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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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Komatsu describes motor graders as machines for preparing road subgrades and other flat earth surfaces, leveling aggregate, finishing slopes and digging ditches.<\/p>\n Typical applications include:<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Komatsu’s Asia and Oceania motor-grader lineup provides a useful reference:<\/p>\n These are model-specific manufacturer references, not universal values for all used machines.<\/p>\n Specifications vary by model year, market and configuration. Exact specifications should be confirmed for each individual machine.<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Motor graders depend on precise control of the moldboard. Buyers should therefore focus on the complete blade-control system rather than paint condition.<\/p>\n On the Komatsu GD655-5, the official specification lists:<\/p>\n This range allows the grader to perform road shaping, shoulder work and ditch-related operations.<\/p>\n On a used machine, the real question is whether those movements remain smooth, controlled and free from excessive looseness.<\/p>\n The circle and drawbar system supports and rotates the blade. Wear in this area can reduce grading accuracy.<\/p>\n The circle allows the blade to rotate. Komatsu’s GD535-5 specification, for example, lists hydraulic 360-degree circle rotation.<\/p>\n Inspect for:<\/p>\n Look at the drawbar ball, frame and mounting points. Excessive movement can make fine grading harder even when all hydraulic functions still operate.<\/p>\n Graders use multiple hydraulic functions at the same time. Fine blade positioning depends on accurate hydraulic control.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The GD705-5 also uses Komatsu’s closed load sensing system, designed to provide proportional flow when several controls are operated together.<\/p>\n On a used machine, test:<\/p>\n Look for slow movement, jerking, drift, abnormal hydraulic noise and visible leaks.<\/p>\n Motor graders use frame articulation to improve maneuverability and blade positioning.<\/p>\n For example, the Komatsu GD535-5 specification lists 25\u00b0 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.<\/p>\n Inspect the articulation joint carefully for:<\/p>\n Excessive play in the center joint can affect steering accuracy and grading control.<\/p>\n The front wheels of a grader do more than steer.<\/p>\n Komatsu motor graders allow the front wheels to lean. On the GD535-5, the manufacturer lists a maximum wheel lean angle of 16\u00b0 right or left.<\/p>\n This function helps with blade forces and directional control during grading.<\/p>\n Check:<\/p>\n If the front wheels visibly lean differently when centered, further inspection may be required.<\/p>\n The rear wheels are arranged in tandem housings. These assemblies transmit power and allow the rear wheel pairs to move over uneven ground.<\/p>\n The GD535-5 specification lists tandem oscillation of 11\u00b0 forward and 13\u00b0 reverse.<\/p>\n Inspect:<\/p>\n Because tandem-drive repairs can involve major components, this area deserves more attention than exterior scratches.<\/p>\n A grader must operate accurately at relatively low working speeds, but it may also travel between road sections.<\/p>\n Komatsu’s GD535-5 uses a full powershift transmission with torque converter and lock-up. The manufacturer documents eight forward and four reverse gears.<\/p>\n The GD655-5 also uses a torque converter with lock-up clutch and powershift transmission.<\/p>\n During a test, check:<\/p>\n A grader that drives quickly on a flat yard is not necessarily ready for precise road grading.<\/p>\n Used Japanese graders may come from different emissions generations.<\/p>\n For example, the GD535-5, GD555-5 and GD655-5 official documents identify Komatsu SAA6D107E-1 engines in the referenced specifications.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n For overseas buyers, generation can affect:<\/p>\n Always confirm the full model suffix and serial number before planning parts or service.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Komatsu’s technical report lists the Japanese earthmoving model at:<\/p>\n Komatsu also developed snow-removal versions with different blades and weights.<\/p>\n This illustrates why overseas buyers should not assume that every GD675-6 imported from Japan has the same blade and equipment.<\/p>\n Motor graders can have additional work equipment.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n If fitted, inspect:<\/p>\n Attachments also increase operating weight and overall length. That can directly affect shipping.<\/p>\n Motor graders use six tires, and wear patterns can reveal mechanical or setup issues.<\/p>\n Check for:<\/p>\n Komatsu documents several tire options for models such as the GD655-5, including 14.00-24 and 17.5R25 sizes depending on configuration.<\/p>\n Confirm the exact fitted tire size and replacement availability in the destination country.<\/p>\n Operating hours are useful, but they do not tell you whether a grader can still hold accurate blade position.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Compare hours with:<\/p>\n The physical condition should support the hour-meter reading.<\/p>\n Motor graders are long machines with large blades, so international transport should be considered early.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The GD675-6 Japanese earthmoving specification is approximately 9,510 mm long, 2,410 mm wide and 3,175 mm high.<\/p>\n A rear ripper, push plate, snow-removal blade or other equipment can increase dimensions or weight.<\/p>\n Before requesting freight costs, confirm:<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n You can check current Japanese used machinery available at EVERYCAR.jp<\/a>. Inventory changes regularly, so availability of a specific motor grader model or configuration should be confirmed from current stock.<\/p>\n For more information about graders, rollers, asphalt pavers and other Japanese construction equipment, visit the Japanese Used Machinery & Heavy Equipment Guide | 100 Articles<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\nWhat Jobs Are Motor Graders Designed to Do?<\/h2>\n
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Start With Blade Length and Road Width<\/h2>\n
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\n \nModel<\/th>\n Operating Weight<\/th>\n Net Power<\/th>\n Blade Length<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n GD535-5<\/td>\n 13,820 kg in current regional lineup reference<\/td>\n 108 kW \/ 145 HP<\/td>\n 3.71 m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n GD555-5<\/td>\n 15,135 kg<\/td>\n 144 kW \/ 193 HP<\/td>\n 3.71 m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n GD655-5<\/td>\n 15,495 kg<\/td>\n 163 kW \/ 218 HP<\/td>\n 3.71 m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n GD675-5<\/td>\n 15,955 kg<\/td>\n 163 kW \/ 218 HP<\/td>\n 4.32 m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n GD705-5<\/td>\n 19,300 kg<\/td>\n 186 kW \/ 250 HP<\/td>\n 4.32 m<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Which Size Class Makes Sense?<\/h2>\n
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\n \nBuyer Requirement<\/th>\n Start Comparing<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Local roads and smaller site work<\/td>\n GD535 class<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n General road construction<\/td>\n GD555 \/ GD655 class<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Wider blade work and larger road projects<\/td>\n GD675 class<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Higher-production construction and heavier-duty work<\/td>\n GD705 class and above<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Why Blade Control Matters More Than Appearance<\/h2>\n
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Inspect the Circle, Drawbar and Moldboard First<\/h2>\n
Check the moldboard<\/h3>\n
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Check the circle<\/h3>\n
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Check the drawbar<\/h3>\n
Hydraulic System: Smooth Control Is Essential<\/h2>\n
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Articulation Is a Major Inspection Area<\/h2>\n
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Front Axle and Wheel Lean Need Separate Checks<\/h2>\n
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Tandem Drive Wear Can Be Expensive<\/h2>\n
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Transmission Performance Matters at Low Speed<\/h2>\n
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Engine Generation Can Change the Ownership Experience<\/h2>\n
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GD675-6: A Useful Japanese-Market Reference<\/h2>\n
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Check Scarifier, Ripper and Push Plate Equipment<\/h2>\n
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Tires Tell You More Than Remaining Tread<\/h2>\n
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Operating Hours Are Not a Grading-Accuracy Test<\/h2>\n
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15 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Used Motor Grader<\/h2>\n
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\n \nQuestion<\/th>\n Why It Matters<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n What is the full model suffix?<\/td>\n Generation affects engine and specification.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n What blade length is fitted?<\/td>\n Determines working width and project fit.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n How much circle backlash is present?<\/td>\n Directly affects grading accuracy.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Is the cutting edge usable?<\/td>\n It is a primary wear component.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Do all blade functions work smoothly?<\/td>\n Fine hydraulic control is essential.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Is articulation loose?<\/td>\n Center-joint wear affects control.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Does front-wheel lean operate?<\/td>\n Important to grader maneuvering and control.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Are tandem housings leaking?<\/td>\n Repairs can involve major driveline components.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Does the transmission shift correctly?<\/td>\n Graders rely on controlled working speeds.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Are all six tires usable?<\/td>\n Tire replacement can materially affect cost.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Is a ripper or scarifier fitted?<\/td>\n Changes application, weight and dimensions.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Does the engine start and run correctly?<\/td>\n Confirms basic power-unit condition.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Are warning codes present?<\/td>\n May identify hydraulic, engine or transmission issues.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Does the serial plate match the machine?<\/td>\n Needed for parts and specification research.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Have shipping dimensions been measured?<\/td>\n Blade and attachments can change transport requirements.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Shipping a Motor Grader from Japan<\/h2>\n
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A Practical Motor Grader Buying Process<\/h2>\n
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Buying Japanese Used Motor Graders<\/h2>\n
Which Used Motor Grader Is Right for Your Project?<\/h2>\n
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