Latest on '72 4020's?

NY 986

Well-known Member
I did not get to the last sale involving a 1972 diesel synchro but found out it sold for 8,200 dollars. The appearance was fair with the hood emblems off and moderately worn mismatched rear tires. It also had differential lock with two remotes with one looking like it needed a rebuild. The engine sounded OK when I stopped to look ahead of the sale but had a fair amount of oil wash on the RH side. This was 3 years ago to the month that this tractor sold. Another similar condition 1972 4020 is rumored to be coming up for sale soon. Just trying to gauge the market right now with grain and milk down from where it was three years ago.
 
I remember seeing one of those sell several years ago ( 15 ??? )for $ 15,000
It was a low hour ( 6000 ? ) 1 owner.
 
A 6,000 hour one owner extremely straight '72 with all the extras (diff lock, 2nd remote, etc.) would probably bring that today going by Tractor House. The last one I scouted but did not see sold was a small farm sale with a small time auctioneer with no internet coverage. The sale was also on a Saturday with a bunch of other sales happening. I'm thinking right around 9,000 dollars on this one in question. I suspect it needs an injector pump among other things so maybe a little under 9,000 dollars.
 
I have an old JD price book which shows for the 4020 serial number 250,001 and up. Power diff lock is in the base price so I stand corrected there but can be sold less that feature which is probably what I have seen. 2nd remote outlet is 173 dollars. Power Shift was an additional 783 dollars. The 2520 and 3020 have diff lock as an option for 110 dollars.
 
I am not concerned about that right now and for sure the tractor to this point has not been treated like a show queen. My understanding is that the owners probably are looking at next summer before they actually sell it. Everything at present is just talk. IF I got it I probably would bring it up in terms of condition over a fair amount of time. Finances will not allow for much else. As it is the plan is somebody will loan the money with the understanding that I will most likely inherit that money down the road anyways.
 
The 1972 4020 is one of the most collectible and desirable tractors ever made! Don't buy a junky one with thoughts of restoration unless you are a skilled 4020 mechanic and body man. Buy one that has been reputably restored with receipts to show what has been done. Expect to pay between 25 to thirty thousand dollars. That sounds high but my neighbor just paid 22 thousand for a new 0 turn lawnmower! A true restoration will cost more than this. Typically they need body work, paint, new or recored radiator, front and rear tires, engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, differential lock overhaul, brake overhaul along with rear axle bearings. Also the front steering motor and steering valve will need overhauled and resealed. Also the injection pump, starter and alternator will need attention. Also the gauges and tachometer will need work and new facings from Jerry Trcka. Don't forget Travis Jorde for decals and you will need a new seat and muffler. Coupled with labor this will run up a staggering bill!
 
The last one I saw at auction was a 72 5800 hour syngro tires worn very nice $18K.The 72 3020 brought $17500 and 730 diesel $15500.THese were as nice as you would find.The market is about steady as a real nice one sold on BigIron along with some nice IH 1206 and the IH s were a little soft for as nice as they were.Tractors that are average and below can bring under $10K.It costs a lot to make an average one nice.
 
The one I am talking about is certainly not in mint condition. The last I knew it did not run. Buying one as a project is the only way I could afford to have one. I certainly do not have 30,000 to drop in one already to take to the next JD Expo at Canandaigua.
 
Ironic you should mention this.

My list of requirements is more or less the same too. All the items needed to bring the machine back to square one plus some improvements along the way.

It all sounds marvelous but then I snap out of my dream & realize that I haven't, in fact, won the lottery. I'm left with the cold realization that I'll have to compromise some(or many) of the items on the list according to my current finances.......LOL


(quoted from post at 18:52:30 11/01/17)Expect to pay between 25 to thirty thousand dollars. A true restoration will cost more than this. Typically they need body work, paint, new or recored radiator, front and rear tires, engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, differential lock overhaul, brake overhaul along with rear axle bearings. Also the front steering motor and steering valve will need overhauled and resealed. Also the injection pump, starter and alternator will need attention. Also the gauges and tachometer will need work and new facings from Jerry Trcka. Don't forget Travis Jorde for decals and you will need a new seat and muffler. Coupled with labor this will run up a staggering bill!
 

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