The John Deere 4020 is the brand’s most popular row-crop tractor model. Manufactured between the years 1964 to 1972, the John Deere 4020 tractor gained the trust of many satisfied farm workers.
But, have you ever wondered:
What features set the John Deere 4020 apart from other New Generation models? We discuss the specs, features, and product line history in this John Deere 4020 reviews.
Key Notes:
- The John Deere 4020 tractor is the best tractor from the New Generation series.
- The tractor is a true classic, offering all the signature features that make the John Deere brand unique.
- The John Deere tractor can be found in row-crop (4020), standard (4020s), industrial (600), and high-crop (4020HC) versions.
- One of the unique features of the John Deere 4020 tractor is the two different transmissions.
Table of Contents
The History of John Deere 4020
For over a century, John Deere has been a leading agricultural equipment and machinery manufacturer. In the 1960s, the John Deere company dealers assembled in Dallas to introduce a new product line.
The product line in question was the “New Generation,” a series that consisted of 1010, 2010, 3010, and 4010 tractor models. The New Generation tractors were best known for their high-quality engines that delivered higher RPMs and horsepower. However, the sleek design and comfort features were only the start of classic John Deere tractors.
The John Deere 4020 tractor model was developed as an upgraded version of the 4010 tractors. The New Generations tractors by John Deere presented the 4020 tractors as the most well-known tractor model, hitting sales of 177,000 upon its release.
The John Deere 4020 tractor offered users upgraded cab comfort, multiple front-end options, more horsepower, heavier rear axles, differential lock, and up to three engine options.
One of the most beneficial features that had the 4020 replaced the 4010 model is the various tire sizes. Farm owners could select tires matching the different row crops depending on the fieldwork.
In appearance, the 4020 was almost identical to the 4010 tractors. However, these popular tractors were different from one another in a few crucial aspects. The 4020 is an excellent tractor with highly developed standard features and better service and support. For instance, the cab now included air conditioning, better control of the steering wheel, and upgraded operator comfort.
Over the years of production, the 4020 tractors underwent significant changes from the initial design. The 1965 models upgraded the fenders from the previous models and included headlights in the front. Another important change was the differential lock. The 1969 model introduced a hydrostatic front-wheel drive. The hydrostatic front wheel drive allowed the operator to increase the tractor’s tractor up to 20 percent.
When John Deere announced a newer model in 1972, the 4020 was replaced by the more powerful 4230. However, the John Deere 4020 tractor remained a true classic, respected by many farmers.
Key Specifications
| Model | 4020 |
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
| Model Status | Discontinued |
| Length | 150.8 in |
| Width | 89.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 97.5 in |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | Diesel: 128. 7 L LPG: 170.2 L |
| Operator Cabin Type | Open operator cab |
John Deere 4020 Engine Specs
The John Deere tractors are known for their impressive engines. The case with the 4020 tractor model is that it offers three engine options. You can choose between petrol, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LP gas).
If you opted for the gasoline version of the John Deere 4020, you could expect decreased fuel efficiency because the carburetor is slightly larger with this version. On the other hand, the diesel version offers better fuel efficiency and the same amount of horsepower used.
This excellent tractor offers a classic engine type with a 404-cubic-inch displacement. The engine is rated with 91 PTO horsepower.
Engine Specs
| Engine Type | Six-cylinder engine with variable speed |
| Fuel Type | LP gas, Diesel, Gasoline |
| Power | 91 PTO HP |
| Operating Speed Range | 1,500 rpm-2,200 rpm |
| Maximum Speed Transport | 2,500 rpm |
| Minimum Bare Speed | 800 rpm |
| Cooling System | Centrifugal pump with pressure and thermostatic heat control |
| Cooling Liquid | Water |
| Starter | Electric |
John Deere 4020 Transmission
The impeccable transmission is a part of why the John Deere 4020 tractor is considered a true classic. The tractor offers two types of transmissions: the Syncro-Range transmission and the Power Shift Transmission.
The Syncro transmission offers eight forward gears and two reverse gears. The power shift transmission provides eight forward and four reverse gears. The power shift models allowed operators to switch gears without a clutch.
The most popular tractor also includes power steering with a mechanical differential lock.
Operators can also select the enclosed cab with air conditioning along with choosing the transmission type.
Syncro-Range Transmission
| Type | Constant-mesh |
| Number of Gears | 8-forward; 2-reverse |
| Speed | 30.9 kmh forward; 8.4kmh reverse |
| Transmission Oil Capacity | 49.2 L |
Power-Shift Transmission
| Type | Planetary gears |
| Number of Gears | 8-forward; 4-reverse |
| Speed | 33 kmh forward; 7.9 kmh reverse |
| Transmission Oil Capacity | 64.4 L |
John Deere 4020 Hydraulic Controls & System
John Deere’s 4020 tractor model introduced minor changes to the hydraulic system. Throughout the several years of production, the tractor model upgraded the levers on the New Generation series by relocating them from the operator’s left side to the right.
The new spot allowed operators to control the hydraulic system and the three-point hitch easily.
Additionally, an oval replaced the muffler, which improved the overall operator comfort by supplying better visibility.
Before purchasing a John Deere 4020 tractor, check the front end. Because this model is discontinued, many wide front ends have been replaced in the aftermarket. Therefore, John Deere’s front end should be reliable and robust, while some models sold nowadays offer the opposite.
Hydraulic System
| Hydraulic System Type | Closed center |
| Hydraulic Capacity | Power Shift: 45.5 L Syncro-Range: 37.9L |
| Number of Valves | 1 |
| Hydraulic Pressure | 2,250 PSI |
| Overall Flow | 18.0 gpm |
Three-Point Hitch
| Hitch Category | 2 |
| Rear-lift capacity | 3,790 lbs |
| Front PTO Shaft Type | Independent |
| Rear PTO Shaft Type | Independent |
| Front PTO Speed | 1000 rpm |
| Rear PTO Speed | 1000 rpm |
Performance & Dimensions
The John Deere 4020 tractor model has four options: industrial, row-crop, standard, and high-crop. Depending on your farming needs, the 420 tractors can accommodate you perfectly while you pick the right size tires for your task.
Additionally, the John Deere 4020 tractor is compatible with a 148 front-end loader, which delivers a maximum lift height of 126″. The tractor can also be paired with a 158 front-end loader with a maximum lift height of 156″.
The wheelbase measurements for the John Deere 4020 tractor are 100.3 inches. For the row-crop wheelbase, the measurements are 97.5 inches.
As for the weight of the John Deere 4020 tractor, it will mainly depend on the type of engine you choose. If you opt for the diesel engine, the shipping weight is slightly heavier than the gasoline version.
The New Generation series tractor is a 2-wheel drive with 4×2 equipment, which features a front steering configuration, hydraulic wet disc service brake, and power steering system.
Dimensions & Weight
| Length | 152.7 in. |
| Width | 89.6 in. |
| Wheelbase (standard) | 100.3 in |
| Shipping Weight | 8440 lb Diesel; 8225 lb gasoline |
| Operating Weight | Diesel with syncro-range: 8945lb Diesel with power-shift: 9560 lbs Gasoline with syncro-range: 8645 lb Gasoline with power-shift: 9240 lb |
Wheels
| Drive Wheels | 2WD 2X2 |
| Steering System | Power Steering system |
| Steering Configurations | Front Steer |
| Service Brake System | Hydraulic wet disc |
| Row-Crop Front Tire Size | 6.0×16 inches |
| Row-Crop Rear Tire Size | 15.5x 38 inches |
| Standard Front Tire Size | 7.5 x 18 inches |
| Standard Rear Tire Size | 18.4x 34 inches |
| Front Track Width | 48.5-82.3 inches |
| Rear Track Width | 60-91 inches |
FAQs
How much is John Deere 4020 worth today?
This most popular tractor can be priced lowly, starting at $25,000. However, the price can go even higher if the tractor is well-conditioned. In 2016, the auction price for the 1964 John Deere 4020 tractor model was around $6,500.
In the following year, the auction price increased by a thousand dollars.
Authentic John Deere 4020 tractor models sell for $50,000, and the older versions manufactured in 1972 have a slightly lower price point.
Is a John Deere 4020 worth purchasing?
Although the John Deere 4020 tractor is an older model by the brand, it’s still one of the most popular. Its robust construction and power front-wheel drive stand the test of time. In addition, the dual wheel system allows farm workers to utilize alternate wheel spacing depending on the row crop.
The John Deere 4020 tractor is not equipped with the latest machinery technology, but this is still a classic quality pick for everyday farming tasks.
Conclusion
The John Deere 4020 is a good tractor and an all-time classic model by the American brand. With over 184,000 models sold between the years of manufacturing, the John Deere 4020 has become a staple piece of equipment for many farm owners.
With reliable axles, you can get quality row crop work with the John Deere tractor. This is a great tractor for all-around work, ranked as one of the best John Deere models.
Although the John Deere 4020 is no longer in production, you can always visit the local tractor auctions to find a model of your choice.
