1988 Caterpillar 12g Motor Grader Houston

A 1988 Caterpillar 12G motor grader is now for sale in Houston, Texas, for $49,000. It has 15,443 hours, an EROPS cab with air conditioning, a rear ripper, moldboard side shift and tip control. Here's what the machine offers, who it suits, and what to check before you buy an older grader.

Why the Caterpillar 12G Still Has a Following

The 12G is one of Caterpillar's best-known graders. Many are still working on roads, farms, quarries and building sites. Contractors keep buying them for three reasons:

• Simple, mechanical design: there are fewer electronics to go wrong, and most mechanics can work on them.
• Parts support: Caterpillar dealers and aftermarket suppliers still stock parts for the 12G.
• Low buying cost: an older 12G costs far less than a new grader, so it can earn its keep quickly on smaller contracts.

This 1988 Caterpillar 12G at a Glance

Features That Make a Difference on Site

• EROPS cab with air conditioning: the enclosed rollover protection keeps the operator safe, and the A/C makes long days in the heat bearable.
• Low profile: the lower height makes it easier to transport and to work under obstructions.
• Moldboard side shift and tip control: these let the operator reach ditches and banks and control how material rolls off the blade, for a cleaner finish.
• Variable horsepower: engine output matches the gear, which helps both efficiency and control.
• Rear ripper: breaks up compacted or hard ground before grading, so you may not need a second machine.
• Diff lock/unlock: locked for traction in soft ground, unlocked for tighter turns.
• Lighting: fitted for early starts and late finishes.

Who Is This Grader For?

This 12G suits buyers who want a proven grader without new-machine prices:

• Small and mid-sized groundworks contractors
• Farm and estate owners maintaining tracks and drainage
• Quarry and haul-road operators
• Hire fleets adding an affordable grader
• Plant dealers and exporters

What to Check Before Buying an Older Motor Grader

At 15,443 hours, this machine's service history matters as much as its hour count. Ask the seller for photos, videos and records, and check these areas:

• Circle and drawbar: look for play, worn teeth and slack in the circle drive.
• Moldboard and cutting edges: check the wear strips, the edges and the side shift rails.
• Tandem drives: ask about oil changes and listen for noise from the chain cases.
• Engine: look for blow-by, smoke, leaks and how easily it starts from cold.
• Transmission: check that every gear selects cleanly, forwards and reverse.
• Hydraulics: look for leaking cylinders, hoses and valve banks, and slow or drifting functions.
• Steering and pins: check for play in the front axle, steering linkages and pivot pins.
• Tyres: check tread depth, sidewall damage and whether the sizes match.
• Serial plate: confirm the full serial number with the seller. This listing shows it partly masked as XXXX-2440.

A working video is the quickest way to judge a machine that's far away. Ask for footage of the blade, circle, ripper and steering working under load.

Buying From the USA? Points for UK Buyers

This grader is in Houston, Texas. If you plan to import it to the UK, plan for:

• Shipping: transport to the port, ocean freight (roll-on/roll-off or flat rack) and UK delivery.
• Import costs: import duty and import VAT. A customs broker can give you exact figures.
• Compliance: check what is needed to use the machine legally in the UK, including UKCA/CE requirements.
• Currency: the price is in US dollars, so exchange rates will affect your final cost.

Price, Payment and Finance

The asking price is $49,000, and the seller says it is negotiable. Bank transfer is accepted, and finance is available, so you can ask the seller about plant finance to spread the cost.

Contact the Seller

See the full listing: 1988 Caterpillar 12G Motor Grader for Sale – Houston, Texas

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