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4020, The best tractor JD ever made

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Lynn

01-30-2002 19:46:54

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I have worked at john deere now for 10 years. I am absolutely tired of these new tractors. Yeah, they are neat and all but what a pain in the butt. All they are now is one big computer chip. A mouse could easily render one of these 100 thousand dollar machines useless. I say remake the 4020. All you need is 12 volts to the starter and its running. Dont need no computer to plug into it to find out what sensor is bad. Dont need no stupid computer to run the transmission, or engine, or hitch. The only computer on a 4020 is what is setting between the seat and steering wheel. If they would start making these tractors simple and affordable then they would make millions. All that they would have to do is make it so that the injection pump would meet emission standards. What is so hard about that? Why do things have to be so complex? That wheat that we are harvesting dont look no different than it did 50 years ago and it sure aint worth no more than 50 years ago!What do you guys think?

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Carl R

02-01-2002 20:17:30

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Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to Lynn, 01-30-2002 19:46:54

I don't necessarily agree that the 4020 was the best tractor JD ever made. I have been turning wrenches on Deeres for 5 years and I like the new ones better. Give me a 16 speed power shift in an 8000 series tractor any day rather than a 15 speed from a 50-55-60 series. They are MUCH simpler internally and stronger, too.

As far as the electonics, if you know the system, it will tell you what is wrong and where the fault is. This doesn't eliminate mechanical failures and tracking down these failures, but I have found that the electonics will help isolate problems and confirm suspicions.

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Lynn

02-02-2002 18:04:41

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Re: Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to Carl R, 02-01-2002 20:17:30

Thats all cool and all but the transmission in an 8000 series tractor costs as much as 2 4020 tractors.

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Handsome Jim

02-03-2002 08:59:55

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Re: Re: Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to Lynn, 02-02-2002 18:04:41

And so it goes with everything else. Cars and trucks etc. I'm a truck driver by occupation, ready mix and dump trucks. The Chevrolets, Fords, Macks and Binders I drove in the mid seventies had a lot of character and were not sophisticated at all to work on. But would I want to climb out of the 2001 model I'm driving now and go back to the ones built in the glory years? Not hardly.

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Bob K

02-01-2002 10:06:03

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Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to Lynn, 01-30-2002 19:46:54

The 4020 (diesel) was the first "big iron" I learned to drive at age 12. Before that, I drove As, Bs, and Gs. We had two 4010s for a few years and then got two 4020s. The most trouble we had with them was the transmission (shifters). We farmed 600 acres of grapes in Californina and the family still uses them during harvest in the fall. Still kickin' after 30+ years!

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Dave G

01-31-2002 19:24:16

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Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to Lynn, 01-30-2002 19:46:54

Why is everything getting more complex??? Tractors, cars, motorcycles, taxes, life, laws, etc. I thought simplicity is where its at. I got the old tractors and hope they keep making the parts, they are not dependent on the electronic market which can stop the production of chips whenever. I don't think the changes are all good for the average guy. I think the complexity is the result of business and the almighty buck. It makes me wonder if things will ever simplify again.

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G Taylor

02-02-2002 08:46:25

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Re: Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to Dave G, 01-31-2002 19:24:16

Depends what you grow up with. My great grandfather never trusted electricity,radios,airplanes or indoor plumbing.

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02-02-2002 12:40:01

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Re: Re: Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to G Taylor , 02-02-2002 08:46:25

We had grandpa over for a BBQ and he laugh at us because we ate outside and went inside to use the restroom. He always ate at supper inside and went outside to unload.

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John A.

01-31-2002 18:43:58

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Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to Lynn, 01-30-2002 19:46:54

I agree the 4020 is a great tractor but, the better choice is the 4520 or 4620, basicly the same tractor with a better frount end under it.
The best loader tractor when equiped a power-
shift and a console with triple remotes. also
needed is 5/600 lb of cast wt on each of the back
corners.
The 4020 stills rules as the undisputed ALL AROUND champ.
just my thoughts

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Larry E

01-31-2002 19:18:12

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Re: Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to John A. , 01-31-2002 18:43:58

Did you guys ever hear the saying ''When you are through changing you are through? Thats where most of these answers are coming from.They don't make things like they used to,they make them better How about that/

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Jon Z.

02-01-2002 04:46:35

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Re: Re: Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to Larry E, 01-31-2002 19:18:12

You are right to a certain extent Larry. Just this week I had some trouble with my '97 Ranger pickup. I love that truck. It's really much better than the old '64 Chevy I used to own but...someone was riding along with me and kicked a wire loose from the inertia switch. The inertia switch is what cuts off the electric fuel pump in an accident. It cost me $100 to get my truck started again. A part of me misses my old mechanical fuel pump on my old '64. At least I could diagnos most problems with it and fix it myself. What I don't miss is the terrible gas mileage and frying in the Kansas summer heat. I guess change and progress are good and bad...all at the same time. What I save in gas mileage, I spend in specialist repairs. Oh well.

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RLA

01-31-2002 18:13:12

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Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to Lynn, 01-30-2002 19:46:54

I couldn't agree more, I work for a new car dealer & can say alot about new tech. Henry Ford created a simple machine & service on this product use to be very practical, & simple. How times have changed. Many new inventions are nothing more than gimicks, gimicks people think they need. Likewise the engineers now days are just super salemen in a white coat. Lets take a step back, I'm still able to turn my tractor or raise the plows without the aid of a computor. RLA

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Mike

01-31-2002 10:04:42

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Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to Lynn, 01-30-2002 19:46:54

4020 was and is a great tractor but 20 years from now people will still be talking about why did Deere quit making the 60 series. And why did they only produce them for 3 years? 4960 gets my vote for one of JD's finer achievments

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jeff

01-31-2002 17:14:12

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Re: Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to Mike, 01-31-2002 10:04:42

I think that the 4020 was a great tractor, but the 4430 gets my vote. We have been using one on our farm for about 25 years now. It has never burned anymore oil then when we have got it. It has done everything we have wanted it to and more!

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Scott

01-31-2002 14:58:10

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Re: Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to Mike, 01-31-2002 10:04:42

The 20 through 55 series tractors were all great John Deere tractors. But I agree that that in 10-20 years everyone will be asking why Deere ever discontinued the 60 series. I am already asking that. The 4960 MFWD gets my vote as Deere`s best ever.

My John Deere Collection

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Greg H.

01-31-2002 09:34:45

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Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to Lynn, 01-30-2002 19:46:54

For a small farm say 200 acres or less I think the late model 4020's are about the best you can get for a bullet proof tractor, if you can do with out all the bells and whistles. I can. I agree with others that for bigger aplications the 4440 is a great tractor, with way more potential than anything I've been around in that HP range. However, other than the headlights I haven't seem much difference between it and the 4450. However with a 4020 you can cut hay, ted, rake, bale, and haul the wagons with less feul, and a slightly more nimble tractor. I'd buy a new one, just to match my old one. Later, Greg H.

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Scott

01-31-2002 17:00:59

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Re: Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to Greg H., 01-31-2002 09:34:45

I'd vote the 4450, the 40 series was probably the best looking ever, but the 50 series MFWD and the 15 speed powershift puts the 4450 over the top. they are the best tractor ever to roll off the production line.

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Lynn

02-01-2002 19:30:29

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Re: Re: Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to Scott, 01-31-2002 17:00:59

Having worked on JD tractors for a long time, I disagree on the 50 series tractors. The reason they came out with the 55 series was to correct all of the problems with the 50 series. The main problem was in the C-1 and C-2 clutches behind the engine. The bolts were to small and sheared off all of the time, the clutch plate tangs also wore into the clutch segments. Behind that is the input planetary which was made wrong to begin with. The plates were not thick enough along with other problems within the pack.
How many of you 50 series owners have had to split your tractor before 4000 hours because of these problems? If you havent then get ready to spend about 3500 to 4000 dollars soon. One more problem is the rear main seal that is installed into an aluminum housing. The aluminum likes to expand and let the rear seal slip out. This allows the engine oil to go into the trans. and if not caught it will lock up the engine quickly. I am not saying that the 50 series is total junk. They just had a new design that maybe wasnt tested well enough.

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DAVE M

01-31-2002 09:25:31

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Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to Lynn, 01-30-2002 19:46:54

THE LOCAL DEERE DEALER HAS THE MODERN DAY EQUAL TO THE 4020 A 6603 - 95 PTO HP 414 6 CYL. NO
ELECTRONICS JUST PLAIN JANE ELECTRICAL BUILT
IN MEXICO. WILL HAVE TO SEE IF HOLDS UP. DEERE
WAS LISTENING TO THE CUSTOMERS WHO DIDN'T WANT
ALL OF THE BELLS AND WHISTLES AND ELECTRONICS.

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Paul

01-31-2002 06:40:09

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Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to Lynn, 01-30-2002 19:46:54

OK the 4020 was a good tractor maybe even a great machine but----- ---.I still remember sitting in a new 4430when they shut the door while it was running absolute heaven compared to anything at the time.we ordered one on the spot .wore a 4430 and a 4230(the 4230 gets my vote as one of the worst tractors deere ever built)out and replaced with afar superior tractor the 4440.one of these now has 9000hours on it and lived at 180 horse most of its life.in a total time of 17500 hours we have rebuilt one engine one injection pump and two rear axles.now looking backthe 4020 was agood tractor just not the best that deere ever produced.

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JDJIM

01-31-2002 07:43:00

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Re: Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to Paul , 01-31-2002 06:40:09

Agree with you guys on the 4440 1000% , along with being the best all around tractor Deere ever built , I will add the best that anyone ever built and the the 40 Series was the last good tractor Deere built . I never had a 4440 but I had a 4640 and now have a '82 4840 . I have a 4430 Powershift , have been looking for a '82 4440 Powershift to trade it for but haven't got the job done yet .
The 4020 is a great tractor , by far the best of it's time , many years ahead of its competition , and it basically put Deere out in front of the rest for many many years , but today I don't think Deere's new electronic monsters are any better than CIH (or whatever they will be called) I hate to say that . They haven't convinced my that I need all this electronic and computer controled stuff and I'm far enough along in life that I can safely say I will never own one .
I would like to see the 6,7 and 8000 series Deeres running as good as the 30's and 40's are today after 20+ years and 10000's of hours , I don't think they will do it .

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John

01-31-2002 07:10:35

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Re: Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to Paul , 01-31-2002 06:40:09

I'd have to agree with you!! The 4020 was a great tractor, and I put many hours on 4010's and 4020's, but I'd have to nominate the 4440 as the best all-around tractor Deere ever built---would do the work of a 4630 on about half the fuel, never got hot, and just ran, and ran, and ran..... ..and didn't have all the electronic BS that later tractors had. Certainly both of these tractors should be enshrined in the Deere Hall of Fame!!

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Devon

01-31-2002 06:24:59

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Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to Lynn, 01-30-2002 19:46:54

Boys, I agree a hundred percent with you. We farm with both IH and JD. But most farmers don't think like we do. They want a tractor that can pull big enough equipment that will get the job done quicker. We farm 3500acres and our biggest tractor is a 4840, bought brand new in 78'. You don't need to have the new stuff to farm, the old stuff works just fine if it's taking care of.

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JamesJ-TX

01-31-2002 05:42:26

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Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to Lynn, 01-30-2002 19:46:54

I agree also, I farmed with a uncle for many years and we ran 2 720's and a 4020 then later got a 4430, but it was the 4020 that I always would use, and when I was able to finally get a tractor I bopught a 69 4020 and to me there is no better tractor that JD ever made.

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kraig WY

01-31-2002 05:31:56

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Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to Lynn, 01-30-2002 19:46:54

I bought a 4020 D last summer. For some reason it take me a lot longer to plow snow with it then it did with my Ford 850. Especially when it cold. Something about the heated cab. The longer I plow snow the less time I have to work out side in the 10 degree weather. Hey...at least I do a good clean up job on the snow.

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shoe

01-30-2002 21:29:35

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Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to Lynn, 01-30-2002 19:46:54

I don't think it's just the new John Deeres that are a night mare, it's every new make on the market. The average back door mechanic can't work
on these new ones anymore, wouldn't know where to
start on them.

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G Taylor

01-30-2002 21:03:47

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Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to Lynn, 01-30-2002 19:46:54

The generation of farmers ahead of you said the same thing,ecept they were asking for the 720/730 however. In another 25-30 years what good old tractor will farmers want then?

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Gary

01-30-2002 20:51:46

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Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to Lynn, 01-30-2002 19:46:54

You got my vote! 100%! I run a 3020 in a custom hay baling business and am looking for another tractor this year. Possibly a 4230 or a 4020, just depends on what I can find and how credit goes. What really makes me sick is this new self steering business they are talking about. For my money if you can't do the job you don't need to be there. I really am not to in love with the monitor on my 530 round baler.

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Steve J

01-30-2002 20:17:55

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Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to Lynn, 01-30-2002 19:46:54

I second that notion. They would sell so many new 4020's that they couldn't keep up. There only going to get more complicated. They (Deere)don't want the average guy working on their own equipment. That keeps the labor rates high. I'll just keep rebuilding the old ones. I farm with a "71" 4020,an A JD,and 105 combine. I don't believe you have to use new equipment to get the job done. As you said the 4020 was the best tractor ever built. I've even heard hard core IH guys say they are a good tractor and easy to operate. Some of these guys even own one.

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rhudson

01-30-2002 20:09:33

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Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to Lynn, 01-30-2002 19:46:54

any of the 20 series could be "the best" JDs built in my op.

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brent

01-31-2002 19:45:50

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Re: Re: 4020, The best tractor JD ever made in reply to rhudson, 01-30-2002 20:09:33

I agree that the 20-60 series are fine tractors and I had a hard time letting go. But when i started using some 7 8000 tractors it did not take me long to learn to like them. They have some excelent features if you have a use for them mostly heavy rowcrop use.

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