The Caterpillar 12E motor grader was introduced in 1959 in the USA as the replacement for the Caterpillar 12. Production began in Australia a year later.

[edit] Features

The 12E has a D333 or D318, six-cylinder engine producing 115 flywheel horsepower (FWHP). It comes standard with a direct drive transmission and a gas or electric start.

The 12E was manufactured in the USA, with a 99E serial number prefix, and in Australia, with a 21F prefix. The 99E has a D333 engine; the 21F has a D318 engine.

[edit] Modifications

In 1961 Caterpillar added self-adjusting brakes, beginning with 99E03106.

Production of 99E ended in 1965.

Production of 21F ended in 1968; it was replaced by a new Australian unit, with a 17K prefix. The new unit comes standard with a D333 engine, electric start, and self-adjusting brakes. Production of 17K ended in 1975.

The Caterpillar 12E was replaced by the Caterpillar 12F.

Based on data from the sales database of Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, it is estimated that more than 19,900 Caterpillar 12E motor graders have been produced.

Highest Serial #

Australia
17K	01552
21F	01497
USA
99E	16886
Total = 19,935