Purchasing a ranch that includes a John Deere 4240 - Never owned a tractor before

[Longhorngary]

What's the first thing I should do? I'm a total NOOB. I've never driven a tractor, worked with attachments, etc. Does the site have any links to general instruction videos? The tractor comes with a seed spreader, a large cutter/shredder, and a disc. Before people panic, I should state that the ranch is primarily a high fenced hunting ranch. The tractor would be used for odd jobs, and for planting some small food plots as I get my feet wet.

I would like to get a PTO wood chipper to use for brush clearing, so if anyone has experience with these I'm all ears.

 

[murphy1244]

Are you sure on the model#? that's a 110 HP machine---- TractorData.com John Deere 4240 tractor information

 

[Longhorngary]

Yes, sir it's a big tractor. The owner said it was 110hp and I verified the model number. I understand they were built in the late 70's early 80's. It's a bit intimidating which is why I hesitate just jumping in there.

 

[Oldtractorfixer]

That's an awfully big tractor to start out with with no experience. You're not going to be able to learn what you need from a book or the Internet. You need someone to teach you hands on. Find a neighbor or friend that knows about tractors and have them help you. Hitching and unhitching implements is a trick and its heavy and you can get hurt if you don't know what you're doing. It sounds to me like that tractor is too big for what you need anyway. You might consider trading it for a smaller say 30 horsepower tractor with a loader.

 

[Tx Jim]

Having sold JD 4240's when they were new I'd suggest to acquire a 4240 operators manual and state you need to read it cover to cover a couple of times. You can get the OM from JD or a JD dealer or other locations.

 

[RDrancher]

The 4240 is one heck of a tractor. I'd order manuals off of ebay to familiarize yourself with the operation and go from there. Big or small, any of the older gear tractors are similar. As long as its on flat ground, you can get used to it, with caution of course. Like Oldtractorfixer mentioned, personal instruction is always best. If you have a tractor repair place or dealer close by, I'm sure you could arrange for it.

Does the tractor have a loader?

 

[Longhorngary]

Having sold JD 4240's when they were new I'd suggest to acquire a 4240 operators manual and state you need to read it cover to cover a couple of times. You can get the OM from JD or a JD dealer or other locations.

Thanks, will do. I don't really need a FEL as the ranch also has a skidsteer and a backhoe both of which I have some experience with.

 

[JD5210]

4240 is a nice tractor, my friends dad has one and I helped this summer fix a number of electrical issues (not the tractors fault previous owner rewired some things wrong). As suggested get the manuals tech and operators, see when it was last serviced, check out jdparts.com, find yourself a big open field and start driving around as you are going to need the room to turn around. If you get a FEL note the hydraulics is closed center.

Here is a good youtube video and there is some other ones out there
Basic Operations- John Deere 4240 - YouTube

Be safe and post some pictures.

 

[Longhorngary]

Thanks for the link jd5210, and RDRancher, we close in a couple of weeks. I'll post some pics after we take possession. Looking forward to spending some time here on the forum and educating myself.

 

[corey9212]

I found this PDF to be good information about tractors in general and has taught me lots about farm operation and safety (about 1/2-3/4 of the way through it starts talking about tractors and operating them)
http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/bookstore/pubs/MF2671.pdf