2840 pre-purchase inspection

[ironclad]

Besides running away in fear of the hydraulics. I have been summoned to look upon an *ahem* affordable jd 2840 for sale from a nice fella who claims to have replaced the hydro pump as well as rebuilt the engine himself over the many years he owned it. Has about 1200 hours on the rebuild.

She says the pto won't turn on/off and claims it is likely because of the "block" on the side of the tractor.
Remotes works for his rake. Power steering a little stiff due to a "leak".

I saw a post on this forum say to turn the pto by hand when off...if it spins easy then there's an issue.
Another post said to check how quick the brake pressure is.
I am wondering why an otherwise bullet proof engine needed a rebuild.

Anything warning flags I should watch out for? (Besides the model number lol)

 

[Tx Jim]

Welcome to YT
Considering buying a JD tractor that has closed center hyd system that has existing hyd problems is asking for headaches. I sold new JD 2840's & I wouldn't consider purchasing one USED.

It would surprise if this 2840 engine will start running easily after engine & hyd's has reached operating temp. Many 2840's were hard to start after being operated.

While under warranty time a customers 2840 pto clutch came apart ruining trans case

Pto not stopping when engine is running could be faulty pto control valve, faulty hyd supply tube, warped pto clutch plates or worn out pto brake.

Incorrect use of starting fluid will drastically shorten the expected life of an engine.

 

[tomstractorsandtoys]

I will second what TX Jim says you do not want a good 2840 let alone one with problems. I would buy a 4020 gas first and I do not want one of those either. Tom

 

[Bob Bancroft]

Cousin bought a 2840 brand new. It was a nice tractor, when it was working. Seems it was always having trouble. Steering was always coming loose. I think it was out of warranty when the engine started messing up. He put a new head gasket on, but it didn't help. Ended up sending it to the dealer where they discovered the sleeve stand out wasn't enough. Then there was an internal hydraulic leak in the rear end, and so on.

 

[buickanddeere]

As the tractor is going to cost $7500-$20,000 in repairs plus the purchase price . It would be more prudent to put that $$$ towards a much newer or new tractor .

 

[WTW]

The only good thing about a 2840 in this state it is, the wheels and tires will fit other models.

 

[960]

Run do not walk away from a 2840. Bought a used one in the late 80's with 600 hours sold it soon after before anything fell apart. No torque reserve, would not
start when hot, known for water leakage at the shifter boots, and once the steering wore no way to remove the wear.

 

[Mike M]

The 2840 engine I rebuilt was from cavitation of the sleeves. It was getting water into the oil.

 

[tomstractorsandtoys]

The 329 engine used in the 2840-4030 was the worst engine Deere ever built for cavitation. The earlier 303's used in 55 and 95 combines were very bad as well. They do run good when rebuilt with high compression engine kits. I put a 329 diesel in my 95 combine to replace a 303 gas with water in the oil. Tom

 

[Resting Relics 1]

Ironclad,
I worked for a John Deere dealer when the 2840's were new. Nice size tractor with decent power. That's as good as it gets. Practically everything on those tractors were a problem. They wouldn't start when cold, smoked from incomplete combustion, all kinds of hydraulic problems, bad head gaskets, piston liners were two low, just too mention the obvious problems. I wouldn't waste my time looking at a 2840. Good Luck!
John

 

[ironclad]

(quoted from post at 07:20:26 02/04/21) Ironclad,
Practically everything on those tractors were a problem.
John

I am convinced, but convincing the guy with the checkbook (my father) is a chore. He is one of those guys who would refuse to buy the $15k truck/tractor, but will jump all over the 8k version and spend 10k fixing it!

LHe is lifetime pals with the local deere parts manager is half the problem. The other half is a neighbor that has 2 that have somehow been spectacular for him and refuses to part with one... (Though I suspect one is a 50 series).

I suspect my father will indirectly throw in the towel with an extremely low ball offer.