John Deere tractors are known worldwide for their high-quality and user-friendly tractors and lawnmowers.
They have been making tractors for over a century now, but the one that became very popular was a John Deere 4020.
If you are looking for a mid-sized and all-rounder tractor that will fulfill all your requirements, then this model of John Deere is all you need.
John Deere 4020 replaced the John Deere 40100 tractors and came into the market with improved engines in terms of power and economic efficiency.
John Deere 4020 is a part of the new generation series and is classified as a row-crop tractor. It ranks as one of the most sold models of John Deere, with over 180,000 tractors sold. Some of these can still be seen at work in the North American fields.
If you are searching for a detailed review of John Deere 4020, you are just at the right place.
In this article, you will find an in-depth analysis and review of the John Deere 4020, along with its pros and cons and features that make this model stand out.
About John Deere 4020
John Deere 4020 is a very popular agricultural tractor, bought by many farmers for their field works, and is still used by many around the world.
John Deere 4020 replaced the John Deere 4010 tractor model and was launched with improved engine technology, which increased its power output.
John Deere 4020 was manufactured in its Waterloo, Iowa, USA manufacturing plant, and some were made in Mexico from 1963 to 1972. John Deere introduced different variants of this model, including standard (4020S), row-crop (4020), high-crop (4020HC), and industrial (600) tractors.
Originally, when the John Deere 4020 was launched, it came as a 2-wheel drive tractor. Still, they found an optional 4-wheel drive during the lateral parts of the production year.
John Deere 4020 had a diesel fuel engine in most numbers. Still, the company also launched its gasoline and LP gas variant engine.
The diesel engine was way more efficient than the gasoline one, as you can get more power output for the lower fuel cost in diesel engines than gasoline ones.
This is also one of the reasons why diesel engine was sold heavily, around 160,000 compared to gasoline engine, as only 8,000 were sold.
All three grades were powered by a six-cylinder engine, producing just over 95 hp output.
Pricing of John Deere 4020 was on the higher side as the original price ranged around $10,345 in 1972.
It provides power steering, hydraulic wet disc brakes, and an open operator station with an optional cab.
John Deere 4020 serial numbers during the different manufacturing years were:
- 1964 65000
- 1965 91000
- 1966 119000
- 1967 145660
- 1968 173982
- 1969 201000
- 1970 222160
- 1971 250000
- 1972 260791
- Final 270288
In this model, the serial number plate is on the rear of the 4020 transmission case of the tractor.
Specs of John Deere 4020
| General Specifications: | |
|---|---|
| Model | John Deere 4020 |
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
| Type | Row-Crop tractor |
| Series | New Generation Series |
| Length (overall) | 151 inches |
| Weight | 8,225 lbs to 13,980 lbs |
| Wheel Base | 100.25 in |
| Width | 89.6 inches |
| Height | Row-crop: (77.9 in) Standard: (78 in) |
| Tires: | |
| Front Tires | Ag: 6.00-16 (row crop); 7.50-18 (standard) |
| Rear Tires | Ag: 15.5-38 (row crop); 18.4-34 (standard) |
| Engine Specifications: | |
| Engine Manufacturer/ model | John Deere |
| Engine type | Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, inline |
| Engine Power (Gross) | N/A |
| No. of cylinders | 6 |
| Bore and stroke | 4.25 in X 4.25 in |
| Displacement | 362 cu·in |
| PTO (claimed) | N/A |
| Compression ratio | Gas: 7.5:1 LPG: 9.0:1 |
| Starter | Electric |
| Starter volt | 12 |
| Cooling System | N/A |
| Rated RPM | 2200 |
| Operating RPM | 1500-2200 |
| Fuel type | Gasoline / LPG |
| Air cleaner | N/A |
| Preheating | N/A |
| Fuel system | N/A |
| Fuel tank capacity | Diesel/gasoline: 128.7 liters LPG: 170.2 liters |
| Electrical: | |
| Battery | N/A |
| Ground | N/A |
| Charging system | N/A |
| Charging amp | N/A |
| Battery CCA | N/A |
| PTO: | |
| Rear PTO (Power take-off shaft) | N/A |
| Rear RPM | 540/1000 |
| Engine RPM | 540@1900 1000@1900 |
| Mid PTO | N/A |
| Mid RPM | N/A |
| Engine RPM | 1000@1900 |
| Transmission & Chassis: | |
| Transmission Type | Full power shift |
| Oil Capacity | 8.5 L |
| Coolant capacity | 22.7 L |
| Brakes | Hydraulic wet disc |
| Gears | 8 forward and 2 reverse |
| Cruise control | N/A |
| Steering type | Power |
| Differential lock | N/A |
| Operator system | |
| Chassis | 4×2 2WD or 4×4 HFWD 4WD |
| Speed | Forward: 30.9 kmh (19.2 mph) Reverse: 8.4 (5.2 mph) |
| Hydraulics: | |
| Type | Closed center |
| Pressure | 2,250 psi |
| Capacity | Syncro-Range: 37.9 L Power Shift: 45.4 L |
| Rear valves | N/A |
| Mid valves | N/A |
| Total flow | N/A |
| Tractor Hitch: | |
| Rear type | II |
| Rear lift | 3790 lbs |
| Attachments (optional): | |
| Mower deck | N/A |
| Blade | N/A |
| Loader | N/A |
| Backhoe | N/A |
| Production: | |
| Manufacturing location | Waterloo, Iowa, USA |
| Production years | 1963 - 1972 |
| Price | $10,345 in 1972 |
Features of John Deere 4020
1. Engine
The John Deere 4020 model had three variants of engine, diesel, gasoline, and LPG, all of which were four-stroke, liquid-cooled, inline six-cylinder engines and featured eight forward speeds as well as two reverse speed gears.
The John Deere 6.6 L, 6,620 cm2, (404 cu·in) six-cylinder diesel engine has 108.0 mm (4.25 in) of cylinder bore and 121.0 mm (4.76 in) of piston stroke. The compression ratio rating is 16.5:1. Diesel engine has 128.7 liters (34 US gal.; 28.3 Imp. gal) fuel tank.
The John Deere 5.6 L, 5,570 cm2, (340 cu·in) six-cylinder LPG / gasoline engine with 108.0 mm (4.25 in) of cylinder bore and 102.0 mm (4.00 in) of piston stroke. The compression ratio rating is 7.5:1. This is an original gasoline / LP-gas engine used throughout the 1965 model year.
The John Deere 5.9 L, 5,930 cm2, (362 cu·in) six-cylinder LPG / gasoline engine with 108.0 mm (4.25 in) of cylinder bore and 108.0 mm (4.25 in) of piston stroke. The compression ratio is 7.5:1 for the gasoline version and 9.0:1 for the LPG version.
2. Transmission
John Deere 4020 comes with two transmission models; one is standard, and the other is optional.
The Syncro Range transmission is the standard transmission model of the John Deere 4020. It has an 8F/2R partially synchronized gearbox type, eight forward gears, and two reverse gears. It has an oil capacity of 40.1 quarts or 37.9 liters.
The maximum forward speed in this transmission model is 19.2 mph or 30.9 kph which can go in reverse at a maximum reverse speed, of 5.2 mph or 8.4 kph.
The optional transmission system of John Deere 4020 offers a PowerShift transmission type, an 8F/4R full power shift gearbox type, eight forward gears, and four reverse gears. It can carry oil up to 56.3 quarts or 53.1 liters.
The maximum forward speed recorded in this model is 20.5 mph or 33.0 kph. While reversing, it can go up to 4.9 mph or 7.9 kph.
3. Chassis
The chassis of the John Deere 4020 presents an open operator station in which the operator has the option of a cab.
It has a two-wheel driving convenience with a power steering wheel and a variant offering a 4-wheel drive.
It is equipped with a hydraulic wet disc braking system and the inclusion of a differential lock.
4. Attachments
John Deere 4020 offers different variants of loaders that are compatible with the tractor, enabling different types of fieldwork to be done quickly.
Different types of attachments that can be added to the John Deere 4020 are John Deere 148 loader, 158 loader, and 48 loader.
Pros and Cons of John Deere 4020 Tractor
Before making a decision, it is essential to acknowledge the benefits the tractor offers and know about any disadvantages of having it in your garage.
Let us look at some pros and cons of the John Deere 4020
Pros
Durability
The John Deere 4020 is known for its manufacturing quality and durability. Many of these tractors are still used today without a lot of major issues, a testament to their longevity.
Versatility
It is an adaptable tractor suitable for various agricultural tasks. It can handle plowing, tilling, planting, mowing, and more, making it a valuable tool for farmers.
Reliability
These tractors are known for their dependability and low keeping requirements. With proper care, they can provide years of trouble-free operation.
Hydraulic System
The John Deere 4020 was one of the first tractors to feature a fully independent hydraulic system, allowing various hydraulic attachments and implements to be used.
Comfort
For its time, the John Deere 4020 tractor offered a relatively comfortable and spacious operator’s station, which improved over earlier tractor models.
Cons
Old Age
One of the most notable drawbacks of the John Deere 4020 tractor is its age. For this old-school tractor, finding replacement parts can be challenging, and they may be more expensive than parts for some newer tractors.
Fuel Efficiency
Compared to modern tractors, the John Deere 4020 is not as fuel-efficient. It can consume a significant amount of fuel, which can concern those looking to reduce operating costs.
Pollution
One major cons of this John Deere 4020 tractor is it is a more aged tractor and hence it may cause a lot of noise as well as air pollution during its operations.
Price
As John Deere 4020 replaced the 4010 model, it came with a lot of improvements, which inflated the price.
The price of the John Deere 4020 tractor in the year 1972 was around $10,345, despite the selling of the model-created records.
FAQ’s
John Deere 4020 allows three types of fuel in its engine. Depending on the model’s variant, it can take diesel, gasoline, and LPG as fuels.
You can find the serial number plate of the tractor on the rear of the John Deere 4020 transmission case.
The John Deere 4020 has a rated engine horsepower of 91 horsepower (68 kW) and can generate a maximum power output of 100 horsepower (75 kW).
Conclusion
To summarise, the John Deere 4020 tractor is one of the most durable and powerful tractors of all time. It comes in a variety of fuel-type options and can be used according to your needs.
However, old age is one factor that is a matter of concern, which makes maintenance a tough ask. Also, its pollution-causing attribute must be addressed.
You can depend on this big boy for all your work, and just a little care will ensure it stays with you for eternity.
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