Farmall 240 vs. John Deere 820

05sonicblue · Mar 25, 2013

I am looking at two tractors and only want to buy one. I will be using it with an auger, grain drill, sickle bar, rake, and small square baler.

The first one is a Farmall / IH 240. I would need to get the fast hitch to 3 pt conversion parts. The seller is asking $3700.

The second one is a John Deere 820. It has the sun visor (roof only, no windows or sides). It also has a tractor radio installed, external hydraulic hookups, and rear-exit exhaust. It appears to be in really good condition. The seller is willing to go down to $5100.

This will be the first tractor that I have bought personally even though I have used many in the past (mainly Oliver's). Both started righted up. The main difference being that the 240 is gas and the 820 is diesel.

I can also pickup an Oliver 550 for $2900, but I haven't looked at it yet, just saw it online, so I'm not sure if it runs.

Any advice or additional information would be great. From what I can tell both tractors are right around 30HP.

Dave I Love My H · Mar 25, 2013

Hi! Is the 550 gas or diesel? They are a great tractor for your described needs. Parts for all tractors mentioned should be available. I"m partial to Farmall/ IH, but I"m really partial to a well maintained diesel engine!
Dave

05sonicblue · Mar 25, 2013

I'm guessing that it is gas. Here's the links for two 550's. One is $2,900 and the other is $3,500:

http://www.external_link/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=7537840&dlr=1&pcid=2951664

http://www.external_link/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=7263045&dlr=1&pcid=2951664

Leroy · Mar 25, 2013

I was a John Deere guy (2 cylinder era, lost me when they went to the new generation line) but I would go with the Farmall, think they are a decent tractor. A 240 or 340 is all I would go for tho. Now on the Deere in my 69 years on this farm the only Deere 820's that I have seen or even heard of were the big 2 cylinder models. The later 820 all have ever seen is advertisments for them when new and not very many even then and that is not an american tractor, but do not know where it was made.

Janicholson · Mar 25, 2013

Assuming the 820 is not a 2 cylinder huge tractor, the best bet might be the 550 Oli. The IH might be considered a slightly modernized C. and might be pushed around some by the baler. Jim

rrlund · Mar 25, 2013

That's a tough one for me. Being an Oliver guy,I LOVE the 550. BUT......isn't that 820 similar to a 1020? I've had a 1020 gas for 31 years. It's the only tractor that I'd say is as bulletproof and dependable as the 550. The only differences,the Deere is likely gonna have power steering no matter what,the Oliver might have it. And the Deere could be cat 2 3pt,the Oliver probably cat 1.I don't know though,about the diesel version of the Deere.
Don't know much about the IH,but converting a fast hitch to a 3pt is usually a marginally successful endevor.

Dave Sherburne NY · Mar 25, 2013

If your comparing it with a farmall 240 I think you mean the 3 cyl diesel made in Germany 31 HP That price seems about right if you look at ads on tractor house
JD 820

rustyfarmall · Mar 25, 2013

I think that John Deere is probably one of the newer sub-compact tractors. Most likely NOT made in the U.S., or maybe assembled in the U.S. but the components are imported. Most likely also has a LOT of electronic controls and other gizmos which are prone to failure and could be quite costly to repair or replace. I'm not saying it is a bad tractor, but for the long haul, I think I would go with either on of the other two choices.

Just my opinion. Others are entitled to theirs.

Russ from MN · Mar 25, 2013

I would recommend the Deere, my Father had a Mannheim JD and it was a good tractor, No electronics that I know of, only some safety switches that are there to keep you safe! It's going to be a little light for a hay baler, hope you don't have any hills! We used a IH B275 on our JD baler with a kicker once, when our bigger tractor was down for repairs. Every time it would throw a bale in the wagon it seemed like the back of the B275 would jump off the ground!

Mike (WA) · Mar 25, 2013

I"d rate the JD and Oliver as about equal, with the IH behind because the 2 point to 3 point conversion is going to cost a few hundred bucks, and will be inferior to the other two when you get done. I'd be a little leery of the Deere until you check with dealers for parts availablity- I've seen a few 830's, don"t recall ever seeing an 820, and Deere has not always been the best about keeping parts available for older (but non-"classic") models.

So the Oliver at about half the cost of the Deere? Oliver- hands down. BTW, I"ve had a 550 diesel for about 35 years, and I"ve started selling off my other tractors- the goal being the 550 being the only tractor left for my estate sale. Nuff said.

Leroy · Mar 25, 2013

That Deere was made at the same time as the 1020, 2020, 3020 and 4020 in late 60's so it is not a modern subcompact, German I think and about as scarce as hens teeth, notice I sad about meaning there were a few but not many and most of the dealers would ask what are you talking about. The tractor may be good but finding parts or service a big question mark.

donjr · Mar 25, 2013

IIRC, the 820 was a size under the 1020, and manual steering. I think they were about 27 hp, but not a bad little tractor for a starter, and about 2 tons in weight. It was the smallest of the JD lineup in the early '70's. The 550 is lighter, but a few more hp. I'd stay away from the IH just on utility. They were a fast hitch tractor, and you almost have to have equipment to fit them.

flambeauone · Mar 25, 2013

Im an IH guy but I loved my 550 oliver. Theyre great little tractors. I sold mine with all of my cat 1 equipment. Steering was rough on mine but I think Johnson power steering might make a kit for them now. I would definately consider another if I needed one that size.

Tx Jim · Mar 25, 2013

Mannheim built '68-'72 JD 820 was 32 pto hp with open center hyds and could have the option of power steering. They were good little utility tractors that when new rarely came back to dealership for warranty work.

caterpillar guy · Mar 25, 2013

If you watch you can find a lot more tractor for the price of that Deere and be a lot happier using that baler.

dhermesc · Mar 25, 2013

To be honest they both sound a little over priced - especially the 240. I"m not that familiar with the JD.

Rodney Middleton · Mar 25, 2013

I have had a John Deere 820 since 1986. It has been a very good tractor for me. I mowed 50 to 100 acres of hay plus raking and baleing for several years. I have put a water pump and two governer rings one just last week took me about 4 Hours. 31 hp. good utility tractor. My 2 cents Rodney

tomstractorsandtoys1 · Mar 25, 2013

I have no experience with the oliver but take the 820 over the 240.Dad had a new 820,830 and two 2040's and never had any problems with them.(The 2040 we still have has 7500 hours and has only had a clutch and hyd pump rebuild)Most of the parts are the same as the 1020.In some areas the dealers sold lots of them especially in the eastern US.The very first ones only had seven forward gears and one reverse(that is a real pain) the later ones had 8 forward and 4 reverse.The price seems a little high unless it is in very good shape and has power steering.

Bret4207 · Mar 25, 2013

I've used a neighbors 820. I think his price is ridiculous for what it is. $3500.00 maybe if it's in great shape. Green paint isn't worth that much. I'd take a serious look at the Ollie were it me. They were great tractors.

randy hall · Mar 25, 2013

the 550 hands down. the best utility tractor ever built.

FarmerZeb · Mar 25, 2013

my personal bias would be towards a well maintained diesel. If that is the oliver go with it if it is the deere go with that. 5K for a well maintained 30 hp diesel tractor in very good condition is not unreasonable. I regularly see major brand 30 hp diesel tractors go for 4-5K regardless of color if they are in very good condition. If you are patient you can find a deal on a diesel under 4k.

-paul

jm. · Mar 25, 2013

Dave You are confusing ASKING price from selling price. As a dealer I like to show folks look on Tractor House see what they are asking for, but in reality selling price in most instances will be considerably less. The john deer is over price for my part of the country but neither would I buy a gas 240 ih . Customers like this guy are what a dealer likes to see. A dump it on him customer. Dealer gets rid of something he was probably going to have to take to auction.

jm. · Mar 25, 2013

Do not know where you are located but there is John Deer 830 on Craig,s List Nashville Tn. New paint and rubber Really nice tractor asking $ 4500.00 I think you guy is a little high.

05sonicblue · Mar 25, 2013

Thanks for all of the replys. The 240 and the 820 are from the same seller. Someone that is a friend of a family member and was going to give me a redone and freshly painted rake for 700 and deliver anything I bought for free. After doing further research, I also believe that the prices are a little too high. When I have a chance (probably in a week or 2), I am going to go to a local used tractor dealer. He is the one that has the two 550's. He also has a JD 2120 for 4,900 and an Allis Chalmbers 180 for $3,900 (or 4,900 for a 185).

Royse · Mar 25, 2013

I'm not sure where you're located, but you may want to look into some farm auctions.
I've seen 110 HP diesel cab tractors in good shape sell for $4500 here.
I sold a 70 HP gas tractor with a loader for $3500.
They're right in that area where they're too small for the big guys and too big
for the deer plot crowd. Cheap horsepower with all the newer features.
Power steering, live PTO and hydraulics, etc.

Bret4207 · Mar 26, 2013

(quoted from post at 18:14:53 03/25/13) Thanks for all of the replys. The 240 and the 820 are from the same seller. Someone that is a friend of a family member and was going to give me a redone and freshly painted rake for 700 and deliver anything I bought for free. After doing further research, I also believe that the prices are a little too high. When I have a chance (probably in a week or 2), I am going to go to a local used tractor dealer. He is the one that has the two 550's. He also has a JD 2120 for 4,900 and an Allis Chalmbers 180 for $3,900 (or 4,900 for a 185).

Well shoot, if you can get a 180 for that money and the thing is in decent shape and has good rubber then go for it.

buickanddeere · Mar 26, 2013

Certainly is opinion because your statements are woefully
short on facts.

Farmall 240 vs. John Deere 820

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