John Deere 2020

[roberbots]

Hi All, I am new to the forum and John Deere tractors. I just purchased a 1971 JD 2020 to be used primarily for mowing. Pretty decent tractor; however, there are some issues that I need to resolve. No. 1 being that the PTO won't engage while the tractor is running. Depressing the clutch fully does not disengage the internal pto drive from spinning. No. 2 is that the hydraulic pump squeals when the steering wheel is started turning. The steering wheel also has a rotational lift of about 3/8" when turned. It didn't do this when I checked it out at the dealership, so something in the column must have let go. No.3 General Servicing of the hydraulic system. Any recommendations on which Manual to purchase. I have seen many for sale- John deere technical and service manuals, IT shop manuals...? Which is best....Thanks

 

[beenthere]

:welcome: to TBN

Link to parts and some help with part locations.. enter your model to get to the correct section(s) for your model.
https://partscatalog.deere.com/jdrc/

Sounds like the two-stage clutch for the PTO is stuck together.. easiest way I know is to run the PTO with a load (drop the mower blades into a mound of dirt) with the clutch pedal in full disengaged position. This has worked for me on two stuck tractors that were like this.
Be sure the linkage is right and that the two-stage clutch to disengage the PTO is in full "down"/"forward" position.

Most complete manual is, IMO, the JD service tech manual.

Lastly, browse as much info as possible from the vast knowledge in the archives on the 2020.. use the Google search tab above the TBN search tab for best IMO results.
Also the "Similar Threads" suggested at the bottom of every thread.

And check back here for other forum members that can and likely will offer good info for you to sort through. Keep asking questions to help others help you.

 

[Zebrafive]

RE: No3, Hydraulic servicing. Check your shift boots for cracks/tears. This where water primarily enters the hydraulic system. Drain the system. Clean the sump screen. New transmission filter. Use JD HyGard transmission fluid, about 10 gallons.

 

[Tx Jim]

Welcome to TBN
IIRC it's normal for steering wheel to rise/lower a small amount when it's turned. Steering shaft moving up/down operates internal steering control valves. Ditto on dual stage pto clutch being stuck to pressure plate.

 

[roberbots]

Thanks for all of your input. There are also a few parts I need , are there any recommendations for a used parts source?

 

[jd110]

On your pto, are you sure you have a 2 stage clutch? Independent pto was a n option on the 2020. If it has that, there would be a lever between the 2 transmission shift levers to engage pto. Lift up to engage clutch and push down to release.

 

[roberbots]

There's no lever between the transmission shifters. The pto engagement lever is near where the back of your left foot rests.

 

[roberbots]

Finally got into the hydraulic system...hydraulic oil is nasty. I also took off the right side bushing plate for the steering shaft while investigating the steering play. There's a bunch of crud in there too. I removed and cleaned the screen in the pump (it wasn't too bad). All of this to ask, once I replace the hydraulic filter and oil, should I run the tractor for a short period, then replace the filter again to try purging as much crud as I can?

 

[roberbots]

Also, when I drained everything out, I only got about 6 gal of hydraulic fluid. Prior to draining, the dipstick read good.

 

[Tx Jim]

I suggest to check /clean trans oil screen(key 30) & check to be sure hyd filter relief valve(keys 18-20) isn't stuck in open position. If you haven't already performed this task you need to check gearshift handle boots for cracks. Cracks in shift boots allows water to enter trans if tractor is stored outside in the weather