Best John Deere under $10,000

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member
(sorry i posted this in the wrong forum earlier) I am an aspiring small farmer…ten acres of vegetables>. After reading multiple posts on the "Tractor Talk" forum I have come to the conclusion that any model will have its ups and downs but it would seem that some are more popular than others. I have experience with large 200+ horse Deere tractors and I would like to continue running John Deere. I am looking for something in the 40-75 horsepower range under 10 grand. It have been built after 1960 because my applications will require it have such features.
Thanks
 
Yeah, I've thought a lot about the 4020. Family in Georgia have run their 4020 regularly for 30+ years…difficulty is finding one in decent condition thats in the South and that is diesel. Because I will never purchase a gas. Only thing that worries me is the raw power that the tractor has that I most likely will not need…and the conversion of the hitch to Cat. 1. I've heard this is pretty simple but I have never converted one so I don't know for sure. But definitely one of Deere's best tractors ever.
 
could look into a 3020 diesel. As far as changing to cat1 all you really have to do is get the cat1 ball for the top link and then go to tsc,or china king and get a set of bushings that slide over the cat1 pins to fit cat2 cost you very little. Also a 2440 is a pretty decent tractor as well. I still love my 4020 and prolly a little bias because i love it so much.
 
I have a JD 2240. It is a diesel utility type and has 50 hp. Cat 1 3 pt. Really like mine. Powerful and nimble. They can be found in $5k - $8k range. Were made in late 70s, early 80s.
 
What kind of veggies and what width of the rows? Big tractor will pack the soil way too much for veggies and what are you going to use for cults and other tillage.
 
On just 10 acres? A 2020 was tough as nails. Probably won't cost you even half of that $10,000 either.
 
I'm sure for only 10 acres something even as small as a JD 750 compact with 4x4 could handle it all.

But if you do indeed need more HP then those older utility models like the mentioned 2020 , 2240 or similar are great tractors if you can find one not worn out.
 
All vegetables possible. Literally. Width of row will vary immensely depending in the crops…that is another reason I worry slightly about the '60s to early '70s models because of their size and weight. I do like the models like the 2240, 2030, etc. in that time period. However, the problem I have is finding one that has a decent paint job, is diesel, and has power steering. I also have been wondering about the 5000 series from the '90s. I have only run one, a 5200 mfwd, and it seemed like a good fit for my type of operation. But I do not know enough about these to go out and drop $10,000 on a tractor.
 
**And I also be chisel plowing, disking, rototilling, mowing cover crop, and spreading soil amendments with a three point spreader.
 
cant help you much ,but for rototilling you probably would want hydrostatic drive if that helps narrow your choices.
 
Nah hydrostatic drive is not for me. Unless it has "cruise control" the hydrostatic drive tractors make for a long day in the saddle. Not to mention since they are marketed to large estate owners, they are radically more expensive. One of the farms I have worked on uses a JD 5065M (obviously wayyy to expensive) for rototilling and I believe it has a 16/16 manual PowerReverser transmission.
 
I've got a 2440 for sale as we speak here in so. central Mn. 1976 model 65 hp. power steering, cat. 2 hitch, two rear remotes. 7000 hours. near new tires front and rear. duals available. very nice mostly original paint. Nicest 2440 you will find anywhere. Only reason I am selling is I bought a brand new Caseih for tax reasons. $8400 fob. North Mankato, Mn. Pictures are posted on Craigs list. Call me if interested. Number on Craigs list.
 
Sorry man. Not in the market quite yet…just feeling around. Sounds like you got a nice piece of equipment though. I'm just not looking to ship it to the southeast. I'd prefer to see it in person first anyways. Thanks for posting though.
 
Just keep in mind,these guys suggesting the 40 series utilities,the only one of those made in the USA was the 2640.All the rest were Manheim built if that matters to you.
 
where are you located? theres an auction just north of blanchard okla saturday that has a 4020,a 4240,and a 630. i know the 630 needs some work(starter shaft broke for sure) . www.r-rauction.com .. GENE McCONNELL auction.. if it helps. the 4020 he was running was a pretty good tractor the last time i looked at it. He was using it to farm with till he got in bad health.lots of other equipment but most of its WELL used. a few pieces I'm going to look at including a 45 dodge grain truck that was pretty straight the last i looked. should be a good auction if your not too far.Lots of AC all crop parts scattered about also if you know what to look for.
 
Sorry man, I'm a good ways away from there (500+ miles). And I'm not particularly interested in the 630 for age reasons and the 4240 for size reasons. But hey, thinks for mentioning it I need to pay more attention to auctions they seem like a gold mine for good equipment.
 
Yeah, it does bother me a bit about the overseas builds. But the tractors I'm in the market for just aren't made much in the U.S. anymore, sadly. The "5" series intrigue me but I've noticed the newer ones (5d, 5003, even the 5025) seem to have issues holding up. Fading paint, rusty three point equipment..etc. And what do you know, not made in the USA...
 
You seem to have a mind set on a John Deere for sure.There are other brands available to fit what you want,finding a tractor which will not keep you on the run for parts to fix and fix,well,got the idea.My self I prefer any thing Allis -Chalmers "But" if I had a need now for what you want I would look at a Massey Ferguson for sure. Nice tractors,lots of them around in used tractor lots,time and use proven 3pth and engines.The 135 series comes to mind.
 
In your price and size I would get a 3020 if you like the rowcrop or a 2020,2030,or 2440 if you prefer utility(the three are basicaly the same tractor) A 2510 at 54 hp might work to.We have three 3020's and really like them for chore tractors.
 
I'm not trying to tell you what to do, but 10 acre truck patches were traditionally the area you used a Farmall A or C, Allis B or G, a Case VAC, Deere H or LA,or something along those lines. Why are you leaning towards such large equipment? The local CSA guy here uses a little Kubota and his Amish neighbors do more truck patch than he does with a team. Guy I used to work for had a 3 acre garden and all he had was a Gravely!

Times change I guess.
 
There are some options. The 2510,2520,3020. 4030 which would be nice or the 2550 or 2750. Id say for a nice utility tractor look for a 4030 or 2750.
 
(quoted from post at 20:19:39 12/08/11) There are some options. The 2510,2520,3020. 4030 which would be nice or the 2550 or 2750. Id say for a nice utility tractor look for a 4030 or 2750.

You could also throw in the 3010 and 4010. My vote is the 2510 and 2520 for medium to light duty work.
 

What features are required that a 720 or 730 diesel doesn't have that a new generation and newer tractor has for a veggie farmer?
 
Thanks for the help y'all. I'm definitely liking the 2510 based on what I've found online and my experiences with it…honestly that model slipped my mind. As for other brands, sorry, I'm just super biased from years of running John Deere. I know it, I like it, and my experiences with IH, Kubota, MF, Case etc just haven't been as good. As for the 730 and other models in that time frame, I'm not as familiar with the equipment, don't care as much for the flywheel setup, and really just prefer the tractors from '60 onwards. But to each his own, thanks for the help y'all.
 
Easier to tell you which Deeres dont have a good reputation. Models 2010, 1010 and 2840. Although a few will say they've had good luck with those models.
 
A good 3020 diesel has 70H.P.and is probably your best choice.I like the later side counsel ones and they can be close to what you want to spend.4020s are the most popular and good non side counsels are available but might be a little larger than what you need.You pay more for the green paint but their resale is better.Have never heard many good comments on 2020s and would rather have the extra power if needed from the 3020.
 

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