John deere 5020 advice

[martyred]

Looking at getting a 5020, it's around a 68 vintage. Any tips from the green tractor gurus? It runs smokes a bit but seems nice for its age. Also the pTo won't stop? Needs ether to start... and I need help, I am looking for the what to look for and the cons if there are any in this model. Fire away and give me your 2 cents...LOL Thanks in advance for all and any helpful tips.

 

[jenkinsph]

Tx Jim will respond when he see this and can offer you some good advice. He is a retired Deere shop foreman with lots of xx20 experience. About all I remember about the 5020 is how much better I liked the front axle compared to the 4020, way stronger design.

 

[vtsnowedin]

Sounds worn out and ready for a rebuild of the engine and transmission /PTO . Have to be real cheap to not go new at zero percent if you have work for a 5000 series tractor that needs doing.

 

[wolftree]

You should figure an engine/clutch/pto rebuild into your purchase price. Most of the people I knew who ran a 5020 felt it was underpowered by about 20-40 horse.

 

[jenkinsph]

Sounds worn out and ready for a rebuild of the engine and transmission /PTO . Have to be real cheap to not go new at zero percent if you have work for a 5000 series tractor that needs doing.

The OP is asking about a 5020 1968 field tractor not a newer and much smaller utility tractor.

 

[jenkinsph]

You should figure an engine/clutch/pto rebuild into your purchase price. Most of the people I knew who ran a 5020 felt it was underpowered by about 20-40 horse.

I agree that with a tractor this old that you need to consider the major repairs are expensive even if you do it yourself. I would check with the dealer about piston/liners and gaskets to see what availability and cost are. The 6030 that replaced it had 175 hp which does add some power to it.

 

[vtsnowedin]

The OP is asking about a 5020 1968 field tractor not a newer and much smaller utility tractor.

You are correct that the 5020 was in a much different class then the current 5000 series tractors. (totally my ignorance) but if it needs ether to start and the PTO won't shut off then my conclusions still stand.

 

[Oldtractorfixer]

I wouldn't automatically assume it needs an engine rebuild. It may just need some injector work. I don't know about a 5020 exactly but PTO could be most anything but I doubt transmission overhaul. If it turns it's more likely the pto clutch or linkage. I would spend a little $ on having a mechanic check it out before you buy it though.

 

[Trey318]

The 5020 is an excellent machine. We had 1 a while back with an aftermarket turbo installed. With the turbo she turned 220 hp. They were strong machines back in the day. I wish you best of luck with it

 

[martyred]

Thank you all. I hoping to get something going on that! Thanks for your input.