Cat Launches New Technology High-Performance Circle for JOY Motor Graders
Caterpillar has introduced new technology. An updated High-Performance Circle (HPC) for its 140, 150 and 160 JOY motor graders, aiming to increase uptime and reduce maintenance.
Designed for Efficiency and Productivity
Built for demanding earthmoving and road building applications, Cat’s new HPC is engineered to eliminate hours of planned monthly maintenance. It reduces the need for frequent inspections, wear strip replacements and circle shoe adjustments—issues common with traditional circle designs.
Sealed Bearing Design Minimises Touchpoints
The new HPC features a fully sealed bearing system, replacing the older open circle and drawbar design. This innovation reduces operator touchpoints, increases service intervals and extends machine life. The design takes inspiration from Cat’s excavator swing drive and the 14 motor grader worm drive, while keeping the same machine connection interface.
Innovative Engineering Enhances Servicing
Cat’s HPC includes a redesigned pinion gear with a larger shaft diameter for improved strength and efficiency. The pinion can now be removed vertically—without any need for adjustments. Other features include:
- Central grease bank for quick servicing
- Accessible ring gear for easy maintenance
- Dowel locators for precise motor positioning and longer pinion life
Lower Cost of Ownership Over Time
By reducing maintenance needs, Cat’s HPC can significantly lower operating costs. If the circle teeth reach their wear limit, they can be rotated 180 degrees—doubling their service life.
“Our new HPC provides more hours-of-service life, to significantly reduce planned maintenance,” said Eric Kohout, Caterpillar product application specialist for Cat motor graders.
“Caterpillar’s industry-leading machining capabilities, designed to tight tolerances, help ensure high-precision alignment of the drawbar, drives and circle, so it requires no adjustments for the life of the grader.”
More Innovations from Cat This Week
Finally, in addition to the HPC update, Cat also announced a new suite of advanced safety technologies for its next-generation medium wheel loaders.