Any Cat M series Graders operators out there?

[roadrunner]

I really would like some "neutralized" feedback on these new M graders.Tell the good and the bad of what you like and dislike!
There must be more guys here that run graders or is it just the regulars doing all the posts?
Any opinion on this topic is better than no opinion at all!

[sdPete]

You have already heard from me....but here's a bit more....

Cat send out a field follow engineer the other day accompanied by Jim from Butler in Fargo who among other duties tracks all the M's sold by Butler. About 1000 M's in service now, Jim said no work stopping failures yet, I didn't think to ask if that was the ones sold by Butler or all sold by Cat. A couple issues with cab doors to attend to, new seals and glass fit inspection as some crack the glass. Tier 4 engines likely the only change on the horizon. They have machines running in Canada in COLD weather and performance is fine. Some discussion about going to a colder temp rated hydraulic fluid on machines order with snow arrangement.

They did note initial resistance by seasoned operators to M series machines, too much change. There were also several stories from those same fellows who begrudgingly put in a day on the seat, returned to the shop and swallowed their objections. A few more days and many decided against early retirement. I kind of know the feeling, you get pretty good at running what you've got, then this comes along, what were they thinking? The first days on the seat you go at it with skepticism, find that fatal flaw, tell them to get it right. But after a while it becomes obvious the problem is me, not the machine, they got it right. Be careful what you say, some words don't taste too good when you have to eat them.

1000 M's running, how many of those drivers are on the web, how many of those hang out here, how many of those read but don't post.... There might not be a lot of activity for a while, give it time.

[roadrunner]

Thanks for your feedback as always sdPete I appreciate it!
I think every "new" machine has little problems until figured out from service guys just as long as the dealer acknowledges the operators problems and promptly deals with it! I really do hope the M series turns out to be real good for Cat!!---- to give VOLVO some competition!!

Tee Hee!

sdPete;Keep on telling your experiences with your M please when you get time! Thanks again...

[cread]

I just got back from a class on them and I have to say that they are very well thought out. Some little issues here and there but I guess there some around here with over 2500 hrs and still running strong. There are about 90 of them in the Colorado, New Mexico area. The only problem people are having is getting use to how touchy the steering is at roading speeds but
I herd CAT is playing with some computer programing to make that better and if and when that comes out I sure CAT reflash the ECM for free and it only takes a few mins. They are awsome if anyone has a chance to play in one do it they are so fun!!!

[Paystar]

I was at Toromont Cat a week ago pricing a 430 backhoe and asked the salesman what he knew about the M series. He said he is getting one in about a week and doesn't have any brochures yet. He said the only complaint he has heard with them is on high speed applications like plowing and roading, the operators are complaining of lots of steering drift, especially when windy. He said they are working on making the steering better. He said they can't be beat though for finish grading.

[Eric]

LOOK IN THE THREAD CALLED "16m"

[d6peg]

I have heard that Cat is coming out with a steering wheel attachment for the new M's. Is this just rumor or has anybody else heard this? I personally would think not.

[MKTEF]

Stearing wheel?
I've heard rumors they limit the speed over here because the lack of one.(ministery of workinspection)
Where did u hear that? I bet there is something in it!...

[WILDCAT]

I have seen demonstrations of the new M series grader, and on three separate occassions I have operated the M series grader. My concerns are lack of visibility of the front wheels as well as behind the machine. The application that I use graders in, is placing pavement between curb with tight tollerances for levels. How does the 140M compare to a 140H series 2? (Does the M make the day easier or require more concentration?)

[ASPHALT04]

Sorry I can't give any input on this one, I only ran graders from the stone age! G series is as close as I got!

[roadrunner]

I was at Toromont Cat a week ago pricing a 430 backhoe and asked the salesman what he knew about the M series. He said he is getting one in about a week and doesn't have any brochures yet. He said the only complaint he has heard with them is on high speed applications like plowing and roading, the operators are complaining of lots of steering drift, especially when windy. He said they are working on making the steering better. He said they can't be beat though for finish grading.

I just got back from a class on them and I have to say that they are very well thought out. Some little issues here and there but I guess there some around here with over 2500 hrs and still running strong. There are about 90 of them in the Colorado, New Mexico area. The only problem people are having is getting use to how touchy the steering is at roading speeds but
I herd CAT is playing with some computer programing to make that better and if and when that comes out I sure CAT reflash the ECM for free and it only takes a few mins. They are awsome if anyone has a chance to play in one do it they are so fun!!!

I have not run the M yet but could foresee the steering issue at high speeds or roading being a problem along time ago.The reason I say this is I used to run a "Tanguay" slasher in the bush logging and it had joystick steering.When you roaded it, it was difficult to go in a straight line the faster you went. Mind you it probably was not as good as the new M steering but still run by joystick/hydralic.MKTEF has a Volvo with sticks and steering wheel for Legalized roading.
I just cannot see CAT being able to fix this issue unless they also put a wheel in for highspeeding as well!

[OilFieldHand]

I have run those new M blades for a while now. I road them all the time, once you start to click through the gears the steering becomes retarded. Makes it pretty easy to road the M series. I doubt there will be a steering wheel "attachment"

[roadrunner]

What do you mean by "retarded"?(like slowed down?)
Do you just road your machine or do you operate it at high speed using all the functions?
How fast can you "road " your M?
Have you had any problems with your M?

I need to know!Thanks!!

[OilFieldHand]

Yes, the steering speed slows down as you drive faster. (slower reaction time)

The Highest gear I blade in is about top of 4th or bottom of fifth on straights. I run up on the mountains with drops of up to 250ft on one side of the road.

The M series is just like older graders, It has 6 gears. I have not opened it up all the way being as im on windy roads. Id say the fastest ive gone is about 28-30mph. With no problem at those speeds.

The only problem we have had is one morning it would not start. CAT sent a field tech out to fix the problem. He said that the hot wire to the starter just plugs in, at ours came unplugged. Simple fix but the only problem we have had.

[roadrunner]

Just wondering if Cat changed the transmission because all the older ones were 8 forward and 6 reverse.28 -30 mph should be top speed as well, or am I wrong here?