Caterpillar Adds Joystick Option to 140 Motor Grader

Caterpillar has added a joystick option to its next generation 140 motor graders. 

Customers globally will now have the option of choosing either joystick or lever/steering wheel controls for the new 140. Available in early 2026, Cat says the new model will feature the hallmarks of the next generation design – efficiency, productivity, operator comfort, and increased uptime.

Cat 140 lever motor grader walk-around

“Rather than having separate joystick or lever models for the next generation 140, customers will choose between joystick or lever steering configurations similar to other options like tandem or all-wheel-drive, technologies, and attachments,” explains Pablo dos Santos, Caterpillar global product application specialist. 

According to Caterpillar, the joystick controls reduce hand and arm movements compared to the lever and steering configuration, which can help reduce operator fatigue for improved productivity.

How the joysticks work

The three-axis joysticks place transmission, up/down gear shifting and machine direction control in the left joystick,while the right controls drawbar, circle and moldboard functions, along with electronic throttle control and manual differential lock/unlock.

"Follow Steer" allows the front wheels to follow joystick input. Joystick control, combined with the 140’s new 9-forward-speed transmission with finish gear, is designed to provide smooth operation in final passes and curbs.