New 4020 Powershift - questions about operating

MOshoe

New User
Hi all, I have recently acquired a 1968 JD 4020 powershift diesel. This is the first 4020 I've ever operated, and have some pretty basic
questions.

First off, what is the lever on the right side of the dash for? This lever seems to swing back and forth pretty easy.

The PTO lever on the left side of the dash (I'm assuming this is the PTO lever) is very hard to pull back to disengage the PTO, is that
normal? I also don't like having to use that little knob by my left knee to keep the PTO shaft disengaged.

Is it normal that when the PTO is not engaged, the tractor doesn't drive? With the PTO disengaged, shifting into gear doesn't do a darn
thing in forward or reverse. No problem when the PTO is engaged.

I'm sure I'll think of some other questions, but I appreciate any input on the above!
 
You have everything backwards. The lever on your right is the pto lever. The lever on your left is an engine disconnect lever that was designed to make the tractor start easier in cold weather. Sometimes because of lack of use the engine disconnect lever will stick disengaged and require the tractor to be split to repair. I would recommend going to Ebay and getting an operaters manual for your tractor. Tom
 
After rereading your question I also believe that you have a pto that will not stop when disengaged. That is a some what common problem on powershifts and will require the tractor to be split and a clutch pack removed to repair. Tom
 
right hand side PTO,left hand side the button releases lever to desingage power shift for cold weather starting.My guess is that you have disengaged the power shift.Pull knob and put lever on left side forward and my guess is your problems are solved.The right hand PTO lever will engage without a lot of resisteance
 
Well I sure feel stupid now. Thanks for helping me out, I clearly need to order an operators manual.
 

depending on your computer skill level, you can order the operators manual and service manual from john deere on cd's, that way you can always keep a clean copy and print anything you need as you need, instead of a one book purchase.
 
Ooh yes I can see that you don't have any basic knowledge about your new tractor,, a friend of mine had a 4020 Power Shift,, and his Dad had knowledge about it similar to you,, and he thought the PTO lever was a Torque Amplifier, like a Farmal Had, he pulled it back on every round while raking hay thinking it was working fine...and I am not faulting you for not knowing, and glad we can help you understand the controls...
 
He's not the first one... I have a 64 4020 here with the long engine disconnect lever. It seems like there is something about that lever that screams "Pull me!" to first time operators. I'm guessing that is one of the reasons that lever got smaller after the first year. (The other reason is it is really good at catching coats when you get off!)

I also went to look at a 4020 for sale at an antique tractor jockey's place near me. I asked him if the PTO brake stopped the PTO. He showed me that the PTO would stop by pulling the engine disconnect!! I'm not sure if was really that "innocent" or not!
 
There is no such thing as a dumb question and most on this forum are glad to help.On the 69/72 they put small pto lever on left hand side of dash so they don't ease in like the one you have.Like was stated an owners manual would help with most questions.Now if you wrote into Green Magazine Mr.Thinker would answer your question but can be a bit testy at times.I told Green Magazine they should hire Tim S.to be Mr.Thinker. I actually think there are more than one as it covers many generations of tractors.I don't know much but an tickled when I do know an answer.
 
(quoted from post at 14:44:35 03/05/18) There is no such thing as a dumb question and most on this forum are glad to help.On the 69/72 they put small pto lever on left hand side of dash so they don't ease in like the one you have.Like was stated an owners manual would help with most questions.Now if you wrote into Green Magazine Mr.Thinker would answer your question but can be a bit testy at times.I told Green Magazine they should hire Tim S.to be Mr.Thinker. I actually think there are more than one as it covers many generations of tractors.I don't know much but an tickled when I do know an answer.

Mr Thinker is actually a very nice, helpful and understanding fellow .Sometimes MT is misunderstood by those who think spoonfeeding or not using your brains is acceptable .
 

Alright guys, I took a video of the linkage connected to the PTO lever. Let me know if anything looks out of place. Sorry about the oily mess, the oil pressure gauge line was disconnected previously and squirted oil everywhere!

Video link: https://vimeo.com/258708294

A new development: disengaging the PTO lever causes a noticeable reduction in shaft speed, but does not completely stop it. Using a 2x4 I was unable to get it to stop spinning.
 
I would suggest you have someone with knowledge to look at your tractor.A JD tech,ex tech or someone that works on them as the PTO brake is a lot different than just operating procedure.I have seen linkage problems.Thats one thing I always ask when buying one without seeing it as a few people forget that small $1500+ detail.
 
(quoted from post at 02:08:39 03/06/18) B&D I actually thought maybe you were one of the Mr.Thinkers as I know you have vast knowledge about many subjects.

I also thought that b&d was a part time thinker for GM. :lol:
 

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