4020 frame rails?

   / 4020 frame rails? #1  

saltbranch

Silver Member
Joined
Sep 29, 2009
Messages
219
I am fairly new to tractors. I came across a deal on a 4020 with a homemade frontend loader on it. The frame has been tweaked enough to where the fan went into radiator. Can those frame rails be replaced? I am talking about the "channel" shaped iron that runs along side the block from the front/fuel tank/steering assembly area and appears to bolt up at the rear of the block......not positive as dirt buildup was pretty bad.
A search on the net and I found replacement frame rails, not sure if they are the same as what I am thinking though.
Thanks for any help/advice.
 
   / 4020 frame rails? #2  
Welcome to TBN:D

I would RUN, not walk away from this. If there was that much stress to bend frame rails (presumably from the homemade loader that was "to strong"?) that other things like the front axle may very well be damaged also.

If you had a lot of experience restoring older tractors, and this was a super good deal then maybe...
 
   / 4020 frame rails?
  • Thread Starter
#3  
A friends dad is who has this. The tractor ran very good when parked a couple years ago after the radiator/fan connected. He did over load it, plus the way the home loader mounts is the major problem I think. It mounts to the side rails/frame rails about center of motor and thats it, no other mounting point. I can get it for 1000.00.
Going see if it will fire up this weekend and go from there. I am pretty decent at fabbing/welding and mechanic work, been 20 yrs since I messed with a tractor though.
If the frame rails are replaceable, Id be happier.
Thanks for the welcome keenyd, been a long time lurker.
 
   / 4020 frame rails? #4  
If the frame rails are the biggest problem with it and fixing the fan/radiator I think I would go for it. First thing I would do is remove that loader completely.



Steve
 
   / 4020 frame rails?
  • Thread Starter
#5  
From what I can tell from pics on the net and replacement part searchs, it looks like the frame rails are replaceable. Roughly 600.00 for the pair. A radiator looks like 550.00 or so, if the one that comes with cant be repaired cheaper.
The last time I saw the tractor running was 3-3.5 yrs ago, the guy that owns it...his son is one of my drivers(and good friend) for where I work. I have heard blow by blow stories of the tractor for several yrs.
I'm not looking to restore, just a working tractor that will used a couple weekends a month. If it starts and runs decent, I am figuring 2200.00 hard parts roughly to get it usable.
just thinking out loud here. I am guessing another 1000.00 for misc parts.
I have free use of equipment to lift and do what I need to get rails replaced. Just my labor.
Basically I am trying real hard to justify this purchase.
Most defintely the mounts for the frontend loader will be redone.
 
   / 4020 frame rails? #6  
I don't know the overall condition of this tractor but one in real good condition is worth north of $10,000. You may be well served to look on Tractorhouse or Machinefinder web sites to get a better idea of values for this model tractor. Depends on whether it is gas or diesel, sheetmetal condition and many more things. I had a 4020 diesel for about 8 years and consider it to be one of the best tractors I ever owned.


Steve
 
   / 4020 frame rails? #7  
Absolutely the frames can be replaced. It is a relatively simple job. I would recommend new bolts also since they are probably stressed. The bolts are special tapered seat bolts, so don't try to use standard bolts. If you can get a pair of rails for $600.00, that is a great deal. New ones from deere are $550.00 each. I agree with Steve, if it is a diesel in good shape, over $10,000 is a realistic value. Is it Powershift? New style(side console) or old style(hydraulic controls on dash)? Post some pics if you can!
 
   / 4020 frame rails? #9  
How much do you value your friendship with your buddy and his Dad? Something like this could ruin a friendship fast.

Personally I would pass on this abused tractor as there could be other expensive problems (e.g. tranny, front end, etc) just waiting to bite you in the wallet after you get it home.
 
   / 4020 frame rails? #10  
You might want to try to clean it up so you can check for crack in the castings. You said it had alot of dirt stuck to it, so there may by bad leaks somewhere.

Any chance we can get a picture of the tractor showing the damage?

If its just the rails and not any other structural damage, i would buy it for 1000.00. If it does turn out to be a bad investment then atlest you arent out so much money that you cant recover from it. You could advertise it as a parts tractor and recoup alot of that money.
 

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