Tire Replacement and Sourcing for the 1954 CAT 212 Grader

[MikePhua]

The Legacy of the CAT 212 Motor Grader
The Caterpillar 212 motor grader, especially the 1954 model, holds a revered place in construction and road maintenance history. Designed for light to medium-duty grading, the 212 series was widely used by municipalities, farmers, and contractors from the 1930s through the 1960s. Known for mechanical simplicity and reliability, the 212 lacked hydraulics in its early years, relying instead on levers and gears to control the blade and steering mechanisms. Though outdated by modern standards, many units remain in limited service or are kept as collector items. One of the challenges faced by operators and restorers of the 212 today is sourcing appropriate tires—specifically the 10.00x24 size originally specified for this model.
Understanding the 10.00x24 Tire Size
The tire marked “10.00x24” refers to a bias-ply size where:

• 10.00 is the nominal section width in inches.
  
• 24 is the rim diameter in inches.
  

These tires were standard for many graders and off-road utility machines of the mid-20th century, offering a good balance between load capacity, floatation, and resistance to sidewall damage. However, this size is now considered obsolete in most mainstream applications, which presents challenges when trying to replace them.
Modern Tire Size Equivalents and Conversion Considerations
Because 10.00x24 tires are not widely produced anymore, many operators consider modern alternatives. One common substitute is the 12.5/80-18 or even the 12.00x24, depending on the clearance and rim width of the grader. But these changes come with caveats:

• Clearance Issues: Larger section widths may interfere with fenders, steering components, or blade linkages.
  
• Rim Compatibility: Some modern radial tires require wider or narrower rims, potentially necessitating a rim swap.
  
• Rolling Radius: A change in rolling radius can affect machine leveling and blade pitch, especially on rigid-frame graders like the 212.
  

In restoration or light-duty applications, authenticity and fit often outweigh performance. However, in work-ready machines still used for private road maintenance, snow grading, or even hobby farming, practical tire performance is often the priority.
Sourcing Challenges and Solutions
Sourcing vintage or rare tire sizes like the 10.00x24 requires persistence and creative thinking. Common avenues include:

• Agricultural and Industrial Tire Dealers
  Some specialty dealers carry old stock or can special-order from niche manufacturers still producing bias-ply designs.
  
• Military Surplus Suppliers
  The 10.00x24 size was occasionally used on military trailers and support vehicles, and surplus stocks occasionally surface.
  
• Salvage Yards and Equipment Auctions
  Retired graders, cranes, and early dozers may have usable tires or rims. While not ideal long-term, this can provide short-term relief.
  
• Recapping Services
  If the carcass is still in good shape, bias-ply tire recapping remains available through some commercial truck tire shops.
  
• Tire Collectors and Restorer Networks
  Vintage construction equipment clubs or online communities sometimes have members willing to trade or sell vintage tires.
  

Real-World Solutions and Anecdotes
One grader owner reported finding two usable 10.00x24 tires still mounted on an abandoned piece of irrigation equipment in a retired farmyard. Though weather-checked, the tires held air and were installed temporarily to get the grader operational for a local parade. In another case, an operator working in a rural area in the upper Midwest sourced matching tires from a snow plow truck being scrapped—demonstrating how interchanges across equipment types can yield surprising results.
A third example involved a hobbyist in Canada who worked with a local tire recapper to rebuild the existing casings with off-road tread, preserving the original bias profile while improving traction on gravel roads. Though not cheap, the solution allowed continued use of original rims and preserved the machine’s classic silhouette.
Rim and Tube Considerations
It’s not just about the rubber. The 212 grader’s split-ring rims (commonly known as “widowmakers” due to their potential danger if mishandled) require proper tools, safety cages, and experience when mounting tires. Modern tire shops may refuse service on these rims, citing safety policies. Alternatives include:

• Converting to drop-center rims from a newer grader model (if bolt patterns match).
  
• Hiring a mobile agricultural tire service with experience in legacy equipment.
  
• Training and equipping oneself with a tire cage and manual tools to mount safely at home or in a workshop.
  

Inner tubes and flaps are also a consideration. Many 10.00x24 tires require tubes, and if the originals are cracked or porous, replacements are needed. Specialty tube suppliers still offer compatible tubes for this dimension, often cross-listed with loader and grader applications.
Tread Pattern and Application Matching
Original 212 graders often used lug-style tread (bar pattern) for traction in off-road or loose materials. Modern replacements may come in:

• R-1 agricultural lug
  
• R-4 industrial lug
  
• G-2 grader rib
  

Choosing the right pattern depends on your usage:

• Snow and gravel work benefit from more aggressive lugs.
  
• Paved and hard-packed surfaces may prefer ribbed treads to minimize vibration.
  
• Parade and show applications often opt for vintage-style bar tread for appearance.
  

Cost Considerations and Budgeting
Expect tire prices to vary widely:

• Used tires: $100–$300 each, depending on condition.
  
• New-old stock: $300–$500 each.
  
• Modern substitutes: $400–$700 each.
  
• Custom recaps: $250–$600, depending on base condition.
  

When budgeting, factor in additional costs such as tubes, flaps, rim repair or replacement, and potential freight shipping for rare sizes.
Conclusion
Replacing tires on a 1954 CAT 212 grader is a challenge rooted not just in logistics, but in legacy. Finding suitable 10.00x24 tires requires a blend of resourcefulness, technical knowledge, and sometimes a little luck. Whether the machine is destined for the jobsite or the showground, maintaining proper tire fitment preserves its function and form. These older machines deserve thoughtful care, and with the right approach, even the rarest tire sizes can be tracked down and returned to service—rolling forward into their next chapter of utility or admiration.