CAT CLASS: HQ-10228

150-200 hp Motor Grader

The 150-200 hp motor grader is the industry standard for highway subgrade preparation and fine grading to tolerance, typically equipped with 14 ft blades and GPS guidance systems. This mid-range class sits between utility-focused machines in the Up to 150 hp Motor Grader band and heavy production units in the 200+ hp Motor Grader class. Representing 16 models from manufacturers including XCMG, Dynapac, Case, Sany, and Ammann, this size balances precision grading capability with maneuverability on roadway and site development projects.

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Models

Brands

Cat classes

Pick a size class — capacity and reach differ across the range.

Key specifications

Specification	Typical range	What it means
Engine power	149–190 hp	Sufficient for continuous blade load in highway subgrade and tight-tolerance finish work with GPS.
Operating weight	50.7–45,195 lb (23–20,500 kg)	Mass provides blade downforce and stability during cross-slope grading and articulated turns.
Blade length	14 ft (standard)	The dominant configuration for DOT roadway work and infrastructure projects requiring spec compliance.

How to choose

This 150-200 hp class is appropriate for highway subgrade preparation, municipal road construction, and any grading work requiring GPS guidance and tight elevation tolerances. Machines in this band typically mount 14 ft blades and deliver the horsepower needed for continuous heavy cutting in compacted soils. The Up to 150 hp Motor Grader class is better suited to parking lot finish grading, residential subdivision work, and projects where lower operating cost and tighter site access matter more than production speed. The 200+ hp Motor Grader class becomes necessary for heavy production grading on large highway projects, mining haul roads, and applications requiring blades longer than 14 ft or where maximum material displacement per pass justifies the added fuel and transport cost.

What this size handles

Highway subgrade grading to state DOT elevation specifications with GPS control
Municipal arterial road construction and shoulder shaping
Airport taxiway and apron fine grading prior to paving
Commercial site development where laser or GPS tolerance is contractually specified
Large subdivision infrastructure grading with engineered cross-slopes
Maintenance of rural gravel roads requiring consistent crown and drainage

Safety & operation

Articulated steering and blade swing create dynamic clearance zones; establish exclusion perimeters during operation
GPS and laser guidance systems require calibration verification and operator training for safe reliance on automated blade control
Blade height, ripper position, and scarifier teeth present ground-level hazards during non-operation; secure or mark when parked
ROPS/FOPS cab structures standard; verify operator certification for grading operations in highway work zones

Transport & logistics

Typically hauled on tandem- or tri-axle lowboy trailers; check local permit requirements for width and weight
Machines in this weight class often require commercial transport with escorts depending on blade width and jurisdiction
Loading and unloading performed via ramps or yard ramps; blade and ripper usually left installed during transport

Power & supply

Diesel fuel consumption typically 4–8 gallons per hour under load, depending on blade engagement and soil conditions
Onboard fuel tanks generally provide 40–60 gallons capacity, supporting 8–12 hours of operation
DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) systems standard on Tier 4 Final compliant models; plan for DEF replenishment alongside fuel

Frequently asked

What distinguishes this class from smaller motor graders?

The 150-200 hp class typically features 14 ft blades as standard and sufficient hydraulic capacity and horsepower for GPS-controlled grading to highway tolerances, whereas the Up to 150 hp Motor Grader band often mounts 12 ft blades and lacks the power for sustained heavy cutting in compacted soils.

Is GPS included on machines in this horsepower range?

GPS-ready installations and factory provisions are common, but full 3D grade control systems are often owner- or project-specified additions; verify specific machine configurations as GPS is not universally factory-installed across all 16 models in this band.

What transport class is required for this size grader?

Most machines in the 150-200 hp range require tandem- or tri-axle lowboy trailers and may trigger oversize permits depending on blade configuration and local width regulations; consult transport providers for jurisdiction-specific requirements.

Compare popular models

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Normalised to the same units. A dash means the figure was not published.

Model	Operating weight	Max dig depth	Max reach	Engine power
Dynapac SD2500C	51,368 lb (23,300 kg)	-	-	200 hp
Dynapac SD2500CS	51,368 lb (23,300 kg)	-	-	200 hp
Case 836C	26,466 lb (12,005 kg)	-	-	154 hp
Ammann ABG 6820	31,636 lb (14,350 kg)	-	-	188 hp
Case 856D	33,995 lb (15,420 kg)	-	-	173 hp
Sany SMG200C-8	20,459 lb (9,280 kg)	-	-	186 hp