John Deere 570 Series Graders Reliability and Field-Proven Performance

[MikePhua]

The Development of the 570 Series
John Deere introduced the 570 series motor graders in the 1970s as part of its push to offer compact, affordable grading solutions for municipalities, farmers, and small contractors. The lineup included the 570, 570A, and 570B, each representing incremental improvements in engine performance, hydraulic control, and operator comfort. These machines were designed to be mechanically straightforward, durable, and easy to maintain—qualities that made them popular in rural road maintenance and ranch operations.
John Deere, founded in 1837, had already established itself as a leader in agricultural machinery. By the time the 570 series was released, the company had expanded its construction equipment division significantly, with graders becoming a key product line. The 570A and 570B models were particularly successful, with thousands sold across North America and many still in operation today.
Engine and Powertrain Characteristics
The 570A typically came equipped with a naturally aspirated John Deere diesel engine producing around 80–90 horsepower, while the 570B featured a slightly upgraded powerplant with improved torque and fuel efficiency. These engines were known for their longevity and ease of service, often running well past 20,000 hours with basic maintenance.
Terminology Annotation:

• Naturally Aspirated Engine: An internal combustion engine that relies on atmospheric pressure for air intake, without turbocharging.
  
• Torque: A measure of rotational force, critical for pushing the moldboard through dense material.
  
• Powertrain: The system that transmits engine power to the wheels, including transmission, differential, and final drives.
  

In one example from West Texas, a 570A purchased in 1980 was used for over two decades to grade ranch roads before being sold to another operator. The machine required minimal engine work and remained operational with only routine hydraulic and tire service.
Hydraulic System and Blade Control
The 570 series used open-center hydraulic systems with manual control levers for blade articulation, lift, and side shift. While not as refined as modern electro-hydraulic systems, these controls offered tactile feedback and were easy to repair in the field.
Common hydraulic issues included:

• Leaks at hose connections near the radiator
  
• Wear in moldboard slide areas
  
• Electrical faults in hydraulic-over-electric switches
  

Recommendations:

• Replace hydraulic hoses every 2,000 hours or when signs of abrasion appear
  
• Shim moldboard slides to reduce play and improve grading precision
  
• Inspect return lines and valve blocks for contamination
  

One operator in Colorado reported a hydraulic return line failure that sprayed fluid over the engine compartment. The cleanup was extensive, but the repair was simple—replacing the hose and flushing the system restored full function.
Steering and Front-End Wear Points
The front steering system on the 570A and 570B is robust but prone to wear in high-use environments. Common issues include:

• King pin drop due to worn bushings
  
• Frozen saddle pins requiring torch removal
  
• Articulation joint wear affecting blade alignment
  

Terminology Annotation:

• King Pin: The central pivot in the front axle that allows steering movement.
  
• Saddle Pin: A locking pin that secures the blade saddle to the mainframe, allowing tilt and rotation.
  
• Articulation Joint: The pivot point between front and rear frames that enables turning in tight spaces.
  

Preventative measures:

• Grease all pivot points weekly
  
• Inspect saddle pins annually and replace if seized
  
• Monitor steering play and adjust linkage as needed
  

In Oregon, a 570B rebuilt after a fire continued operating for over 25,000 hours with no engine issues, though the moldboard slides and steering bushings required attention every few years.
Tire Strategy and Field Repairs
The 570 series typically ran on tubeless tires, though some operators installed tubes to address persistent leaks. This sparked debate among mechanics, with some arguing that proper bead cleaning and valve replacement would eliminate the need for tubes.
Pros of tubeless:

• Easier field repair with plugs or screws
  
• Slower air loss when punctured
  
• Lower long-term maintenance
  

Cons of tubes:

• Instant deflation when punctured
  
• Redundant in most cases
  
• Increased labor during mounting
  

In one oilfield operation, a grader operator used a screw to plug a leaking tubeless tire, allowing work to continue for months before formal repair. This kind of improvisation is common in remote areas where downtime is costly.
Electrical and Panel Issues
Older 570 models often suffer from electrical degradation due to age and exposure. Common faults include:

• Corroded connectors in the front panel
  
• Failed safety switches for starting
  
• Brake light switch malfunctions
  

Solutions:

• Replace connectors with sealed weatherproof types
  
• Bypass or replace faulty switches with OEM equivalents
  
• Add diagnostic LEDs to monitor system status
  

Adding a cable ladder step near the articulation joint can serve as both a safety feature and a visual indicator of blade position, helping operators avoid tire-blade contact during tight maneuvers.
Conclusion
The John Deere 570 series graders are a testament to mechanical simplicity and long-term reliability. While not equipped with modern electronics or advanced hydraulics, they continue to perform in demanding environments thanks to their rugged design and ease of service. With proper maintenance, thoughtful upgrades, and field-tested repairs, these machines can still grade roads, shape landscapes, and earn their keep decades after leaving the factory. In the world of legacy iron, the 570 series proves that durability is not a feature—it’s a philosophy.