John deere 5020 advice

martyred · Mar 30, 2014

Looking at getting a 5020, it's around a 68 vintage. Any tips from the green tractor gurus? It runs smokes a bit but seems nice for its age. Also the pTo won't stop? Needs ether to start... and I need help, I am looking for the what to look for and the cons if there are any in this model. Fire away and give me your 2 cents...LOL Thanks in advance for all and any helpful tips.

jenkinsph · Mar 30, 2014

Tx Jim will respond when he see this and can offer you some good advice. He is a retired Deere shop foreman with lots of xx20 experience. About all I remember about the 5020 is how much better I liked the front axle compared to the 4020, way stronger design.

vtsnowedin · Mar 31, 2014

Sounds worn out and ready for a rebuild of the engine and transmission /PTO . Have to be real cheap to not go new at zero percent if you have work for a 5000 series tractor that needs doing.

wolftree · Mar 31, 2014

You should figure an engine/clutch/pto rebuild into your purchase price. Most of the people I knew who ran a 5020 felt it was underpowered by about 20-40 horse.

jenkinsph · Mar 31, 2014

vtsnowedin said:
Sounds worn out and ready for a rebuild of the engine and transmission /PTO . Have to be real cheap to not go new at zero percent if you have work for a 5000 series tractor that needs doing.

The OP is asking about a 5020 1968 field tractor not a newer and much smaller utility tractor.

jenkinsph · Mar 31, 2014

wolftree said:
You should figure an engine/clutch/pto rebuild into your purchase price. Most of the people I knew who ran a 5020 felt it was underpowered by about 20-40 horse.

I agree that with a tractor this old that you need to consider the major repairs are expensive even if you do it yourself. I would check with the dealer about piston/liners and gaskets to see what availability and cost are. The 6030 that replaced it had 175 hp which does add some power to it.

vtsnowedin · Mar 31, 2014

jenkinsph said:
The OP is asking about a 5020 1968 field tractor not a newer and much smaller utility tractor.

You are correct that the 5020 was in a much different class then the current 5000 series tractors. (totally my ignorance) but if it needs ether to start and the PTO won't shut off then my conclusions still stand.

Oldtractorfixer · Mar 31, 2014

I wouldn't automatically assume it needs an engine rebuild. It may just need some injector work. I don't know about a 5020 exactly but PTO could be most anything but I doubt transmission overhaul. If it turns it's more likely the pto clutch or linkage. I would spend a little $ on having a mechanic check it out before you buy it though.

Trey318 · Apr 3, 2014

The 5020 is an excellent machine. We had 1 a while back with an aftermarket turbo installed. With the turbo she turned 220 hp. They were strong machines back in the day. I wish you best of luck with it