Buying Advice How bad is no 3 point?

[selkie]

So I recently found a JD 2020 for sale, seller asking $3k in what's supposed to be decent running order. He says that the 3 point was a factory delete, that the tractor was ordered without it. It does have a drawbar, rear PTO, and rear hydraulics.

In looking at the pros and cons of 3 point hitches, it looks like the pros and cons are:

Pros - easier to attach equipment, can use a somewhat wider range of things, can work in tighter spaces
Cons - can raise the center of gravity and make it easier to tip over on hilly terrain (which would be a concern here) - also non-3-point attachments said to be cheaper, on average

I'd also seen that non-3-point tractors cost a lot less, which certainly goes with the fellow's asking price.

Thoughts? I'd like to attach a loader, and pull a plow with it. Maybe a rototiller. Could imagine a backhoe although I don't know if that's even a technical possibility on a 2020 without 3ph. I know that on the smaller tractors, people like to use 3ph attachments to provide counterweight for the loader, but this is a larger machine, so maybe that's not as big a thing? The extra stability and lower price both really appeal to me, but I don't want to get a machine that I'll regret. Being able to work in tighter spaces is something I'd miss.

 

[duramaxsky]

So can you add one?

 

[CobyRupert]

You’ll want a 3 point hitch. Especially on a JD 2020 sized tractor.
Hard to imagine you’d find a plow or rototiller to pull without a 3pth.

 

[jeff9366]

This 2-WD tractor was last produced 50 years ago. Deere is one of the best at maintaining "legacy" tractor parts but Deere low production run, low turnover, legacy parts are $$$$.

I speculate a Deere factory Category 2 -Three Point Hitch could be $4,000, parts only, today. It is possible you could find a complete TPH in a tractor junk yard if you are very, very patient. Over 100,000 Deere 2020s were produced.

Unlikely hydraulic plumbing is installed on the tractor to operate a Front End Loader. You probably do not want a loader on a 2-WD row crop tractor.

Deere 2020 is a ROW CROP TRACTOR. This usually means high ground clearance to clear growing crops = high center of gravity = low stability.

Descending steep hills 2-WD tractors have limited braking.






John Deere 2020

1965 - 1971 New Generation Series
Row-Crop tractor
Previous model: John Deere 2010
Series next: John Deere 3020
Series back: John Deere 1520
Manufacturer: John Deere
Factory: Dubuque, Iowa, USA
Mexico
Original price (USD)
$5,800 (1971 )

John Deere 2020 Engines:
John Deere 3.0L 4-cyl gasoline
John Deere 3.3L 4-cyl diesel
full engine details ...

Capacity:
Fuel: 19.5 gal [73.8 L]
Hydraulic system: 10 gal [37.9 L]

3-Point Hitch:
Rear Type: II

Power Take-off (PTO):
Rear PTO: live
independent*
Rear RPM: 540
540/1000*
Mid PTO: optional
Mid RPM: 1000

Dimensions & Tires:
Wheelbase: 86 inches [218 cm]
Weight: 5770 lbs [2617 kg]
Front tire: 9.00-10
Rear tire: 14.9-28
full dimensions and tires ...

2020 Serial Numbers:
Location: Right side of transmission.
photo of 2020 serial number

1965: 14502
1966: 14680
1967: 42721
1968: 65176
1969: 82404
1970: 102032
1971: 117500

how to read serial numbers...



John Deere 2020 Power:
Drawbar (tested): 45.90 hp [34.2 kW]
PTO (tested): 54.09 hp [40.3 kW]
power test details ...

Mechanical:
Chassis: 4x2 2WD
Steering: power assist
Brakes: differential hydraulic wet disc
Cab: Open operator station.

Hydraulics:
Type: closed center
Capacity: 10 gal [37.9 L]
Pressure: 2250 psi [155.1 bar]
Pump flow: 10.5 gpm [39.7 lpm]
Page information:
Last update: March 26, 2018
Copyright: Copyright 2018 TractorData LLC
Contact: Peter@TractorData.com

 

[CobyRupert]

What’s the width to center of gravity’s height ratio? This is a measure of stability. But if you say center of gravity is a little over rear axle height, tire size gives clues.
The 2020 is a stable tractor. Relatively low and wide as far as crop tractors go. If it doesn’t have ROPS, drive accordingly.
Drive safe if it has ROPS too.

 

[stuckmotor]

People complain about having to get off of the tractor to hook up 3pt hitch equipment. Those without a 3pt hitch can work hours mounting and adjusting equipment IF they an even find any to buy.

 

[Big Barn]

The short answer? Don’t buy it.

However I respect that is your choice to make and I’m not the type to say “I told you so” if you do.

 

[Ricn]

Do yourself a BIG favor and buy a modern diesel tractor with three point, wide front end, front loader and 4x4, you will never be sorry.

Sizing it a little bigger then you need is always favorable, well almost so.

 

[Jstpssng]

You would be better off spending more money up front to get what you need. Adding things later such as loader and especially 3pth can get pricey.

 

[rScotty]

Do yourself a BIG favor and buy a modern diesel tractor with three point, wide front end, front loader and 4x4, you will never be sorry.

Sizing it a little bigger then you need is always favorable, well almost so.

I LOVE the JD2020 and that whole series. In fact, that whole era was a time when machinery was made to be as good as possible - no shortcuts. And the JD xx20 through xx50 series were the best of the best. As good as anything today IMHO.

But in spite of that, I have to say I'd give that particular 2020 a pass..Here's why.... What made them so good was not just the engine and frame & hydraulics, it was the options. It was the balance with the wide front, rugged power steering, power shifting transmission with reverser....and that great factory loader & 3pt.
Without those things, most 20hp compacts with 4wd and FEL would do many times the work and do it better.

On that 2020 you get none of the above. So unless you can find one that is blown up but has all those parts I'd look for a better deal. Now if you do run across a junked 2020 with the options on it, you could buy both, do some wrenching, and come out with one great tractor. BTW, JD parts availability even for these old models is still pretty good and at decent prices. That's why you are seeing a resurgence in their popularity.
rScotty