Machine models
Cat 120 GC specifications
120 GC torque-converter operation and circle equipment
The 120 GC uses steering-wheel and lever controls with a torque-converter powershift transmission. A retained 120M joystick discussion concerns another grader generation. For the GC, establish the fitted circle-drive option, brake arrangement and AWD configuration before transferring an older machine's troubleshooting account or service quantity.
The two-pedal layout follows the torque-converter design
The November 2021 launch explains that the torque converter removes the need for an inching pedal. Throttle and brake pedals handle the simplified layout. An operator moving from an inching-pedal grader should identify these controls before interpreting the different low-speed response.
Its no-spin differential unlocks in a turn without a separate operator command. The launch also describes automatic parking-brake engagement in neutral when the service brake is released. Record those operating states when evaluating drive engagement.
The circle-drive slip clutch and Circle Saver are separate options. One addresses impact protection at the circle drive; the other changes circle/pinion maintenance requirements. A seller's claim that the grader has Circle Saver does not establish that the slip-clutch option is fitted.
Original Cat November2021 release739PR21: torque converter, pedals, differential, parking brake and separate circle optionsThe maximum power entry does not describe every forward gear
The 2024 technical sheet separates non-AWD output from the AWD-equipped configuration and gives power by gear. Its upper range value should not replace the lower-gear rating in a like-for-like comparison. Record both the drive configuration and the gear used for the demonstration.
The same edition gives separate refill quantities for the standard circle drive and the drive with slip clutch. It also distinguishes dry-caliper and wet-disc rear-axle arrangements. Choose the actual component before selecting a refill line.
Original AEXQ3334-02 pp2 and4: gear-conditioned power, circle options and rear-axle/brake refill scopeCab equipment and transport dimensions need their own checks
The current product table's typically equipped weight includes specified tires, cab, blade, push plate and ripper. Its machine length also assumes the push block and ripper. Removing or changing an attachment changes the configuration being described, so the quoted dimensions should accompany the equipment list.
Secondary steering, the rear camera and reversing fan appear as optional equipment in that publication. Check the individual grader for them. A feature listed as available is not proof of installation, and a camera display is separate from the steering system needed after an engine stall.
Current Cat 120GC weight/dimension footnotes and optional-equipment lists| Measurement | Earlier capture | Documented quantity or scope |
|---|---|---|
| End Bit - Width | 152 in | 6 in (152 mm) |
| Blade Height | 20 in | 23 in (580 mm) |
| Forward/Reverse Gears | 6 Forward | 6 Forward / 3 Reverse |
| Throat-clearance scope | 4.7 in | 120 mm (4.7 in): drawbar-circle-moldboard range-of-motion entry; standard moldboard throat is112 mm (4.4 in). |
| Listing-entry count |
|---|
| 1 |
Cat 120 GC: motor grader.
| Configuration | Documented field and quantity |
|---|---|
| 120 GC |
|
| Specification | 120 GC |
|---|---|
| Net Power - ISO 9249/SAE J1349 | 171 hp |
| Bore | 4.1 in |
| Stroke | 5 in |
| Displacement | 268.5 in³ |
| Engine Power AWD (ISO 14396) | 128 kW |
| Maximum Torque | 544 lb/ft |
| Engine Model | Cat® C4.4 |
| Torque Rise - ISO 9294 | 21% |
| Emissions | Meets US EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V emission standards |
| Specification | 120 GC |
|---|---|
| Operating Weight - Typically Equipped | 31,958 lb |
| Operating Weight - Typically Equipped - Front Axle | 8,708 lb |
| Operating Weight - Typically Equipped - Rear Axle | 23,250 lb |
| Specification | 120 GC |
|---|---|
| Blade Width | 12 ft |
| Cutting Edge Width | 6 in |
| End Bit - Width | 6 in (152 mm) |
| Arc Radius | 16.3 in |
| Blade Height | 23 in (580 mm) |
| Throat Clearance | 4.7 in |
| Specification | 120 GC |
|---|---|
| All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Weight | 36,376 lb |
| Specification | 120 GC |
|---|---|
| Length of Machine* | 391.4 in |
| Width | 94.6 in |
| Maximum Height | 149.1 in |
| Specification | 120 GC |
|---|---|
| Moldboard Sideshift - Right | 26.1 in |
| Circle Centershift - Left | 25.8 in |
| Blade Tip Range - Forward | 40° |
| Circle Centershift - Right | 25.8 in |
| Moldboard Sideshift - Left | 20.2 in |
| Maximum Lift Above Ground | 16.1 in |
| Blade Tip Range - Backward | 5° |
| Maximum Depth of Cut | 30.5 in |
| Specification | 120 GC |
|---|---|
| Engine Crankcase | 2 gal (US) |
| Hydraulic System | 11.9 gal (US) |
| Fuel Tank | 71 gal (US) |
| Diesel Exhaust Fluid Tank (Tier 4 Only) | 3.2 gal (US) |
| Circle Drive without Slip Clutch | 0.4 gal (US) |
| Transmission | 4 gal (US) |
| Cooling System | 10.3 gal (US) |
| Circle Drive with Slip Clutch | 1.8 gal (US) |
| Specification | 120 GC |
|---|---|
| Air Conditioning | The air conditioning system on this machine contains the fluorinated greenhouse gas refrigerant R134a or R1234yf. See the label or instruction manual for identification of the gas |
| Specification | 120 GC |
|---|---|
| Recyclability | 92% |
| Specification | 120 GC |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Countershaft Torque, Converter Powershift |
| Forward/Reverse Gears | 6 Forward / 3 Reverse |
| Specification | 120 GC |
|---|---|
| Steering Range - Left/Right | 47.5° left or right |
| Articulation Angle - Left/Right | 20° left or right |
The 120 GC beside its neighbours
| Base version | 120 GC | 14 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 71 gal (US) | 109.9 gal (US) |
120 GC: owner reports
Sources: 3 forum discussions about the Caterpillar 120 motor graders (120H, 120M); heavyequipmentforums.com.| Forum index | Equipment class queried | Names in the search | Matching titles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Equipment Forums and TractorByNet | motor grader | Cat and the 120 line that the 120 GC belongs to (no title names the exact model). That is too few titles to say what owners mostly ask about, so the most recent are listed instead | 35 |
- 2015 CAT 120m Right Hand Joystick Intermittent Fault When Raising Blade (Heavy Equipment Forums, 2026-08-06)
- 1988 Caterpillar 120g Used Motor Grader (TractorByNet, 2026-07-23)
- Caterpillar 87v Serial 120g Motor Oil Drain Location (Heavy Equipment Forums, 2026-05-29)
- Ps54810 CAT 120k Prefix Jap (Heavy Equipment Forums, 2026-02-12)
| Date | Listing index | Equipment class | Names queried | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-09-25 | MachineryTrader (machinerytrader.com) | motor grader | 120 GC | No matching offers in this snapshot |
| Date | Database | Names queried | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-09-25 | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission | Cat; 120 GC | No matching recall in the stated search |
| Evidence class | Document, classification and recorded date |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer |
|
| Forum threads |
|
| Forum threads |
|
| Forum threads |
|
| Federal agency data |
|
| Observation field | Recorded value |
|---|---|
| Title count | 35 |
| Forum indexes | Heavy Equipment Forums and TractorByNet |
| Search wording | the 120 GC motor grader |
| Latest title quoted by the reference | 2015 CAT 120m Right Hand Joystick Intermittent Fault When Raising Blade |
Cat 120 GC: Configuration records
120 GC
| Specification | Source figure |
|---|---|
| Engine | |
| Displacement | 268.5 in³ |
| Engine Model | Cat® C4.4 |
| Bore | 4.1 in |
| Stroke | 5 in |
| Maximum Torque | 544 lb/ft |
| Emissions | Meets US EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V emission standards |
| Net power, upper end of the published gear-dependent range — 2024 AEXQ3334-02 p2; select the actual gear and drive configuration | 171 hp |
| Engine Power AWD (ISO 14396) | 128 kW |
| Torque Rise - ISO 9294 | 21% |
| Weights | |
| Operating Weight - Typically Equipped | 31,958 lb |
| Operating Weight - Typically Equipped - Front Axle | 8,708 lb |
| Operating Weight - Typically Equipped - Rear Axle | 23,250 lb |
| Moldboard | |
| Blade Width | 12 ft |
| Arc Radius | 16.3 in |
| Drawbar-circle-moldboard range-of-motion throat clearance — 2024 AEXQ3334-02 p5; distinct from standard moldboard throat | 4.7 in |
| Cutting Edge Width | 6 in |
| End Bit - Width | 6 in (152 mm) [source] |
| Blade Height | 23 in (580 mm) [source] |
| Machine Weight | |
| All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Weight | 36,376 lb |
| Dimensions and weight | |
| Length of Machine* | 391.4 in |
| Maximum Height | 149.1 in |
| Blade Range | |
| Circle Centershift - Right | 25.8 in |
| Circle Centershift - Left | 25.8 in |
| Moldboard Sideshift - Right | 26.1 in |
| Moldboard Sideshift - Left | 20.2 in |
| Blade Tip Range - Forward | 40° |
| Blade Tip Range - Backward | 5° |
| Maximum Lift Above Ground | 16.1 in |
| Maximum Depth of Cut | 30.5 in |
| Service Refill Capacities | |
| Diesel Exhaust Fluid Tank (Tier 4 Only) | 3.2 gal (US) |
| Fuel Tank | 71 gal (US) |
| Engine Crankcase | 2 gal (US) |
| Circle Drive without Slip Clutch | 0.4 gal (US) |
| Circle Drive with Slip Clutch | 1.8 gal (US) |
| Air Conditioning System | |
| Air Conditioning | The air conditioning system on this machine contains the fluorinated greenhouse gas refrigerant R134a or R1234yf. See the label or instruction manual for identification of the gas |
| Sustainability | |
| Recyclability | 92% |
| Power Train | |
| Forward/Reverse Gears | 6 Forward / 3 Reverse [source] |
| Operating Specifications | |
| Steering Range - Left/Right | 47.5° left or right |
| Articulation Angle - Left/Right | 20° left or right |
| Additional specifications | |
| Width | 94.6 in |
| Transmission | Countershaft Torque, Converter Powershift |
| Hydraulic System | 11.9 gal (US) |
| Cooling System | 10.3 gal (US) |
| Standard Moldboard Throat Clearance | 4.4 in (112 mm) [source] |
More in Cat: 140 GC, 16H, 140 Next Gen: controls/circle/grade options.