'76 Deere 2040 Restoration

[curdy]

Yes, this is built is Germany. We're not sinking a ton of money into this girl (knowing this isn't a high dollar desirable model). Its a handy back saver around the house and fun test bed for skill building.

FEL is in the way, but its staying on for now. There are a few chores to do with it before taking it off. From the looks of things, its going to be quite the chore in itself to remove then that time comes.

TX: the lever is fine (at least now it is, I welded it back together because it was snapped in two). The quadrant is rusty and worn down from metal on metal contact. I guess the better way to ask is: Is there much of an advantage to go ahead and take the rockshaft cover off to perform any maintenance or don't mess with what's working? If the answer is no, then its probably better to just deal with repairing the quadrant while on the machine. Lifting the cover isn't an issue.

 

[Zebrafive]

I would pull the rockshaft cover just so the kids can see the insides. The gears, shift forks, etc.
TxJim can probably recommend what to check/repair while you have it off. I am thinking new seals for the rockshaft valve.

 

[Tx Jim]

Isn't this the German built JD ? From what I have noticed the engine is considered a step child.

May I ask why you think the JD 2040 has a step child engine? That engine is in the same class design as brand spanking new JD tractors built today. The 4276 engine which is a 4 cyl from same type engine group can have over 110 HP.

Maybe you're confusing 2040 with the model 2010 which has a step child engine with 4 cylinder liners attached to a single plate & 2010 diesel engine cyl head as pre-combustion chambers with glow plugs

 

[Tx Jim]

curdy
Can you post a photo of your repaired RS control lever? Removing FEL is easy to do if you decide to do so but I've mounted/dismounted many FEL's on JD tractors. I wish I lived closer because I'd sure like to have your FEL to put on a 2040 that I just purchased.

 

[curdy]

I would pull the rockshaft cover just so the kids can see the insides. The gears, shift forks, etc.
TxJim can probably recommend what to check/repair while you have it off. I am thinking new seals for the rockshaft valve.

I like the way you think.

curdy
Can you post a photo of your repaired RS control lever? Removing FEL is easy to do if you decide to do so but I've mounted/dismounted many FEL's on JD tractors. I wish I lived closer because I'd sure like to have your FEL to put on a 2040 that I just purchased.

I'm still new at welding, but I'm happy with how this came out. The lever was broken right through the round part of the opening near the top. Unfortunately I didn't take a before picture. FEL will only be coming off to fix it up then going back on. Shoot, I bought the tractor for that! I'll definitely be seeking your advice when it comes time to remove it. Its a 145 loader. Probably not that much to buy for your 2040.

 

[Tx Jim]

Is 3 pt control shaft difficult to move which caused handle to require welding? BTW your repair looks fine to me.

 

[curdy]

Is 3 pt control shaft difficult to move which caused handle to require welding? BTW your repair looks fine to me.

Nope...or at least to my knowledge when the damage was done. I bought the tractor and the lever was hanging on by a thread. I went ahead and pulled it apart so I could store the top piece safely until I had a welder, knew how to use it...and had some time = 8 years later. I think it was more of an accident/abuse that damaged it. My guess would be that someone was leaning with outward pressure on it hard often enough that it broke. The pin that secures it to the quadrant would support the lower section but not the upper. I wouldn't think there's enough leverage to break a piece like that so easily...but having employees has opened my eyes to just how rough people can be on equipment.

 

[curdy]

Working on getting the covers off the trans and rockshaft. How do I get the ring snap off L4035T? They don稚 have any holes for pliers. Looks like its supposed to compress to come out but now sure how that痴 supposed to be done.

 

[Tx Jim]

May I ask why you desire to remove snap ring(KEY 2 PN L4035T). Is gear shift lever broken? I'll add that snap ring will be a PITA to remove IMHO. I'm unaware of any cover on rockshaft housing except at the very frt that gear shift levers protrude through.

 

[curdy]

May I ask why you desire to remove snap ring(KEY 2 PN L4035T). Is gear shift lever broken? I'll add that snap ring will be a PITA to remove IMHO. I'm unaware of any cover on rockshaft housing except at the very frt that gear shift levers protrude through.

I am having difficulty getting the knobs off the levers to remove the boots so I can get the cover off (cover needs some re-shaping). Boots are not in bad shape as I replaced them a few years ago. Still may replace them anyway because they sat outside for a while during my move south. I figured I'd get the levers off so I could submerge the ends to loosen them up. Loud and clear on the rings being a PITA to remove, so I'll go with some heat on the lever. I have some high temp insulation that goes on woodstoves that I can protect the knobs from toasting. I'll just have to be sure not to heat up the lever too much and damage them from the inside.

Thought I could get a pipe wrench on the lever but it would just slip each time. I guess the levers are hardened because the teeth on the wrench could not get a bite at all.




One of my helpers last night.