SEM’s Best-in-Class Products for the Utility Segment

With the increased government expenditure on infrastructure products, more and more new players are entering the market and taking up smaller contracts. These smaller customers are on the lookout for ready to run products (reliable and affordable) that are affordably priced. Their expectations on the product life cycle, product support, technology solutions are different as compared to the traditional (life cycle value and life cycle performance) customers.

To meet the needs of the smaller customer segment, Caterpillar has launched Earthmoving products under its SEM series. In 2017, Caterpillar launched SEM919 Motor Grader, SEM816 & SEM822 Track Type Tractor and SEM656D Wheel Loader.

SEM is a brand owned by Caterpillar and SEM products are manufactured in Caterpillar Qingzhou Limited (CQL), one of the 22 facilities of Caterpillar in China. CQL became a 100% subsidiary of Caterpillar in 2008. Ever since, there has been a series of product development led by Caterpillar engineers taking the legacy of technologies from their drawing board. Currently, CQL manufactures 12 models of Wheel Loaders, 3 models of Motor Graders, 3 models of Soil Compactors, and 2 models of Track Type Tractors. India-specific models have been developed in 2017 and after ARAI approval, SEM919, SEM656D, and SEM 816 are being launched.


“SEM offers best-in class products for utility segment, where the customer is looking for low-cost per unit of work done. SEM products follow rigorous design and validation process of Caterpillar. As a differentiating element in the class it operates, SEM also offers basic telematics option. Globally, SEM products have been successful with the efficient network of Caterpillar dealers, with the renewed focus on India and its commitment to meet customer expectations. SEM will be a key contributor to India’s huge step on Infrastructure growth plans,” says Mr. Sankar R, India Sales Manager – SEM Products.

SEM656D is the flagship model of SEM - which won the “Caterpillar Chairman Quality Award” with typical improvements on fuel economy, productivity and comfort. It is powered by Weichai Stage III engine with electric fan as standard. With high fill factor of its bucket, 656D ensures more productivity for lesser fuel burnt. In-house made powershift countershaft transmission and best-in-class heavy-duty axle provides more reliable and sturdy product suiting various rugged operations. It is equipped with quick coupler attachments for various work-tools like pallet forks, log gripper, hay fork etc.


Designed and developed by Caterpillar Qingzhou Limited, SEM919 was launched in 2012 for China and Russian markets. Seeing growing demand from other emerging markets, CQL started exporting to Africa, Middle-East and Latin American countries. Bharat Stage-III ARAI compliant SEM919 was developed and launched in India in June 2017. It is 190HP net power Bharat Stage III Motor Grader with 12 feet blade as standard. It has load sensing hydraulics with Caterpillar patented valve, provides more comfort for the operator and reduces fuel consumption. Rigid box structure and in-house made tandem axle ensures longer life and ease of maintenance. It has various fuel saving components like hydraulic fan, priority valves and axial piston pump. Efficiently positioned control levers enable the operator to modulate the implements with less effort and be more productive. Its "A" type Frame designed drawbar provides more strength and 7-hole link bar provides best in class blade positioning.

SEM816 has a Caterpillar designed hydrostatic drive system with electronic control technology. Launched in 2011, it is being exported to more than 40 countries, and now available in India. SEM816 is the first of its kind dozer in the utility segment equipped with Hydrostatic transmission, and components from world-class suppliers. It is powered by 160 HP Weichai engine. Maintenance-free undercarriage components reduce periodic maintenance cost. Oil cooled wet disc brakes enhances the serviceability of the machine. All the movements of the machines are controlled by a multi-functional joystick with speed recall option, which enhances the productivity of the machine. Semi-universal blade is suitable for slot dozing, land clearing and stock piling application.