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The John Deere 570A motor grader is a classic mid‑sized road grader introduced in the early 1970s as part of John Deere’s expanding line of construction equipment. Motor graders are specialized machines used for grading, leveling, road maintenance, snow removal, and shaping surfaces. The 570A built on the success of the original 570 model by offering improved stability, stronger components, enhanced operator comfort, and versatility in applications ranging from rural road work to industrial site preparation. Over the years, it became a reliable workhorse with tens of thousands of service hours logged worldwide. Its design, engine performance, hydraulic system, and operator features reflect a period when heavy equipment combined rugged simplicity with growing ergonomic considerations.
Development and Historical Context
John Deere’s motor grader lineage began in 1967 with the original 570, notable for pioneering fully articulated frame steering, which dramatically improved maneuverability and accuracy in confined grading situations. Articulation allows the machine’s front and rear frames to pivot relative to each other, giving operators tighter turning radii and better control on uneven ground. The 570A followed in the early 1970s with enhancements such as a strengthened circle framework, better blade lift, optional rollover protective structure (ROPS), turbocharged diesel, air pre‑cleaner, and improved fuel system components. It remained in production through much of the 1970s and early 1980s, later succeeded by updated models like the 570B.
Machine Specifications
The 570A is a balanced grader that offers adequate power, stable weight distribution, and good hydraulic responsiveness for its class. The following lists key specifications:
Technical Specifications
Understanding some technical terminology helps clarify how the 570A operates:
Key Terms
The 570A’s engine was sized for steady torque and reliability rather than high speed, making it well suited for grading tasks that require consistent power rather than rapid propulsion. Torque measured at lower RPMs ensures the machine can handle the resistance encountered during heavy blade cuts or while climbing grades. The power shift transmission with multiple forward and reverse gears allowed operators to select appropriate gear ratios for travel between sites and fine grading adjustments during work.
Hydraulic and Steering Systems
The closed‑center hydraulic system provided responsive control over blade lift, tilt, circle rotation, and steering functions. A flow rate around 27 gallons per minute ensured sufficient power to operate implements and articulation without lag. The articulation system gave a turning radius of approximately 18 feet, making the grader sufficiently agile for road edges and confined spaces.
Circle and Blade Controls
The grader circle is a core component through which the blade rotates and tilts. On the 570A, the circle gear is approximately 54 inches in diameter and allows a full 360° rotation, enabling the operator to angle the blade for pushing material to either side or cutting ditches effectively. Moldboard lift and tilt capabilities determine how deep or fine a grade can be cut.
Practical Use Cases and Adaptations
In everyday use, the 570A excelled in a range of tasks:
Maintenance and Common Issues
Routine maintenance of the engine, transmission, hydraulics, and articulation joints is critical to longevity. Historically, operators have noted that transmission cable linkage adjustments and proper hydraulic fluid servicing are common maintenance points. Misadjusted directional or speed shift cables can cause engagement issues that mimic internal drive problems; careful alignment based on technician manuals often resolves symptoms without major component replacement.
Operational Recommendations
For optimal performance:
Operational Tips
The 570 series, starting with the original 570 and evolving through the 570A and later to the 570B, represents a significant era of John Deere motor grader evolution. It introduced features—such as frame articulation and robust hydraulics—that became standard in subsequent generations of graders. At industry showcases like CONEXPO, Deere has celebrated the impact of the 570 series on grading productivity and innovation in construction equipment.
Summary
The John Deere 570A motor grader is a classic construction machine valued for its structure, performance balance, and field durability. With a capable engine, articulated steering, precise hydraulic controls, and versatile blade management, it served diverse applications including roadwork, snow removal, and site preparation. Understanding its specifications, terminology, maintenance needs, and real‑world use cases equips operators and technicians to use and maintain these machines effectively even decades after their introduction.
Development and Historical Context
John Deere’s motor grader lineage began in 1967 with the original 570, notable for pioneering fully articulated frame steering, which dramatically improved maneuverability and accuracy in confined grading situations. Articulation allows the machine’s front and rear frames to pivot relative to each other, giving operators tighter turning radii and better control on uneven ground. The 570A followed in the early 1970s with enhancements such as a strengthened circle framework, better blade lift, optional rollover protective structure (ROPS), turbocharged diesel, air pre‑cleaner, and improved fuel system components. It remained in production through much of the 1970s and early 1980s, later succeeded by updated models like the 570B.
Machine Specifications
The 570A is a balanced grader that offers adequate power, stable weight distribution, and good hydraulic responsiveness for its class. The following lists key specifications:
Technical Specifications
- Engine: Six‑cylinder turbocharged diesel
- Gross Horsepower: Approx. 92 hp
- Net Power: Approx. 85 hp at 2300 rpm
- Torque: Approx. 238 lb‑ft at 1300 rpm
- Operating Weight: ~20,024 lb (9,080 kg)
- Fuel Capacity: ~50.1 gallons
- Hydraulic Fluid Capacity: ~21.1 gallons
- Transmission: Power shift with 8 forward and 4 reverse gears
- Blade (Moldboard): ~12 ft width with ~31 in left and ~27 in right shift
- Steering Articulation Angle: Approx. 22°
- Tire Size: 13.00‑24
- Operating Voltage: 12 volts
- Hydraulic Pressure: ~2000 psi relief, with a closed‑center pump flow of ~27 gpm
Understanding some technical terminology helps clarify how the 570A operates:
Key Terms
- Articulation: The pivoting joint in the grader’s frame that enables tighter turns and better maneuverability.
- Moldboard (Blade): The large steel blade used to cut and move earth; its width, angle, and side‑shift measurements determine grading capability.
- Power Shift Transmission: A type of transmission that allows gear changes under load without disengaging the engine, aiding smoother travel and grading operations.
- Closed‑Center Hydraulic System: A system where the pump continuously supplies pressurized fluid but only directs flow when control valves are actuated, improving efficiency and control response.
The 570A’s engine was sized for steady torque and reliability rather than high speed, making it well suited for grading tasks that require consistent power rather than rapid propulsion. Torque measured at lower RPMs ensures the machine can handle the resistance encountered during heavy blade cuts or while climbing grades. The power shift transmission with multiple forward and reverse gears allowed operators to select appropriate gear ratios for travel between sites and fine grading adjustments during work.
Hydraulic and Steering Systems
The closed‑center hydraulic system provided responsive control over blade lift, tilt, circle rotation, and steering functions. A flow rate around 27 gallons per minute ensured sufficient power to operate implements and articulation without lag. The articulation system gave a turning radius of approximately 18 feet, making the grader sufficiently agile for road edges and confined spaces.
Circle and Blade Controls
The grader circle is a core component through which the blade rotates and tilts. On the 570A, the circle gear is approximately 54 inches in diameter and allows a full 360° rotation, enabling the operator to angle the blade for pushing material to either side or cutting ditches effectively. Moldboard lift and tilt capabilities determine how deep or fine a grade can be cut.
Practical Use Cases and Adaptations
In everyday use, the 570A excelled in a range of tasks:
- Road Maintenance: Smoothing gravel surfaces, correcting washboard patterns, and shaping road shoulders.
- Snow Removal: With optional float features and blade adjustments, operators could clear snow efficiently; wide wheelbase and articulation helped manage snowbanks.
- Construction Site Grading: Establishing grade lines for concrete, pavement, or building foundations.
Maintenance and Common Issues
Routine maintenance of the engine, transmission, hydraulics, and articulation joints is critical to longevity. Historically, operators have noted that transmission cable linkage adjustments and proper hydraulic fluid servicing are common maintenance points. Misadjusted directional or speed shift cables can cause engagement issues that mimic internal drive problems; careful alignment based on technician manuals often resolves symptoms without major component replacement.
Operational Recommendations
For optimal performance:
Operational Tips
- Maintain hydraulic fluid and engine oil at recommended levels and intervals.
- Inspect articulation joints regularly for wear or play.
- Use chains or appropriate tire traction devices in winter conditions.
- Adjust transmission linkage per service manuals to ensure proper gear engagement.
The 570 series, starting with the original 570 and evolving through the 570A and later to the 570B, represents a significant era of John Deere motor grader evolution. It introduced features—such as frame articulation and robust hydraulics—that became standard in subsequent generations of graders. At industry showcases like CONEXPO, Deere has celebrated the impact of the 570 series on grading productivity and innovation in construction equipment.
Summary
The John Deere 570A motor grader is a classic construction machine valued for its structure, performance balance, and field durability. With a capable engine, articulated steering, precise hydraulic controls, and versatile blade management, it served diverse applications including roadwork, snow removal, and site preparation. Understanding its specifications, terminology, maintenance needs, and real‑world use cases equips operators and technicians to use and maintain these machines effectively even decades after their introduction.
