Best service/repair manuals for JD 1020?

I am capable of my own maintenance but have always found that good manuals lessen the learning curve. Pubs are available from Deere, I&T and Intertec at considerable price differences.

Any suggestions as to best quality and value?

Thanks,
Jim S.

I grew up on a farm with a JD model 60, 70, 630, and finally a 4010 when they were first introduced. I was too young then to do any maintenance but sure got to operate them for days on end.

My 1020 came as part of 20 acres that I just purchased. The previous owner may have bought it new (a '67 model) but his maintenance records only go back to '79 although other records refer to a JD tractor as early as '72. He kept sporadic maintenance records, noting work performed and hours reading every few years. I mistyped the current hours above; should read 2600 hours. He averaged 65 hours per year since '79.

Cosmetically the tractor is rough but all the major functions appear to work except lights. I have concluded that all maintenance beyond lubrication was done by friends with much evidence of cobbled repairs. I look forward to gradually restoring it to full function as well as good looks.

Regards,
Jim

Comparing the two manuals is comparing apples to oranges. The IT manuals leave out the "fluff" and just sticks to essential facts. It is a "quick reference" manual and assumes the user alreay has general knowledge. At every Deere dealership I worked at - we always had both manuals for all tractors. IT books are a lot easier and quicker to use - and no big loss if you got one greasy. When we started using them, they only cost $1.50 each. Keep in mind they were originally written for the professional mechanic who already had some mechancial expertise.

I still prefer IT books for most things - and the Deere OEM for more complicated repairs. Even with the Deere OEM manual - you won't get all the info. Deere has a habit of making separate books for certain components - e.g. for injection pumps.

Sometimes you will get some facts in an IT book for a particular tractor - that you will not find in the Deere OEM manual. That's the way it goes. I'll add, that along with the Deere "extra" manuals on eletrics, hydraulics, fuel injection, etc. - IT used to sell a "Standard Units" book. It is a great resource- with a lot of data on carbruetors, starters, ignition systems, clutches, magnetos, etc.

To be specific about your tractor - I have a 1020, a 300, and a 300B - all pretty much the same tractors. I have the IT and Deere OEM books - and still don't always have all the info I want.