Finding the Serial Number on a John Deere 570 Motor Grader

[MikePhua]

The Importance of Serial Numbers in Equipment Management
Serial numbers are more than just identification—they’re the key to accurate parts ordering, service history tracking, warranty validation, and resale documentation. For motor graders like the John Deere 570 series, locating the correct serial number can be the difference between a smooth repair and a costly delay. These numbers are tied to production batches, component revisions, and even emissions compliance, especially in Tier-regulated markets.
John Deere, founded in 1837, has produced thousands of motor graders under the 570 designation, including the 570A, B, and later G and H variants. Each model carries unique serial number placements and formatting, which can vary slightly depending on year and factory origin.
Standard Serial Number Locations on the 570 Series
Traditionally, the serial number plate on a John Deere 570 motor grader is mounted in one of the following locations:

• On the frame rail near the left rear tire
  
• On the right side of the engine block or bell housing
  
• Inside the operator’s cab near the control console
  
• On the articulation joint or pivot frame
  
• On the transmission housing near the dipstick
  

Terminology notes:

• Frame rail: The main longitudinal structural member of the grader chassis.
  
• Articulation joint: The pivot point allowing the front and rear halves of the grader to steer independently.
  
• Bell housing: The casing that surrounds the flywheel and connects the engine to the transmission.
  

In older models like the 570A and 570B, the plate may be riveted to the frame and obscured by paint, dirt, or aftermarket modifications. Later models often include a secondary VIN-style tag inside the cab for easier access.
Alternate Identification Methods When Plates Are Missing
If the serial number plate is missing or unreadable, technicians and owners can use alternate strategies:

• Check stamped numbers on the engine block, which often include partial serial identifiers
  
• Inspect hydraulic pump housings and valve bodies for casting codes linked to production runs
  
• Use the transmission casting number and compare it with John Deere service bulletins
  
• Look for etched or stamped numbers on the rear differential housing
  
• Reference the original purchase invoice or dealer delivery documents
  
• Contact John Deere with component serials (engine, transmission, axle) to triangulate the machine’s build date
  

In one case from a county fleet in Montana, a 570B grader had its frame plate removed during repainting. The crew used the engine block number and transmission casting code to confirm the build year as 1984. John Deere’s support team cross-referenced the data and issued a replacement serial tag.
Digital and Dealer-Based Solutions
Modern John Deere dealers have access to centralized databases that can assist in serial number recovery:

• JDLink telematics systems may store serial data if previously activated
  
• Dealer service records often include serial numbers tied to past repairs
  
• Parts ordering systems can reverse-search by component serials
  
• Some dealers offer mobile scanning tools to detect etched codes under paint layers
  

A technician in Texas used a borescope to locate a faintly stamped number inside the articulation joint cavity. The number matched a production run from 1991, allowing the team to order the correct hydraulic valve kit.
Recommendations for Owners and Fleet Managers

• Photograph and document serial plates during initial purchase or inspection
  
• Record engine, transmission, and axle serials separately for redundancy
  
• Avoid painting over serial plates—mask them during refinishing
  
• Keep a laminated copy of serial data in the cab for quick reference
  
• Use a permanent marker or etching tool to record serials in hidden locations as backup
  
• Collaborate with dealers to register machines in service databases
  

Conclusion
Locating the serial number on a John Deere 570 motor grader may require persistence, especially on older units or those with extensive field modifications. Whether through stamped codes, component tracing, or dealer support, the information is retrievable—and essential. In the world of heavy equipment, knowing your machine’s identity is the first step toward keeping it working, legal, and properly maintained.