CAT 112 Motor Grader

I am clearing out my Dad's ranch and I'm trying to sell his CAT 112 Motor Grader. He hasn't used it for quite a few years as he now has dementia. I know it was running when he parked it in the work area. I know NOTHING about these things. It has a pony engine but we haven't tried to do anything with it because, frankly, we don't know how.

I am trying to find a model number somewhere so I can figure out [b:c3d916499b]what year it[/b:c3d916499b] is but all I find are part numbers. In the cab, there is a box that has the gauges and on top there is a plate that shows what the levers do and I think there is a number at the top but I can't read it. Is that the model number or is there somewhere else that I can look?

[u:c3d916499b]I would like to know what it is worth[/u:c3d916499b]. Of course, it's going to be worth whatever someone will pay for it. Any advice or ideas are appreciated.

Thank you,

Mindy

OH, it does have this on one tag:

Motor Grader #3U825

You may have answered your own question, I believe this number could be the serial number, 3U (if in fact true like other models of their equipment from that era) would be the series, and 825 would be the number of the grader. The model of the grader is 112 and the production of those I believe started in 1947 ending in the late 50's. I don't have any serial number listings for these to refer to, so that would need to be confirmed, as far as production, but I do believe 3U is a valid series of these.

Starting engine(pony motor) would indicate it has a diesel engine and I think that may be the same engine used in a caterpillar track type tractor and other stationary applications.

This motor grader, while having mismatched tires and possibly other minor things, looks like a complete and seemingly cared for or in a dry environment. If it runs and is mechanically sound, they do have value and can be used today, just the same as long ago. Interested buyers could range from a collector, or someone who needs one to maintain a road, snow removal or even a small contractor if its reliable enough.

I would venture a guess of a few thousand and up as being reasonable. You may be able to find similar units for sale, but sometimes the large websites that list much of this equipment, in my opinion can be high or vary quite a bit, so that may not be of much help. There are older models of these, yours is definitely newer than others, so that may very well help in value based on its improved features over older models.

ACMOC and ACME forums will also be of help, and someone may be able to confirm the production years. CAT (dealer) may also be of great help just the same, older dealers may have information to help etc. Florin Tractor comes to mind on something like this. It seems that accurate information is widely scattered on the web, after taking a quick look. I know more about track type tractors than these and have some reference material to use etc.

Location ?

(quoted from post at 14:49:33 11/28/15) Location ?

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Jamul, CA (East San Diego County)

Hey Billy,

Thanks for all of that information. Thanks for the tip on 3U series. I looked some of that up. A guy is on his way to come look at it now and he says he is familiar with them so I hope to get more info (like what kind of shape it's in). I appreciate the help!

Mindy

Prices on machinery trader range from $5,500 to $13,000. There is one in MI s/n 3U833 for $7,500. No matter what, it will be worth a whole
lot more running than not.

(quoted from post at 06:08:18 11/29/15) Prices on machinery trader range from $5,500 to $13,000. There is one in MI s/n 3U833 for $7,500. No matter what, it will be worth a whole
lot more running than not.

Click to expand...

It hasn't run in a number of years. My father has dementia so unable to keep up with the ranch and not in any shape to give information on the grader. I have it listed on Craigslist for $2,995 so it's probably a decent price. I know the brakes don't work so it will require some work.

Mindy

3U825 is a 1948 model, uses the same D315 engine as the D4.

That's about the same as my 112. The engine is very reliable and being in San Diego I would not worry about the time it sat or that it may have bad brakes. You never use brakes when using them, just when roading. $3,000 you have listed should be a good deal for someone, I wouldn't let anyone talk you into giving it to them even though it's not running. You know it did run.

At that price it should sell quickly! In the midwest that would likely bring double to triple that amount.
Don't worry if you can't get the pony started. It can be pull started with a truck.
Whoever runs that thing needs to be careful. Those old graders were called knuckle busters for a reason.