Earthmoving Industry Insight, Reviews

Review: Caterpillar All-Wheel Drive 150 Motor Grader

All the new features on the new Caterpillar all-wheel drive 150 motor grader aim to make contractors’ lives easier

 

When it comes to investing in new machinery technology, industry veteran Andrew Wright of Digwright is certainly no stranger.

Wright runs an extensive late model fleet of machinery coupled with the latest onboard GPS technology and has been a strong industry player for the past 16 years.

I had the opportunity to meet up with Wright on one of his latest earthworks projects in rural Queensland, where I was fortunate enough to witness the new Caterpillar all-wheel drive (AWD) 150 motor grader in all its glory.

The new cross-over machine has been set up with the latest Topcon GPS system and in this case with a mast, however the new integrated mastless grade system can be fitted and calibrated from factory on request with the option for retrofit kits for both pre- and post-2019 M series models.

This enables the new 150 grader to perform its duties on a broad range of applications such as bank slopes, high slopes and cutting passes.

The removal of the mast and cables will in turn deliver maximum productivity and full range of motion for the moldboard and from a safety perspective, better visibility.

 

All-wheel drive prevents sliding of the machine on slopes

 

LOOKING GOOD

At first inspection the team at Caterpillar immediately ticks the boxes with strong design, sloped rear window, good visibility, anti-glare paint that eases night operation and a spacious and comfortable cab; the kind of features that you would expect on a modern machine. 

Also included are ground level servicing points, rearview camera with in-cab monitor, ground level isolators and a dash display, which puts the design plan in front of the operator and operates like a tablet.

Weighing in at just under 20 tonnes, the new grader is jam-packed with an array of new technology. You can now add and interchange with the next generation Cat grade platform for 2D or 3D type systems.

The optional Cat grade with Cross Slope assists in automatically controlling one side of the blade and the Cat Accugrade uses positioning and guidance technologies with multiple machine sensors and automatic blade control to assist in achieving an easier and faster grade outcome.

Experienced operators can work consistently and efficiently during their shift while less
experienced operators can now achieve faster productivity. Just hop in the machine, pull up your design and go to work.

Eco mode delivers up to 10 per cent greater fuel efficiency without losing productivity and operating costs are reduced via new filters and longer service intervals. The rear rippers are designed to penetrate tough material fast and rip thoroughly for easier movement with the moldboard.

 

An e-fence option is available to protect the tyres and ladder from the blade

 

ADVANCED CONTROL

The Cat new advanced control joysticks allows the operator to control full automated grading with 78 per cent less arm movement to increase operator comfort and reduce fatigue. Grade control buttons are integrated into the joystick controls for seamless operation.

The user-friendly 150 grader will allow the operator to select features and functions that work best for them so the machine can operate with no technology or fully capable technology as well as giving the operator the choice of running the rear tandem drive system or AWD, depending on the conditions they want to work the machine.

There’s a choice of Fine, Normal and Coarse blade lift modes to fit different operating styles or onsite applications.

The auto articulation feature allows the rear hitch of the machine to articulate and stay in line with the front steering, so the machine will identify the steering angle and will compensate the rear of the machine to track in the same degree of articulation.

An e-fence option is also available, protecting the machine’s tyres and ladder from the blade and ultimately preventing damage to the link bar. AWD gives you the added traction power you need to the ground, reducing sliding on side slopes.

The new onboard sensors enable the grader to know every position of the moldboard and its pitch, unlike previous models whereas a single mast and pitch sensor would only allow the moldboard to move forward around 10 degrees – after that you could start to loose accuracy.

The new 150 grader gives the operator full range of pitch and full functionality, making it the perfect machine for small radius or cul-de-sac applications.

With the versatility and operator comfort the new Cat 150 AWD grader is designed to increase your uptime and reduce costs to get more work done in less time, safely and efficiently.

Photography: Shaun Croaker

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