The Cass County Board of Supervisors today (Friday) approved the purchase of two new, 2013 model-year motor graders for the Secondary Roads Department. Their decision followed a report from County Engineer Charles Marker, on test drives, fuel consumption and other factors associated with a John Deere model 770-G, Volvo, Caterpillar (“CAT”) 2013 12M2 and 2014 12M3 graders. Marker said his recommendation on the purchase of two “CAT” 12M2’s from Ziegler for a total of $287,352 (with trade-in’s), was based partly on input from his motor grader operators.

Caterpillar Model 12M2/M3 motor grader

The operators discussed and created a list of pro’s and con’s for each grader they tested, which included the ability to stand up and sit down inside the cab, visibility (of the blade and behind the grader), whether it was equipped with steering wheel or “joy stick” steering and controls, along with other factors.

When it came down to the nuts and bolts of each of the machines tested, Marker said the CAT 12M2 would use less fuel, and unlike the John Deere 770G, it does not require an expensive fuel additive necessary to make the machine EPA compliant on emission controls.