I am looking at buying a small cat grader but I do not know a lot of information about it. The serial number is 9T 4132. It has a 4 cyl diesel with matching numbers and pony start, diesel runs good but pony does not, metal flakes in the oil. Information about the model and year would be helpful. Also is the pony on this grader the same as on a D4 7u tractor? Thanks, Joe

The grader you are looking at is a 1954 212 with the D311 engine also used in the D2 tractor and early 933 track loader, but with about 50 hp. Weight is something like 13800 pounds from memory. you can look back on the old ACMOC board and find threads discussing the weight. Transmission is a 4 speed. You have a foot clutch and manual hydraulic brakes on that model. Some of them have power steering added, but CAT didn't offer it. Blade, wheel lean, scarifier control etc is by a gear driven arrangement of clutches. No hydraulics on those.

Ours has been quite useful. We don't go out digging ditches, mostly doing road maintenance.

Basic pony motor is the same as used on D2 and D4 from late 1930's to late 1950's, though some of the external pieces would be different depending on the model and year. Or you could use a direct electric start especially if the clutch housing is already machined for the original equipment CAT starter. those are scarce these days, but the common Delco starters will fit with the correct drive end housing and drive in them. Lots of information on starter conversions on this board thanks to OM

a couple of 212 manuals on ebay right now. Operators has maintenance instructions, parts manual has parts for engine and chasis etc. The only other manuals are a Serviceman's reference book for the D311 engine and one for the grader.