JD 2030

[deerefan]

I ran across an ad on craigslist offering a JD 2030 with loader for sale. 68hp, new paint, runs and drives great, new hydraulic lines, asking $4995. Is it just me or does that price sound awfully low? I am not real familiar with the 2030 other than some were built here and some were built in Germany. Were they solid tractors? I just can't wrap my head around why this tractor is so cheap. I have yet to speak to the seller.

 

[nikdfish]

I haven't seen this ad, but it could quite possibly be Craigslist scam. If so, it is probably using a picture & description that appear in ads in multiple different areas. Assuming the add has text (rather than an image of text), cut & paste a section into google & see if it doesn't show up elsewhere ... Just for fun, I've done this with a few "too good to be true" ads and found the same description & pictures for supposedly different items in widely separated locations;

Most common are the ones that say they must sell because of some dire emergency - then will not permit in person inspections (because of pressing personal business), saying that they will be using a escrow agency (certainly bogus) "so you are completely protected".

Run Away!


Nick

 

[Tx Jim]

$4995 sounds cheap for a 2030 "without a loader". Down here a loader alone will bring 2500-$3500

 

[AKfish]

Total scam! I've been looking at the next generation - 40 series - of utility tractors and the counterpart machine; 2440 with loader in good condition with 4,000 hours would likely be $10,000.

Can't imagine that a 2030 with loader in half-way good shape would be less than $7,500 - $8,500.

Run or bait the guy a little... and then drop it.

AKfish

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I think all the 2030's were built in Dubuque Iowa. The 2030 became the 2440, which was built in Dubuque for 4+ years before it saw a minor re-design, and production moved to Mannheim Germany. 2030 and 2440 had a 219cu in Deere 4-cylinder diesel that among other things, was EXTREMELY vulnerable to "wet sleeve pitting" resulting from a combination of issues, not least of which is uncleaned block castings and cavitation. Look CLOSELY at the amount of blow by (tube pointing down just in front of left corner of operator platform) Also look CLOSELY at the engine oil for signs of contamination (coolant leaking into crankcase)

60hp on the pto, but not exactly a torque monster. Gotta keep it up on the pipe, no hard lugging. Lug it down below 1700 rpm and it falls flat on its face in a heavy pull. (I've owned a '79 2440 since it was new, and now also have a 2640)

Rear brakes can be a horid nightmare if anyone ever put the wrong oil in the rear end....Brakes shed linings which end up caught on hydraulic pump pick up screen.

You'll find an oil filler cap behind and under the seat. Remove the cap, shine a flashlight in the opening while someone works the 3-point lift. If you see ANY oil (usually in the form of a blowing mist), pack up your flashlight and run!

I've got a Deere 148 loader on my 2440 and have turned down a couple offers in excess of $12,000 (It does have new rubber, ROPS/canopy, fresh paint, and is in WAY above average condition)

If it ain't a scam, and the tractor isn't simply trashed, there's PROBABLY a major (albeit possibly purposely covered up) "fly in the ointment" .

 

[deerefan]

I think all the 2030's were built in Dubuque Iowa. The 2030 became the 2440, which was built in Dubuque for 4+ years before it saw a minor re-design, and production moved to Mannheim Germany. 2030 and 2440 had a 219cu in Deere 4-cylinder diesel that among other things, was EXTREMELY vulnerable to "wet sleeve pitting" resulting from a combination of issues, not least of which is uncleaned block castings and cavitation. Look CLOSELY at the amount of blow by (tube pointing down just in front of left corner of operator platform) Also look CLOSELY at the engine oil for signs of contamination (coolant leaking into crankcase)

60hp on the pto, but not exactly a torque monster. Gotta keep it up on the pipe, no hard lugging. Lug it down below 1700 rpm and it falls flat on its face in a heavy pull. (I've owned a '79 2440 since it was new, and now also have a 2640)

Rear brakes can be a horid nightmare if anyone ever put the wrong oil in the rear end....Brakes shed linings which end up caught on hydraulic pump pick up screen.

You'll find an oil filler cap behind and under the seat. Remove the cap, shine a flashlight in the opening while someone works the 3-point lift. If you see ANY oil (usually in the form of a blowing mist), pack up your flashlight and run!

I've got a Deere 148 loader on my 2440 and have turned down a couple offers in excess of $12,000 (It does have new rubber, ROPS/canopy, fresh paint, and is in WAY above average condition)

If it ain't a scam, and the tractor isn't simply trashed, there's PROBABLY a major (albeit possibly purposely covered up) "fly in the ointment" .

Thanks a bunch for the tips. I fool around a bunch with the 20 series and I own a 4020. Just not real familiar with the 2030s. I left it alone. Mostly because I have my eye on a 5020 and would rather buy it.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Thanks a bunch for the tips. I fool around a bunch with the 20 series and I own a 4020. Just not real familiar with the 2030s. I left it alone. Mostly because I have my eye on a 5020 and would rather buy it.

5020! That's a radical departure from a 2030! Big hoss! I've spent a little time onboard a 6030. Nothing like those snort'n big ol beasts!

I found a pristine 4440 last fall, and now looking at a very sharp 4840 to go with it. A man really needs a pair of tractors like that on 45 acres!

 

[deerefan]

I operated a 4440 for a friend of mine, cab and air tractor. I also operated his 90hp cab and air kubota. The 4440 flat out worked and out pulled the kubota. My guess is weight difference and of course horsepower. The kubota was 4x4 and truly a little more comfortable. I bought the 4020 from him and he feels it pulled better than the kubota too, just hard to beat that cab in 90 degree + temps. As far as fuel consumption, the kubota won that one. I have always been a big fan of the 20 series deeres, just feel they are the best set of tractors in their time. I do not really need a 5020, as I do not have but 50 acres and really have no implements for a 1000rpm pto or anything too heavy for my 4020. It is way more a want than need, but I am sure I can find a use for it.