John Deere 4010 gas loader tractor.

So I did it I bought a John Deere 4010 gas last spring against most folks advice. It has a John Deere 58 loader on it and I used it to load bales this summer. Let's just say it was less than impressive. Poor idle, excessive fuel consumption (which was expected to a degree but WOW), very hard starts when hot, and backfire/dieseling. I've searched a lot of these forums and plan on trying to make a tractor out of it. I'm going to start with ignition and will replace the points and stock coil with electronic ignition and coil from PerTronics. I also plan to change out the stock cast Marvel Schebler carburetor with something different. That's where I am looking for some advice I've read on here that guys have swapped with ones from Oliver 1650 and Minneapolis Moline U tractors. I've looked into the new Zeniths and the one from Robert's Carb but can't quite justify the cost of those options. I am just wondering if there is a certain casting number to look for that works best and just how much modifying it requires?

On another note and one reason I don't want to put too much money into this tractor is that it doesn't have a three point. I was curious was that common to find a row crop 4010 without a three point? Where I am from in central MN it is very rare to see and is a major downfall that makes an undesirable tractor even less so. Thanks!

You can get all the rockshaft housing parts off a parts tractor and put three point on yours. We did it 25 years ago to a 4010 and I have a 4020 here that I am planning on doing it to this winter. A zenith carb is much better than the Marvel ones. I usually sell them for around $500. I have one left that came off a running tractor that was changed over to a diesel engine. Tom

I would not spend the money on pertronics.

Unfortunately when some guys go tractor shopping the only criteria is the green paint. Good Luck!

I put the Pertronics on my Ford 801 and I have been very pleased. Super fast start, smoother idle. No regrets. Just make sure you always turn off the key. The Pertronics will melt.

A good tune up with NAPA parts and compression test and a valve adjustment too. No need for electronic ign. Get a Zenith carb. for sure !

On subject of installing a 3 pt on tractor with 3 pt delete option yes it can be altered to have 3 pt but it's my understanding differential ring gear must be R&R to have room to install L/D shaft & arm. If it were me I trade for a tractor with 3 pt hitch.

You will be waiting a lot of money for nothing....you are now finding why you were given advise not to buy it...

If it has a rockshaft and three point hitch mounting frame, then the load and depth linkage should be there too. Check if the L&D adjustment lever is in place below the seat, just above the operator's platform.

Pertronix solid state ignition unit won't help much if the distributor is worn out. We don't think anything of getting an injector pump rebuilt, but rebuilding a distributor is often ignored. New bushings and springs are inexpensive, but it may be tough to find a shop with a distributor machine, maybe try a racing shop. Get the ignition working well before installing a Pertronix.

If you have not rebuilt the carburetor recently, I would start there. Even lawn mowers need a carburetor rebuild every ten years. Hard starting when hot was not common, could the intake manifold heater be turned wrong? If it stumbles when you open the throttle, the accelerator pump is probably out.

But it has great resale value! LOL

I spent the big money on the new Roberts zenith carb and don't regret it one bit. My wallet did, but after replacing the marvel schebler it starts and runs great. I still run the points in my distributor and check the gap and contacts fairly often. I plant all my crops with it and use it as my yard tractor and it can be a little thirsty when working it hard, but not any worse than my 3020 I had. I also run the manifold block in the hot position year round and it seems to be happy that way.

Thanks all for the replies. I don't think I'm going to add 3 point to the tractor. I was just curious how many row crop tractors were ordered without the option. As far as the carb it had been rebuilt recently. I ended up getting one from a Moline U and modifying it to fit and now it does seem to run and start better. I will keep posting as I continue with this project.