1972 John Deeres

[boberjagel]

I often hear that the value is high and the market is hot for 1971/1972 John Deeres such as 4020,3020,4000. Just curious if there is more to the story except that they were the last of that series before the newer generation of tractors.

 

[waugh621]

I often hear that the value is high and the market is hot for 1971/1972 John Deeres such as 4020,3020,4000. Just curious if there is more to the story except that they were the last of that series before the newer generation of tractors.

I have heard that it is most of the late 60s early 70s "muscle" tractors that are pretty hot. I think it may be because the people that grew up running those tractors are nearing the age where they start slowing down in life and want the have the tractor they ran with/for dad or started farming with. Another good example of "hot tractors" is the ih 66 and 56 series.
Nate
Edit
Also you cant kill tractors from that era and still have a place on modern farms as small work horses or auger tractors

 

[wore out]

I often hear that the value is high and the market is hot for 1971/1972 John Deeres such as 4020,3020,4000. Just curious if there is more to the story except that they were the last of that series before the newer generation of tractors.

Well, the fact that they were a darned good tractor and can still do a respectable days work and have GREAT hydraulics, steering, brakes, and operator comfort/convenience probably doesn't hurt!

 

[NY 986]

I often hear that the value is high and the market is hot for 1971/1972 John Deeres such as 4020,3020,4000. Just curious if there is more to the story except that they were the last of that series before the newer generation of tractors.

Mostly minor differences between those and 1969-70 models such as intake manifold, injection pump, and fenders. Production numbers were lower for the 1971 and 1972 4020 versus the beginning years. The neighbor years ago had a late 1972 4020 with the 4320 style fenders as standard.

 

[steve in ok]

I think what really sets the later models apart is that the hydraulic controls were moved off the dash and put in a side console. Really made those tractors user friendly and helped with operator comfort. IMO

 

[Fixingfarmer]

IMO the hydraulics off the side just aren’t worth 7 grand to me. It’s been that way for a good long while. They are more difficult to find parts and if you are collecting one go for it but to me who uses it I stay away from them. We have a 68.

 

[JIM MN]

A great ,proven-dependable tractor still being used today.. We can repair them ourself.. Deere has good manuals to help us out.. Thats way the values are high and the markets are hot??

 

[Scott 730]

They are more difficult to find parts and if you are collecting one go for it but to me who uses it. I stay away from them.

What parts do you see as "difficult to find" for a console tractor vs an early one?

 

[Fixingfarmer]

Recently some of the engine stuff has become more fun. Tim S gave me that education about 6 months ago on the block being different on the later ones. 3020 He had some specific trouble getting balancer pieces. I did a bit of research on the block and have found this to be also true. I had always considered a late one to be a better option than a super early 4020 with the expensive injectors and fuel lines. There’s a sweet spot right in the middle it seems like engine wise.
Other things I’ve seen I’m not a fan of clutch housings will be different that hydraulic actuated pto can give you some fits. I’ve stayed away from that.

The hydraulics on the right are better I won’t argue that but what do you do if you want a set of spare couplers ready to go on the shelf? The prices are an order of magnitude higher because the scv is attached to it instead of up under the hood.

Nothing wrong with the tractor at all it will run forever just like the rest of them but I don’t have the deep enough pockets to fix one when a problem arises. I’m glad they have been my customers and not mine.

 

[matthies]

IMO the hydraulics off the side just aren’t worth 7 grand to me. It’s been that way for a good long while. They are more difficult to find parts and if you are collecting one go for it but to me who uses it I stay away from them. We have a 68.

Same here 68 is just fine, the hyd pto setup is $$$.

 

[JD Dave]

I'm not old enough to have bought any of the new-gen tractors new but I bought a heck of a lot of good ones used and they're still earning their keep on my relatively small farm.

 

[ss55]

I often hear that the value is high and the market is hot for 1971/1972 John Deeres such as 4020,3020,4000. Just curious if there is more to the story except that they were the last of that series before the newer generation of tractors.

Much like the Farmall Super MTA and Deere 730, the last of a line have increased collector values over earlier models and their successors. You can find good used 4230s, 4430s and 4030s with better features for about the same or less money than what the 1971-72 3020s, 4000s, 4020s and 4320s now sell for.

 

[EX Deere Farmer]

I own my Grand Father's 1971 JD 4020 it has 7200 original hours on it. It has never set outside over night since he bought it new. His brother bought a 1972 JD 4320 as he wanted the extra horsepower and turbo. I was able to buy it off him when he moved into an assisted living condo. He would come out and drive it every now and then until he died at the age of 97.

I personally think the JD 4320 is a much smoother running tractor than the JD 4020. I still mow the majority of my hay with the JD 4320. I did put a roll bar and canopy on it about 25 years ago. Skin cancer runs in the family so I needed to get out of the sun.

The hydraulic Selective control valves are a much improved over the old ones under the hood. The controls on the right had console speak for themselves. The only really hard to get parts are the hoods and sheet metal on the JD 4320. There just were not as many of them made so the after market manufactures do not make as much for them.

Neither of those tractors will leave this farm as long as I breathe.