Tractor evaluation

TDJD · Dec 31, 2018

I?m going to look at a tractor tomorrow (1960s John Deere, 3 cylinder
diesel). I don?t know very much about it except it spun a rod bearing.
How should I evaluate the engine, transmission and hydraulics, since
it doesn?t run? Any problems I should look out for (because of the
problem it has)?
Thanks.

centash · Dec 31, 2018

If the rubber is real good, it's still worth less than 1000 dollars. Hard to evaluate mechanical condition not running. The best you can hope for is an honest seller who knows the tractor.
Ben

TDJD · Dec 31, 2018

By the way, the guy is asking $1500 for the tractor. But He would trade for my John Deere B for the tractor. And it has good rubber.

bumblebee · Dec 31, 2018

In a situation like that I always expect the worse, then I decide if I really want it that bad.

mcrow4117 · Dec 31, 2018

(quoted from post at 20:00:15 12/31/18) By the way, the guy is asking $1500 for the tractor. But He would trade for my John Deere B for the tractor. And it has good rubber.

I never pay more than scrap price for a non running tractor. Never know what all is wrong with it

David G · Dec 31, 2018

No way

My guess would be 600-700 dollars.

ss55 · Dec 31, 2018

Check what the salvage yards will pay for the tractor if the project turns south for you. $1500 sounds high for the non-running tractor, but JD B's are not selling for $1,500 anymore either.

Check for antifreeze in the crankcase, those engines are know for getting cavitation pin holes through the cylinder liners if the antifreeze is not kept up. Antifreeze leaks into the crankcase oil and ruins the bearings. I would plan on an engine overhaul. It could be a "free" money pit.

Leroy · Jan 1, 2019

I believe that tractor would be a 1020 with 3 cylinders ( the 2020 was 4 cylinders and used a 180 combine engine I think) unless it is an overseas built one that I am not familuar with models but would guess to be harder to find parts for and I would guess the 1020 would also be hard to find parts for as in my area none were sold but I liked the HU version better than the RU or LU version.

tomstractorsandtoys · Jan 1, 2019

It will more than likely be one of three tractors, 820,1020,1520. The 820 was made in Germany but is still a good tractor. It might not have power steering(an option that less than half had) it also has open center hyd's. The 1020 and 1520 were both built in Dubuque Ia. Power steering was an option on the 1020 as well but most have it. Parts are not a problem for any of the three. If the rubber is good and sheet metal is good I would trade in a heartbeat for the B. You would find any of the three a nice chore tractor that would earn its keep. You can rebuild the engine in it or look for a used one as the three cylinder engine used in them was popular in many industrial applications as well. Tom

centash · Jan 1, 2019

Could also be a 510, and those were less of a tractor than the 20 series utility.
Ben

Tractor evaluation

TDJD

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centash

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TDJD

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bumblebee

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mcrow4117

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David G

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ss55

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Leroy

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tomstractorsandtoys

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centash

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