Manufactured between the years of 1963 and 1972, the John Deere 4020 may be one of the most talked-about John Deere tractors ever. Many different components of this tractor make it so popular, including its dependable performance, range of configurations, and long service life.
Today, John Deere 4020 values can vary based on factors such as condition, model year, transmission, originality, and maintenance history. This guide explains what impacts a John Deere 4020’s value and examines several notable auction results.
Key Takeaways
- The value of a John Deere 4020 depends on its condition, model year, transmission, configuration, originality, and documentation.
- Well-maintained, low-hour, original, or professionally restored tractors may encourage higher prices from buyers and collectors.
- Late-production models, such as the 1972 tractor, and tractors equipped with a Power Shift transmission can attract additional buyer interest.
- Comparing recent auction results and current equipment listings can provide the most accurate picture of the value of the John Deere 4020.
A Brief History of the John Deere 4020
John Deere introduced the 4020 in 1963 as the successor to the John Deere 4010, and production continued through 1972. Part of John Deere’s New Generation series, the 4020 became one of the company’s best-selling models, with more than 177,000 machines produced.
John Deere offered the 4020 in row-crop, standard, and Hi-Crop configurations, with several engine, transmission, front-end, and tire options. Operators could select the standard Synchro-Range transmission or the optional Power Shift transmission, which allowed shifting between gears while the tractor was moving. Later-production models also introduced updated controls and a side-console design.
What is the Value of a John Deere 4020 Tractor?
The price of a John Deere 4020 tractor depends on its transmission, condition, age, originality, market demand, and maintenance history. Well-maintained tractors with desirable configurations or documented histories may sell for more than heavily used or modified versions. However, no single price range accurately represents the 4020 because auction results and listing prices vary significantly by model and location. Buyers should compare current listings and recent auction results, review available service records, and conduct a thorough inspection before buying a 4020.
What Impacts John Deere 4020’s Value?
Model Year
Model year can significantly impact the value of a John Deere 4020, with late-production tractors, particularly 1972 models, often attracting greater interest. As the final production year, the 1972 model included many of the sought-after refinements compared to earlier tractors.
Transmission Type
The John Deere 4020 came standard with a Synchro-Range transmission, while a Power Shift transmission was available as a premium option. Power Shift tractors may command higher prices because of their desirability among operators and collectors.
Condition and Operating Hours
Mechanical and cosmetic conditions can significantly influence the price of a John Deere 4020. Buyers should evaluate the engine, transmission, hydraulics, tires, controls, and signs of wear or damage. Operating hours can provide useful context into the machine’s condition, but a well-maintained, higher-hour tractor could potentially be worth more than a lower-hour model with mechanical problems or an incomplete maintenance history.
Configuration and Features
The 4020 was offered in row-crop, standard, and Hi-Crop configurations, along with different engine, transmission, front-end, tire, and operator-station options. Rare configurations and desirable features may increase interest, but their effect on the tractor’s value depends on other factors including model year, condition, and buyer demand.
Originality and Restoration
Original components, such as the engine, transmission, sheet metal, controls, and factory-installed equipment, can make a John Deere 4020 more appealing to buyers. Professionally restored tractors may also yield higher prices depending on the quality, accuracy, and documentation of the restoration.
Maintenance History
A documented maintenance history helps buyers evaluate a John Deere 4020’s condition and how well it’s been taken care of. Detailed service records showing regular maintenance and repairs may support a higher value by providing evidence that can increase buyer confidence.
Tour of the Original John Deere 4020 Tractor
Watch a tour of a highly original John Deere 4020 tractor that remains largely unchanged from its factory configuration. Discover the specs of the model 4020 as well as how modern 4020 tractors have changed over time.
What Are Noteworthy John Deere 4020 Auction Results?
Reviewing historical auction results can demonstrate how model year, configuration, and operating hours can change the value of the John Deere 4020. Below are some standout John Deere 4020 auction results that showcase this wonderful tractor’s enduring appeal and value.
1969 John Deere 4020 Tractor Sold for $50,000 in Minnesota
On June 18, 2011, an estate sale in Steen, MN (southwest Minnesota) for Bill DeYager by Polk Auction Company saw the sale of a very rare 1969 John Deere 4020 for a new record high auction sale price of $50,000.
1972 John Deere 4020 Tractor Sold for $30,000 in Indiana
On February 22, 2014, in northeast Indiana, a consignment auction sold the 1972 John Deere 4020 diesel tractor. This 4020 sold for the fourth highest sale price ever—$30,000—largely due to its “originalness” that stood out to bidders.
The sale was led by Schrader Real Estate and Auction Co. Inc. Bidding opened at $20,000. Within 30-35 seconds, bids were up to $25,000. The buyer demand was palpable. The final price was $30,000.
1972 John Deere 4020 Sold for $28,000 in Ohio
A March 24, 2012 farm auction in southeast Ohio—near Bremen—featured a very nice 1972 John Deere 4020 open station tractor with 3,660 hours. It sold at Leith Auctions for $28,000.
1970 John Deere 4020 Tractor Sold for $26,000 in Illinois
This 1970 John Deere 4020, with 5,762 hours, sold for $26,000 at an August 14, 2010, farm auction in northwest Illinois.
1971 John Deere 4020 Sold for $18,000 in Michigan
This 1971 John Deere 4020 tractor with “unknown hours” sold for $18,000 on April 7, 2012, at a farm auction in northwest Michigan.
Collector demand has contributed to strong auction results for certain well-preserved John Deere 4020 tractors. Yes, buyers are paying premiums to acquire the nicest condition 4020s to use around the farm. Still, they are increasingly bidding against folks looking to collect these low-hour or original-condition older gems.
| Model | Auction Location | Auction Date | Sale Price |
| 1969 John Deere 4020 | Minnesota | June 18, 2011 | $50,000 |
| 1972 John Deere 4020 | Indiana | February 22, 2014 | $30,000 |
| 1972 John Deere 4020 | Ohio | March 24, 2012 | $28,000 |
| 1970 John Deere 4020 | Illinois | August 14, 2010 | $26,000 |
| 1971 John Deere 4020 | Michigan | April 7, 2012 | $18,000 |
Where Can I Find a John Deere 4020 Tractor?
You can find a John Deere 4020 tractor at your local John Deere dealer. These dealerships are located throughout the country and are the best place to find the specific model you are looking for. Your local dealer can help you compare model years, prices, operating hours, transmissions, configurations, and other important details.
John Deere 4020 FAQs
Why is the John Deere 4020 Popular in the Auction Market?
The John Deere 4020 tractor is popular in the auction market because of its long-standing reputation for durability, reliability, and versatility. Its innovative yet straightforward mechanical design has contributed to its lasting appeal among farmers and collectors, even decades after production ended.
What Are the Best Features of the John Deere 4020 Tractor?
The John Deere 4020 combined several advanced features, including power steering, hydraulics, and multiple transmission options. Its Power Shift transmission allowed operators to shift between gears while the tractor was moving. Updated features also included deluxe seats and hydraulic controls for operator comfort, which replaced cumbersome levers at the front of the cab.
How Much Horsepower Does a 4020 John Deere Have?
The John Deere 4020 Diesel tractor has a six-cylinder engine that produces approximately 84 drawbar horsepower and 91 PTO horsepower. It comes standard with a John Deere Synchro-Range transmission with eight forward speeds and two reverse speeds, or optional power shift transmission.
What Configurations Were Available for the John Deere 4020?
The John Deere 4020 was available in three different body types: Row-Crop, Standard, and Hi-Crop. In addition to the three body types, buyers could also choose between variations for the engine, transmission, and cab.
How Can I Determine the Year of a John Deere 4020?
A John Deere 4020’s serial number can be used to identify its production year. Buyers should compare the serial number with a reliable model-year guide and confirm that the identifying information matches the tractor’s listed details.
What Should I Inspect Before Buying a John Deere 4020?
Inspect the engine, transmission, hydraulics, brakes, steering, tires, electrical system, sheet metal, and signs of previous repairs. Buyers should also review available service records and arrange for a professional inspection.
What Information Should Be Included When Selling a John Deere 4020?
A listing should clearly identify the model year, serial number, engine, transmission, operating hours, configuration, condition, and maintenance history. Accurate details and clear photographs help prospective buyers evaluate the tractor.
