JD 2120 purchase?

[True North]

Hello all, I have been looking at a John Deere 2120 with a loader, but having never owned or operated a tractor I was looking for some advice on things to look out for or specifics to check out on the tractor (or any tractor for that matter) if I end up going to look at it. Any tips/tricks that could help to identify any issues with the machine or any signs that problems may be arising shortly. All advice appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Tx Jim]

Welcome to YT
Check hyd oil level with engine idling & color of hyd oil(clear or milky)? Milky colored oil indicates presence of water which is detrimental to wet brakes/clutch linings. Do hyd's function well after tractor is at operating temp(190-210). After engine is at operating temp then stop/restart engine to determine how easy or difficult it is to get engine operating again.

 

[buickanddeere]

What is the intended use for the tractor ? Do you have a shop complete with tools and are you a mechanic ?
Any 50 year old machine will require regular service and repairs .

 

[centash]

The one I have is closing in on 11000 hours. Replaced the clutch, and a set of piston/sleeves, and hydraulic pump. Later models will have an independent pto....lever between the gear shift levers.... and an alternator. Ensure the loader hydraulic supply does NOT come from the remote outlets at the rear, but tee'd off from the valve supply line. They were prone to sleeve cavitation so an analysis of the coolant is a good idea, as well as advice here on the brakes and hydraulics. Good tractor, but they are pushing 50 years old, so expect some issues.
Good luck,
Ben

 

[True North]

Ok thanks for the advice. If it is difficult to start once at operating temp, or say there is a hyd. issue once at temp, what is that
an indicator of?

 

[True North]

We purchased some land a couple hours south of town, portions of it were logged about 20 years ago so the plan for a tractor would be
maintain the existing trails and we would also like to push some new trails and do some clearing. As well as snow duty and any other chores
that come up. I'm in the trades so I have some mechanical background so any regular scheduled maintenance/fluid changes wouldn't be an issue
or minor repairs. But I don't have much experience with engines especially diesel.

 

[True North]

Thanks for the response.

 

[True North]

Forgot to mention that the engine had about 6500 hours on it, so would it be fair to say that this number is about the mid range for the life of a diesel? Should another 2-3000 hours be expected before some major overhauls are required?

 

[Tx Jim]

(quoted from post at 09:58:48 08/26/20) Forgot to mention that the engine had about 6500 hours on it, so would it be fair to say that this number is about the mid range for the life of a diesel? Should another 2-3000 hours be expected before some major overhauls are required?

The amount of hrs of use between overhauls will be determined by oil change/filter intervals plus how much attention coolant has recieved over the yrs. Deteriorated coolant causes electrolysis to put holes in engine cylinder liners/blocks

 

[buickanddeere]

Where are you located in Canada ?

 

[True North]

In Canada yeah, Northwestern Ontario, may as well be in Manitoba lol

 

[True North]

Ok, but in general should 6500 hrs. on a diesel engine be concerning or should it still have some good years left on it. Also sounds like
it's had a couple owners the last few years, body as been restored/painted but no work on engine/tranny.

 

[buickanddeere]

(quoted from post at 18:19:00 08/26/20) In Canada yeah, Northwestern Ontario, may as well be in Manitoba lol

Near Geraldton ?
There used to be some character here called Bison or similar .
He kept Buffalo somewhere near Sault Ste Marie .

 

[True North]

way further up, north of Kenora. where abouts are you?

 

[buickanddeere]

(quoted from post at 19:41:45 08/26/20) way further up, north of Kenora. where abouts are you?

That is really North Western Ontario. Farthest west I have been is Geraldton.
I won a Bill tag in WMU 17 for this season.
My farm is lake view, on the east coast of Lake Huron.

 

[Bigbrig]

Hello all i am new to this forum. I just purchased a JD 1020 on Monday,had some minor problems withe the carb dumping fuel but i fixed that. So my question is the tractor does not have a VIN plate how do i find out what year this tractor is. If anyone can help that would be great.

 

[Tx Jim]

Welcome to YT
Are you aware that the 1020 if present has serial # plate located on the RH top of trans case behind 3 pt control quadrant not on frt RH frame?

 

[Bigbrig]

Yes i know the plate should be there but it is missing. The rivets are the but no plate.

 

[Tx Jim]

Is engine serial # tag still present?

 

[Bigbrig]

yes it is 159118TS/N type M51TR