4020 vs 1066 update

Wendell Burton · Nov 30, 2009

Ran the 1066 this past weekend. Very smooth and strong. Surprisingly quiet. T/A worked fine. I'm shorter than average so the clutch was hard to reach and the throttle was a stretch. Shifting is a little stickier than the 4020. Braking/stopping while going downhill was tough. I've offered to drive it in our local Christmas parade. So, deal or no deal? No deal. I'll keep the 4020.

Anonymous-0 · Nov 30, 2009

smart move

a.rothermel · Nov 30, 2009

sounds like you made the right choice.

Don-Wi · Nov 30, 2009

A big part pof the decision should be based on operator comfort. We rent an IH 986 once in a while, and to me it's just not comfortable to drive for extended periods. After driving it for a day, my back is ready for a chiropractor. 2 days or more is almost unbearable.
Not sure if the 66 and 86 series are similar in the cab or not, but I would never own an 86 series myself.

They are very quiet though, and IH did make a good engine. Nothing against them there. I just don't like the way their set up.

To me, the operator platform on our Oliver 1855 is set up much better, with everything within a finger's reach for me.

Other's results may vary, these are just mine.

Donovan from Wisconsin

spacechem · Nov 30, 2009

Thanks for the update! D'ya suppose those two guys are still throwing spitballs at each other back in the original thread? Not worth paging back to find out...

D-C-741 · Nov 30, 2009

Well You did it right ! Most IH HYD Brakes Dont Work When the Engine is not Running .

Too Far Gone · Nov 30, 2009

Your tractor turns shorter also,doesnt it?I like IH Tractors,but I wouldnt have traded either.

cadet trooper · Nov 30, 2009

Only one color to remember apples to apples not apples to oranges. The 4020 production ended in 1972 the 1066 started in 1972 the JD match for the 1066 was the 4320 and if anyone drove the both of them there was no match in fact they only made them 1971 and 1972. It did prompt the production of the very popular 4430 which was a good thing. The match would have been the 966 which I agree would not have been a match for the 4020. IMHO all in all the JD 4020 was probably one of the most versatile tractors for the ages along with the 8N Ford the M Farmall AC B or C you name it and belongs in that category. It just fell behind with the new age of farming by that I mean doing more with less. Like locally we have several farmers farming over 3000acres with two people and maybe a part timer 20 years ago that would have taken twice that.

NY 986 · Nov 30, 2009

You are right about the comfort of the individual operator. However, I have gotten along with our 986 pretty well over the years. Most people (IH lovers included) do not like the transmission shift levers over on the left but I actually like it making the right more free for throttle and hydraulics. Also, I think the cab is an improvement over the 66 series tractor.
This is not a criticism but just pointing out how people can look at a given tractor from two different standpoints. I think Wendell's familiarity with operating the tractor and knowing the tractor's history definitely were big factors in keeping it.
All that is important is the Oliver meets your requirements. A comfortable operator makes for a long satisfying and productive day.

Wendell Burton · Dec 1, 2009

Tractors bring out the best and worst in alot of folks.I guess we're not much different than football or racing fans.

Wendell Burton · Dec 1, 2009

Front tires are a little smaller on the 4020 so it turns easier. Shorter wheelbase helps too.

Wendell Burton · Dec 1, 2009

4020 brakes are the same. I stalled mine out going up a hill while raking. Going too fast in too high of a gear. Well, as soon as the engine stalled, the clutch went to the floor and so did the brakes. I rolled backwards about 30 feet until the rake jack-knifed into the tires and stopped me. Came pretty close to rolling it. I'm alot more carefull in that part of the field now.

Wendell Burton · Dec 1, 2009

The 4020 fits me better. The only uncomfortable part is noise. That old 4020 is pretty loud. It's a good loud though. I wear earplugs or headphones most of the time. A cab would help.

Tx Jim · Dec 2, 2009

NY 986
My friend asked me to plow with his 986. First thing he told me"be careful when shifting gears or shifter will lock up. I drove it a few hours and told him no way Jose. Every control on it is inconvenient as compared to my tractor. I had to reach nearly to floor to operate remote hyd levers. But it's all in what one is used to I guess.

4020 vs 1066 update

Wendell Burton

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Anonymous-0

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a.rothermel

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Don-Wi

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spacechem

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D-C-741

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Too Far Gone

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cadet trooper

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NY 986

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Wendell Burton

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Wendell Burton

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Wendell Burton

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Wendell Burton

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Tx Jim

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