JD 2040

[gary_dsc]

I have the opportunity to buy a 1978 JD 2040 with a 48 loader. The tractor was built in Mannheim, Germany. The tractor shows 363 hours, but from its age and appearance, I think that the meter has been replaced. I can't ask the owner (since deceased), but I knew him well and he took very good care of the tractor with all maintenance done as required. The tractor has always been housed in a barn, but as with a lot of agricultural equipment, there is a lot of dirt and some rust. I can't find any dents or dings at all however. It has sat unused since the owner died (about 3.5 years ago) and of course, the batteries are dead. I know that it was running fine when last used. I have found other 2040's online, but none equipped with the 48 loader, so I'm having trouble coming up with what I should offer. The estate appraised value is 11,400, but I think that that's too much and they don't have any other offers. Anyone know anything bad about 2040s or how to establish a fair price?

Thanks.

 

[dgl24087]

Prices are all over the place for farm equipment. In looking on Used Tractors at TractorHouse.com: John Deere Tractors, used farm tractors and farm equipment, Case IH, New Holland, Agco, Caterpillar., I found a 2040 with about 1800 hours with a JD 145 loader for $8950. I also saw one with about 1700 hours and no loader for $10500. I'd say make an offer you're comfortable with and see what happens.

 

[cast_and_blast]

Go out to Machinefinder (.com) - there are quite a few 2040's out there that are at or near the $10K mark with a few thousand hours on them. Seems like quite a bit to me, but the market is the market.

Good Luck!

Scott

 

[gary_dsc]

Anybody know the difference between a JD 145 loader and a 48 loader? This 2040 that I'm looking at has a 48 loader.

Thanks for the replies. I'm reviewing the online sites in an effort to arrive at a fair offer amount.

 

[EquipmentJunkie]

Info on the two loaders from my old Deere brochures:

The 48 loader dates back to the late-60s, I believe. The 145 is a newer loader which was introduced in the mid-70s. The 48 loader has a single dump cylinder while the 145 has two dump cylinders.

Lift capacity to full height is 2,400 lbs. for the 48 and 2,100 lbs. for the 145. The 145 was Deere's "short coupled" loader which means that it has a lift height that is about 1-foot lower than the 48. The short-coupled design of the 145 loader allows better manueverability in tight quarters.

 

[gary_dsc]

Thanks for the information, EquipmentJunkie.

I bought a book about tractor prices and according to that, the tractor in average condition is worth less than 6K. I found two 48 loaders for sale online, both for 2.5K. I know the batteries need to be replaced as does the seat cushions which mice have chewed on. Not sure what other problems, but since it has sat for 3.5 years, I'm sure that oil needs changing, etc. Guess I know everything that I can know now, so I will make an offer. Thanks again for the suggestions.

 

[EquipmentJunkie]

Both your numbers on the tractor and loader sound right to me. I agree that the appraised value is too high based on what you mentioned in your post. You are wisely doing your research. A shedded tractor with a good maintenance record is worth something, too. I'd offer what you feel is correct.

If you get the tractor and you find something that doesn't suit you about it, you can always re-sell it. If you overpaid ($11,400), you'd take a bath.

Take some pictures of the tractor, if you can. Old iron that is in good shape always warms the soul.

Best wishes to you as you pursue it.

 

[D7E]

Good Good tractor , (2140 would be better with turbo )Used 100's of these in the UK ( Sound guard cabs) , with 245 loader , loader is probably older than the tractor , 30-40-50 series known for poor hydraulics ( Compared to ford or mf or ih ) and take a good look at the brakes (expensive on jd) but a tractor with a very long life we had 2 both went over 10'000 hours ,A little too much money though i dont see that being true but sometimes ? I just bought a MF 390 MFWD loader 1993 for $8000 canadian and a Ford 7600 for $6000 .

 

[gary_dsc]

Well, I bought the 2040 including 48 loader. Now, it's time to pick it up. It's currently stored in a barn about 8 miles from my place. As I stated before, I don't believe that it has run for 3-3.5 years. I need to replace the batteries, but what all should I do to it before I drive it home? I can do some maintenance at its current location. I'm sure I should change the oil and filter, clean air filters, general check out of bolts, check tire pressures, etc. Should I drain the old fuel? I've heard that diesel goes bad after being stored for a time. How about the hydralic fluid. Should I change that too? Anything else I should do? What should be the order that I do the maintenance? Thanks again for the help.

 

[Birdhunter1]

Almost 4 years I'd go ahead and drain the old fuel out, might as well change the filters too. If the oil looks good I don't know that I would change it. If you get it running I'd check the tires then drive it home. But before I got on the road I'd make sure and run that thing for 20-30 minutes to make sure it isn't go to die on you.

What id you end up buying it for? The 2040 should be a great tractor for almost any utility work.

 

[EquipmentJunkie]

Nice. You'll like the 2040. I would second Birdhunter1's wisdom. Fluids and filters are where you should start...the oil, I'd probably skip until I get it home. Also, double-check your headlights and hazard lights to make sure that they are functional since you will be roading it the eight miles.

 

[gary_dsc]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll change the batteries, drain the fuel and change the fuel filter, refill and bleed and give it a try. Good idea about checking the lights too. I will also check coolant level and brakes before I get it on the road.

By the way, I got it for 5750. There weren't any other serious offers. I heard that a used tractor sales guy offered 3K, but that doesn't sound like a serious bid to me and apparently the folks selling it didn't think so either. I think that I was lucky to get it at that price. The sellers just wanted to get rid of it now and didn't want to wait for more bids.

 

[D7E]

Well, I bought the 2040 including 48 loader. Now, it's time to pick it up. It's currently stored in a barn about 8 miles from my place. As I stated before, I don't believe that it has run for 3-3.5 years. I need to replace the batteries, but what all should I do to it before I drive it home? I can do some maintenance at its current location. I'm sure I should change the oil and filter, clean air filters, general check out of bolts, check tire pressures, etc. Should I drain the old fuel? I've heard that diesel goes bad after being stored for a time. How about the hydralic fluid. Should I change that too? Anything else I should do? What should be the order that I do the maintenance? Thanks again for the help.

Throw a shot of fuel conditioner and fill it with fresh.
It's a jd so change all hyd and transmission filters regardless ,There is a hidden washable screen in rear casting i forget on which side ( very important) if you have poor steering or juddering 3 point , Good test is turn steering lock to lock while lifting 3 point and if you get shaking or juddering chances are the screen is plugged . " hopefully".

 

[Grrrr]

I just bought a MF 390 MFWD loader 1993 for $8000 canadian and a Ford 7600 for $6000 .

Gee, those Massey 390's and 390T's must be made of solid gold in the UK. Rough ones always make £8000 sterling at auctions and more in classifieds. I have seen better examples go for £15,000. Yikes

 

[gary_dsc]

I finally had time to pick up the 2040 today. I changed the batteries, drained most, but not all of the fuel and added fuel and conditioner. Both the engine oil and transmission oil looked good, so I didn't change them yet. I wanted to get it home first. Anyway, I climbed up on it and turned the key and it started at once. I couldn't believe it. I had prepared myself for a long bout of fighting to get it started. I drove it around some and checked the brakes, lights, etc. Everyting works great. I drove it home (about 8 miles) without incident. I am amazed that this tractor could sit for nearly four years and yet start up that quick. It was like it had been running yesterday. Now to get the transmission and engine oil and filters changed. Wow, great tractor.

 

[EquipmentJunkie]

It is nice to hear that everything went well. Have fun with it and post some photos when you get a chance.