Considering purchasing Deere 4020 - High gears not working

Lynard05

New User
Hello,

I am new to the forum and to be honest tractors in general. I have some mechanical experience but it is limited to cars.

Currently I own a JD 1025R with a loader and brush hog that came with the sloped 7.5 acres we just purchased. This tractor is almost new and works great, but it is too small for certain tasks.

Off hand I would like the option to attach a baler at some point if needed and a larger brush hog. After some reading I have found the 4020 to be a good tractor and I do t mind buying an older unit.

I have found a diesel 4020 in decent shape for what I think is a reasonable price. The problem the tractor has is going into gears 6-8 which I assume are road gears, something I will not use (I dont think). From what Ive read its likely the synchronizer for those gears that has failed which requires splitting the tractor to fix.

My question is would I be buying trouble and risking the other synchronizers are not far behind in failing, or is the problem likely limited to these gears due to last use?

Any advice is greatly appreciated
 

Welcome to YT
Problem shifting into higher speeds is more than likely caused by wear in shifter linkage. The Syncro-range trans utilizes 3 sets of synchronizers for the trans speeds which are located on top shaft of transmission.
 
Thanks for your insight. If it is the shifter linkage, is the problem likely to be limited to 6-8 gears or will I soon run into issues with the other gears as well?

Doing a quick search it seems the wear parts in the shifter linkage can be replaced, how difficult of a job is this?

The tractor Im looking at is a 4020 diesel thats been converted to a 12v starter and alternator. It has single hydraulics and a 3pt.

I know it depends on many other factors than what I listed above, but what is an average price for this tractor in fair cosmetic condition?
 

Please read Tom's reply correcting my statement.

Yes gearshift quadrant can be repaired with some bushings & shim washers & possibly a new latch if needed.
 
I have to ask, why THIS tractor? You have gotten by without the big tractor to this point and we're on the downside of growing season. Plenty of time to shop around for something in better shape and more suited to 7 acres than a 90hp monster.

You also started out saying that you heard the 4020 was a good tractor then the first one you look at has problems. They're old so you will find some with problems like this. You will also find many more good ones.

Heck if you want a 4020 you can still get a 4020. I would just hold out for a better one especially if you can't work on it.
 


It doesnt need to be this tractor. I did not purchase the current tractor I have, it came with the property when we purchased it. You are correct in that I have plenty of time to look, this specific tractor is available to me for $4500 and compared to what Ive seen it seems like a good deal provided everything else checks out. I likely would have someone do an inspection Before purchasing.

Im aware that an older machine and especially one at this price point is going to need some attention. I have worked on cars a bit, just not anything specific to tractors. Im hoping that with the service manual and some knowledgeable resources available that I could do the work myself.

I know it would be easier and less risky even to buy a tractor without issues, but I also know that I like to tinker as long as Im not taking on a large financial risk.

Playing into this is that I also see being able to sell my current tractor for 12k or more. I think my needs now and in the future would be better served by buying an older tractor for less money. Then putting the savings toward a baler and other equipment.

Im obviously open to different Deere models as well, this is just what I landed on initially.

Thanks again for your help.
 
i been fixing old tractor for a good many years probably to many and had lot 4020 jd type through my shop and i think only one was i able to get it sorta fix by repairing replacing the bushing in the shifting mechanize .. the 4020 was built from 1963 to 1973 so all are pushing 46 plus years old and thy are dam fine tractors and if you looking at buying one that old that be my choice most the time if you have a shifting problem it going to be the top shaft and that is going to be a split and remove the top 3pt hitch seat to fix.. one thing about those old tractor is parts are still available
 

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