2026 motor grader buyer's guide

Australia’s construction machinery market has hit the ground running in 2026, with strong demand flowing through Constructionsales.com.au as major infrastructure and renewable energy projects continue to roll out nationwide.

While excavators may dominate sales volumes, the motor grader remains a critical tool on Australian job sites, particularly as road and civil infrastructure expands to keep pace with population growth in major cities and regional centres.

In 2026, however, the focus has shifted away from outright horsepower and towards smarter, more efficient machines. Modern graders are no longer just a blade on wheels, with technologies such as 3D mapping, integrated telematics and automated blade control systems now firmly part of the mainstream.

Whether you’re a sole operator or managing a large machinery fleet, choosing the right grader this year means balancing tractive effort with operator-assist technology. With skilled operators still in short supply, intelligent machines are increasingly filling the gap.

With average prices for new mid-sized graders now pushing beyond the $500,000 mark, selecting the right machine has never been more important. The upside is that today’s technology-rich graders can reduce rework through improved accuracy—often delivering cost savings over the life of the machine, even with less experienced operators behind the controls.

Below are some of the top motor grader brands and models pushing dirt across Australia in 2026, listed in no particular order.

Caterpillar remains a dominant force in the grader segment, with its next-generation machines leading the way in 2026 thanks to proven powertrains and advanced operator-assist systems.

The latest Cat grader range includes the versatile 120, 140 and 150 models, offered in both two- and all-wheel-drive configurations, along with a wide selection of blade and ripper options.

Operator comfort and visibility are central to the next-gen Cat design, highlighted by a redesigned cab with floor-to-ceiling windows and a standard rear-view camera displayed on a 10-inch touchscreen.

The Cat 150 AWD stands out as a genuine all-rounder. Powered by a 136kW/1159Nm Tier 3 engine, it’s compatible with Caterpillar’s latest technology suite, including Cat Detect, Cat Grade and Cat AccuGrade.

Its all-wheel-drive system can automatically divert extra power to the ground in soft conditions, increasing output by up to 26kW when additional traction is required—an advantage for rural and regional operators.

Cat’s well-known joystick controls also remain, reducing hand and arm movement by up to 78 per cent, according to Caterpillar, and helping operators stay productive across long shifts.

Caterpillar 150 AWD quick specs
Weight: 19,791kg
Engine: Cat C9.3 (136kW / 1159Nm)
Blade width: 3.7m

Case Construction has doubled down on its B Series grader lineup, with the 865B-2 emerging as a popular choice for medium- to large-scale Australian operations.

Case graders are known for their distinctive multi-radius blade design, which rolls material rather than pushing it. This reduces horsepower demand and improves overall fuel efficiency.

Like other machines in the B Series range, the 865B-2 features a heavy-duty A-frame and an external circle tooth configuration designed to eliminate common pinion drive failures.

Power comes from a Fiat Powertrain engine producing 164kW and 930Nm, paired with a transmission torque-converter lock-up system that delivers direct drive during high-speed travel and road construction work.

Strong ground control, robust design and modern technology, including the myCaseConstruction telematics platform, round out a well-balanced package.

While John Deere is best known locally for agricultural equipment, its G Series graders—distributed in Australia by RDO Equipment—have built a loyal following.

John Deere has been manufacturing graders for more than 60 years, and that experience shows in the practical, operator-focused design of its current lineup.

The G Series offers an appealing blend of familiarity and automation, with the option of traditional mechanical lever controls alongside modern assistance systems. This makes them approachable for experienced operators while still improving efficiency.

The 622G and 672G models are particularly popular in Australia, featuring John Deere’s Auto-Shift Plus system, which allows operators to accelerate from a complete stop to full speed without shifting gears or using the inching pedal.

Ease of servicing is another strong point, with ground-level access to service points and the Premium Circle option replacing wear inserts with sealed bearings that only require greasing every 500 hours.

Sitting in the middle of the Deere range, the 672G is a proven six-wheel-drive grader producing 190kW and delivering 22,453kg of blade pull. It comes standard with cross-slope control and can be upgraded to the full 3D SmartGrade system.

Komatsu has earned its reputation as a construction equipment heavyweight by delivering machines that balance durability with advanced technology, and its graders are no exception.

The brand offers one of the most comprehensive grader ranges in Australia, spanning from the 18-tonne GD555-5 through to the massive 47-tonne mine-spec GD955-7.

For most civil contractors, the GD655-7 sits squarely in the sweet spot. This 20-tonne grader features a long wheelbase, a 163kW engine and a dual-mode transmission that combines direct-drive efficiency with the anti-stall benefits of a torque converter.

Like the rest of the Komatsu lineup, the GD655-7 comes standard with the Komtrax remote monitoring and location system and is factory-ready for plug-and-play 3D machine control solutions.

While the GD955-7 remains the go-to option for mine haul roads, the GD655-7 continues to impress as a versatile, high-productivity machine for mainstream civil works.

The Sany SMG260 has emerged as a disruptive player in Australia’s grader market, offering a high-specification machine at a highly competitive price point.

While it may not yet carry the same brand recognition as long-established names like Caterpillar, Komatsu or John Deere, Sany continues to build a loyal following. Operators often cite strong power, solid build quality and excellent value for money.

Powered by a 194kW Cummins engine, the SMG260 features a load-sensing hydraulic system and a pressurised, FOPS/ROPS-certified cab designed to keep dust out and operators comfortable.

A standout feature at this price point is the dual control system, allowing operators to switch between traditional steering wheel operation and joystick control depending on the task.

Factory-ready 2D and 3D levelling capability further strengthens the SMG260’s appeal as a cost-effective option for contractors looking to step into precision grading without breaking the bank.

In the market for a motor grader? Find your next machine on Constructionsales.com.au.