What to look for when buying a 3020?

Goldsburg · Jul 15, 2013

I am looking for a smaller tractor to mainly mow pasture ground and blade snow in the winter.

There is a 3020 gas NF tractor not too far from me that seems to be decent for the money. When I go to look at it, what are the things I need to check to make sure that I don"t get a "lemon"? Are there any hidden problems that can be found if one really looks?

I know nothing about John Deere tractors!

Thanks,

Gary

RLA · Jul 15, 2013

How's it start?

How well does it idle..

Let it warm & use the hydraullic, see if they
chatter raise slow.

How well does it shift in ALL gears..

Listen & feel the clutch pedel...

Rims & Rear tires, Does the PTO Work under
Load....

Tx Jim · Jul 15, 2013

Look at wear on clutch/brake pedals,drawbar & 3 pt balls which gives an indication of hours of use.

coonie minnie · Jul 15, 2013

Good responses, I'll add a few more...

If the tractor has hydraulic levers on the dash, there may be weep holes in the left side of the block- at least there is on diesels. Make sure no antifreeze is oozing from the weep
holes.

Check out the power steering. Turn the wheel quickly from left to right, and then back. Does it take longer for the wheels to turn than it does to move the wheel? There should be little or no delay, especially after the first cycle.

Tx Jim mentioned wear on the pedals. that can be a good indicator of total use. Drawbar wear is not a very good indicator. Drawbars do get replaced, and one would expect that in the lifespan of a 40-50 year old horse.

Look for coolant in the oil, leaks anywhere, etc.

Good Luck!

wilson ind · Jul 15, 2013

very hard on gas usage

Galen Houk · Jul 15, 2013

Listen for chatter at the coupler on the front of the motor that runs the hydraulic pump. The rubber pads may just be worn out or it could be worse. Open the front side screens and look for oil leaks. If it is a power shift double check that the PTO and PTO brake work. I think gas power shifts were under powered. 3020's are a very nice tractor and worth spending a little money on repairs if it is nice.

Resting Relics 1 · Jul 17, 2013

If it's a Syncro-range make sure it shifts correctly in all ranges and gears. Bad syncro's, shifter parts and ultimately gears in the transmission can cost a lot of money to fix. 3020's were a decent tractor but like everything else if their really worn you can spend a lot of money fixing them up. Good Luck, John

What to look for when buying a 3020?

Goldsburg

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RLA

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Tx Jim

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coonie minnie

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wilson ind

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Galen Houk

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Resting Relics 1

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