Rebuilding the John Deere 570 Motor Grader and the Value of Technical Documentation

[MikePhua]

The JD 570 and Its Role in Road Maintenance
The John Deere 570 motor grader was introduced in the late 1960s as part of Deere’s push into mid-sized grading equipment for municipalities, contractors, and rural infrastructure projects. Built with mechanical simplicity and rugged steel construction, the 570 featured a naturally aspirated diesel engine from Deere’s 300 series, a manual transmission, and hydraulic blade controls. It quickly became a staple in county road departments and small quarries, praised for its reliability and ease of field repair.
By the mid-1970s, Deere had expanded the 570 line into the 570A and later 570B variants, each offering incremental improvements in operator comfort, hydraulic response, and engine output. Though production ceased decades ago, thousands of units remain in service, especially in North America and Australia, where parts support and rebuild culture remain strong.
Cylinder Head Failure and Rebuild Challenges
One of the more serious mechanical failures in aging 570 graders involves the cylinder head. In a documented case, a machine shop discovered that a head with burnt valves was also cracked beyond repair. This came as a surprise, given the reputation of the 300 series engines for tolerating abuse. In fact, some technicians recall engines that seized from coolant loss and bearing melt—yet the heads remained salvageable.
Cracks in the head, especially between cylinders or near the exhaust ports, often result from thermal shock. A common cause is water intrusion into the exhaust manifold followed by freezing. In one instance, a crack was found between cylinders three and four, with the exhaust manifold itself split. A good used manifold was sourced, and a rebuildable head located through a regional supplier.
Recommended steps during head replacement:

• Inspect block deck for warping or erosion
  
• Replace head bolts with new, torque-to-yield grade
  
• Follow torque sequence in three stages: 30%, 60%, 100% of final spec
  
• Use copper spray or graphite-based sealant on head gasket
  
• Verify valve lash after warm-up: typically 0.014" intake, 0.018" exhaust
  

The Importance of Service Manuals
While operator manuals provide basic maintenance procedures and fluid specs, they lack the depth needed for engine rebuilds, transmission servicing, and hydraulic diagnostics. The JD 570 service manual includes:

• Torque specs and tightening sequences
  
• Exploded diagrams of engine, transmission, and blade linkages
  
• Hydraulic flow charts and pressure test procedures
  
• Electrical schematics for lighting and starter circuits
  
• Troubleshooting guides for steering, brakes, and blade drift
  

Technicians working without a service manual often rely on experience or trial-and-error, which can lead to costly mistakes. For example, incorrect torque on head bolts can cause gasket failure or uneven compression. Misrouted hydraulic lines can result in blade chatter or slow response.
Parts Sourcing and Online Catalogs
John Deere’s online parts catalog remains a vital resource for legacy equipment. While technical manuals may be hard to find digitally, the parts catalog includes exploded views and part numbers for every assembly. However, users report that the interface varies by device—older computers may display full illustrations, while tablets default to stripped-down versions without diagrams.
To navigate this:

• Use desktop browsers for full-featured access
  
• Bookmark part numbers and cross-reference with aftermarket suppliers
  
• Print diagrams for field use and markup
  
• Maintain a binder with part history and service notes
  

One technician shared a cautionary tale involving a small molded return hose (T35127) that failed and dumped ten gallons of hydraulic oil in front of the radiator fan. Without the diagram, locating the part would have been nearly impossible. The incident underscores the importance of visual references in parts identification.
Preserving Manuals and Institutional Knowledge
As digital systems evolve, many older manuals are discarded or lost. Retired mechanics often hold valuable collections of paper manuals, some dating back to the 1950s. These documents are not just technical—they represent decades of accumulated wisdom. In one case, a retired quarry mechanic kept a JD 570A workshop manual in pristine condition, along with tooling and handwritten notes. His archive became a lifeline for younger technicians rebuilding similar machines.
Recommendations for preservation:

• Scan paper manuals into searchable PDFs
  
• Store originals in dry, climate-controlled environments
  
• Share copies with local vocational schools and trade programs
  
• Create index sheets for fast lookup of torque specs and fluid types
  

Conclusion
Rebuilding a John Deere 570 motor grader without a service manual is like navigating a minefield blindfolded. From cracked cylinder heads to elusive hydraulic hoses, the challenges are real—but solvable with the right documentation. The 570 remains a testament to Deere’s engineering legacy, and with proper manuals, parts access, and technician knowledge, it can continue grading roads and shaping landscapes for decades to come. In the world of heavy equipment, paper still holds power—and the wisdom of past generations lives on in every torque spec and exploded diagram.