Any other JD 1020 owners out there?

[jrschwit@earthlink.net]

Hi,
I'm new to the forum and tractor ownership. I just bought 20 acres in central SC that comes with a 1967 model 1020 with a rear scraper blade, bush hog and disk. I grew up in the late 50s and early 60s on a large farm in Illinois with JD 60 / 70, 630 and a 4010 so I'm generally familiar with tractors but have been away from them since 1965.

I don't know much about this tractor except that it runs and has been only used since the early 70s on this property for general yard and garden work. It has not been professionally maintained although I get the sense that preventive maintenance was conducted by the PO.

What can I expect from this tractor by way of reliability, weaknesses / strengths, parts availability, etc.? I think I will want a decent front end loader with bucket and forks for the inevitable odd jobs involved in maintaining a secluded residence like this.

One job I foresee for the tractor is to skid some pine trees that I will thin and cut on site to make the framing for a large workshop I plan to build. I presume with the 3PH and some ingenuity I can skid fairly good sized logs on this fairly level site.

I would appreciate corresponding with other 1020 owners about your experience with the tractor.

Regards,
Jim

 

[Deere Hunter]

I looked long and hard for an 820 or 1020 prior to purchasing the 1050 I now have. Had a 1020 on the line a year ago, and the gentleman just couldn't part with it when the chips were down. They are stout little tractors. My cousin has a 1520, which is the next size up in the line. His tractor was/is a workshorse. It will be fine with a FEL, but an original JD may take some time to locate. I am having some trouble running down a 75 for the 1050 - missed one on ebay a week or so ago... Should take care of any chores you may need on 20 acres.

 

[Ken Cunningham]

Jim

I dont know how long you have lived around here and how familiar with columbia you are. If you need any info on parts the dealer around here is Plametto Lawn and Leisure on HWY 378 near I-20. I just bought a used 1070 from them that someone traded in and the service is received was pretty good, although I am friends with one of the salesman, so your mileage may vary.

Does your tractor have a draw bar? If so you should pull those trees with that, allthough I wouldnt think a 4000lb tractor would not have a problem with a medium sized tree. Check out the safety section.

 

[Kessler Farms]

The 1020 is a great little tractor. Mine is a '71 model with over 7000 hours on it, originally bought by my grandfather. The engine was rebuilt at around 5500 hours. I wouldn't want a loader on it, as its pretty light, but a small one would probably be ok. Mine is pretty much only used now to rake hay or spray pasture fields. Here's some pics.

My son raking hay last summer.

 

[Deere Hunter]

Sharp Machine!!

 

[Kessler Farms]

Thanks.

 

[jrschwit@earthlink.net]

Kessler,
Thanks for the info and pictures. Mine is much rougher than yours. I look forward to giving it some TLC and putting it to work.

Regards,
Jim

 

[Kessler Farms]

My son (raking in the pics) and I cleaned it last winter and put a fresh coat of paint, not a real restoration but made it look better. I'm sort of particular about taking care of equipment. We wash and wax all of the tractors and equipment a couple of times each year.

 

[ORCM]

My dad had one, and I put many hours on the machine..

The only problem we really had with it was the carburetor, they tend to stick and flood the cylinders.. Rebuild would be a good idea..

I would also recommend that you change the hydraulic fluid, filter, and screens. If the tractor has sat outside at all, they tend to get water in the tranny..


Over all good tractor..

 

[ashealy478]

I have two 1020 diesels, one with a bad rod bearing and I need the crankshaft turned and a rod and main bearings, new oil pump, and a push rod. If anybody knows a good place to buy these parts, please let me know. I bought the 2nd 1020 yesterday. I am from Prosperity, SC but live in Alabama now.

Allen Shealy