Identifying and Restoring a Galion 104 Motor Grader

[MikePhua]

The Galion Legacy and Model Identification Challenges
Galion Iron Works, founded in Ohio in the early 1900s, was one of the earliest and most influential manufacturers of motor graders in the United States. By the mid-20th century, Galion graders were widely used in road construction, municipal maintenance, and site preparation. The company was eventually absorbed into Dresser Industries and later Komatsu, but its machines—especially the mechanical-drive models from the 1950s through the 1970s—remain in service today.
Identifying older Galion models can be challenging due to inconsistent serial number formats and limited documentation. A grader bearing the serial number 104-CC-06816 likely belongs to the Galion 104 series, a mid-size grader equipped with a Cummins NH220 diesel engine. The “CC” designation may refer to a specific configuration or production batch, but factory records are sparse.
Engine Characteristics and Fuel System Issues
The Cummins NH220 is a naturally aspirated inline-six diesel engine widely used in industrial applications during the 1960s and 1970s. Known for its durability and torque output, the NH220 features mechanical fuel injection and a robust cast-iron block. However, age-related issues such as throttle shaft leakage are common.
Symptoms of throttle shaft leakage:

• Diesel fuel seeping from the governor housing
  
• Erratic idle or difficulty maintaining RPM
  
• Fuel odor near the operator station
  
• Increased fuel consumption
  

Solutions:

• Replace throttle shaft seals using a Cummins rebuild kit
  
• Inspect governor linkage for wear or misalignment
  
• Clean and reseal the injection pump housing
  
• Use Viton seals for improved resistance to diesel and heat
  

In one restoration case, a grader used for dirt track maintenance developed a persistent fuel leak at the throttle shaft. After replacing the seals and adjusting the governor spring tension, the engine ran cleanly and held idle under load.
Clutch Behavior and Pedal Adjustment
The clutch on older Galion graders often releases at the top of the pedal stroke, which can feel abrupt or unpredictable to operators unfamiliar with mechanical linkages. This behavior is typically due to worn linkage bushings or misadjusted throwout bearings.
Clutch adjustment tips:

• Measure free play at the pedal—typically 1 to 1.5 inches
  
• Inspect linkage rods and pivot points for wear
  
• Adjust the clutch fork to engage midway through the pedal stroke
  
• Lubricate all moving parts with high-pressure grease
  

If the clutch releases too high, it may cause gear grinding or difficulty engaging reverse. A properly adjusted clutch improves operator control and reduces transmission wear.
Steering System and Hydraulic Inconsistency
Galion graders from this era often used a combination of mechanical and hydraulic steering. When steering only works intermittently, the issue may lie in the hydraulic pump, control valve, or fluid level.
Troubleshooting steps:

• Check hydraulic fluid level and condition
  
• Inspect pump drive belt and pulley alignment
  
• Test control valve response with engine running
  
• Clean or replace hydraulic filters
  

In one field case, steering performance improved dramatically after flushing the system and replacing the filter element. The grader had been sitting for years, and sediment had clogged the control valve.
Hydraulic Fluid Access and Maintenance
Accessing and checking hydraulic fluid on older Galion graders can be confusing due to non-standard reservoir locations and undocumented fill points. Some models use a dipstick mounted near the control valve bank, while others require removal of a side panel to reach the tank.
Recommendations:

• Locate the hydraulic reservoir—often behind the operator seat or under the cab
  
• Use ISO 46 hydraulic oil unless otherwise specified
  
• Clean fill port before adding fluid to prevent contamination
  
• Replace filters every 500 hours or annually
  

Operators have reported success using magnetic drain plugs to capture metal particles and extend fluid life.
Learning to Operate and Maintain Vintage Graders
Operating a Galion 104 without prior grader experience can be daunting. Unlike modern machines with joystick controls and electronic feedback, vintage graders rely on manual levers, foot pedals, and mechanical linkages. Blade control requires finesse, and steering demands anticipation.
Tips for new operators:

• Practice on open ground before grading near structures
  
• Learn to feather the blade using small lever inputs
  
• Use low gear when shaping curves or transitions
  
• Keep a log of adjustments and repairs for future reference
  

In one anecdote, a dirt track operator inherited a Galion 104 and spent the winter learning to operate it by grading snow piles. By spring, he was shaping berms and smoothing corners with confidence.
Conclusion
The Galion 104 motor grader, powered by a Cummins NH220 engine, remains a capable machine when properly maintained. From throttle shaft leaks to clutch adjustment and hydraulic quirks, each system reflects the mechanical ingenuity of its era. With patience, documentation, and hands-on learning, even a first-time operator can bring this iron back to life—and keep the dirt track smooth for seasons to come. In the world of vintage graders, every lever tells a story, and every pass leaves a legacy.