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John Deere 570 Motor Grader Overview
The John Deere 570 series motor grader was introduced in the 1970s and evolved through several iterations including the 570A, 570B, and 570C. These machines were designed for road maintenance, ditch shaping, and site grading. With operating weights between 14,000 and 16,000 pounds and engines ranging from 80 to 115 horsepower, the 570 series became a staple in municipal and rural fleets. John Deere, founded in 1837, has produced thousands of graders globally, and the 570 remains a respected workhorse in legacy fleets.
The transmission system in the 570 series is a powershift type, typically paired with a torque converter and planetary gear sets. Proper lubrication is critical to maintain clutch pack integrity, gear engagement, and hydraulic modulation.
Terminology Notes
When changing transmission filters on a John Deere 570 grader, the question arises: should you refill with Hyken 052 or use John Deere’s Hy-Gard?
In Michigan, a grader operator replaced his transmission filters and topped off with Hyken 052. After 200 hours, he noticed slight hesitation during gear shifts. Switching back to Hy-Gard resolved the issue. In Alberta, a fleet manager standardized all graders on Hy-Gard after discovering that mixed oils led to inconsistent clutch engagement in cold weather.
In rural Texas, a county road crew used Hyken 052 for years without issue, but their machines were older and operated in warm climates. They emphasized that oil choice should match operating conditions and machine design.
Recommendations for Maintenance and Operation
For the John Deere 570 motor grader, using Hy-Gard transmission oil is the safest choice when replacing filters or topping off the reservoir. While alternatives like Hyken 052 may work temporarily, they lack the tailored additives needed for Deere’s wet clutch systems. With proper oil selection and routine maintenance, the 570 can continue grading reliably for decades.
The John Deere 570 series motor grader was introduced in the 1970s and evolved through several iterations including the 570A, 570B, and 570C. These machines were designed for road maintenance, ditch shaping, and site grading. With operating weights between 14,000 and 16,000 pounds and engines ranging from 80 to 115 horsepower, the 570 series became a staple in municipal and rural fleets. John Deere, founded in 1837, has produced thousands of graders globally, and the 570 remains a respected workhorse in legacy fleets.
The transmission system in the 570 series is a powershift type, typically paired with a torque converter and planetary gear sets. Proper lubrication is critical to maintain clutch pack integrity, gear engagement, and hydraulic modulation.
Terminology Notes
- Hy-Gard: John Deere’s proprietary hydraulic/transmission oil designed for wet clutch systems and shared reservoirs.
- Hyken 052: A general-purpose hydraulic oil produced by Citgo, often used in industrial applications.
- Wet Clutch: A clutch system that operates immersed in oil for cooling and lubrication.
- Shared Reservoir: A fluid system where hydraulic and transmission components draw from the same oil supply.
When changing transmission filters on a John Deere 570 grader, the question arises: should you refill with Hyken 052 or use John Deere’s Hy-Gard?
- Hy-Gard Advantages
Hy-Gard is formulated specifically for John Deere wet clutch systems and shared hydraulic/transmission reservoirs. It offers anti-wear additives, oxidation resistance, and viscosity stability across temperature ranges. It meets JDM J20C and J20D specifications, which are critical for older Deere machines.
- Hyken 052 Considerations
While Hyken 052 is a capable hydraulic oil, it may lack the friction modifiers and clutch protection additives found in Hy-Gard. Using it in a transmission with wet clutches could lead to slippage or premature wear over time.
- Drain vs. Partial Loss
When replacing transmission filters, not all oil may be lost. Depending on the system design, only a few quarts may drain from the filter housing. However, it’s best to check the reservoir level after filter replacement and top off as needed.
In Michigan, a grader operator replaced his transmission filters and topped off with Hyken 052. After 200 hours, he noticed slight hesitation during gear shifts. Switching back to Hy-Gard resolved the issue. In Alberta, a fleet manager standardized all graders on Hy-Gard after discovering that mixed oils led to inconsistent clutch engagement in cold weather.
In rural Texas, a county road crew used Hyken 052 for years without issue, but their machines were older and operated in warm climates. They emphasized that oil choice should match operating conditions and machine design.
Recommendations for Maintenance and Operation
- Use Hy-Gard for Wet Clutch Systems: Ensures compatibility and long-term protection.
- Check Reservoir Capacity Before Refilling: Avoid overfilling or mixing incompatible oils.
- Replace Filters Every 500–750 Hours: Prevent clogging and maintain pressure stability.
- Monitor Shift Quality After Oil Change: Hesitation or slippage may indicate oil mismatch.
- Avoid Mixing Brands Without Spec Verification: Always confirm JDM J20C/D compliance.
For the John Deere 570 motor grader, using Hy-Gard transmission oil is the safest choice when replacing filters or topping off the reservoir. While alternatives like Hyken 052 may work temporarily, they lack the tailored additives needed for Deere’s wet clutch systems. With proper oil selection and routine maintenance, the 570 can continue grading reliably for decades.
