'71 JD 4020 won't start

[ih555]

I went to start my 4020 today, it has not been started for awhile. It started for a few seconds and died. Now it won't start again, no dash lights, no power at all. The batteries are a little corroded but it has 12.7 volts at the starter. It is completely dead. Any ideas? Thank you in advance for your good help!.....Darn tractors!!

 

[wore out]

''it has 12.7 volts at the starter''

Check that voltage again while a helper tries to start it.

''The batteries are a little corroded''

Start by cleaning that up, make the posts and cable ends SHINE!

 

[Jhn]

Try crossing the starter terminals with a screw driver or wire but seems unlikely if no dash lights. Bad wire connection at switch, Bad ground at tractor, after previous commentator on clean terminals.

 

[Tx Jim]

Clean/tighten all battery cable ends.

Late model 4020's such as your '71 model have a starter relay mounted above starter that has been known to loose it ground connection. Be sure relay body is grounding to tractor sheet metal. Also check circuit breaker(item 10) to be sure it's not tripped.

 

[WTW]

All late model (1969 and newer) 4020, 3020, 4320, 2520 have an inline fuse near the circuit breakers that supplies power to the key switch. If this breaker fails you will have no dash or start circuit to energize the starter relay. Check this fuse if batteries / connections are good. Fuse is a slow burn / special fuse. A normal fuse will work but slow burn fuses are much robust. DW