A low speed provided both maximum pull for the heaviest jobs and more precision for fine grading. The transmission offered six forward speeds and two in reverse. A gasoline starting engine ensured easy starting regardless of atmospheric temperatures. Its six-cylinder Caterpillar diesel engine delivered 66 brake horsepower and was mounted over the driving axle to best utilize its weight in preventing wheel slippage. With the blade now mounted in the center position on the blade beams, the new Auto Patrol also permitted a correct ditching position on either side, with the toe of the 12-foot blade directly behind the front ditch wheel and ample clearance to prevent clogging. This feature was valuable for subgrade work, shaping bad spots, working short stretches, or where turning was difficult.
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In addition to high and low bank-cutting positions, the blade could be turned completely around, facing backwards, which meant an operator could continue to do work while driving in reverse. 12 had a range of useful blade positions, surpassing all competitors of its time. 12 was also a heavy-duty, self-propelled road grader designed for efficient and economical road building and maintenance work. But in addition to being stylish, the No. Its design was unique and is the origin of the modern motor graders we see today. In 1938 the Caterpillar Diesel No.12 was successfully demonstrated to an enthusiastic group of Cat dealers in Peoria, Illinois. 12 went on to be the most recognized, longest running machine on the Cat® Motor Grader product line. 12 Auto Patrol – part of the product line known today as motor graders.
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In July 1938, our road machinery division launched a new machine called the Caterpillar Diesel No. During the height of the Great Depression Caterpillar continued developing cutting-edge new products.