The 57,250-pound Cat 14M3 motor grader has a net power range of 238 to 285 horsepower, with an Cat C13 ACERT engine. Eco mode maintains machine power and boosts fuel economy by limiting high-idle speed to 1,750 rpm in working gears.
The front frame is a single, heavy-duty steel casting that dissipates working forces, according to the company, and the rear frame has two bumper castings and thick hitch plates. Caterpillar uses a series of patented “top-adjust” metallic or nonmetallic wear strips and wear inserts that can be installed to ensure drawbar-circle-moldboard components maintain “factory-tight” condition.
Optimized Variable Horsepower system matches power requirements in all gears, and the Consistent-Power-To-Ground feature automatically changes engine power levels to compensate for cooling-fan losses, which, says Caterpillar, delivers consistent power in all ambient temperatures and working conditions.
The 8F/6R power-shift transmission includes the Cat Advanced Productivity Electronic Control System that enhances range-to-range shifting by maintaining consistent torque flow and smoothing shift points.
Load-sensing hydraulic system has Proportional Priority Pressure-Compensating valves that supply different flow rates for the head and rod ends of the cylinders. Blade-float allows the blade to follow ground contour, or the blade toe can follow a hard surface with the remaining cylinder controlled manually. A 14-foot moldboard is standard, with a 16-foot option.
