Buying Advice John Deere 3020

[bmcqueen23]

I'm looking at buying this 3020 with the loader, seems like a decent deal to me would like input from you guys that have owned or operated this tractor. I'm looking for a tractor mainly for handling hay and to pull a 6' to 8' disk, and shredding.

 

[wolc123]

My nieghbor bought new one in 1970. He uses it mostly for making hay, also on a 4-bottom plow and a 12 ft disc. Way more tractor than needed for a 6 or 8 foot disc. He has around 5000 hours on it now and the only thing it has needed mechanically is the starter rebuilt one time. His 3020 is diesel, not turbocharged like the 4020's were, does not have a loader, and probably puts out around 65 hp at the drawbar.

 

[Duffster]

My nieghbor bought new one in 1970. He uses it mostly for making hay, also on a 4-bottom plow and a 12 ft disc. Way more tractor than needed for a 6 or 8 foot disc. He has around 5000 hours on it now and the only thing it has needed mechanically is the starter rebuilt one time. His 3020 is diesel, not turbocharged like the 4020's were, does not have a loader, and probably puts out around 65 hp at the drawbar.

4020's are naturally aspirated as well. 4320 and 4520 are turboed.

 

[bigtiller]

I'm looking at buying this 3020 with the loader, seems like a decent deal to me would like input from you guys that have owned or operated this tractor. I'm looking for a tractor mainly for handling hay and to pull a 6' to 8' disk, and shredding.

A 3020 deisel with a power-shift for $5300 is a good buy. I am guessing it is about a 1968 or older model. I would get his extra remote and probably the loader if it is a 48 with a quick mount with a straight bucket and no welds on it.

 

[Chef Pa]

3020 is a good tractor. Have had a 3010 several years with little to no issues. Four bottom plow and 10-12' disc (depending on type) are good sized implements, and as Wolc said - more than needed for an 8' disc. If that's your max load a smaller tractor might work better.

The ad looks like a possible scam to me. Be careful.

 

[AKfish]

That's NOT a realistic price for a good condition, 3020! Scam! Walk away...

AKfish

 

[Cyclone Jake]

That's NOT a realistic price for a good condition, 3020! Scam! Walk away...

AKfish

While 5300 is low, a check of Tractor House shows a couple dealers selling good condition 3020s for 7000. A private seller could be asking less than a dealer. As with any Craigslist purchase, be careful and don't purchase without seeing it in person.

 

[Bigfoot62]

First of all, you need to realize that this is a BIG tractor. We're talking really big, by today's tractor size. I had a 4020 and it would not go through my 10' shop doors. The 3020 won't be a lot smaller. Also, if you are really working that machine, it might take up to 3 gallons per hour of fuel! If you are just handling hay and pulling a 8' disc or shredder, you could get by with a much smaller tractor.
Now, having said that, they are great tractors and were well made. :thumbsup:

As far as this being a scam, go look at it. Run it, and drive it. Ask to hook something to it and make sure the PTO and clutches work, etc. Then, if you really like it, ask for a bill of sale. If the seller is legit, he'll sign one.

BTW, if you haven't already seen it, here's the link to the TractorData page for that one:
TractorData.com John Deere 3020 tractor information

 

[jenkinsph]

That's NOT a realistic price for a good condition, 3020! Scam! Walk away...

AKfish

I would be doubtful too, if I could have found a 3020 with loader similar to this for $5300 I wouldn't have a new tractor today.

 

[Cyclone Jake]

I would be doubtful too, if I could have found a 3020 with loader similar to this for $5300 I wouldn't have a new tractor today.

Note that he is asking an extra 2K for the loader which brings it to $7300.

 

[AKfish]

Note that he is asking an extra 2K for the loader which brings it to $7300.

That does change my level of skepticism... but only a fraction!

Many of the good, straight; "ready for the field" 3020's with loaders that I've looked at in the past 6 months have all been in the "asking" range of $12K.

I've got a soft spot for 3020's! They'd fit nearly every chore in my hay operation to the "T". And compared to the dollars/horsepower equation for the latest generation of tractors - they're a real bargain!

AKfish

 

[Bigfoot62]

. . . Many of the good, straight; "ready for the field" 3020's with loaders that I've looked at in the past 6 months have all been in the "asking" range of $12K. . .

AKfish

You need to remember, however, that you're in Alaska. EVERYTHING cost more up there. Isn't gas more than $5 per gallon?
I also seem to recall that you went back to the "lower 48" to buy your last tractor.

 

[AKfish]

You need to remember, however, that you're in Alaska. EVERYTHING cost more up there. Isn't gas more than $5 per gallon?
I also seem to recall that you went back to the "lower 48" to buy your last tractor.

Last 2 tractors..

Nope gas is around $4.25 on the highway system. Out in the Bush - it's just over $7.00/gallon! Diesel is hovering around $4.85 on the road - near $9.00 in the Bush.

There was a pretty clean looking 3020 on eBay a while back - think the "buy it now" was around $15K.

AKfish

 

[jenkinsph]

I'm looking at buying this 3020 with the loader, seems like a decent deal to me would like input from you guys that have owned or operated this tractor. I'm looking for a tractor mainly for handling hay and to pull a 6' to 8' disk, and shredding.

Did you go look at it? Curious what you decided.

 

[bmcqueen23]

Not yet the guy still has it though, I've been busy getting all my hay done. I should catch a break sometime this week

 

[Tx Jim]

bmcqueen23
Be sure and drive the tractor in every gear to check for shifting or slippage. Powershift trans are tough/almost indestructible trans but EXPENSIVE to rebuild if worn out. PS trans are excellent trans for loader work as they're the first hyd shuttle shift(no clutch pedal required). With the economy I think the 3020 price is inline.I also think tractors/equip on Tractor house & Machinery finder are over priced.

 

[Duffster]

We're talking really big, by today's tractor size.

Big? :laughing:

I had a 4020 and it would not go through my 10' shop doors.

Unless yours is special it should fit through any 10 foot door like our 4000 does.

 

[PoorPlowboy]

Big? :laughing:



Unless yours is special it should fit through any 10 foot door like our 4000 does.

That's what I was thinking, too. Wonder if his is setup as a highcropper?

 

[Chef Pa]

From the photos it looks like a standard row crop. I have a 3010 that's in the 6'-0"ish height at the hood. Add vertical exhaust/intake and I could see height being close with a 10' door. Some were also made with hinged extensions on the exhaust for that reason. Too short a pipe and you're sucking in exhaust when the wind is just right.

Greg

 

[Bigfoot62]

Big? :laughing:



Unless yours is special it should fit through any 10 foot door like our 4000 does.

Not the height, but the width. The axle shafts were about 10' 2" from end to end. BTW, my old 4020 came from the rice fields of south Louisiana, so it was pretty tall too. (rice & cane tires)