We specialize in dealing with the 1969-1972 John Deere tractors. Today's collectors are seeking the 20 series tractors due to all there modern features, such as: the optional 8 speed power shift, smooth power steering, selective control valves with flow control, side console controls, 12Velectrical system and excellent view from operators station. This is an all aroundnice tractor to use and operate. These tractors were well ahead of there time back in 1969, and 41 years later still provide and excellent tractor for the farmer or collector.

Although the earlier 20 series tractors from 1964-1968 alsohad many nice features including the optional 8 speed power shift and smooth power steering, they did not have the flow control on the SCV's, they were a 24V electrical system on a diesel engine and they also used the popular 404 CI Diesel in a 4020which was not the same as the later 404 used in the side console models. The early engines, on the outside of the engine block on each cylinder, had a small weep hole; this was to let the prestone/oil outside of the engine to let the owner know it had a problem. Inside the cylinder block there are 3 rings cut out of the cast, the top one is for the prestone o-ring for, the second one is blankwhile thebottom o-ringis for oil. What happens is due to age, not wear, the o-ring fallsinto pieces and the coolant/oil runs out the weep hole in the block and when this happens the engine is due for an overhaul. Once the top o-ring lets go the bottom one will also let go with time, and then you run the risk ofcoolant in the oil.

The reason the later 20 series engines are so much more desirable, is new engine design for the late 20 series tractor. This new engine designincludes asleeve witha step in it and asquare type packing, so when the cylinder head is torqued down, there is less chance of a coolant leak. In our experiences we have found it costs the same amount of money to restore the early 20 series tractors as it does to restore the late model. This engine design makes the tractors must more desirable as the engine is much better with a longer life before overhaul is needed. This also makes the tractor cost more originally, but is a better investment and worth much more in the end.

Is a 1969 - 1970 model 2520, 3020, 4000, or 4020 worth as much as a 1971 or 1972 model? The answer is NOT quite. There are many differences on the early side console's ('69-'70) models one of the main ones is they used a CBC Injection pump it was a lot smaller than the JDB pump used on earlier models from 1964-1968. John Deere went to this design due to the round rubber governor ring that would fall into small pieces due to age and then your pump needed an overhaul. The CBC pump does not use agovernor ring like the JDB pump, but had many other problems such as smoke at slow idle, flutter at slow idle, fuel leaks/around throttle shaft, head and rotor would warp due to heat, and then the engine would not start after the tractor had been used up to operating temperatures.These pumps were a problem for John Deere and back in the '80's John Deere had a change over kit to update to the JDB pump which included all new lines as they were different than the ones used on the CBC pump. Some pumps got changed although many didn't. Today there are no parts to correctly rebuild the CBCpumps; all the internal parts are obsolete. There is now a change over kit, which is the JDB, the pump is the same as the one used on the later 20 series tractors 1971-1972models with all new lines available that we can install on your tractor. It costs approx between $2500-$3000 on a 4020 to upgrade the injection pump. In our experiences all the models that still have the CBC pump on need to be upgraded to the JDB pump due to age and wear of the pump. The JDB pump is a much better design and any Diesel Injection service shop can still rebuild it, as all of the parts are still available.

So when purchasing a 1969 or 1970 model 2520, 3020, 4000, 4020, or 4520 keep in mind if it has the small CBC injection pump, you will likely end up changing it over to the JDB pump.

Refinements of the 1971 & 1972 Models 2520, 3020, 4000, 4020, 4320 & 4620:

-JDB injection Pump

-Single dual beam headlamps with dimmer switch on LH side of platform

-Straight in Intake manifold used on 4000, 4020, & 4320 (increased air flow)

-Engine block redesign on 4000, & 4020 Casting #R47170

-Frost plug style block heater

-Dual warning lamps one on each fender

-Long transmission shifter (crooked stick) gave the operator more leverage, easier to shift gears on syncro trans

-Steering wheel center cap 2 legged leaping deer, Power steering

-Square fuel filter

-Model 4020 used same center link as the 4320, 4230, 4430 Casting # R51524

-Model 4020 could have been equipped with the large row crop flat top fenders same as used on a 4320 with 18.4X38, 20.8X34, 23.1X30Tires. This was an option to cover the larger tires from the operator's station.

-The tachometer was black faced with white lettering,& white needle

-Models 4000 & 4020 uses the same size lower link-sensing shaft as used on the 4320, 4230, and 4430 models