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 options

The 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 scope

Cab 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
120 GC corrections; every earlier entry retained
MeasurementEarlier captureDocumented quantity or scope
End Bit - Width152 in6 in (152 mm)
Blade Height20 in23 in (580 mm)
Forward/Reverse Gears6 Forward6 Forward / 3 Reverse
Throat-clearance scope4.7 in120 mm (4.7 in): drawbar-circle-moldboard range-of-motion entry; standard moldboard throat is112 mm (4.4 in).
Original AEXQ3334-02 pp2 and5: transmission and moldboard/range tables
Entries in this reference
Listing-entry count
1
Short answer

Cat 120 GC: motor grader.

Selected configuration figures
ConfigurationDocumented field and quantity
120 GC
Net power, upper end of the published gear-dependent range — 2024 AEXQ3334-02 p2; select the actual gear and drive configuration
171 hp
Operating Weight - Typically Equipped
31,958 lb
120 GC specification matrix — Engine
Specification120 GC
Net Power - ISO 9249/SAE J1349171 hp
Bore4.1 in
Stroke5 in
Displacement268.5 in³
Engine Power AWD (ISO 14396)128 kW
Maximum Torque544 lb/ft
Engine ModelCat® C4.4
Torque Rise - ISO 929421%
EmissionsMeets US EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V emission standards
Weights
Specification120 GC
Operating Weight - Typically Equipped31,958 lb
Operating Weight - Typically Equipped - Front Axle8,708 lb
Operating Weight - Typically Equipped - Rear Axle23,250 lb
Moldboard
Specification120 GC
Blade Width12 ft
Cutting Edge Width6 in
End Bit - Width6 in (152 mm)
Arc Radius16.3 in
Blade Height23 in (580 mm)
Throat Clearance4.7 in
Machine Weight
Specification120 GC
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Weight36,376 lb
Dimensions and weight
Specification120 GC
Length of Machine*391.4 in
Width94.6 in
Maximum Height149.1 in
Blade Range
Specification120 GC
Moldboard Sideshift - Right26.1 in
Circle Centershift - Left25.8 in
Blade Tip Range - Forward40°
Circle Centershift - Right25.8 in
Moldboard Sideshift - Left20.2 in
Maximum Lift Above Ground16.1 in
Blade Tip Range - Backward5°
Maximum Depth of Cut30.5 in
Service Refill Capacities
Specification120 GC
Engine Crankcase2 gal (US)
Hydraulic System11.9 gal (US)
Fuel Tank71 gal (US)
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Tank (Tier 4 Only)3.2 gal (US)
Circle Drive without Slip Clutch0.4 gal (US)
Transmission4 gal (US)
Cooling System10.3 gal (US)
Circle Drive with Slip Clutch1.8 gal (US)
Air Conditioning System
Specification120 GC
Air ConditioningThe 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
Specification120 GC
Recyclability92%
Power Train
Specification120 GC
TransmissionCountershaft Torque, Converter Powershift
Forward/Reverse Gears6 Forward / 3 Reverse
Operating Specifications
Specification120 GC
Steering Range - Left/Right47.5° left or right
Articulation Angle - Left/Right20° left or right

The 120 GC beside its neighbours

Base version120 GC14
Fuel capacity71 gal (US)109.9 gal (US)

120 GC: owner reports

Sources: 3 forum discussions about the Caterpillar 120 motor graders (120H, 120M); heavyequipmentforums.com.
120 GC: forum references — Forum-title search
Forum indexEquipment class queriedNames in the searchMatching titles
Heavy Equipment Forums and TractorByNetmotor graderCat 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 instead35
120 GC: dated market and recall observations — Dated listing search
DateListing indexEquipment classNames queriedResult
2026-09-25MachineryTrader (machinerytrader.com)motor grader120 GCNo matching offers in this snapshot
Dated CPSC search
DateDatabaseNames queriedResult
2026-09-25U.S. Consumer Product Safety CommissionCat; 120 GCNo matching recall in the stated search

Sources for this page

Evidence classDocument, classification and recorded date
Manufacturer
  • Manufacturer: Cat 120 GC — Caterpillar Inc.. Observed 2026-09-24.
Forum threads
Forum threads
Forum threads
Federal agency data
Recorded observations — Forum-title snapshot
Observation fieldRecorded value
Title count35
Forum indexesHeavy Equipment Forums and TractorByNet
Search wordingthe 120 GC motor grader
Latest title quoted by the reference2015 CAT 120m Right Hand Joystick Intermittent Fault When Raising Blade

Cat 120 GC: Configuration records

120 GC
SpecificationSource figure
Engine
Displacement268.5 in³
Engine ModelCat® C4.4
Bore4.1 in
Stroke5 in
Maximum Torque544 lb/ft
EmissionsMeets 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 configuration171 hp
Engine Power AWD (ISO 14396)128 kW
Torque Rise - ISO 929421%
Weights
Operating Weight - Typically Equipped31,958 lb
Operating Weight - Typically Equipped - Front Axle8,708 lb
Operating Weight - Typically Equipped - Rear Axle23,250 lb
Moldboard
Blade Width12 ft
Arc Radius16.3 in
Drawbar-circle-moldboard range-of-motion throat clearance — 2024 AEXQ3334-02 p5; distinct from standard moldboard throat4.7 in
Cutting Edge Width6 in
End Bit - Width6 in (152 mm) [source]
Blade Height23 in (580 mm) [source]
Machine Weight
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Weight36,376 lb
Dimensions and weight
Length of Machine*391.4 in
Maximum Height149.1 in
Blade Range
Circle Centershift - Right25.8 in
Circle Centershift - Left25.8 in
Moldboard Sideshift - Right26.1 in
Moldboard Sideshift - Left20.2 in
Blade Tip Range - Forward40°
Blade Tip Range - Backward5°
Maximum Lift Above Ground16.1 in
Maximum Depth of Cut30.5 in
Service Refill Capacities
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Tank (Tier 4 Only)3.2 gal (US)
Fuel Tank71 gal (US)
Engine Crankcase2 gal (US)
Circle Drive without Slip Clutch0.4 gal (US)
Circle Drive with Slip Clutch1.8 gal (US)
Air Conditioning System
Air ConditioningThe 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
Recyclability92%
Power Train
Forward/Reverse Gears6 Forward / 3 Reverse [source]
Operating Specifications
Steering Range - Left/Right47.5° left or right
Articulation Angle - Left/Right20° left or right
Additional specifications
Width94.6 in
TransmissionCountershaft Torque, Converter Powershift
Hydraulic System11.9 gal (US)
Cooling System10.3 gal (US)
Standard Moldboard Throat Clearance4.4 in (112 mm) [source]

Source

More in Cat: 140 GC, 16H, 140 Next Gen: controls/circle/grade options.