1010 gas tractor

What are the pros and cons of a 1010 gas tractor, how good are the engines,what year did they move the gear shifter to the dash and was this more dependable or just to match the 3010 / 4010? Thanks again

The pros to a 1010 gas is that it isn't a 1010 diesel. I can't think of any other pros. There are a lot of cons. I'll let the rest of the crew list them.

As for the shifter, they were originally on the dash. The more traditional "on the case" shifter came about later, as the on the dash shifter had a lot of issues with the linkage. I think you could get a kit from Deere to get rid of the dash shifter???

So you're sayin it's not a very good tractor then?

I say they were not good new and now even less , I would rather have a "M". I own both the 1010 and back to the M nether have much value today.

Buy a 1020 if you want a small Deere to use. The only thing the 1010 and 1020 have in common is the green and yellow paint.A 1010 is ok to collect but if you want to use it now and into the future look for something better. Tom

If you're trying to decide between a 4010 and a 1010 go with the 4010 hands down. If you want a smaller, cheaper tractor, go with the 1010, but there are several things you should know before you buy.

1. The engines use a sleeve deck, with all 4 sleeves welded into a deck plate that goes between the head and the block. While it works, if it goes bad, replacing it is going to be a major headache. New ones from Deere cost approx. 1700 for a gas, 950 for a diesel. IF you are lucky enough to find a used one they normally run 300. Main thing I'm trying to say is that getting it and rebuilding the engine if needed can be a pain.

2. They aren't as bad as people say they are. Part's aren't that hard to come by, and there are loads of parts tractors you can find (at least in my area). I've spent the last year restoring one, and I really do like the tractor.

3. Several part split numbers. <16000 (approx.) and you're using an older model oil pump. Replacing w/ a new pump will require changing the length of the distributor shaft. The shifter was moved to the top of the transmission case (off the dash) after model 42000. My parts tractor and my running tractor are pre 42000, so I have the dash shifter. It's not that bad once you get used to it.

4. Check the oil pressure when you get it. If it's low on hours and has a decent engine you should be fine. The gas engine is simple enough that it's pretty easy to diagnose any issues you will have with it, and there are several folks on here who can help.

Bottom line: If you want a cheaper tractor that will work, go with the 1010. If you want a more expensive tractor that'll probably last longer and was more popular, go w/ the 4010.

I used a gas one for six years cutting, raking and baling hay. It was trouble free, but I seem to be in the lucky minority whenever the 1010 comes up here.

ok thank you guys for the info, the tractor looks good and i may trade a Cub Farmall for it but right now just thinking

My dad and uncle had a 1010 back in the day. It was perhaps the most hated Deere item we ever had, and we have had a lot, and liked most all of them.

A gas 1010 can be tamed and made useful with no more fuss than any other the competition's tractors of the era.
They are however old and small.

i'm thinking 1020 now that i've read this

I have a first-year 1010 and love it. Gas engine. I wish it was a diesel but no big deal. The 1010 diesels were fine in their time. Most of the problems we had with them were due to owner ignorance. Note that the 1010/2020 series never had much in the way of aftermarket parts support. Also - if comparing a 1010 to a 1020 - the 1020 is MUCH more tractor. Power brakes, closed-center hydraulics, common engine design, aftermarket support, etc. That being said - the 1010/2010 series had several "firsts" for Deere and I suspect that will make them get more valuable as time goes on (in the tractor collector's world).

Everyone should at least own one in their lifetime ! It will be a learning experience for sure.

I will say it's a cool feeling knowing you own the first 4 cylinder model Deere ever made.

I know I will get crap for this....

I have two early John Deere 1010's (Shifters on the dash) and a John Deere 430. I would take the 1010 any day of the week over the 430.

Everyone likes to brag up the two cylinders and condemn the 1010's & 2010's. As long as these are gas units, they are good machines. Keep in mind that the rear ends on the 1010's and 430's are nearly the same.

I think the 1010 is also the first wet-sleeved engine Deere made as far
as a main tractor-engine goes (not counting pony-motors). Also the
first Deere engine with positive-control valve-stem seals. The diesels
are the first Deere engines to use Stanadyne rotary injection. 1010
crawler is the first Deere to use a power-shift direction-reverser.
1010 gas engine near exactly the same cubic-inch displacement as a 420-
430-440 two-banger but certainly has more snap. The 113 c.i. 430 makes
the same power as the 115 c.i 1010 at 1850 RPM but the 430 has reached
its limit at that point. 1010 can 36 horse @ 2500 RM. Much more then
the 28 max HP of the two-cylinder.

growing up, the early 1010 was our "Big" tractor, an MI the "Little tractor". The 1010 was fine for brush chopping in the vineyard, or with a grape hoe or lift disk. Grandpa used the MI to pull the sprayer for convenience reaching the controls from the seat. We inherited a 40 from a neighbor, and the 40 would outpull the 1010 on a two-bottom three-point moldboard plow or the five-foot rototiller. I always felt bigger on the 1010, and loved the dash shifter. Sold it to the thieving neighbor next door, he broke the block a few years later and blamed us...

(quoted from post at 08:38:55 05/11/17) I will say it's a cool feeling knowing you own the first 4 cylinder model Deere ever made.

Click to expand...

iirc the Dubuque engine plant built four cylinder power units for combines etc prior to the New Generation roll out in Dallas.