alfrehner

Member
I know this has probably been talked about a 100 times on here, but here it goes again. I am looking at buying a 4020. I believe it is an early model as the hydraulic controls are on the dash. It is an open station with decent fenders. Sheet metal is fairly straight, but paint is all gone. Tires are pretty wore out, and none of the gauges work. Fires up pretty good, and has a power shift that seems to shift through all the gears good.It has a big hydraulic oil leak coming from underneath the hood. I'm not sure what or where it is coming from, or how hard and expensive it will be to fix. This guy has just used it to bale 10 acres of hay for the last few years. He is asking $5500. Whats your thoughts on that? Any idea what the leak might be, is there a common problem that leaked on these? I have always loved the 4020 and dreamed of owning one, but don't want to buy a headache. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks
 
Tires,hours,and condition can account for 50% of the value on an older tractor.I would say that would be too high for the tractor you describe.Nice early 4020 top out at around $9K.I my opinion usually cheaper in long run to buy a nice one.I know of several cheaper tractor that were way overpriced.Salvage value is around $35/40 per H.P.if JD.
 
It is VERY easy to lift the hood off of those to take a look. Might just be a hose ? or could have a hole rubbed into a metal pipe ? Either of those is a easy fix. Now if the oil cooler is leaking that might get expensive. IIRC a bolt at each side of the rear and a latch you turn to unlock on each side of the front.
 
Hydraulic oil cost about $75 per 5 gallon bucket or $15/gallon. A large leak can be expensive per hour to run the tractor. Budget $1,000+ to hire someone else fix the leak if you can't tear it down yourself (steering column leak ?). Budget $750 each to replace the rear tires. IMHO, if you need to depend on it, I would look for one in better condition. I suspect prices on the early 4020's have already peaked. If you don't need one right now I'd be patient and keep looking.
 
Could just be a coupler hose on the oil line going to the oil cooler. That will spew out a lot of oil. Or it could be the oil cooler itself
 
The price sounds about right, but remember you could put between $0 and several thousand $ repairs in it, just part of a 50 year old.
 

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