John Deere 4020

[JasG]

4020's I think still very well may be the most popular tractor JD made. Very durable, well made tractor. I have put thousands of hours on different ones for different farmers growing up and even today.

One note on the loader. Go easy on the tractor. Most tractors of this time, JD, IH etc, the loaders were not really thought of. The 4020's that was one of the biggest weak points was people would add a loader later and the axles would break. Some company I have seen even sells an upgraded axle. I have a friend that I help and we move round bales with his. The bales are probably 1000-1200 lbs and the heavier ones you can tell are a load on the front axle.

 

[jimjo2]

In 1965 we bought a new 4020, 17' harrow and a 5-bottom plow for around $15,000. It was the best tractor to work a 450 acre, 100 head dairy farm and another 100 head of heifers in upstate New York. It was a joy to operate but it took some getting used to plowing hilly fields with the 5-bottom. Too deep on the hills and too shallow on the valleys. I loved discing as you couldn't stop the beast, it would go anywhere. Good luck with it and I am envious!

 

[jenkinsph]

I would think if all you need to do is change the fuel sender (more likely than the guage) and repair some lighting you got a good deal. At $8000 with a loader this man is trying to be reasonable with you.

About the comments referring to the front axle, it is true that the newer designs are built stronger but as is the case with all fels and tractors adding some 3pt weight reduces the problem.

Since I like 4020's so much I would operate it for awhile, fix all the leaks and mechanicals then restore and paint it like new.

 

[deerefan]

I would think if all you need to do is change the fuel sender (more likely than the guage) and repair some lighting you got a good deal. At $8000 with a loader this man is trying to be reasonable with you.

About the comments referring to the front axle, it is true that the newer designs are built stronger but as is the case with all fels and tractors adding some 3pt weight reduces the problem.

Since I like 4020's so much I would operate it for awhile, fix all the leaks and mechanicals then restore and paint it like new.

That is actually my plan, on the nose. It has such a good foundation it won't take much to bring it back. I ran it again yesterday for 2 hours and it sure is sound. With some paint and some tlc, it would be top notch. I promise to post pics when I take it home, which should be tomorrow.

 

[jenkinsph]

I had a 4030 wide front and a 3020 tricycle in McComb MS years ago sure did like them. The clay in that area sure is tough to plow but having a larger tractor makes it easy. I put 18.4 38 tires on it which were slightly too big, causing some implements to rub the tires. If it has the 38" rims I wouldn't go larger than 16.9 tires and suspect the 15.5 tires will be the best. My preference would be 34" rims, don't know what yours has though.

 

[jjmarotz]

Just because pics are popular....

1967 JD 4010 synchro, I added the Koyker loader with 7' bucket and used it for 2 yrs primarily for snow removal. Awesome tractor, but the synchro with a lot of loader work can tax a clutch REAL FAST so keep that in mind The loader not only was mounted to the frame along the engine sides, but also I added 3" square tube all the way back to the rear axle to help relieve some of the stresses on the main frame, mainly when pushing snow, but also put the load in the bucket across the entire length of the tractor. Kinda miss the old girl.... but overkill for my uses now days.

I ran the 30 and 40 series around for yrs growing up on potato farms around here. When my dad stoped farming and, I believe, was a 3020, sold at auction for MORE than my grandad had paid for it over 40 yrs prior, even after all its use. They are a bulletproof proven old tractor for sure!!!!