Evaluating the Champion 710A Motor Grader with the Cummins VY-378 V6 Engine

[MikePhua]

Champion Grader Legacy and the 710A Series
Champion Road Machinery Ltd., founded in Canada in the early 20th century, built its reputation on producing durable motor graders for municipal and contractor use. The 710A, introduced in the late 1970s and continuing into the mid-1980s, was a mid-sized grader designed for road maintenance, snow removal, and light construction. Known for its mechanical simplicity and robust frame, the 710A was widely adopted across North America, especially in rural counties and small fleets.
While many Champion 710A units were powered by the popular Cummins 5.9L inline-six diesel, some were equipped with the lesser-known Cummins VY-378 V6—a configuration that has sparked curiosity and caution among equipment owners.
Terminology Annotation

• VY-378: A V6 diesel engine produced by Cummins, part of a short-lived series aimed at compact industrial applications. Displacement is approximately 378 cubic inches.
  
• Inline-Six (I6): A straight-six engine configuration known for smooth operation and balanced torque delivery.
  
• Mid-Mount Grader: A grader with the engine mounted between the front and rear axles, improving weight distribution and visibility.
  

Understanding the VY-378 V6 Engine
The Cummins VY-378 was an unusual offering from a company best known for its inline and V8 configurations. Designed for compact packaging and moderate power output, the VY-378 featured:

• V6 layout with 60-degree bank angle
  
• Mechanical fuel injection
  
• Naturally aspirated or turbocharged variants
  
• Power output ranging from 130 to 160 hp depending on application
  

Despite its engineering merits, the VY-378 never gained widespread adoption. Cummins eventually phased out the series in favor of more standardized platforms like the B-series (5.9L) and C-series (8.3L), which offered better parts availability and long-term support.
Performance and Reliability Considerations
Owners evaluating a Champion 710A with a VY-378 engine should weigh several factors:

• Parts Availability: The VY-378 is no longer in production, and sourcing components may require salvage yards or custom machining.
  
• Fuel Efficiency: V6 diesels tend to be less efficient than inline-sixes in similar displacement ranges due to increased friction and complexity.
  
• Torque Curve: The VY-378 delivers adequate low-end torque for grading, but may lack the sustained pulling power of a 5.9L Cummins.
  
• Maintenance Complexity: V6 configurations often require more effort to access cylinder heads, injectors, and exhaust manifolds due to tighter packaging.
  

In one documented case, an operator expected a 5.9L Cummins in a used 710A but discovered the VY-378 instead. While the machine was in good condition, the engine’s rarity raised concerns about long-term reliability and serviceability.
Field Anecdotes and Practical Advice
In northern Minnesota, a fleet manager recalled inheriting a Champion 710A with a VY-378. The machine performed well for light grading and snow removal, but when the injection pump failed, sourcing a replacement took weeks. Eventually, the grader was retrofitted with a 5.9L Cummins using custom mounts and a modified bellhousing.
In Alberta, a county road crew operated a similar unit for over a decade. They reported that while the VY-378 ran smoothly, it lacked the torque needed for deep ditching and heavy snowpack. The machine was eventually sold to a private contractor for driveway maintenance.
Recommendations for Potential Buyers
Before purchasing a Champion 710A with a VY-378 engine:

• Inspect engine serial number and verify parts availability with Cummins or aftermarket suppliers
  
• Perform compression and oil pressure tests to assess internal health
  
• Evaluate the cost and feasibility of an engine swap to a more common platform
  
• Consider intended use—light grading and snow removal may be suitable, but heavy-duty applications could strain the engine
  

If the machine is in excellent condition and priced competitively, it may serve well in limited roles. However, buyers should budget for potential engine replacement or component sourcing challenges.
Industry Trends and Engine Standardization
As diesel engine technology evolved, manufacturers moved toward standardized platforms with electronic controls, emissions compliance, and global parts support. The Cummins B-series became a dominant force in the 1990s, powering everything from pickup trucks to graders and generators.
Today, most motor graders use inline-six engines with electronic fuel systems, diagnostic ports, and modular components. Legacy machines like the Champion 710A remain valuable for their simplicity, but engine choice plays a critical role in long-term viability.
Conclusion
The Champion 710A motor grader is a respected machine with a proven chassis and dependable hydraulics. However, units equipped with the Cummins VY-378 V6 engine present unique challenges due to parts scarcity and limited support. While the engine may perform adequately in light-duty roles, buyers should approach with caution and consider future service needs. For those willing to invest in retrofitting or sourcing rare components, the 710A can still deliver years of reliable grading performance.