Top 10 Graders On UsedMotorGrader.com: Features, Performance & Tech

Walk any contractor’s yard long enough, and you will hear the same debate: horsepower versus hours, brand loyalty versus best deal, new tech versus proven iron. Motor graders don’t get retired because they wear out. They get retired because the job changed, or because a newer machine does the same work with less operator fatigue and fewer trips to the parts counter. That’s the real question behind every used motor grader purchase, and it’s the one this guide is built to answer.

UsedMotorGrader.com carries a rotating inventory of Caterpillar, John Deere, Volvo, and Komatsu graders, and the 10 machines below represent a realistic cross-section of what a contractor, municipal buyer, or fleet manager will encounter when shopping. None of these are unicorns sitting on a showroom floor. They are working machines with real hour meters, real maintenance histories, and real trade-offs.

What follows isn’t a spec sheet dump. It’s a ranked breakdown based on how these graders perform once they leave the lot: power delivery, grading technology, operator comfort, versatility across job types, and how well each one holds its value relative to the cost of keeping it running. A 275-horsepower grader that spends half its life in the shop isn’t a better buy than a 218-horsepower machine that just works. Keep that in mind as you read through the rankings, because it shapes almost every call made here.

Featured Motor Graders

1. 2020 Caterpillar 150: Peak power and full-size versatility
2. 2020 John Deere 772GP: Highest horsepower, newest hydrostatic 6WD
3. 2019 Caterpillar 140M3 AWD: Best balance of power, tech, and size
4. 2017 Caterpillar 12M3 AWD: Modern tech in a mid-size footprint
5. 2015 John Deere 772GP: Same core power, lower entry cost
6. 2016 Caterpillar 12M3: Efficient mid-size performer
7. 2016 Komatsu GD655-6: Fuel-efficient dual-mode transmission
8. 2012 John Deere 672GP: Proven 6WD workhorse
9. 2010 Volvo G940: Strong torque, simple driveline
10. 2010 Caterpillar 140M: Lowest cost of entry

How These Motor Graders Were Ranked

Ranking ten machines from three different manufacturers and three different decades takes more than lining up horsepower numbers. Raw power matters, but a grader that’s hard to service or short on modern grade control loses real-world value fast, no matter what the engine puts out.

The evaluation below weighs:

• Engine output and how usable that power actually is in the field
• Grading technology and how ready each machine is for GPS or 3D grade control
• Operator comfort, cab layout, and control type (joystick versus lever)
• All-wheel drive or six-wheel drive traction versus standard tandem drive
• Reliability history, parts, and dealer support across North America
• Age-adjusted value, meaning what you are actually getting for the model year

The Top 10 Used Motor Graders Ranked

Horsepower alone doesn’t decide a ranking, but it sets the ceiling for what a grader can do under load. The 2020 models lead the pack, while the 140M closes it out as the entry-level option.

1. 2020 Caterpillar 150 AWD

The newest and most powerful machine on this list earns the top spot for a simple reason: it doesn’t force a compromise between size, power, and technology. The 150 AWD puts out up to 272 horsepower and pairs that with full power turns, meaning the all-wheel drive system keeps working even mid-turn instead of dropping traction the moment you steer. That matters more than it sounds like it should when you are pushing a full moldboard load on a wet grade.

The cab uses joystick controls with reduced arm movement, and the machine is built around Caterpillar’s Attachment Ready Option, so adding 3D grade control later doesn’t mean tearing the machine apart to wire it. The standard 12-foot moldboard extends to 14 feet, giving it real flexibility between fine finish work and bulk material moving.

Key strengths:

• Highest usable power-to-traction ratio on this list, thanks to full-power-turn AWD
• Joystick ergonomics that reduce operator fatigue over long shifts
• Factory-ready wiring for 3D grade control upgrades
• Widest Caterpillar dealer and parts network in North America

The trade-off is straightforward: this is the priciest machine here, and buyers looking for a budget entry point should look further down the list. But for contractors running heavy road or highway work who need a grader that won’t be outclassed by the job in three years, the 150 AWD is the safest bet on this page.

2. 2020 John Deere 772GP

The 772GP ties for the highest horsepower rating on this list at 275 horsepower, and it backs that number up with John Deere’s automatic dual-path hydrostatic six-wheel drive. Unlike a bolt-on AWD system, the 772’s drive is baked into the platform, giving it strong traction in loose material and snow without the operator having to manage engagement manually.

The GP designation stands for Grade Pro, which means this machine ships with position-sensing cylinders and is ready for SmartGrade, John Deere’s mastless 3D grade control system, without needing masts or cables bolted on later. That’s a meaningful advantage for a buyer who wants GPS grading now or plans to add it down the road.

Where the 772GP loses a fraction of a point to the Cat 150 is dealer density in some regions and a slightly heavier operating weight, which can matter on soft ground. But for contractors already running Deere iron, or anyone who wants six-wheel drive as standard rather than optional, this is an outstanding pick.

3. 2019 Caterpillar 140M3 AWD

This is the machine most buyers will find themselves gravitating toward once they see the full comparison, and there’s a good reason for that. The 140M3 AWD delivers a wide power band, from a 200-horsepower base up to 272 horsepower when the AWD system engages in higher gears, giving operators flexibility between fuel-efficient cruising and maximum pushing power.

Technology-wise, it’s every bit as current as the larger 150, with Cat Grade attachment-ready wiring, joystick controls, and an eight-forward, six-reverse Advanced Productivity Electronic Control Strategy transmission that shifts smoothly under load. At roughly 42,650 pounds, it’s noticeably lighter than the 772GP and the 150, which translates into better maneuverability on tight municipal jobs without giving up serious pushing power.

Technology features:

• AWD range of 210 to 272 horsepower, depending on gear and demand
• Joystick controls with programmable auxiliary hydraulic functions
• Attachment Ready Option for straightforward grade control installation
• Eco mode for fuel savings during lighter grading passes

If there’s a single best all-around used motor grader on this list for a contractor who needs one machine to do highway shoulders on Monday and a subdivision on Tuesday, this is it.

4. 2017 Caterpillar 12M3 AWD

The 12M3 AWD shares its core architecture and C9.3 ACERT engine with the 140M3, but comes in a slightly smaller footprint and lower base power, with AWD automatically increasing horsepower when extra traction is needed. That makes it a strong fit for fine grading and finish work where absolute size isn’t the priority.

Joystick controls, Tier 4 Final emissions compliance, and a 12-foot standard moldboard that extends to 14 feet round out a package that feels modern in the cab, even though the base platform has a few years on it now. The Advanced Productivity Electronic Control Strategy transmission carries over from the larger M3 models, so shift quality doesn’t feel like a step down.

Where this grader earns its ranking is valuable. It’s two years older and a notch smaller than the 140M3 AWD, but it delivers nearly the same operator experience for less money, which makes it a smart pick for buyers who don’t need the largest blade on the lot.

5. 2015 John Deere 772GP

This is essentially the same machine as the second-ranked 2020 772GP, just five years further into its service life. The 275-horsepower PowerTech engine, six-wheel hydrostatic drive, and Grade Pro-ready cylinders are all present here, which means buyers get nearly identical field performance for a meaningfully lower purchase price.

The main consideration with a 2015 unit is hours and maintenance history rather than capability. A well-maintained 772GP from this era can still deliver a decade of productive work, and the drivetrain has proven itself across thousands of units in the field. This is the kind of machine that shows up in fleet auctions with 8,000 to 12,000 hours and still has plenty of working life left in the undercarriage and engine if service records check out.

The newest Caterpillar and John Deere machines cluster in the upper right, combining strong horsepower with factory-ready grade control wiring. Older or smaller machines trade some of that technology for a lower price point.

6. 2016 Caterpillar 12M3

Drop the AWD system from the 12M3 lineup, and you get a lighter, slightly simpler machine that still runs the same C9.3 ACERT engine and Tier 4 Final emissions package. Without the all-wheel drive boost, base power sits lower, but for contractors working primarily on stable, dry ground, the traction assist was never going to get used heavily anyway.

This is a practical pick for buyers in drier climates or for municipal fleets doing routine road maintenance where wet, loose, or snowy conditions aren’t a regular concern. The joystick controls and 12-foot blade carry over from the AWD version, so the operator experience in the cab doesn’t feel stripped down even though the driveline is simpler.

Skipping AWD also means less to maintain long-term, which some buyers see as an advantage rather than a limitation. It’s a smart middle-of-the-pack choice for anyone who wants modern Cat technology without paying for traction hardware they won’t use.

7. 2016 Komatsu GD655-6

The GD655-6 brings something genuinely different to this list: a dual-mode transmission that combines a torque converter with a direct-drive lockup clutch, giving operators both the fuel efficiency of direct drive at travel speed and the anti-stall control of a torque converter during heavy grading passes. Komatsu says this setup burns up to 15 percent less fuel in economy mode compared to the previous generation.

At 218 net horsepower and roughly 37,346 pounds operating weight, the GD655-6 is notably lighter than every Cat or Deere machine on this list, which helps with fuel economy and maneuverability but means less raw mass for pushing heavy material. The 14-foot moldboard is standard rather than an upsize option, and the closed-center load-sensing hydraulics deliver smooth, predictable blade control for finish grading.

Parts and dealer support for Komatsu graders tends to be thinner than Caterpillar or John Deere in some regions of the country, which is the main reason this machine sits mid-pack rather than higher despite having newer emissions technology than several machines ranked above it. For buyers with Komatsu dealer access nearby, it’s a genuinely efficient, well-engineered choice.

8. 2012 John Deere 672GP

The 672GP is the little sibling to the 772GP, running a John Deere 6090HD engine rated at 255 horsepower through the same automatic six-wheel hydrostatic drive system found in the larger model. In 2012, this unit predates the newest emissions tiers found on the 2020 machines, but it’s a proven platform with a long track record in municipal and mid-size contractor fleets.

The Grade Pro controls carry over here as well, meaning position-sensing cylinders and SmartGrade compatibility are present even on a machine this age, which is a genuine advantage over comparably priced competitors from other brands. An 8-forward, 8-speed Powershift transmission and a 16-foot belly blade option give it real flexibility for road maintenance and light construction work.

This grader ranks below the newer Komatsu largely on emissions technology and overall age, but it makes up ground with more horsepower, a heavier operating weight for better material handling, and the six-wheel drive traction advantage that the tandem-drive Volvo and older Cat machines further down this list don’t offer.

9. 2010 Volvo G940

The G940 is a capable, straightforward machine built around a Volvo D7E diesel producing 215 horsepower and paired with an eight-forward, four-reverse HTE840 powershift transmission. It runs standard tandem drive rather than all-wheel or six-wheel drive, which keeps the driveline simpler and generally cheaper to maintain, but does mean less traction assistance in wet or loose conditions compared to the Deere or AWD Cat machines above it on this list.

Volvo’s Contronic Monitoring System gives operators real-time function monitoring and stores diagnostic data for easier troubleshooting, a feature that was ahead of its time when this platform launched. Blade pull and down-force numbers are respectable for the class, and the cab layout is roomy with a fully adjustable control pedestal.

The G940 lands ninth mainly because of its age, standard tandem drive, and comparatively thinner Volvo dealer network in parts of North America. For buyers who already run Volvo equipment or who prioritize simplicity and lower maintenance complexity over the latest grade control tech, it remains a solid, dependable used motor grader.

10. 2010 Caterpillar 140M

Rounding out the list, the 140M is the most affordable entry point among these ten machines, and that’s exactly the role it plays well. Running Caterpillar’s VHP Plus engine strategy rated between roughly 183 and 200 horsepower, depending on configuration, this Tier 3 machine predates the emissions and technology upgrades found on the M3-series Cats ranked higher on this list.

Standard tandem drive, a 12-foot moldboard extendable to 14 feet, and Caterpillar’s decades of lever and steering wheel control experience make this a familiar, easy-to-operate machine for operators who came up on older equipment. It won’t out-push the 772GP or match the tech package of the 140M3 AWD, but it doesn’t need to.

For buyers doing occasional grading, light municipal maintenance, or building out a starter fleet on a tight budget, the 140M offers genuine Caterpillar reliability and parts support at the lowest price point on this list. It’s not the machine for heavy daily highway work, but it’s a smart, low-risk buy for lighter-duty applications.

Comparing the Field: Power, Tech, Comfort, and Value

Once you line these ten machines up side by side, a few patterns become obvious. The newest Caterpillar and John Deere machines dominate in raw horsepower and grading technology, but the gap between the top three and the rest of the field is smaller than the sticker prices suggest. A well-maintained 2015 772GP delivers nearly the same field performance as its 2020 counterpart for a meaningfully lower cost, and the same logic applies to the 12M3 AWD sitting just below the 140M3 AWD. Contractors chasing the lowest cost per working hour, rather than the lowest purchase price alone, tend to land somewhere in the middle of this list rather than at either extreme.

The sweet spot on this chart sits with machines that deliver near-flagship capability without the flagship price tag. The 2015 772GP and 2016 12M3 stand out for buyers chasing performance per dollar.

Which used motor grader offers the best overall balance comes down to how much weight a buyer puts on raw capability versus the long-term cost of ownership. The 140M3 AWD threads that needle better than anything else on this list, but it’s not the only smart path forward.

Buying tips for narrowing the field:

• Match horsepower to your heaviest regular job, not your average one
• Prioritize AWD or 6WD if you work in snow, mud, or loose material regularly
• Ask for maintenance and hour meter records before comparing prices alone
• Factor in dealer proximity for parts, since downtime costs more than most repairs

Which Grader Fits Which Buyer

Whether older graders are still worth buying comes up in almost every conversation with a first-time buyer, and the honest answer, sitting at this table, is yes, with conditions. Machines like the 2015 772GP and the 2012 672GP hold up because John Deere’s hydrostatic drive and Grade Pro architecture haven’t changed dramatically in a decade, which means the core engineering is proven rather than experimental.

Value points for budget-conscious buyers:

• The 2015 772GP delivers 2020-level horsepower for meaningfully less money
• The 2016 12M3 offers modern Cat tech without paying for AWD, you may not need
• The 2010 140M remains the lowest-risk entry point for light-duty applications
• The Komatsu GD655-6 offers the best fuel economy of any machine on this list

No single grader wins every category, which is exactly why matching the machine to the job matters more than chasing the highest horsepower number. Use this as a quick reference starting point before narrowing your search.

Final Thoughts for Buyers

Ten machines, three brands, and a decade of model years tell a consistent story: the newest technology and highest horsepower live at the top of this list, but genuine value and long-term reliability are spread across the entire field. A contractor running highway shoulder work every week has different priorities than a municipal buyer maintaining gravel roads twice a season, and this ranking reflects that reality rather than pretending one machine wins every category.

What matters most when comparing used graders isn’t a single spec on a sheet. It’s how power, traction, technology, and comfort work together under real conditions, combined with how much that combination costs to own over the next five to ten years. A machine with slightly lower horsepower but better traction and a more modern cab can easily outperform a bigger, older competitor once you factor in operator fatigue and fuel burn across a full season of work. That’s why two contractors doing similar jobs can reasonably land on different machines from this same list and both be right.

A few final buying tips before you commit:

• Get an hour meter and service record review before comparing price tags
• Test the controls in person if you can, since the joystick and lever feel different more than the spec sheets suggest
• Consider your climate and terrain before ruling AWD or 6WD in or out
• Budget for tires and undercarriage wear separately from the purchase price

Whichever machine fits your operation, the ten graders on this list represent a genuinely strong cross-section of what’s available on the used market right now, spanning full-size flagship power down to dependable, budget-friendly workhorses.

Find Your Next Motor Grader Today

From flagship power to budget-friendly workhorses, usedmotorgrader.com stocks Caterpillar, John Deere, Volvo, and Komatsu machines built for real jobsites and real budgets. Every listing gets checked for hours, condition, and mechanical history before it goes up, so you are comparing facts instead of guesswork. Head over and start narrowing down the grader that fits your next project.

FAQs

1. Which used motor grader is the best overall value?

A: The 2015 John Deere 772GP stands out because it delivers nearly identical horsepower and drivetrain technology to the 2020 model at a meaningfully lower price point.

2. Which grader is best for heavy contractor work?

A: The 2020 Caterpillar 150 AWD and 2020 John Deere 772GP both lead the field for heavy-duty contractor and highway work, thanks to their combined power and traction.

3. Are older graders still worth buying?

A: Yes, particularly when the core drivetrain has a strong track record. The 2012 672GP and 2010 140M both remain solid choices for buyers prioritizing cost over the newest technology.

4. What matters most when comparing used graders?

A: Horsepower matters, but traction, grading technology, operator comfort, and documented maintenance history matter just as much for long-term ownership costs.

Tags: Top Motor Grader Models, Motor Grader Features Guide, Motor Grader Long Term Performance