All I ever wanted is green?

[BryceSteiner]

The TYM T25 (RK25) is a good tractor that I bought in 2021. Was afraid to buy an older tractor because I really didn't want to deal with older problems, but I have been looking at others such as the Kioti, Branson 25-26 HP tractors. They weigh more, have more lift, without the EPA baggage. I was about to pay $25,000 for one of these that was only a couple years old. Hadn't bit the bullet because maybe a skid loader would be better. Prices were high on all the online auctions so I hadn't bit anything yet.

Well I just ran across a 1979 Deere 2040 with a front end loader, rear remotes, a lot more weight (scales show over 6000), diesel, with not that many hours, 3point quick attach (Cat 2 I think), brand new air cushioned seat, new rear tires. All less than $10k. The first owner farmer is 90 YO and wants to get something a little bigger
Known problems - tie rod ends need replaced - looks easy. The curl cylinder has a pin hole leak. I think I could weld that. The bucket comes off fairly easily and I think I could put on a skid steer quick attach if I wanted.

Am I crazy for thinking this what I've been looking for instead of something newer?

 

[Rustyiron]

Newer doesn't equate to better.
Go ask the guy at the JD parts counter if he's aware of ANY PART for that 2040 that's no longer available then see if they have a water pump or radiator cap at your other 2 choices.

 

[jeff9366]

John Deere 2040​

1976 - 1982 Model year 1976-19791980-1982 2040 Series Compact Utility tractor

	830 ↑
Series:	2040	→ 2240

Production
Manufacturer:	John Deere
Type:	Utility tractor
Factory:	Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Mechanical
Chassis:	4x2 2WD
Final drives:	planetary
Differential lock:	mechanical rear
Steering:	power
Brakes:	hydraulic wet disc
Cab:	Two-post Roll-Gard ROPS.
Transmission:	8-speed collar shift

Tractor hitch
Rear Type:	I
Rear lift (at 24"/610mm):	2400 lbs 1088 kg

Dimensions & Tires
Bare Tractor Weight:	4060 to 4800 pounds

John Deere 2040 Power
PTO (claimed):	40 hp 29.8 kW
Drawbar (tested):	32.87 hp 24.5 kW
PTO (tested):	40.86 hp 30.5 kW

MORE SPECIFICATIONS:

TractorData.com John Deere 2040 tractor information

www.tractordata.com

T-B-N ARCHIVE SEARCH:

Deere 2040 site:tractorbynet.com

 

[jeff9366]

Am I crazy for thinking this what I've been looking for instead of something newer?


If 2-WD is OK for you with a Loader, go for it.

MORE: Do I need a 4 wheel drive tractor?

2-WD VS 4-WD site:tractorbynet.com



About 239,000 Deere 2040 units produced in Germany. By tractor standards this is a huge base which augers well for Deere replacement parts.

 

[2manyrocks]

The TYM T25 (RK25) is a good tractor that I bought in 2021. Was afraid to buy an older tractor because I really didn't want to deal with older problems, but I have been looking at others such as the Kioti, Branson 25-26 HP tractors. They weigh more, have more lift, without the EPA baggage. I was about to pay $25,000 for one of these that was only a couple years old. Hadn't bit the bullet because maybe a skid loader would be better. Prices were high on all the online auctions so I hadn't bit anything yet.

Well I just ran across a 1979 Deere 2040 with a front end loader, rear remotes, a lot more weight (scales show over 6000), diesel, with not that many hours, 3point quick attach (Cat 2 I think), brand new air cushioned seat, new rear tires. All less than $10k. The first owner farmer is 90 YO and wants to get something a little bigger
Known problems - tie rod ends need replaced - looks easy. The curl cylinder has a pin hole leak. I think I could weld that. The bucket comes off fairly easily and I think I could put on a skid steer quick attach if I wanted.

Am I crazy for thinking this what I've been looking for instead of something newer?

View attachment 820366

What is your assessment of how well the farmer maintained his tractor? If you can still get parts and it appears to be in good condition and the seller seems to be telling you the truth about its condition, you can make a lot of repairs for the difference between his price of $10k and $25 you'd pay for a new tractor.

 

[Thomas]

JD2040 worker just depends on the work you have plan.
Good set rear tire chains loaded tires or rear ballast would make BIG differents.

 

[BryceSteiner]

If 2-WD is OK for you with a Loader, go for it.

Yes. That really is a big consideration. The TYM that I have now is 4WD and it works well. The JD is not but I don't think it will be a big problem.

 

[Paystar]

I don't think you are crazy. Looks like it's in good shape, good parts support, easy to work on and reliable.
Funny how everyone today thinks you need 4WD. Farmers seemed to survive doing everything for 100 years with 2WD. It's all about ballast. And I'm sure you're up there with those wheel weights especially if the tires are loaded too.

 

[Paystar]

I wouldn't mind having that Ford F600 that is behind it either!

 

[BryceSteiner]

JD2040 worker just depends on the work you have plan.
Good set rear tire chains loaded tires or rear ballast would make BIG differents.

yes. This comes with 2 sets of large wheel weights.
I was able to drive it home several miles. It works very well!

 

[BryceSteiner]

I wouldn't mind having that Ford F600 that is behind it either!

That runs well too with only 30,000 miles (1976). I would buy it if I had the space for it. The farmer only wants $7500 for that truck...

 

[Paystar]

Looks like he kept his stuff pretty nice. Your Deere looks good, especially considering it's in it's work clothes and hasn't been painted for sale.

Can't go wrong anyway.....Deere's always bring good money at auction.

 

[jyoutz]

I don't think you are crazy. Looks like it's in good shape, good parts support, easy to work on and reliable.
Funny how everyone today thinks you need 4WD. Farmers seemed to survive doing everything for 100 years with 2WD. It's all about ballast. And I'm sure you're up there with those wheel weights especially if the tires are loaded too.

True, but most older farm tractors didn’t have loaders. That would be the only thing I’d consider is how well the 2wd/loader combination would work for the OP’s needs.

 

[Paystar]

True, but most older farm tractors didn’t have loaders. That would be the only thing I’d consider is how well the 2wd/loader combination would work for the OP’s needs.

Yes, you have a point. But if it's ballasted good on the rear and you just need to use some technique running the loader. Best way i can say it is 4WD lets you be a bad operator and get away with it, LOL
2WD you just need a little more finesse.

 

[Paystar]

Just like watching some of the other operators at the mine spinning the tires off the Cat wheel loaders. They just can't get it in their head that you can actually work the bucket and the throttle, LOL

 

[jyoutz]

Yes, you have a point. But if it's ballasted good on the rear and you just need to use some technique running the loader. Best way i can say it is 4WD lets you be a bad operator and get away with it, LOL
2WD you just need a little more finesse.

If it will work for the OP that seems like a nice find. One question: I have always questioned the weight capacity of a front 2wd axle for heavy loader lifts. The 2wd front axles don’t look as strong.

 

[CalG]

Get it!
Try it for your needs.
If not suitable, sell again, You won't loose any thing. And gain perspective with the experience.

 

[BryceSteiner]

True, but most older farm tractors didn’t have loaders. That would be the only thing I’d consider is how well the 2wd/loader combination would work for the OP’s needs.

I found that too. The bucket and the loader is real easy to remove.

 

[4570Man]

I wouldn’t care to have an old tractor like that to hook on an 8’ mower and never unhook it but the loaders on the old tractors especially 2wd ones are lacking.

 

[Williy]

AH what the heck? Just purchase a red one and paint it green

willy