Advice on buying a John Deere 2020???

[Raise]

You're probably not going to need to mow that pasture or hillside more than a couple of times a year.

Yes sir, i was told twice a year maybe 3 times on a wet year. But once we build our house on the farm, I would like for my little one to be able to roam and walk the farm without worrying about ticks. I guess ill have to figure out how tall i can let the grass grow before the ticks start showing up.

 

[ss55]

Thanks Jim. Wonder how much an engine replacement would cost?

I would budget $3500 to $5000 for a four cylinder engine overhaul at a professional shop. More than that for a transmission overhaul. New rear tires $750 each installed, front tires $150 each installed.

In your situation you won't be putting much more than 100 hours per year. With good maintenance and regular fluid changes most any tractor in good condition should give you several decades of reliable service. So buying a tractor in good condition to begin with should cost less over time than buying one that needs a lot of repairs ( breakdowns usually happen at the worst possible time - when you need to use it ).

Diesel tractors might cost an extra 25 percent over gas, but for occasional use a diesel should be more reliable due to fewer fuel system problems (carburetor, 1960s ignition, gasoline storage, etc.). In below freezing weather a gas engine will start much better than a diesel.

 

[ss55]

Forgot to mention, the dealer was able to test it before he took it apart with air I think, so he knew exactly which one leaked before I authorized a teardown.

A leak down test?

 

[scootergmc]

A leak down test?

No, I think he means they pulled the pan and then pressurized the cooling system. You can then watch the bottom of the sleeves or the floor for coolant dribbling down, etc. Sometimes it takes a bit of time because you're using low pressure.

 

[Mark-Ia]

Yes sir, i was told twice a year maybe 3 times on a wet year. But once we build our house on the farm, I would like for my little one to be able to roam and walk the farm without worrying about ticks. I guess ill have to figure out how tall i can let the grass grow before the ticks start showing up.

I don't think the height of the grass has anything to do with the abundance of ticks.

 

[Texasmark]

Originally a good tractor. But now only as good as how it was used and maintained. This was not well cared for.

The duals on the rear tells you that it had a hard life by itself!

 

[Texasmark]

I don't think the height of the grass has anything to do with the abundance of ticks.

Don't forget about "Red Bugs"....aka Chiggers. They have been horrible this year to the point that I avoid walking in grass if I can help it and have a plentiful supply of 40% Deet bug spray. Learned a short time ago that they can't jump on you as they have no legs like grasshoppers. When you rub by a plant with them they transfer to what hit the plant.....you!

 

[Frank(Mi.)]

I don't think the height of the grass has anything to do with the abundance of ticks.

Short grass under 4 inches long or so limits the ticks to latching onto your feet only and when your pants are tucked into socks it keeps the ticks onto instead of under your clothing where they may be easier to spot before they can bite. Short grass also dries out much quicker then long, lush grass that is waist high. That in turn kills the ticks in the hot dry days or so the theory goes...I keep about three acres around my house mowed to 4 inches and haven't found any ticks in this area but when I venture into the longer stuff I have to pick them off my pants or shirt....

 

[Raise]

The duals on the rear tells you that it had a hard life by itself!

Can you explain this please? What the duals tell you the tractor has had a hard life?

 

[matthies]

Can you explain this please? What the duals tell you the tractor has had a hard life?

The duals usually mean that the tractor was used for fieldwork and had the snot pulled out of it. And with this being a small tractor you typically don't see duals on one. Unless like mentioned that the tractor was used for mowing and the duals are for stability.

 

[Raise]

The duals usually mean that the tractor was used for fieldwork and had the snot pulled out of it. And with this being a small tractor you typically don't see duals on one. Unless like mentioned that the tractor was used for mowing and the duals are for stability.

Yes sir, that is mostly what he has used it for, and why the duals were put on. Will running the tractor with duals sideways along hills put more strain on the rear axle and bearings?

 

[Scott 730]

The duals on the rear tells you that it had a hard life by itself!

 

[trackrat]

Can you explain this please? What the duals tell you the tractor has had a hard life?

it has been in the mud or maybe tillage work but if only for stability on slopes not so much but they do put more strain on the axles

 

[Texasmark]

Can you explain this please? What the duals tell you the tractor has had a hard life?

To me, duals are for better traction when pulling heavy plows. Drawbar out of round pin hole(s) is another indication of lots of hours of hard pulling in the field. You don't buy them and install them just to be doing it. Hard pulling is hard on everything including main and rod bearings in the engine.

 

[Roger in Iowa]

On mine, the block was cavitated, not the liner,and the choice was either another block, or the dealer said there was somebody in town that could fix the block, but then if it didn’t take, I would wind up paying for them to take it apart again. So in my case, I just bought a new engine for it.

How can add block suffer cavitation? Asking.
Thought it was always sleeves.

 

[cjunrau]

Yes sir, that is mostly what he has used it for, and why the duals were put on. Will running the tractor with duals sideways along hills put more strain on the rear axle and bearings?

I would check the coolant for any sign of oil in it before starting it up. oil will sit on top. If it looks good , runs drives like it should, I would buy it at that price. As far as duals on it for side hills I would be taking them off. If the hill is that steep that I need duals I would fence it and put sheep on it to mow the grass. Cheaper than the mower anyway. The other option for mowing is a zero turn. You can buy it brand new for close to the same price. As far as children playing, and ticks, I would mow very low t the ground to keep it dry as much as possible. Keeps away lots of bugs and mosquitos as well. a tractor like that is good for very little on a small acreage if it doesn't have a loader as far as I am concerned. I would rather mow with a zero turn than that tractor. Buy a nicer smaller tractor with a loader when you can afford it. In the mean time use a lawn mower or sheep. Electric fence works well with sheep if they are used to it. I use 2 wires and have no issues.

 

[Texasmark]

I would check the coolant for any sign of oil in it before starting it up. oil will sit on top. If it looks good , runs drives like it should, I would buy it at that price. As far as duals on it for side hills I would be taking them off. If the hill is that steep that I need duals I would fence it and put sheep on it to mow the grass. Cheaper than the mower anyway. The other option for mowing is a zero turn. You can buy it brand new for close to the same price. As far as children playing, and ticks, I would mow very low t the ground to keep it dry as much as possible. Keeps away lots of bugs and mosquitos as well. a tractor like that is good for very little on a small acreage if it doesn't have a loader as far as I am concerned. I would rather mow with a zero turn than that tractor. Buy a nicer smaller tractor with a loader when you can afford it. In the mean time use a lawn mower or sheep. Electric fence works well with sheep if they are used to it. I use 2 wires and have no issues.

In your mower selection comment, I have been doing the same thing for a lot of years.....Bought a 61" Ferris ZT and put 2 ply studded snow tires on the rear (for hill traction and soft ride in clay soil). Has the big BS V twin engine. Easily walks up and down the slopes and for a gas engine gets really good efficiency.

 

[BillinCentralMO]

I would check the coolant for any sign of oil in it before starting it up. oil will sit on top. If it looks good , runs drives like it should, I would buy it at that price. As far as duals on it for side hills I would be taking them off. If the hill is that steep that I need duals I would fence it and put sheep on it to mow the grass. Cheaper than the mower anyway. The other option for mowing is a zero turn. You can buy it brand new for close to the same price. As far as children playing, and ticks, I would mow very low t the ground to keep it dry as much as possible. Keeps away lots of bugs and mosquitos as well. a tractor like that is good for very little on a small acreage if it doesn't have a loader as far as I am concerned. I would rather mow with a zero turn than that tractor. Buy a nicer smaller tractor with a loader when you can afford it. In the mean time use a lawn mower or sheep. Electric fence works well with sheep if they are used to it. I use 2 wires and have no issues.

I mow the lawn with a zero turn. I don’t mow pastures with it. I use tractors for that .

 

[Texasmark]

I mow the lawn with a zero turn. I don’t mow pastures with it. I use tractors for that .

I do that too...pond banks are considered part of the yard, whether they are physically part of the yard or not. The vegetation is similar to lawn grass.

 

[Tx Jim]

How can add block suffer cavitation? Asking.
Thought it was always sleeves.

I've read where severe electrolysis has eaten away at area in block where seals fit. I agree normal electrolysis causes problems with liners.