Japanese Used Motor Graders: Road Construction Buyer Guide

A Japanese used motor grader can be a strong choice for road construction, road maintenance, site leveling, aggregate spreading, ditch shaping and slope finishing. However, buyers should not choose one only by engine power or operating weight. The most important questions are what blade size you need, how accurately the machine controls the moldboard, whether the articulation and tandem drive are tight, and whether the grader matches your road width and transport limits.

Motor graders are precision earthmoving machines. Small wear in the circle, drawbar, blade controls or articulation system can affect grading accuracy even when the engine runs well. This guide explains which specifications matter, what to inspect on a used grader, how different Komatsu GD-series classes compare, and what overseas buyers should confirm before purchasing and shipping a machine from Japan.

What Jobs Are Motor Graders Designed to Do?

Komatsu describes motor graders as machines for preparing road subgrades and other flat earth surfaces, leveling aggregate, finishing slopes and digging ditches.

Typical applications include:

• Road subgrade preparation
• Gravel-road construction
• Road maintenance
• Aggregate spreading and leveling
• Shoulder shaping
• Ditch cutting
• Slope finishing
• Industrial and construction-site leveling
• Mining and quarry road maintenance

A motor grader is different from a bulldozer. A dozer is better suited to pushing large volumes of material over short distances, while a grader is designed for more precise shaping and finishing.

Start With Blade Length and Road Width

The moldboard is the main working tool of a motor grader. Blade length directly affects how much material the grader can work across in one pass.

Komatsu's Asia and Oceania motor-grader lineup provides a useful reference:

These are model-specific manufacturer references, not universal values for all used machines.

Specifications vary by model year, market and configuration. Exact specifications should be confirmed for each individual machine.

Which Size Class Makes Sense?

The best grader is not always the largest one you can transport. A heavier machine with a longer blade can improve production on large road projects, but it also requires more working space, more transport capacity and greater tire and component costs.

Why Blade Control Matters More Than Appearance

Motor graders depend on precise control of the moldboard. Buyers should therefore focus on the complete blade-control system rather than paint condition.

On the Komatsu GD655-5, the official specification lists:

• Moldboard length: 3,710 mm
• Moldboard height: 645 mm
• Moldboard thickness: 19 mm
• Maximum blade lift above ground: 480 mm
• Maximum cutting depth: 615 mm
• Maximum blade angle: 90° right or left
• Moldboard side shift: 820 mm right and 820 mm left

This range allows the grader to perform road shaping, shoulder work and ditch-related operations.

On a used machine, the real question is whether those movements remain smooth, controlled and free from excessive looseness.

Inspect the Circle, Drawbar and Moldboard First

The circle and drawbar system supports and rotates the blade. Wear in this area can reduce grading accuracy.

Check the moldboard

• Cutting-edge wear
• End-bit wear
• Bent blade sections
• Cracks
• Heavy welding
• Uneven wear along the blade

Check the circle

The circle allows the blade to rotate. Komatsu's GD535-5 specification, for example, lists hydraulic 360-degree circle rotation.

Inspect for:

• Excessive backlash
• Worn circle teeth
• Wear plates
• Uneven movement
• Abnormal noise during rotation
• Hydraulic leakage

Check the drawbar

Look at the drawbar ball, frame and mounting points. Excessive movement can make fine grading harder even when all hydraulic functions still operate.

Hydraulic System: Smooth Control Is Essential

Graders use multiple hydraulic functions at the same time. Fine blade positioning depends on accurate hydraulic control.

The GD655-5 official specification uses a load-sensing closed-center hydraulic system with a variable-displacement piston pump. Komatsu lists a maximum system pressure of 20.6 MPa and pump output of 200 L/min at rated engine speed for the referenced configuration.

The GD705-5 also uses Komatsu's closed load sensing system, designed to provide proportional flow when several controls are operated together.

On a used machine, test:

• Left and right blade lift
• Blade side shift
• Circle rotation
• Blade tip
• Circle side shift
• Articulation
• Front-wheel lean
• Scarifier or ripper if fitted

Look for slow movement, jerking, drift, abnormal hydraulic noise and visible leaks.

Articulation Is a Major Inspection Area

Motor graders use frame articulation to improve maneuverability and blade positioning.

For example, the Komatsu GD535-5 specification lists 25° articulation and a 7.0 m minimum turning radius. This combination helps the machine work in tighter road-construction areas than its long wheelbase might suggest.

Inspect the articulation joint carefully for:

• Pin and bushing wear
• Cracks
• Previous welding
• Hydraulic cylinder leakage
• Damaged hoses
• Uneven movement

Excessive play in the center joint can affect steering accuracy and grading control.

Front Axle and Wheel Lean Need Separate Checks

The front wheels of a grader do more than steer.

Komatsu motor graders allow the front wheels to lean. On the GD535-5, the manufacturer lists a maximum wheel lean angle of 16° right or left.

This function helps with blade forces and directional control during grading.

Check:

• Front-axle oscillation
• Kingpins
• Wheel-lean cylinders
• Steering joints
• Hydraulic leakage
• Uneven tire wear

If the front wheels visibly lean differently when centered, further inspection may be required.

Tandem Drive Wear Can Be Expensive

The rear wheels are arranged in tandem housings. These assemblies transmit power and allow the rear wheel pairs to move over uneven ground.

The GD535-5 specification lists tandem oscillation of 11° forward and 13° reverse.

Inspect:

• Tandem housing leakage
• Final-drive leakage
• Abnormal noise
• Wheel-bearing play
• Oil condition where inspection is possible
• Uneven rear tire wear

Because tandem-drive repairs can involve major components, this area deserves more attention than exterior scratches.

Transmission Performance Matters at Low Speed

A grader must operate accurately at relatively low working speeds, but it may also travel between road sections.

Komatsu's GD535-5 uses a full powershift transmission with torque converter and lock-up. The manufacturer documents eight forward and four reverse gears.

The GD655-5 also uses a torque converter with lock-up clutch and powershift transmission.

During a test, check:

• Forward and reverse engagement
• Shift quality
• Low-speed control
• Transmission warning indicators
• Torque-converter temperature
• Unusual noise
• Slipping under load

A grader that drives quickly on a flat yard is not necessarily ready for precise road grading.

Engine Generation Can Change the Ownership Experience

Used Japanese graders may come from different emissions generations.

For example, the GD535-5, GD555-5 and GD655-5 official documents identify Komatsu SAA6D107E-1 engines in the referenced specifications.

The newer GD655-7 uses a Komatsu SAA6D107E-3 engine and incorporates later emissions equipment. Komatsu lists 163 kW / 218 HP maximum rated output for that machine.

The Japan-market GD675-6 also uses a Komatsu SAA6D107E-3 engine and was developed to comply with Japan's 2014 off-road emissions regulation.

For overseas buyers, generation can affect:

• Parts identification
• Diagnostics
• Emissions-system maintenance
• Fuel-system complexity
• Availability of technical support

Always confirm the full model suffix and serial number before planning parts or service.

GD675-6: A Useful Japanese-Market Reference

The GD675-6 is particularly relevant when discussing Japanese used graders because Komatsu developed a Japan-market earthmoving specification as part of the Dash-6 generation.

Komatsu's technical report lists the Japanese earthmoving model at:

• Operating mass: 17,845 kg with referenced 3.7 m blade
• Engine: Komatsu SAA6D107E-3
• Overall dimensions: approximately 9,510 × 2,410 × 3,175 mm
• Blade: 3,710 × 545 × 19 mm in the referenced earthmoving configuration

Komatsu also developed snow-removal versions with different blades and weights.

This illustrates why overseas buyers should not assume that every GD675-6 imported from Japan has the same blade and equipment.

Check Scarifier, Ripper and Push Plate Equipment

Motor graders can have additional work equipment.

On the GD655-5, Komatsu documents optional scarifier and rear ripper configurations. The rear ripper has a published maximum ripping depth of 425 mm in the referenced specification.

If fitted, inspect:

• Shanks
• Teeth
• Mounting frame
• Hydraulic cylinders
• Pins
• Cracks and welds

Attachments also increase operating weight and overall length. That can directly affect shipping.

Tires Tell You More Than Remaining Tread

Motor graders use six tires, and wear patterns can reveal mechanical or setup issues.

Check for:

• Uneven front-tire wear
• Uneven wear between tandem tires
• Sidewall damage
• Cracking
• Different tire sizes or brands
• Oil contamination

Komatsu documents several tire options for models such as the GD655-5, including 14.00-24 and 17.5R25 sizes depending on configuration.

Confirm the exact fitted tire size and replacement availability in the destination country.

Operating Hours Are Not a Grading-Accuracy Test

Operating hours are useful, but they do not tell you whether a grader can still hold accurate blade position.

A lower-hour machine may have substantial circle or articulation wear if it worked continuously on rough road maintenance. A higher-hour grader may still perform well if major wear points have been maintained.

Compare hours with:

• Circle backlash
• Drawbar wear
• Blade linkage movement
• Articulation play
• Front axle condition
• Tandem-drive leakage
• Transmission performance
• Tire wear
• Hydraulic response
• Maintenance records when available

The physical condition should support the hour-meter reading.

15 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Used Motor Grader

Shipping a Motor Grader from Japan

Motor graders are long machines with large blades, so international transport should be considered early.

The GD555-5 and GD655-5 official specifications show overall lengths of approximately 8,995 mm and 9,205 mm respectively. The GD655-5 is about 2,485 mm wide excluding the blade and 3,200 mm high in the referenced configuration.

The GD675-6 Japanese earthmoving specification is approximately 9,510 mm long, 2,410 mm wide and 3,175 mm high.

A rear ripper, push plate, snow-removal blade or other equipment can increase dimensions or weight.

Before requesting freight costs, confirm:

1. Full model
2. Serial number
3. Blade length
4. Overall transport length
5. Overall transport width
6. Overall transport height
7. Actual machine or shipping weight
8. Ripper, scarifier or push plate
9. Cab configuration
10. Whether the blade can or should be repositioned for transport
11. Whether the machine moves under its own power
12. Destination port

RORO, flat rack, breakbulk or another heavy-equipment transport arrangement may be considered depending on the exact grader, destination, port, shipping line and current shipping conditions. Container transport should not be assumed for a machine of this size without confirming the actual loading arrangement.

A Practical Motor Grader Buying Process

1. Define the road work. Identify road width, material and the level of finish required.
2. Choose the blade class. Compare 3.7 m and larger blade machines according to your projects.
3. Select the machine size. Balance production requirements with access and transport capacity.
4. Inspect the circle and drawbar. These directly affect grading precision.
5. Test all hydraulic functions. Smooth combined operation is critical.
6. Inspect articulation, front axle and tandem drive. These are major grader-specific wear areas.
7. Check transmission and engine generation. Consider local parts and service support.
8. Review hours together with wear. Do not use the hour meter as a condition grade.
9. Confirm transport dimensions before buying. A grader's length and blade width can significantly affect shipment.

Buying Japanese Used Motor Graders

Japanese used machinery can include Komatsu graders from several generations and configurations. The best search starts with the required road width, blade size and project type, then moves to condition and price.

You can check current Japanese used machinery available at EVERYCAR.jp. Inventory changes regularly, so availability of a specific motor grader model or configuration should be confirmed from current stock.

For more information about graders, rollers, asphalt pavers and other Japanese construction equipment, visit the Japanese Used Machinery & Heavy Equipment Guide | 100 Articles.

Which Used Motor Grader Is Right for Your Project?

A smaller 3.7 m-blade grader can be a practical choice for local roads and general construction where maneuverability and transportability matter. A heavier machine with more power and a longer blade becomes more attractive for wider roads, larger sites and higher-production grading.

The purchase decision should then focus on accuracy-related wear. Inspect the circle, drawbar, moldboard, articulation, front axle, tandem drive and hydraulics before judging the machine by paint or operating hours. Finally, verify the exact generation, attachments and transport dimensions.

If you are looking for a motor grader or other used machinery from Japan, you can contact EVERY with your preferred manufacturer or model, blade size, intended road work, budget and destination. These details provide a practical starting point for comparing available machinery with your project requirements.