Caterpillar continues to shift its range of motor graders to the next generation platform, announcing the Cat 150 and 160 motor graders as the latest models to receive the redesign — helping customers solve their toughest challenges through smarter controls, improved efficiency and enhanced operator comfort.
Joystick Controls Redefine Operator Comfort
Both models now feature Caterpillar's joystick steering controls: optional on the Cat 150 and fitted as standard to the Cat 160.
"Hours of ergonomic research shows how joystick controls reduce hand and arm movements for the operator, when compared to the usual level and steering configuration," said Eric Kohout, Caterpillar senior product consultant of motor graders. "Reducing operator fatigue is key to maintaining and improving productivity, so transferring control into two, three-axis joysticks completely redefines operator comfort."
Precision Grading Through Smarter Power, Transmission
The joysticks place transmission, gear shifting and machine-direction control on the left, while the right handles drawbar, circle and moldboard functions as well as throttle control and the manual differential lock and unlock.
Both the 150 and 160 offer exacting control through nine forward and six reverse gears, with a new offering of a finish gear that allows the operator to achieve more precise grading results. Used for the final stage of the grading process, the finish gear ensures that the ground is uniform and even, delivering the specified slope and elevation requirements for the most demanding construction projects, according to Caterpillar.
The 150 sports a 12-ft. moldboard as standard, with a 14-ft. board on the 160; upgrades are available to 14 and 16 ft., respectively.
"The next generation platform is all about efficiency, productivity and operator comfort," said Kohout. "These new models achieve those objectives in many ways. From a practical perspective, the new models maintain the dimensions of those they replace with a C9.3 engine providing strong, consistent power to the ground."
Redesigned Cab Enhances Visibility, Operator Experience
"Another obvious improvement is in the fully redesigned cab, first seen on the upgraded 120 and 140 models," said Kohout. "Larger windows provide better visibility all around the cab, with particular focus on the moldboard and tires, while we continue the ‘operator first' approach by improving HVAC and seat adjustment options."
Integrated Technology for Safer, Faster Grading
Visibility can be further enhanced by specifying the optional integrated rear vision, front vision, 360-degree cameras and Caterpillar's people detection system, all feeding into the cab's 10-in. touchscreen. The same touchscreen also controls optional technologies, such as Cat Grade. Both models allow easy upgrades to attachments, ensuring they hit grade faster.
"It's exciting to see the next generation features arriving with the 150 and 160," Kohout said. "Caterpillar motor graders have long been revered for their ‘grade any terrain' capability and impressive jobsite productivity. The new platform serves only to make that offering more robust still."
The Cat 150 with joystick option will launch in European countries in the second half of 2026. Full launch for all configurations and regions will follow.
For more information, visit cat.com.
