Buying Advice John Deere 2240 4wd

[THEPARTYHOUND]

I'm considering the purchase of my first tractor. One of the tractors that I'm looking at (although I haven't seen it yet) is a 1989 4wd 2240. I could not find that there was a 2240 built in 89, so I'm not sure if maybe the guy has his year wrong. It is 4wd, has a FEL, class 2 3-point, and a back blade that would be very useful for clearing snow. It has 4200 hours on it, but in really good shape and well maintained according to the current (2nd) owner who has had it a majority of it's life.
Just like anyone else who is looking to make a large purchase of something used, I want to be confident that this will be something that can be used for many years to come. Is 4200 a lot of hours for this tractor?

 

[Turbys_1700]

Tractor Data states years of manufacturer from 76-82. Serial numbers are listed on their site for the years of manufacture. You should be able to identify the model year from those numbers.

I don't have any personal experience with that specific model. 4,000 hours would not scare me if the tractor was maintained.

If you are not experienced in identifying potential issues perhaps you know someone to take with you to check out the unit. Several videos are available on YouTube about what to look for in a used tractor.

Good luck and give us an update.

 

[sd455dan]

Tractor Data states years of manufacturer from 76-82. Serial numbers are listed on their site for the years of manufacture. You should be able to identify the model year from those numbers.

I don't have any personal experience with that specific model. 4,000 hours would not scare me if the tractor was maintained.

If you are not experienced in identifying potential issues perhaps you know someone to take with you to check out the unit. Several videos are available on YouTube about what to look for in a used tractor.

Good luck and give us an update.

Also tractor data doesn't show 4x4 for that model

another concern- (Closed center) hydraulic system...

If it is a 4 wheel drive -have to wonder if the wrong model # has been posted?

 

[THEPARTYHOUND]

I have not seen it in person, but the pics do show it as being a 2240.
The closed center hydraulics would make it difficult to add hydraulics to the system, correct? Any other drawbacks to a closed center system?

 

[sd455dan]

OK good to know, 4 x on 80-82

Closed center hydraulics maybe a concern -maybe not?

 

[THEPARTYHOUND]

What would the concern be on a closed center system?

 

[sd455dan]

Just different than most modern SCUT CUT and utility tractors sold more recently.

The closed hydraulics on The 2240 are like those on many skid steers and excavators -they run at full pressure any time the tractor is running.

Most tractors don't need the system to be at full pressure until a cylinder needs to be extended /retracted. This way power isn't used 100% of the time by having a hydraulic pump running at full operating pressure.
In addition excess heat in the hydraulic system is minimized with an open system since pressurizing the hydraulic oil only takes place when it is needed.

Maybe someone with a similar JD tractor will chime in on this.

It is probably a non issue, just built more like an industrial machine.

 

[LouNY]

Most of the JD ag tractors are closed center, when the system reaches full pressure the pump volume decreases to just maintain pressure,
it's not much of a factor aux valves can be purchased for closed center about the same price as open center motor circuits are plumbed slightly different.

 

[buickanddeere]

TractorData.com John Deere 224 tractor information

 

[goeduck]

I am seeing 3 transmissions listed, which one does it have and what is the clutch condition? On some of the JDs in that vintage I also think the clutch slave cylinders were in the bell housing. Not sure.

 

[buickanddeere]

no cab so the clutch will have a direct mechanical linkage.
As long as the coolant corrosion inhibitor has been kept up to strength . And as long as the transmission oil has not been contaminated with anything that deteriorates wet brake linings. That tractor should serve well for decades.

 

[THEPARTYHOUND]

I am seeing 3 transmissions listed, which one does it have and what is the clutch condition? On some of the JDs in that vintage I also think the clutch slave cylinders were in the bell housing. Not sure.

I'm not sure which transmission this one has, I'll have to check when I talk to the guy today. Is there a better or best transmission of the 3? What is the best way to determine clutch condition? Similar to a pickup? How soon the clutch starts to engage when letting it out? The tractor is about 5 or 6 hours from me, so I'm planning a bit of a trip this weekend to go see it. It should be good and cold this weekend too, so I should be able to get a good idea of how well it starts when cold out.

 

[THEPARTYHOUND]

no cab so the clutch will have a direct mechanical linkage.
As long as the coolant corrosion inhibitor has been kept up to strength . And as long as the transmission oil has not been contaminated with anything that deteriorates wet brake linings. That tractor should serve well for decades.

The coolant corrosion inhibitor...is that a coolant additive? I know that my Ford 7.3 requires an additive (SCA I think it's called). As far as the brake linings go, will it be pretty obvious if these have been damaged?
One last question, is there any way to tell if this is going to be able to lift a 15-1600 lb round bale with the FEL?

 

[THEPARTYHOUND]

One more question for you guys. I really like the idea of the skid-steer style quick detatch bucket mounts, but it is my understanding that John Deere has it's own bucket release system. How hard is it to change buckets out on a john deere?

 

[THEPARTYHOUND]

So, i just found out today that at some point a while back the current owner had put synthetic oil in the tractor. Apparently John Deere gave him the wrong part number for the oil to use and in short time it burned up a couple of pumps. 4k later and it was good to go again with damaged components replaced. Could this have damaged brake linings? How would i know if they were?

 

[jd110]

The three transmissions were reverser, with lever on left side of steering wheel to switch from forward to reverse without clutching, a Hi-Lo with left lever that has a two speed in each gear to give you 16 forward gear ratios instead of 8. The standard transmission if before serial number 340,000 is a collarshift which is non-synchronized and if above 340,000 the standard transmission is TSS which the right side shift lever for gears 1-4 is synchronized. For loader work the reverser is a great transmission, but for row crop work or baling, the hi-lo is nice for the extra gear ratios.
It would be interesting to find out exactly what kind of synthetic oil as used that caused the pump failures. I would not think synthetic oil should hurt the brakes, but bad brakes can hurt the pumps. Bad brakes don't usually give obvious signs they are bad. Usually first signs are slow hydraulics from filters getting clogged with brake material and/or metal filings. Brake performance many times is still good. Sometimes the pedal can get spongy, but spongy brakes may just mean there is air in the system and needs to be bled out. Most important with brakes is to prevent water contamination in the oil. If oil looks milky, beware there is high likelihood of brake problems.

 

[goeduck]

Does the owner have the paperwork for the repair? That might tell you if they inspected the brakes.

 

[THEPARTYHOUND]

I'll have to ask about the reverser, but im guessing not or he would have mentioned it. Sounds like it has 2 gear shifters "on the floor". Im assuming hi-low and then 1-4 for 8 forward gears. I will have to get the serial number to see if it has the synchroed gears.
Ill ask about paperwork for the repairs...good call!

You guys are a wealth of good info! Thanks and keep it coming!

 

[THEPARTYHOUND]

Ok, i ran the tractor a little bit today. Fluids looked good, however there are a few leaks. One hose is leaking pretty good from a fitting, but that shouldnt be a huge problem to replace. It has quite a few more hours on it than i was told. Its around 6500, not 4200. All in all though, it seemed pretty solid and well maintained. Is it worth the 12k they want for it

 

[goeduck]

4200 hours and now 6500? I am always concerned when I am told one thing yet find out something different. Don’t forget you were told the wrong year as well. Makes me sure there are other issues you are not told of. Did you get the repair paperwork? The shop might have an opinion if it was a recent repair they can recall. I would be nervous for $12K. Cold feet if I were you. Could even be a different tractor.