CAT motor grader diagram illustrating blade lift tilt sideshift articulation ripper and steering cylinders

Quick answer: Motor graders have several distinct hydraulic circuits around the moldboard, blade and chassis. The terms blade lift, blade tilt/tip, sideshift or circle shift, steering, articulation, ripper and scarifier refer to different functions; each kit needs its own component reference.

Read the grader hydraulic cylinder diagram

CAT motor grader blade lift sideshift ripper scarifier and steering hydraulic ram locations
Illustrated grader functions. Individual models do not necessarily include every optional ram shown.

The moldboard is mounted to a system that can lift, tip and shift. Some graders use multiple cylinders with similar appearance but very different stroke lengths and internal seal arrangements. Grader parts catalogs may use different terms for the same motion, so pair the location label with its actual cylinder number.

Common function What it moves Why the exact name matters
Blade lift Raises or lowers the cutting edge May have separate left/right assemblies
Blade tilt / tip Changes moldboard angle Not the same as lift or shift
Sideshift / circle shift / centershift Offsets blade or circle mechanism Names and cylinder mounting differ by design
Articulation Changes angle between front and rear frames Not the steering-axle cylinder
Steering / wheel lean Controls steering or wheel inclination Different circuits and service requirements
Ripper / scarifier Raises or adjusts ground-engaging attachments Optional hardware changes fitment

How to match the correct grader seal kit

Start from the grader manufacturer and complete model, then record the specific hydraulic function, cylinder part number and serial-range validity. For left/right parts, verify whether the manufacturer supplies one common assembly or separate part numbers.

During qualified service, assess rod condition, piston/guide wear, gland grooves, contamination and misalignment. A leaking rod seal can be a symptom of damage elsewhere rather than a failed seal alone. Match replacement material to the hydraulic fluid, operating temperature, pressure and dirt exposure as applicable.

Procurement checklist

  1. Grader model including series and serial range.
  2. Blade lift, tilt, shift, steering, articulation, ripper or scarifier.
  3. Left/right position and accessory package, if relevant.
  4. OEM cylinder number, seal kit reference, or measurements from the original assembly.
  5. Quantity, operating medium and site environment.

Real FJKIT CAT 12G Motor Grader Seal Kit Examples

To make the difference between grader functions clearer, FJKIT's currently ACTIVE CAT 12G motor-grader listings include the following distinct hydraulic cylinder positions. The catalog labels are identification starting points; every original assembly and serial range still needs verification.

Hydraulic function FJKIT CAT 12G listing
Blade lift Blade Lift Cylinder Seal Kit
Blade tip Blade Tip Cylinder Seal Kit
Blade sideshift Blade Sideshift Cylinder Seal Kit
Center shift Center Shift Cylinder Seal Kit
Wheel lean Wheel Lean Cylinder Seal Kit
Ripper attachment Ripper Cylinder Seal Kit
Scarifier attachment Scarifier Cylinder Seal Kit

Important: A blade sideshift ram and a center shift ram are separately listed; do not combine them as one item or conclude that their seals are interchangeable. Ripper and scarifier hardware may be optional or configured differently.

Model collection: Browse the CAT 12G model seal kit collection to review the model's listed components. This collection also contains other hydraulic parts, so select the exact cylinder function and original reference rather than assuming every item is a blade-cylinder kit.

Common Grader Seal Kit Identification Errors

Procurement error Safer verification step
Ordering only by machine model Confirm grader series, serial, original cylinder and each named hydraulic function
Mixing blade lift with blade tip Locate the actual moving linkage in the manufacturer's hydraulic/parts diagram
Combining steering, articulation and wheel lean Identify the mounted assembly and motion for each circuit
Replacing seals without inspecting hardware Measure rod surface condition, gland and guide-ring wear per the approved service procedure

How to Build an Accurate Grader Seal Kit RFQ

Use one line item per verified cylinder assembly. Include: manufacturer and model, serial number, exact hydraulic function, component part number, any left/right difference, kit quantity, hydraulic-fluid specification and the destination. For damaged or modified hardware, include photos and qualified measurements rather than relying on a catalog thumbnail.

Related Hydraulic Sealing References

Compare rod, piston, wiper and guide-ring functions before ordering. Refer to hydraulic fluid compatibility to screen materials, and use the cylinder rebuild planning guide for safe repair checks.

FAQ

Is a motor grader sideshift cylinder identical to a centershift cylinder?

Terminology varies. The functions can be distinct; use the manufacturer diagram and exact assembly reference rather than the words alone.

Can two grader cylinders sharing a rod diameter use one seal kit?

Not necessarily. Bore, groove, piston seals, wipers, length, material and other specifications can differ.

For commercial sourcing, explore FJKIT's hydraulic seal kits and provide an itemized list of verified grader assemblies for fitment review.

Request a Model-Specific Seal Kit Quote

Need to confirm fitment or pricing for a CAT 12G motor grader? Contact FJKIT with your parts list. Include the complete equipment model and serial number, the exact cylinder function (blade lift, blade tip, sideshift, wheel lean, ripper or other function), the original cylinder or OEM kit reference if available, the required quantity and delivery country. Photos or dimensions may help with identification when an original reference is missing.

Ordering note: A product listing without a normal displayed price should not be treated as a confirmed zero-cost item or a statement that it is out of stock. Request price and availability confirmation before placing an order. The active Shopify catalog listing alone does not establish serial-number fitment.

Technical references: Trelleborg: Hydraulic Seals; Trelleborg: Guide/Wear Rings; Parker: Sealing Technology. Illustrated diagrams identify components only and do not certify OEM or aftermarket compatibility.

Need the Right Seal Kit?

Tell us your equipment model, cylinder position, original part number and quantity to request help identifying a replacement seal kit.

Contact FJKIT for a quote →