Buy an existing JD 2020 or wait for newer?

[FreeWulf]

I'm in a bit of a dilemma.

My dad recently bought a 2WD diesel JD 2020 that was "restored". The previous owner replaced the tach and hour meter at the same time, and while the tractor looks really nice, I have no idea if he did more than cosmetic stuff to it. It does seem to run really well though. Dad then bought a smaller Massey 135, which he likes better, and is planning on selling the 2020.

I really like the power of the 2020, and it's fairly nimble and a nice size. I love the transmission setup on the 2020. It has High, Low, and Reverse, plus 4 speeds in the transmission. So when mowing I can just tap the range lever back into R, and it backs up at the same speed as I was mowing.

The main problem with the 2020 is that I hate the location of the 3 point position lever. It's down by my knee and hard to get at, especially when I need to brush hog in rocky areas and need to move it constantly. I could rig up an extension, but it's annoying and wouldn't be as nice as from the factory.

I need a tractor with a loader. My uses are almost exclusively going to be bush hogging, and occasionally using the loader to move equipment around. I also plan on moving to Alaska, and having 4WD to plow snow with would be really nice, but not strictly necessary if I had chains.

Right now I can buy my dad's 2020, and then hopefully find a loader to fit it. He'll sell it for what he paid for it, $8,000. Then I have to find and get a loader working right.

Or, I can wait for a newer machine with a loader to pop up. I'm looking at things like Ford 4610, 5610, JD 5300, JD 2255, JD 2350, Case 585, etc. Basically something in the 50HP at the PTO range.

The 2020 hasn't proven itself yet, and I don't know that much about it. So far it's been good, but we only have about 50 hours on it.

What will the 2020 be like with a loader? Is the pump strong enough for it? Is the front axle? Are they good machines in general? I'm not going to be using it hard, but I want it to last decades and be reasonably easy to work on. It does have one set of rear remotes.

Right now my instincts are to wait for a newer machine.

 

[K5lwq]

Why not buy the 2020 and see how it works for you? At that rate you are only converting cash into a tractor and can always convert it back into cash if you do not like it. Exactly what your Dad is doing.

 

[CH4Ohio]

I don't know where you're located, or exactly what you want to do with it, but the fact that it's 2WD is a serious limitation. It wouldn't do much of what I need because it's 2WD. I have a 2WD Deere with loader and it's only ok on dry ground and for limited jobs. It's super easy to get stuck. No way would it clear snow and it sits in the barn all winter. I use the loader on that machine very little. I use the loaders on a couple 4WD Kubotas constantly.

Just my initial thoughts. . . .

 

[Zebrafive]

First $8K is high for a 2020, you are paying a lot for the restore job included.
Finding a loader will be hard. I am not sure what front axle it has. I am not even sure a HD front axle was offered, which is must for a loader.
Next two wheel drive is limiting. I have the next size/series up, a 2030, I have hills it will not drive UP, and even more it will not BACK up.
A major strength is the collar shift transmission, it seems unbreakable, BUT you have to come to stop for every gear change. That gets old in hurry. At least the 2020 has a Reverser, from what you describe.

So long answer is pass.

 

[FreeWulf]

Why not buy the 2020 and see how it works for you? At that rate you are only converting cash into a tractor and can always convert it back into cash if you do not like it. Exactly what your Dad is doing.

I had thought about doing that, but right now the market is really high on tractors here. I'm between Portland and Seattle in the PNW, and it seems like this is the highest priced area in the nation. If I sell it in the winter when I get ready to move, I'll probably take a bit of a loss. I need a tractor this summer though.

First $8K is high for a 2020, you are paying a lot for the restore job included.
Finding a loader will be hard. I am not sure what front axle it has. I am not even sure a HD front axle was offered, which is must for a loader.
Next two wheel drive is limiting. I have the next size/series up, a 2030, I have hills it will not drive UP, and even more it will not BACK up.
A major strength is the collar shift transmission, it seems unbreakable, BUT you have to come to stop for every gear change. That gets old in hurry. At least the 2020 has a Reverser, from what you describe.

So long answer is pass.

That's what's stopping me on it, as I'm a bit skeptical about how much restoration was actually done other than paint. I'm also not excited about trying to find a loader for it and then mount it, and then hope that the loader is good.

I'm not sure if it has a reverser. Maybe I'm wrong about what a reverser is. I thought a reverser was a shuttle up by the steering wheel.

The shifters on this are laid out with the stick on the right is an H pattern for the gears:
1 3
2 4

Stick on the left is also an H pattern for the range, park, and reverse:
P L
H R

So I can go straight forward to L range, and then quickly go straight back for Reverse in all 4 gears. Reverse does not work in the high range, which is fine. It's all just mechanical gears, and I need the clutch for all of it. I can shift everything while in motion. Obviously I have to come to a stop for Reverse and Park though.

Is that considered a reverser?

Loaders around here seem to be going for about $3,000 to $5500. I have yet to find one that fits. I'm thinking I'll be into the 2020 about $14,000 by the time I'm done, and I think I can find one of the tractors I'm looking for for less than that, even if I have to ship it here.

Unless there's something I'm missing here, I'm going to pass on the 2020. Plus as has been said, I'd really like 4WD.

 

[Jchonline]

If you were exclusively using it for field work, maybe. Once you mentioned FEL and snow it isnt going to be a good use case. You are in for quite a bit more $$ to get a capable machine, but thats what it is. There are some dealers that sell out of state and deliver.

 

[fried1765]

I'm in a bit of a dilemma.

My dad recently bought a 2WD diesel JD 2020 that was "restored". The previous owner replaced the tach and hour meter at the same time, and while the tractor looks really nice, I have no idea if he did more than cosmetic stuff to it. It does seem to run really well though. Dad then bought a smaller Massey 135, which he likes better, and is planning on selling the 2020.

I really like the power of the 2020, and it's fairly nimble and a nice size. I love the transmission setup on the 2020. It has High, Low, and Reverse, plus 4 speeds in the transmission. So when mowing I can just tap the range lever back into R, and it backs up at the same speed as I was mowing.

The main problem with the 2020 is that I hate the location of the 3 point position lever. It's down by my knee and hard to get at, especially when I need to brush hog in rocky areas and need to move it constantly. I could rig up an extension, but it's annoying and wouldn't be as nice as from the factory.

I need a tractor with a loader. My uses are almost exclusively going to be bush hogging, and occasionally using the loader to move equipment around. I also plan on moving to Alaska, and having 4WD to plow snow with would be really nice, but not strictly necessary if I had chains.

Right now I can buy my dad's 2020, and then hopefully find a loader to fit it. He'll sell it for what he paid for it, $8,000. Then I have to find and get a loader working right.

Or, I can wait for a newer machine with a loader to pop up. I'm looking at things like Ford 4610, 5610, JD 5300, JD 2255, JD 2350, Case 585, etc. Basically something in the 50HP at the PTO range.

The 2020 hasn't proven itself yet, and I don't know that much about it. So far it's been good, but we only have about 50 hours on it.

What will the 2020 be like with a loader? Is the pump strong enough for it? Is the front axle? Are they good machines in general? I'm not going to be using it hard, but I want it to last decades and be reasonably easy to work on. It does have one set of rear remotes.

Right now my instincts are to wait for a newer machine.

DO NOT DO IT!
Buying a tractor, and THEN looking for a loader is a major mistake!
Buy a tractor WITH a loader already attached!
Chains will work for snow, but for AK, buy a 4 wheel drive tractor if at all possible!

 

[LouNY]

Two wheel drive with good chains will do snow work,
it is certainly not as nice or fast or stout as the same size four wheel drive.
As far as a loader call the aftermarket vendors and just see what a new loader would be.

I did a lot of snow removal with these two wheel drive tractors on a very steep driveway,
steep enough that to stop the Oliver on snow or packed snow you used the bucket down pressure.
After I got my first set of the Euro style studded chains, completely different stop and start any where's.
A four wheel drive is much nicer and handier;

 

[deserteagle71]

I bought my JD 2020 diesel over 20 years ago and am still using it today. Got it at a ranch auction - and it was in sad shape. The seat assembly had rusted out so the previous owner had substituted a block of wood and a pile of rags! The hydraulic system was fill of chaff - I had to drain and change the hydraulic oil and filters many times. But it came with a JD 145 front end loader, and that is a good combination. I use that loader almost daily it seems like.

My tractor has the same tranny as yours...except that mine has an optional "hi-lo" shift lever on the left side of the dash under the steering wheel. Other tractors had a true "reverser" which would allow forward and backward travel without using the clutch. The "reverser" lever was also located on the side of the dash, same place as my "hi-lo" lever.

I don't find the location of the 3-point lever a problem. The lever that irks me is the control lever for the PTO - right next to the gear shift lever. All too often when I want to shift the tranny I brush against the PTO lever and disengage the PTO.

Can't speak to aftermarket front end loaders but the JD145 loader on my 2020 works excellent and is extremely sturdy. I've found I can lift close to a ton with it - the limitation is that without 4wd, a lot of weight in the bucket and I can't back up if in loose/soft terrain because the rear tires will just spin (no liquid ballast in the tires).

If you take the tractor to Alaska - make sure to put a block heater of some sort on it. Mine will not start if the temperature is anywhere near freezing without being plugged in for an hour or so. Put some ballast on the rear and get tire chains and it will move snow just fine.

As I said, I've had mine a lot of years and have put a lot of hours on it. So if you have further questions about this particular model I'll help if I can.

Using the 2020 to set some tall poles.....

 

[dadiehl]

So after one pours money into this machine what would it cost to get it to Alaska? And where in Alaska? Would one float it there or truck it through Canada?

 

[dadiehl]

I am not being smart . Sorry if I came across that way. I know what my wife pays in shipping with her business and it’s just baskets and pottery.

 

[scaredychicken]

Sentimental value aside, the price seems high to me.

The things that bother you now about the JD2020 will always bother you.

I think that I'd be buying your perfect tractor, once in Alaska. Who knows what you'll really need until you get there? Who knows what you will find in the used market, until you get there?

Are there dealerships in the area that you are moving too ?

i'd wait it out

 

[CADplans]

I cultivated thousands of acres with a JD 2020, and a 6 row 3PH cultivator,,
that said, I do not remember the 3PH control being an issue,,,

The 2020 was our loader tractor, and was almost impossible to use with the loader,
until we put 11.00 X 15 tires on the front one day,,

After that, the tractor almost performed like a 4WD,, the problem was the skinny OEM tires.

That was a great tractor,, I have basically the identical tractor, a 584 IH,,

I compared the specs, the 584 IH and the JD 2020 must have been built to compete with each other,,
they are amazingly similar,,

 

[FreeWulf]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm just going to wait and find what I'm really looking for.

I do like the 2020. It's a good tractor, I'm impressed with it, but it's not the right one for me.

So after one pours money into this machine what would it cost to get it to Alaska? And where in Alaska? Would one float it there or truck it through Canada?

I'm going to be making several trips with a truck and trailer moving up there through Canada. I had initially thought to just buy a tractor once I got up there, but I need one in the meantime, and there aren't many used tractors for sale up there. It seems like it will actually pay to buy used down here, and haul it up there with one of my loads.

My tractor has the same tranny as yours...except that mine has an optional "hi-lo" shift lever on the left side of the dash under the steering wheel. Other tractors had a true "reverser" which would allow forward and backward travel without using the clutch. The "reverser" lever was also located on the side of the dash, same place as my "hi-lo" lever.

I don't find the location of the 3-point lever a problem. The lever that irks me is the control lever for the PTO - right next to the gear shift lever. All too often when I want to shift the tranny I brush against the PTO lever and disengage the PTO.

You must have a different setup than this 2020. The PTO lever is waaay down on the left side. It's just a 8" metal lever with a little loop the size of your thumb. It doesn't even stick up near the gear shifts at all. It's actually kind of hard to get at. I wonder if yours was modified, or his was, or if it was a different year/different tranny thing?

 

[CADplans]

You must have a different setup than this 2020. The PTO lever is waaay down on the left side. It's just a 8" metal lever with a little loop the size of your thumb. It doesn't even stick up near the gear shifts at all. It's actually kind of hard to get at. I wonder if yours was modified, or his was, or if it was a different year/different tranny thing?

This arrow just happens to be pointing to the 3PH control lever,,

That is virtually the identical position of the control on my IH 584, the control can be seen just to the left of the loader hydraulic hose.

 

[rScotty]

Reading through your comments on the 2020 and what you want to do with a tractor I think you are looking for the right type of machine. A very good, used but sound US tractor from the "golden age" i.e. about 1970 through 2000 would suit you well and will still last a lifetime.

It was an era when US tractors were designed to be infinitely rebuildable & repairable by a mechanically inclined owner. Everything from internal tolerances to accessibility to casting quality is designed for service. That's their strength. You can add Case & Massey to your list of JD, IH, Ford.
Don't overlook some of the older slightly larger cabbed tractors or loader/backhoes. You are looking for a "sweetheart"; if you find her you can live with the shortcomings.

The weakness for US made tractors back then was a reluctance to go to simple transmissions, few had 4wd, many only had manual steering. A add-on power assist cylinder was common and worked OK other than leaks, but full hydrostatic power steering in common use today was not as common. That's because most were Ag tractors and the problem has having enough load on the front tires rather than too much weight up their like with a loader. You MUST have some form of power assisted or full power steering for loader use. It sounds like you are in luck with that 2020 because it already has a set of remotes which is a big deal for JDs because JDs used the more complex closed center hydraulics while the rest of the world uses the simpler open center hydraulics.
But since it has remotes, it has the innate capability to an implement - in your case that would be the loader.

BTW, your transmission is what is called a shuttle shift. i.e. one lever reversing but needs the foot clutch when doing so or for all shifting.
The next step up is the "power shift" which works internal clutches hydraulically as you move the shift lever. The foot clutch can be
But with even moderately good care those old tractors will last just about forever.

4wd is wonderful if you can find it, but those old 2wd tractors could do a whole lot of useful work in 2wd. While you should get 4wd assist if there is anyway that you can, don't bypass the perfect tractor if it happens to be 2wd. It will be way less expensive, is likely to have been less stressed, and there are excellent chains & tires today that will make it a beast in the snow. It's simply a matter of getting the right chains for your tires and putting them on for the winter.

This sounds too simple when I say it, but the most important thing with the tractor is reliability. After that comes convenience, a good 3pt & PTO, and the all-important FEL. 4wd is farther down the list.

IMHO, you are looking for the right type of machine from the right era.
We've had an older big 2wd collar shifting, JD with a loader and poorly-placed levers for 40+ years now. It's no longer our first choice for chores....It is work to run it and there really are better more modern 4wd tractors now. I know because we have several of those, too. But that old 2wd JD will also do the work. It's still a worker. Yes, it's work to make it work, but even with chains and all.....having an old JD that works right sure beats having 12K in the bank.

It's all about finding a good one. You will know it when you see it. And while in some ways it is nice to find one with a FEL on it already, having a FEL sure does stress a tractor while without one they are always in better condition. But do get a good 3pt hitch. I think that JD made by far the best 3pt hitch. Many crank adjustments and just overall best quality.
Good luck,
rScotty

 

[Zebrafive]

Some of your questions may have been answered, so The may be duplicates.
I ASSUMED the tractor had Reverser when you said it had a lever to shift forward/reverse. You later described the left lever on the transmission having reverse. So this 2020 does not have a Reverser. You are correct a Reverser will have lever on the dash and a sticker showing forward and reverse with pictures of the tractor. HI/LO will have the same lever and sticker with a rabbit & turtle.
The PTO lever between the two shift levers is for optional independent PTO (good option to have) The lever on the side is slide a collar to internally engage the PTO, then you use the PTO clutch (if no lever between the shifters) it will have a two stage foot clutch, tractor(traction) & PTO.
For a loader, you will want the HD front axle, easily identified by TWO rows of bolts holding the "knees to the center section. You will also want 11L-15 tires.
The right way to add a loader hydraulics, is for the loader to have it's own valve, which you plumb into the hydraulics behind the PCV (Pressure Control Valve) and a return line to a ported filter cover. SCVs will not be used for the loader when plumbed this way.
For a loader with valve and plumbing (lines, fittings) expect to spend $4-5K
My JD 2030 diesel has independent PTO, JD 245 MSL loader, 2 rear SCVs, extendable lower links on the 3pt hitch, HD front axle 11L-15 tires, HI/LO shift.
If someone were to offer me $12K they would own it.
Drawing is the HD front axle center section
Pictures are my 2030, I was looking for HD front axle

 

[fried1765]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm just going to wait and find what I'm really looking for.

I do like the 2020. It's a good tractor, I'm impressed with it, but it's not the right one for me.



I'm going to be making several trips with a truck and trailer moving up there through Canada. I had initially thought to just buy a tractor once I got up there, but I need one in the meantime, and there aren't many used tractors for sale up there. It seems like it will actually pay to buy used down here, and haul it up there with one of my loads.



You must have a different setup than this 2020. The PTO lever is waaay down on the left side. It's just a 8" metal lever with a little loop the size of your thumb. It doesn't even stick up near the gear shifts at all. It's actually kind of hard to get at. I wonder if yours was modified, or his was, or if it was a different year/different tranny thing?

Good idea!
Buy your tractor in the lower 48, and then take it with you to AK.
You will have a MUCH WIDER selection of used tractors in the lower 48, and at much better prices.

 

[deserteagle71]

You must have a different setup than this 2020. The PTO lever is waaay down on the left side. It's just a 8" metal lever with a little loop the size of your thumb. It doesn't even stick up near the gear shifts at all. It's actually kind of hard to get at. I wonder if yours was modified, or his was, or if it was a different year/different tranny thing?

I too have that metal lever with a little loop that you are talking about. That engages the PTO...but as Zebrafive states in his post above, mine also has the independent PTO option. So to run my PTO I first have to move that lever you are talking about.

Then I have to move the PTO clutch lever (middle one, pointing back towards the seat in this photo) forward to actually get the PTO to turn. And this is the annoying part because when I move one of the gearshift levers I also move the PTO lever downward and disengage the PTO:

Is this the same 3-point controller you find so annoying?

 

[FreeWulf]

I too have that metal lever with a little loop that you are talking about. That engages the PTO...but as Zebrafive states in his post above, mine also has the independent PTO option. So to run my PTO I first have to move that lever you are talking about.

Then I have to move the PTO clutch lever (middle one, pointing back towards the seat in this photo) forward to actually get the PTO to turn. And this is the annoying part because when I move one of the gearshift levers I also move the PTO lever downward and disengage the PTO:

Is this the same 3-point controller you find so annoying?

Ah, that makes a lot more sense then. I can see how you could knock the PTO out of gear.

I took some pictures as well.

Here's the old girl in all her glory.

And here's the little PTO lever on the left side. Not a big deal, since I don't have to use it more than once an hour or less, but not super easy to get at. Don't mind the little running board addon, my dad is experimenting with making some better foot shields.

Shift pattern and dash:

Here's the 3Point position lever. Since we only use it for brush hogging, we don't ever touch the draft lever. The position control is resting all the way down, and when I run the brush (bush) hog, I am constantly adjusting it at nearly that same height. My arm and neck get sore from always being bent over to adjust the lever. You can see that it's not much above my ankles on the foot rests.

It's also annoying because when I back up to hook up a new implement, I can't see the 3 point arms when I'm bent over adjusting the lever. If the lever were up higher, I could just turn my head and see behind me, but it's all the way down.