Front-End Loader '76 2040 Deere...

   / '76 2040 Deere... #1  

dntfxr

Platinum Member
Joined
Aug 31, 2007
Messages
520
Location
north Louisiana
Tractor
Ford, LS
Hi Folks,
I have an early open center hydraulics 2040 and I'd like to find a FEL for it. It seems like the JD 145 loader is the most common for these tractors and I've seen a few for sale online but I'm not sure how to tell if the valve is made for open or closed center hydraulics. Is it simple to convert a loader over to open center if it was originally closed? Pretty sure a brand new FEL is more than I paid for the tractor... Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance
 
   / '76 2040 Deere... #2  
dntfxr,

To the best of my knowledge JD's from that vintage could have been closed center or open center. Therefore the 145 or 146 loaders may have been used on either type of hydraulic system. Most spool valves have a port to convert from open to closed or vice versa. I had a JD with closed center hydraulics and converted two different valves to closed from open. Take a look at the link I attached and you will see the conversion plugs listed. This is not the valve on the JD but attached for reference. I would think any of the valves from JD around that vintage would be able to be converted. You should be able to buy the parts directly from JD also, though it may be cheaper to buy elsewhere. I attached a list out of the JD catalog for the 145 loader. It shows different loader valves and part 12A shows a conversion plug. There are quite a few different JD loaders that will fit your 2040 up to the current JD offerings as you probably know. Just need to make sure you get the correct mountings brackets. Some brackets can still be found sitting around at dealers that never got used. Good luck in your search.

Surplus Center - 2 SPOOL 25 GPM JOYSTICK LOADER CONTROL VALVE

http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.HomePageServlet_Alt

Looks like the JD parts catalog link is not pulling up all the info. Type in 145 and click find. Expand farm loader and then sectional index. You will see the hydraulic valves and parts listed.
 
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   / '76 2040 Deere...
  • Thread Starter
#3  
Wow great info, thanks for the reply! That will definitely help me to sort it out! Now to find a gently used one...
 
   / '76 2040 Deere... #4  
dntfxr,

That will be the tricky part. I went through the same thing a few years back. Off the top of my head I think 145, 146, 175, 240, 520, and 521 would all fit the 2040 with the right tractor to loader brackets. I am pretty sure the 521 is the latest offering. I personally like the looks of the 520 the best. I have some pictures around of these if you need some ideas of the different models. Some may not be appealing to you. The 175 and 240 mount quite high. Have you priced the 521 just for fun?? Good luck, Russ
 
   / '76 2040 Deere...
  • Thread Starter
#5  
Thanks Russ. I didn't realize the different models would change the look that much, I'm glad you brought that to my attention. Looks do make a difference to me and my little Deere is in really good shape for a '76 model so I don't want to Frankenstein it lol. I have found pictures of all the loaders but the 520 online and there is a 175 for sale fairly close by.
It seems most of the used loaders are around 3500$ or so, and most nice ones are 500+miles away. It does make buying a new 521 seem like a better option. Best I can remember, the JD dealer told me it was around $5000+, I only paid 4500 for the tractor...! I'll call tomorrow to get a price on one, but I may still just take my time and try to locate a nice used one. If anyone runs across a deal on a gently used one please let me know.

Btw I did add something to my tractor today. The TSC sunshade is not quite the new cab tractor I've been dreaming of, but it sure is better than nothing with these 100F days!
 

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   / '76 2040 Deere... #6  
Wow!!! That is a great looking 2040. I like the sunshade. That is all the cab a tractor really needs, right??? Sounds like you did pretty well buying it. I think that series of JD's were one of the nicest they built. Sure are heavy duty and will likely last forever. Here are a few 520 loader pictures I had along with a 175 snuck in. I have a few more 175 pictures around also if you like. I also saw some 143 loader pictures. I forgot about those. They were just a single curl cylinder like some of the older loaders and some of the TLB's like the 310. From looking at the pictures I think I like all of them and would be happy with any of them if you can get a decent deal on one that is in good shape. Happy loader hunting and they are out there if you are patient, otherwise a new 521 may not be a bad alternative either.

36_3.JPG77_1.JPG502sera6.GIFJD1020w520Loader.JPGW02867.GIF8d_1.jpg
 

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   / '76 2040 Deere... #7  
1savoy,
Which picture in post #6 is the 175 loader? Some I could read the model numbers, ,others, I could not.

dntfxr,
Do you want a loader that the loader quick attachs/removes? meaning whole loader, not just the bucket. If so, that would eliminate some models.
I think the 521 replaced the 520 and it was just a redesign with the front cross tube moved for better visablity of the front mounted lights on the newer model tractors. 540, 541 & 542 were designed for clearance of the larger front tires of a 4x4, but would work too.
I think a 175 would be a good match (hint to 1savoy post some pictures) and the 240 would be too big.

Good luck finding something.
 
   / '76 2040 Deere... #8  
Zebrafive,

The 175 was the first picture. It did not show much of the loader, just the valve and joystick JD was using. I agree the 175 loader would be a good match as long as the look is appealing to dntfxr. Here are a few pictures of the 175 I had around. I think the 175 still needs 4 bolts pulled to remove the loader, similar to the 145 and 146 (6 I believe on these two). Is that correct? I think the other change for the 521 was the single plate mast loader frame on the tractor (for lack of better term) that I think is supposed to help visibility.

6b51_1.jpgJD2150w175loaderi.jpgJD2150w175loader.jpg2040w521Loaderiii.jpg2040w521Loaderii.jpg2040w521Loaderi.jpg2040w521Loader.jpg71_1.jpg01_1_b.jpg5ae3_1.jpg06_1_b.jpgJD2150w175loaderii.jpg

Well here are some more pic's. From left to right: 521, 175, 175, 521, 521, 521, 521, 520, 143, 521 520, 175. Sorry the order is all mixed up. Someday I will take time to figure out the managing attachments better.
 
   / '76 2040 Deere...
  • Thread Starter
#9  
Thanks for the complement and info fellows. Russ you are spot on about the quality of these older tractors, they are really built to last and have power to spare.
Back to the loaders, quick detach would be nice, but not a deal breaker. Which models offer that?
I must say that the 520, 521, and even 143 seem to look a little better than the 175 in those pictures. The 175 looks like it sets a little bit higher. The Deere dealers were closed today so I couldn't get a quote on a new one. But the 175 that is relatively close only has 1500hrs on it though faded some, just not sure if it has the right brackets to mount it. I'll check it out and keep looking for some of the others available. I really appreciate all the info on which models will work for me. I'm not in a big hurry so I'll keep looking until I find the right one.
Thanks again!
 
   / '76 2040 Deere...
  • Thread Starter
#10  
Btw, would anyone know how much a new 521 loader costs?

Hmmm, Deere website only show 512, 522, 542, 553 loaders as currently available...
 
 
 
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