1010 Negatives and its fixes?

N-MAN

Member
I just bought a 1961 1010 and looking at all the negative talk about this model but didn't really see a list of the real problems. What are the major problems and their fixes? I've noticed a slow leak down in the Hyd system so far. I hear there is a o'ring problem on the engine sleeves. Is there no fix for this? Are the sleeves only available at the dealer? Don't see them in aftermarket supplier. I've also noticed with PTO engaged I can't shift into gear is installing an overrunning coupler the answer to this? As much info would be Great as I try to decide if I want to keep this tractor. Thanks in Advance...Mike
 
gas or diesel ? How much did you pay? Can you cancel the cheque and back out of the deal? What are the intended uses for the tractor ?
 
It's gas...paid $1800 and just plan to use on homestead for mowing and blading. These had to somewhat ok when first built right? After all they weren't built in China...lol
 
you must have a non live pto, yes the over riding clutch will help, I only use mine on my rotary mower on my 430 because it doesn't want to stop turning. Most other things have some sort of over riding clutch of their own. I believe the gas was better than the diesel but the 1010 and 1020 were hard to work on and parts are expensive. Some people seem to have really good luck with them so hopefully you are one of those. I always thought they were a really "cute " little tractor. I believe Deere concentrated on the 3010 and 4010 new generation and the 1010 ended up patched together from parts from the 2 cylinders and some new stuff.
 
(quoted from post at 20:16:00 04/16/15)
I believe Deere concentrated on the 3010 and 4010 new generation and the 1010 ended up patched together from parts from the 2 cylinders and some new stuff.

Actually the 1010/2010 were built in a totally different factory(Dubuque,Ia.) vs the 3010/4010 built in Waterloo,Ia. Yes the 1010/2010 utilized some of the 2 cyl utility tractor components.
 
I think you meant to type 2010 and not 1020. The 1020 is a very good machine at least before years of abuse.
 

Most of the problems have to do with the leaky hydraulics. The diesels can be hard to start. The brakes are 1930s technology. The gas burners are okay for the jobs you want to do and I would think you should be able to get $1800 worth of work out of it.
 

Since mine seems to have a leak down problem what are the odds that its just the Hyd. Cyl. needs to be resealed or should I be looking for some other common problem? Its leaking down about 1" and then recovers to set height.
 
(quoted from post at 12:22:25 04/16/15) It's gas...paid $1800 and just plan to use on homestead for mowing and blading. These had to somewhat ok when first built right? After all they weren't built in China...lol

A gas 1010 can be tamed and used. The diesel 1010 and all 2010's are best avoided by most folk. Stock up on preparation H.
 
It's easier to put a used Fire Cracker back together than trying to keep a 1010/2010 going...
 
What experiences make you say that? Is it from owning and having to take in for repairs or repairing yourself? What were your problems?
 

N-man. tim s is an JD wizard extraordinaire. Few are the JD machines that he does not have personal experience operating, disassembling to their base components. Then re-assembling and having the machine operate as it should.
 
(quoted from post at 09:02:45 04/18/15)
What experience make you say that? Is it from owning and having to take in for repairs or repairing yourself? What were your problems?

Have you read any of the negative comments on the internet about JD 1010/2010 tractors?? 99 % of the negative comments are TRUE. If you want my credentials I worked for a JD dealer while & after these aforementioned models were new.
 
Tractor is now 54 years old. It may have had problems but if it still runs after all these years it isn't doing to bad. I love my diesel-yea the worst one according to some-
but it starts and runs and does what I want it to.
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Most of my experiences have been with ford tractors and some would say the N series tractors are junk but I found that most aren't fixed correctly but when fixed correctly they are Great Little Tractors. As my first John Deere I guess I've picked the wrong model :roll: I was hoping someone could address the Hyd. Leak Down and the common problems such as Steering Gear Box problems as its easy to steer one second and hard the next mainly turning left :roll: I wasn't trying to judge any ones skills, just pick your Brains :wink:
 
Yes I know I'm kinda hard on those,, but I have had many bad experiences with them only 2 or 3 left around here and they set in the shed all the time...they are just plain tuff to work on and have several bad designs..I know a few people still have them and like them...
 

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