but I have been told that the grader engine as fiited to the 112's had a heavier flywheel than the normal D4 engine and that this gave it extra lugging power.

I worked an 8T Cat 12 for a few days alongside a Cat 112F, the only F series grader I ever saw in DowNunder. I found that whatever windrow I could break out with the (admittedly older) Cat 12, the 112F could carry it across as he followed me.

If the machine that you are looking at is pre-F series, I have some information about adjustments for taking slack out of the blade lift system that I will happily post for you, if needed.

ccjersey,

Thanks for identifying the engine model.

The machine appears to be in decent shape, for its age. I'm not a grader person, operator or owner so, I'm not able to give an educated opinion.

I thought the machine had been removed from its location some time ago. When I asked about it, I was told it's still there, you have to look behind the shop building. I certainly would not want to see it turned into scrap iron and I'm still asking questions.

Deas Plant.,

Thanks for the comments on the 112's capabilities. I have some wooded property with small roads that could benefit from regrading. If I am able to acquire the machine, I'll need a lot of help in assessing the machine's condition, as well as, repairing any problem areas. I certainly will be interested in the adjustment information you mentioned.

I along with many others on this site appreciate the point of view of those DowNunder. Thanks again.

Hi, John Mackey.
One of the simple beauties of those old rigid frame Cat graders was the total lack of a differential in them. They had the crown wheel mounted on a solid shaft that drove both chain cases and all 4 drive wheels equally while ever it all held together - and they didn't bust much, especially considering the punishment that many of them took. Sure, it made them a little harder to steer but it also gave them heaps of traction and you had the leaning front wheels to help with the steering.

There were better machines for pioneering work, such as the 6x6x6 Austin Western and Clark graders or their British-built equivalents, the Aveling Austins and Aveling Barfords. How-wevver, the old Cats didn't have to exactly hang their heads in shame considering that they had 2 wheels less doing the driving.

Any time you're ready for that adjustment information, just ask.

I was able to purchase the grader early this week. A Christmas present for me. One problem, the reason it was sold is because the engine made a loud, (not normal/good sounding), noise when it was last started. Up to then, it had used periodically without incident. A bigger problem is time. I have about eighteen other projects already started. Regardless, I feel fortunate to have found this. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and is looking forward to the new year.