John Deere 3020 Reviews

John Deere 3020: Maybe E-Bay Isn't the Best Way to Buy a Tractor
Model Year: 1966

Bought this tractor more than 10 years ago. It was very inexpensive to purchase. However, it has not been cheap to maintain and upgrade, though I don't consider it the fault of the tractor. It was not cared for very well and has needed an overhaul, a hydraulic pump, carb (yes, it's gas), and new plugs, wires, and points. Since purchase, I have added a wide front, cab, and loader. Doesn't much resemble what I bought. Should be set for many years of productive work (hay, tillage, planting, round bale moving, etc).

Pros: Solid utility tractor. Good power for the money.
Cons: Not fancy. Does not have A/C, shuttle clutch or 4WD.

JD 3020 Syncro-Range Transmission 1968
Model Year: 1968

My 3020 is still running strong after 45 years which speaks volumes for the quality and ruggedness of a John Deere tractor. It was originally purchased from Hendy Bros. in VT and spent it's first 12 or 13 years as a loader tractor on a dairy farm. It had been used heavily during those early years so when I bought it I repainted and put new fenders on and lamps etc. It's been used primarily to bush-hog fields ever since with some occasional loader work.

Pros: Can get any part---new or used---when needed.
Cons: Original 24 volt system a problem---I converted to 12 volts.

3020 Gas
Model Year: 1967

My dad bought my 3020 synchro new in '67. Been an absolutely great tractor, original hour meter broke in the 70's with 5200hrs, I put in a new one in '98. So the hours are a guess but has to be over 10,000. Motor is all original, never had the head off. The only issues the thing has ever had was that I blew reverse out in 98 while picking up round bales in the field, mostly caused by operator rushing and a clutch that should have been replaced years before. Since putting in new synchros and such, has again been great. Little hard on gas, about 6gph our diesel gets about 4gph, but this thing will start when it -20F every time. Overall just a great reliable tractor that has served our family well for 47 years.

Pros: Reliable, nimble, easy to use.
Cons: Fuel consumption.

3020 Gas
Model Year: 1965

Seems to be a well built tractor, but with anything that old it has it's problems. Starts good, but slow starter, good hydraulics, but needs rock shaft piston o-ring (lift drops after tractor shut off) PTO may have issues, but overall I have a solid foundation to start with and that accounts for a lot.

Pros: A lot of tractor (features) for the buck.
Cons: Old and needs grooming and repairs.

3020ors Now Being Produced
Model Year: 1967

A reliable tractor and a much better value than the small utility tractor now being produced.

Pros: Power and weights.
Cons: Fuel economy.

Ease of Use
Model Year: 2009

The tractor is a good tractor. It is sufficient for our needs. We primarily use for mowing the pasture.

Pros: I have a JD Dealership 3 miles away from our house. It's very convenient.
Cons: It is not easy to change implements as JD's advertisement shows on the TV. I am a pretty mechanical person and I have trouble.

Solid, Strong & Reliable
Model Year: 1965

I know its an old tractor, and less popular than the 4020, but they are around and very reasonable in price and can do almost anything a 4020 can. The Diesel is 69 HP for the 3020, and it is built on the same basic frame as the 4020. The 24 volt electrical system is the only thing I have worked on in the 3 years I have had it. I rebuilt the generator, and have replaced a battery, and two bulbs that were burned out when I purchased the tractor.

Pros: Strong and reliable.
Cons: None that I can think of.

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John Deere 3020
Model Year: 1964

I really liked this tractor. Very strong. I pulled 10ft disk and Hay work. The only issue I have are what is normal with a 50 year old machine and the limitations of 2 wheel drive.

Pros: Strong and Heavy Tractor
Cons: Misc. small issues due to age.