Miles Cooksy digs into John Deere’s new grade control-focused motor graders in our latest Weekly Iron video above. Take a gander. The episode explores how John Deere has redesigned its motor graders around next-generation SmartGrade technology, new automation tools, improved visibility, and a more operator-focused cab. The new lineup includes eight P-Tier motor graders: the 620, 622, 670, 672, 770, 772, 870, and 872. Together, these units work on everything from heavy highway jobs to subdivision construction. 

In case you don’t know: John Deere’s Performance Tiering system for construction equipment simplifies how you buy machinery by categorizing equipment into three levels — G (economy/utility), P (premium/performance), and X (hybrid/advanced tech). Got it? Now, here is some of the coolness engineered into each P-Tier motor grader.

SmartGrade becomes more flexible

John Deere is definitely making grade control the headline feature for these new P-Tier varients. John Deere’s next-generation SmartGrade platform lets fleets upgrade machines as their technology needs change instead of locking them into one configuration from day one. Contractors can equip the graders with standard slope, SmartGrade Ready, SmartGrade using Topcon components, or SmartGrade using Leica technology. The system also supports John Deere's own 2D and 3D grade control solutions outside the center saddle position, enabling precise grading in nontraditional configurations. You got options here. Operators work through the familiar 10.1-inch G5 touchscreen, allowing quick movement between 2D and 3D grading applications. 

There are all kinds of cool automation

John Deere also expanded the automation package across the P-Tier lineup. 

P-Tier motor graders now include blade flip, auto articulation, and various machine presets. There’s a new cutting-edge wear feature that allows operators to establish a baseline on a level surface, then periodically measure wear throughout the blade’s life. That helps crews schedule maintenance before worn cutting edges affect grading performance. Fleet managers take notice. 

Higher technology packages add Machine Damage Avoidance, Auto Pass, Intelligent Blade Control, and SmartSaddle. Intelligent Blade Control automatically helps maintain a level blade throughout grading operations. SmartSaddle automatically places the moldboard into its optimal saddle position with a single button press. Standard Cross Slope now offers both target and joystick operating modes, giving operators more flexibility depending on site conditions and personal preference. 

Then there’s telematics. Remote troubleshooting through the John Deere Operations Center adds another layer of fleet support by allowing wireless data transfer and Remote Display Access for diagnostics. John Deere is covering all its tech bases with this launch.

Operator comfort receives equal attention

Technology grabbed those early headlines, but operators will probably notice the cab first and foremost. John Deere redesigned the P-Tier operator station with a new 8-inch primary display; the 10-inch SmartGrade screen is seperate. There’s simplified six-wheel-drive controls, centralized switches, and improved storage throughout the cab. Optional heated and ventilated seating, adjustable armrests, and automatic climate control aim to keep operators happy.

Visibility also received an upgrade. Contractors can equip the machines with the new Advanced Vision System or the Advanced Vision System with Dual Front Alley Cam. Dedicated in-cab displays provide additional camera views around the machine, helping operators monitor blind spots while working. Situational awareness continues to become a bigger part of equipment design. Check out our recent article on AI cameras. 

John Deere P-Tier motor grader specifications

620 P-Tier

• Net engine power: 215 horsepower
• Operation weight: 40,433 pounds
• Blade pull: 31,066 pounds

622 P-Tier

• Net engine power: 225 horsepower
• Operating weight: 41,899 pounds
• Blade pull: 45,000 pounds

670 P-Tier

• Net engine power: 235 horsepower
• Operating weight: 42,811 pounds
• Blade pull: 34,173 pounds

672 P-Tier

• Net engine power: 255 horsepower
• Operating weight: 44,537 pounds
• Blade pull: 49,500 pounds

770 P-Tier

• Net engine power: 255 horsepower
• Operating weight: 43,954 pounds
• Blade pull: 34,173 pounds

772 P-Tier

• Net engine power: 275 horsepower
• Operating weight: 45,825 pounds
• Blade pull: 49,500 pounds

870 P-Tier

• Net engine power: 280 horsepower
• Operating weight: 45,535 pounds
• Blade pull: 34,173 pounds

872 P-Tier

• Net engine power: 300 horsepower
• Operating weight: 47,650 pounds
• Blade pull: 49,500 pounds

Watch The Weekly Iron!

John Deere’s latest P-Tier motor graders show how machine control has matured into the machines. If you’re evaluating new motor graders this year, this episode offers a quick look at where John Deere believes grading technology is headed next. After watching, maybe surf over to our YouTube channel and subscribe.