John Deere 2010 thoughts??

NewEnglandFarmer · Mar 20, 2015

Came across a JD 2010 for sale, gas job. Pics look good, but, we know pictures can hide a thousand sins.

Does anyone have experience or is familiar with these tractors? I understand that the 3010s and 4010s had issues with the pto shafts, they didn't last long as they were only made from 1961-1963, then the 3020s and 4020s came out. Am I wrong to think those issues were not common with the 2010 because they made them until 1965?

I would be interested in any information anyone has about these tractors. Thank you and happy Friday

MikeJM · Mar 20, 2015

It was not one of Deere's best designs, poor all the way through. We've never had trouble with ours, but I wouldn't want to work on it. Sleeves are tied to a deck plate, brakes are horrible, etc...

Most people will tell you to run away.

BarryRanch · Mar 20, 2015

Unless that 2010 is free, stay away from it.. I'm not sure why, but 2010 and 1010 parts are hard to find. They are easily considered John Deeres biggest failure. Have a neighbor who had one, it was worked on a lot and sat a lot. Asked him bout it, and he said dont ever go down that road. Have followed that advice. A good one, is one in a musem.
The pictures can hide a thousand sins is a good one, I'll have to remember that...

Bob · Mar 20, 2015

The 2010's were a Dubuque designed and built unit, and are considered to basically be DEERE's red-headed step children by many guys, compared to the other tractors you mentioned, which were Waterloo designed and built.

The 2010's had an open center hydraulic system with a gear pump and the Waterloos had a much more reliable and versatile closed center hydraulic system, which has MUCH better parts availability nowadays then the less common 2010 system.

IMHO, the PTO problems you mentioned are usually operator-induced, by not manually "feeling" that the splined couplings in the PTO speed change mechanism have correctly meshed before tightening the stub-shaft retaining bolts.

The 2010's have an oddbsll "sleeve deck" setup in the engine block that isn't supported by the aftermarket, and overhaul parts are darned high $$$$.

All that being said, own two 4020 PS's, a gas and a diesel, and I personally wouldn't mind having a 2010 around for light use and a collector tractor.

There's s 2010 diesel locally that I used to work on from time to time, and the owner has passed away, and I am trying to buy it from his widow for a fair price, but she darned near gets ready to sell it and then wiavers.

GordoSD · Mar 20, 2015

Even if it's free, you can't afford it. I know of two in this area rotting away because the owners can't get any reasonable offer over scrap.

Northvale - PA · Mar 20, 2015

I have a 2010 gas and like it for a medium size tractor. However, it uses a lot of gas for the work I do with it (spraying, tedding & raking hay) Compared to my 4010, it is not as easy to work on, but much easier than my IH 300U. The diesel blocks were known to crack apparently. A gently used machine is always nicer than a beat up one so condition and price are a big consideration

NewEnglandFarmer · Mar 20, 2015

That's a big help. With two still in diapers, the last thing I need is to buy a money pit. Thank you very much.

Is it safe to say that the 2020s were similar? or did they come a ways in the next model?

wilamayb · Mar 20, 2015

The 2020 was a totally different machine from the 2010. It had better everything including but not limited to: engine, brakes and hydraulics. Dubuque had begun to get their ducks in a row with the 2020. I wouldnt be any more scared of a 2020 than I would any other tractor of that age.

JD Seller · Mar 20, 2015

Well if you like working on a money pit that is real pain to work on then buy that JD 2010. They had issues all over:

1) Sleeve deck engines. That makes repairs harder and more costly to do.

2) A very POOR hydraulic system. The pump was in the belly and a real PAIN to remove.

3) The power steering was more a power assist and did not work very well.

4) The brakes where a poor design too. They would barely work when brand new.

As for the JD 2020 That is a completely different tractor. The green paint is about the only common thing. The JD 2020 is a rugged very durable tractor. Something the JD 2010 never was.

RC in NC · Mar 20, 2015

Take some advice from someone that has a 2010 diesel. Find a 20 series or newer tractor. I spent a lot of money on mine, finally gave up on it and parked it. Wished I had brought the 2020 beside it instead back in 86. Even a dealer does not want one on lot. Was told years ago JD throwed 2010 together in a hurry because they needed a tractor in that range when they came out with new generation tractors.

old · Mar 20, 2015

Run do not walk away from it./ It was one of the JD problem child tractors. Parts are hard to find and cost big $$ and they are hard to work on. Just the Sleeve set for it will cost you over $500 if you can even find one.

Dave Eklund · Mar 21, 2015

Dad has one he bought a few months ago for less than scrap price the previous owner had started to put a Buick v 6 in it dad just bought it because it had decent tires on back and chains don't know what's going to come of the rest probably a parts tractor I have heard they were not a great tractor

Bret4207 · Mar 21, 2015

As far as the engine, I have a 1010 crawler, gas. I rebuilt it 8-10 years back. Yes, the sleeve deck is an odd design but the engine is okay. As far as money, it wasn't that much more than a traditional sleeved engine at that time. Not my favorite, but not something completely useless either.

Leroy · Mar 21, 2015

That gas engine was a real good running engine and was the same engine used in most of the 45 Deere combines. The 145 & 165 engines from the combines are a direct bolt in for both the 1010 and 2010 tractors. As for the 2020 they are a bunch of crap, stay away from them.

buickanddeere · Mar 21, 2015

Run, run away fast. Very fast. Check the JD area of this site for people lamenting that they bought first and asked questions later.
The diesel used in both the 1010 and 2010 is best avoided. The entire 2010 chassis is best avoided. A gas 1010 can be tamed and be somewhat useful.
No matter how well designed and built. Age and use is going to make any older machine more of a challenge.
Any old equipment will cost $$$ to operate. I'm surprised how much I spent on all the "little things" with a "newer" 40 series tractor.
You sir are one of the rare smart ones that look before they leap.

M-MAN · Mar 21, 2015

Woulden't recommend one for a young feller.

On the other hand I would buy a 2010 or 1010 gasser in a heartbeat for a decent price. There's just something about the red headed step child syndrome that bugs me. Shuck's I'd probably even take a diesel just cause I love a challenge and I'm a little ornery that way. Me and Dubuques get along just fine.

Tx Jim · Mar 21, 2015

(quoted from post at 08:15:49 03/21/15)
As for the 2020 they are a bunch of crap, stay away from them.

If I had the choice of purchasing a 2010 or 2020 I'd pick the 2020 any day over a boat achor 2010

C. Amick · Mar 21, 2015

I had a JD guy tell me that they aren't very good tractors. His biggest complaint was the engine sleeve plate. Apparently all the sleeves are mounted to the same plate.

Leroy · Mar 22, 2015

I have driven both but the 2010 was a desiel. I would not want either. I would still take the Fords. And I had 3 combines with thet gas engine and it was a good engine.

Northvale - PA · Mar 22, 2015

I don't even burn firewood that is rotting away. Fools who leave tractors to rot are just fools.

John Deere 2010 thoughts??

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