2520 gas vs 3020 gas

chas036

Member
How does a 2520 gas tractor compare to an 1966 3020 gas tractor in HP and pulling power, and in engine reliability? Both are syncros, with one remote with 15.5x 38s and about the same overall condition.

I am going to an farm auction where the farmer is going out of business and there is a 2520 gas that looks in good condition with about 60% tread. I am curious what something like this is worth, and what I should put as a limit to bid? I am not desperate to buy a tractor , but if it would go less then $5000 I might consider it as an alternative the 3020 I have been looking for if it has the same pulling power.
 
Here are links to tractor data:

http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/000/0/6/63-john-deere-3020.html


http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/000/0/7/71-john-deere-2520.html

Paul
 
A pretty good 2520 gas should not sell under 5,000 dollars. The market is a little more unknown on those but I would guess at least 7,000 dollars if it does not need anything.
 
If you can find a running 2520 for $ 5,000 buy all of them you can ! I'd even say if it is really nice then give some more money and get it ! Put an end to all this tractor hunting madness. LOL.
 
I kind of agree but will let Tim S, JD Seller, Coonie, and a few others chime in on that particular gas engine before I push it hard.
 
Naturally they aren't going to have the "same pulling power".
The 2520 has 10-15 less HP and weighs less.
The 2520 engine is prone to cylinder/block cavitation and balancer wear.
Unless complete junk neither can be bought for $5000.
Is the 3020 also a console tractor? You need to compare apples to apples.
Do they both have the same front end?
 
A 2520 gas engine would not have a balancer assembly. Cavitation can be a problem in a lot of engines not just that vintage JD. A 1964-68 3020 gas in good condition could be bought in the 5,000 dollar range. The last two very straight 3020 diesels of the same time frame I saw sell were in the low 6,000 range and they included WFE and one was two remotes plus differential lock. I will concede based on this board there is a little variability on that price based on location. I'm still amazed that guys talk in the 9,000 dollar range for an early 3020.
 
It has been my experience that the gas versions of those models struggle to bring much more than $4000. Although I have not seen a 2520 sell recently I have seen a nice 2510 gas owned by my uncle (life long john deere dealer) struggle to bring $4000.
 
Given the number of engines out there which can be bolted into a 2510/2520, I wouldn't even consider a 3020 if one of the others was available.
 
Go with the 2520 even if it cost $1000 more than a 3020 gas. It is a more responsive engine that is easy to replace with a diesel. You could buy a used diesel to fit a 2520 cheaper than doing an overhaul on a 3020. It will be more economical to run than a 3020 and you will hardly notice the power difference between an early 3020 and a 2520. 2520 are a very desirable tractor that is becoming very collectable. A 1972 diesel 2520 will cost well over $10,000 for a good one most places. A 2520 will often bring almost twice as much as a 2510. Tom
 
Most of the 2520 gassers I have seen sell were in the 6000 to 8000 range. A neighbor sold one a few years ago with 4 slick tires and needed paint for $5000, and the buyer thought he got a bargain. A 2520 is twice the tractor that a 3020 is. I have a 2510 now and have had 2 3020's in the past. I wouldn't trade my 2510 for both 3020's. The 2520 is about 5 or 10 less hp, but there is really not much difference in pulling power. The 2510 and 2520 engines are a better design.
 
If I follow what you said then you are right because I just checked JD Parts. Not only does the gas use them but the part numbers appear to be the same for both the gas and the diesel plus a RE sub number. I never knew that any ag application gas engine used them. I had been told at one time that balancers were only used in gas engine applications where engine RPM's ran in excess of 3500-4000 RPM's.
 
The 2510/2520 engine is not a better engine,,just more of them out there to choose from,poor timing gears/oil pump,balance shafts that usually ruin the block when they go bad and no side frame bolts..
 
Apples to apples. 2520 is a console tractor.
Would need to compare to 1969-1972 3020.
Doubt you will find one near $5000.
I noticed you already were informed about balancers.
That's why 3 cylinder engines were developed. 3 & 6
cylinder engines are naturally balanced.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top