Case Launches Its Biggest Motor Grader Yet: Meet the 325-hp GR935

Key takeaways: 

• Case is back in the heavyweight grader market with three new GR Series machines, including the massive 325-horsepower GR935.
• The new graders come through a partnership with Bell Equipment, giving Case exclusive North American distribution rights.
• The GR935 combines big horsepower with modern grader tech like CVT drive, optional AWD, Blade Impact Absorption, and a low-maintenance Precision Circle system.

Big graders are back at Case Construction Equipment. In our latest video above, George MacIntyre, product manager for Case CE, gives us an overview of three brand-new mega graders: the GR925, GR930, and GR935. The biggest story here is the GR935. I mean, this thing is huge. With 325 horsepower and an operating weight of nearly 51,800 pounds, the GR935 is now the biggest motor grader Case has ever offered in North America.

The launch also marks Case’s return to the heavyweight grader market above 200 horsepower. These bigger grader classes are a big portion of roadbuilding, municipal, and site prep work. Case already offers smaller grader models in its lineup, but these new machines give the brand a full-range offering again. Watch the video above to learn more.

The Bell partnership explained

This grader launch is also a major business move for CNH and Case. The new GR Series machines come through a partnership between CNH and South African manufacturer Bell Equipment. Under the agreement, Case gets exclusive distribution rights for these Bell-built graders across the United States and Canada. Bell is well known globally for heavy earthmoving equipment, especially articulated dump trucks. The three new models slot above Case’s existing 836D and 856D graders, upping their span to five models. According to MacIntyre in our video, those smaller units only covered about 20 percent of the overall grader market. The new lineup helps Case attack the other 80 percent.

Case used to make big graders

Case previously offered two graders in the 200-horsepower range: the Case 865, which was positioned just below the 200-horsepower size class, and the Case 885, which was just above 200 horsepower. Both models were discontinued about a decade ago.

Meet the GR935

The GR935 is the kingpin of the new lineup. I shot the video above, and from front to ripper on this machine is a long take. This unit targets roadbuilding, site prep, heavy maintenance work, and even snow removal. It packs a 325-horsepower Cummins Tier 4 Final engine, a CVT transmission, optional all-wheel drive, and a massive 16-foot moldboard. The CVT setup is especially interesting. It’s similar to Case’s wheel loaders. Instead of traditional stepped gears, the transmission continuously adjusts to keep the machine in its optimal operating range. MacIntyre says that helps maintain steady grading speed while improving fuel efficiency.

Case and Bell also engineered the machine for durability. There’s Blade Impact Absorption System tech that cushions the moldboard when operators smack curbs, rocks, or manholes. There’s also the Protected Circle, which is a fully sealed bearing system also used on Bell motor graders, where it’s called Precision Circle. It eliminates the need for traditional wear inserts, and the sealed bearing design only requires greasing every 500 hours. Anything that reduces maintenance is something fleet managers can get behind.

Case’s GR935 motor grader specs:

• Engine power: 325 hp
• Operating weight: 51,778 lbs
• Engine torque: 1,125 lb-ft
• Moldboard length: 16 ft
• Moldboard height: 27 in.
• Blade down force: 28,089 lbs
• Top speed: 28 mph
• Hydraulic flow: 58 gpm
• Hydraulic pressure: 2,750 psi
• Transmission: CVT
• Ripper shanks: 7

Motor graders are getting smarter

The timing of this launch also fits a broader trend in the grader market. Modern motor graders are evolving. OEMs are adding joystick controls, integrated grade control, automated blade functions, improved visibility systems, and smarter telematics tools. We recently dug into those trends in our feature story, Buy Smart: Four Motor Graders That Deserve a Close Look. If the new Case GR935 caught your attention, that grader roundup is a good next stop.