Utility Tractors

[Clint N]

Have a 2640 with 145 loader that has some pretty major hydraulic issues. John Deere dealer says they'll have to split the tractor and the price could range anywhere from $5-8k. Instead of fixing it, I am thinking about trying to find another similar-sized utility tractor to swap the loader on to and sell the 2640 to a local parts dealer. What I'm looking to know is, in any of your opinions, what is the best utility tractor John Deere made in that era (20-50 series) that's 60-70 hp?

Had a 2030 before this one and it seems like it was a better tractor overall than the 2640.

 

[Larry EC-OH]

I guess it will depend on what you will use it for.

With that said, I have a 2030 with a 115 loader and I'm very happy with it.
Built like a tank and starts without plugging it in down to 0 (yes, it's a diesel).

Good luck in your search.

Larry

 

[JDEM]

I cannot say I have kept up with the newer stuff. The 55 series tractors were new when I last worked at a Deere dealership. 20 and 30 series tractors did not have any major design issues. The 40 series did, especially the 2940. Cold engine starting and smoking problems. Transmission pump and feed line fracture problems, etc. When the 50 series came out - there was a night and day difference in better quality. 55 series seemed to be the same, but I left when they were only a few years old. Only issue I know of with the 55 series was having the wrong gears to drive the front axle in the 4WD models. I had to split many. It was a pretty funny mistake, supposedly made in Germany.

 

[Tx Jim]

Clint
Did your dealer perform any hyd diagnostics before stating your tractor needed splitting? How is FEL hyd's attached to your 2640? With engine running 3 pt raised look inside open hyd filler hole for moving oil.

 

[radara4077]

I'm with Tx Jim -- let's not throw the baby out with the bath water just yet.

Although if you do end up going this route, I think the 50-55 series machines are your best bet (2350, 2550, 2750, 2355, 2555, 2755). The MFWD just takes a loader tractor to a whole different level of utility.