This or that

[BryceSteiner]

Several years ago I found a John Deere 2040 - German made with a french engine. I believe it's about 1980 or so. It has a front end loader. My original intent was to use it for my property in south east Kentucky and just leave it there, and not have to transport my TYM back and forth between NW Ohio and SE KY when I want to do work there.
I had not used it much at our home in Ohio and about a year and a half ago it got to the point it wouldn't start. It sat for a while I showed it somebody to sell. I thought it would start when they came (about a year and a half ago) and it and it would barely turn over - just the click where it was trying.
Fast forward to now. I took the FEL off along with associated brackets, and got to the starter - it was the solenoid. I changed it and the machine acts like a new tractor - without DEF.
As mentioned, I was going to sell, and put that money towards a new tractors - main reason is it's not four wheel drive - but do I need 4WD with that size of wheel and weight of tractor? R1 Tires are in excellent condition on the rear.
Now I'm thinking of keeping it as it has most everything I need in a tractor without the DEF - though I do need to put SSQA on the front for my attachments - it will take some time but doable. It came with 2 sets of rear wheel weights, rear hydraulic remotes, and a Cat 2 quick attach.
To make it work with all my equipment I would also have to aad a hydraulic multiplier and front third function (both of which I would have to add on a new tractor).
What are your thoughts of keeping vs selling?

 

[sandman2234]

I like those old tractors! I have a pair of JD2555's and like them about the same as the newer but not quite DEF Kubota. Four wheel drive on one, not the other. I just adjust to what I am doing and don't push it as hard.
There were apparently a couple different 2040's made. One has a 3 cylinder engine and the other two have 4 cylinder engine. The difference in horsepower is significant. The 3 cylinder is rated at 44 horsepower while the 4 cylinder is 70-75 horsepower. That is a lot of difference. If you have a 4 cylinder, then you are pushing HP up around what my Jd2555 are making. That is a good amount of power to use with 2wd, if you can keep from getting stuck with it. (that was a major issue with me, and the reason my Bride agreed to let me spend the money to buy a newer Kubota).
I would keep it! My 2wd had over 7,000 hours on it when I purchased it and the hour meter quit.
David from jax

 

[MH8675309]

Older and able to be worked on? - without dealer support? No DEF? Keep that machine

 

[chim]

I've never been a green guy but I would keep that tractor. Congrats!

 

[Shawn T. W.]

Keep!!!

 

[bigtiller]

Buy the new one you want AND keep the old one.

2 tractors are better than one.

 

[Jstpssng]

but do I need 4WD with that size of wheel and weight of tractor?

That depends on what you need it for.

 

[BryceSteiner]

Buy the new one you want AND keep the old one.

2 tractors are better than one.

I do have a relatively new one and it works well. I just would like one for up north and one for down south. I think I'll do what you suggest.