John Deere 4020
Power
101 hp[P] hp
Production
1963-1972
Engine
LP gas, 6-cylinder 12-valve
Transmission
John Deere Syncro-Range
Drive
2WD/4WD
From the same series:
Introduction
John Deere 4020: A Reference in Agricultural Power (1963-1972)
The John Deere 4020 is a high-capacity row-crop tractor produced between 1963 and 1972 at the Waterloo, Iowa, facility. It served as a cornerstone of mid-century agricultural mechanization, offering 101 horsepower and versatile drivetrain configurations to meet the demands of diversified farming operations.
Engine and Performance
The tractor is powered by a 5.9-liter, 6-cylinder, 12-valve liquid-cooled engine. It operates at a rated speed of 2200 RPM and features a 9.0:1 compression ratio. The engine was designed for durability under sustained field loads, utilizing a specific firing order of 1-5-3-6-2-4.
Transmission Systems
Two transmission options were available: the Synchro-Range and the Power Shift. The Synchro-Range provides 8 forward and 2 reverse gears, requiring the clutch for range changes. The Power Shift offers 8 forward and 4 reverse speeds, allowing for clutchless gear changes on the move, which increases efficiency during heavy draft work.
Hydraulics and Hitch
The 4020 utilizes a closed-center hydraulic system, a hallmark of the era's advanced engineering, delivering a total flow of 18 gpm at 2250 psi. This system supports a Category II rear hitch capable of lifting 3790 lbs, allowing for the operation of a wide array of implements.
Mechanical Configuration
The tractor is built on a standard 4x2 2WD chassis, with an optional 4x4 Front-Wheel Assist available after 1969. Steering is power-assisted, and the machine is equipped with hydraulic wet disc brakes for reliable stopping power. The operator station is open by design, with a factory cab option available.
Conclusion
The John Deere 4020 remains a significant model for collectors and historical research due to its modular design, reliability, and the introduction of advanced hydraulic and transmission technologies in the 1960s. It is well-suited for heavy-duty field applications and represents a pivotal era in the evolution of row-crop tractors.
Production Information of John Deere, 4020
- Row-Crop tractor
- Original price was $10,345 in 1972
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
|---|---|
| Total built | 184,879 (total) |
| Total built(optional) | Mexico |
| Total built(optional) | 168,311 (diesel) |
| Total built(optional) | 8,123 (gas) |
| Factories | Waterloo, Iowa, USA |
| Factories(optional) | 17,732 (standard) |
Dimension and Tires Information of John Deere, 4020
| Rear tread | 67 to 105 inches [170 to 266 cm (extra long axle)] |
|---|---|
| Row crop Wheelbase | 97.5 inches [247 cm] |
| Regular rear axle | 3.375 by 91 inches [85 by 2311 mm] |
| Width | 89.6 inches [227 cm] |
| Standard Wheelbase | 100.25 inches [254 cm] |
| Front tread | 48.5 to 82.25 inches [123 to 208 cm] |
| Long rear axle | 3.375 by 104 inches [85 by 2641 mm] |
| Length | 151 inches [383 cm] |
| Rear tread | 66 to 97 inches [167 to 246 cm (long axle)] |
| Rear tread | 60 to 91 inches [152 to 231 cm] |
| Extra long rear axle | 3.375 by 112 inches [85 by 2844 mm] |
| Ag front | 6.00-16 (row crop) |
|---|---|
| Ag front(optional) | 18.4-34 (standard) |
| Ag front(optional) | 7.50-18 (standard) |
| Ag rear | 15.5-38 (row crop) |
Engine Specifications of John Deere, 4020
- John Deere
- Liquid-cooled inline
- LP gas
- 6-cylinder 12-valve
| Point gap | 0.016 inches [0.406 mm] |
|---|---|
| Sparkplug gap | 0.025 inches [0.635 mm] |
| Rated RPM | 2200 |
| Intake valve clearance | 0.015 inches [0.381 mm] |
| Starter volts | 12 |
| Oil capacity | 8 qts [7.6 L] |
| Firing order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Displacement | 362 ci [5.9 L] |
| Compression | 9.0:1 |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.25x4.25 inches [108 x 108 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 24 qts [22.7 L] |
| Exhaust valve clearance | 0.028 inches [0.711 mm] |
| Coolant capacity | 24 qts [22.7 L] |
| Coolant capacity | 24 qts [22.7 L] |
Transmission Information of John Deere, 4020
Transmission variants 1
- Synchro-Range requires the tractor to be stopped and clutch depressed to select one of four shift stations. Once a station is selected the tractor can be shifted on the move between the two forward gears (and single reverse in stations 1 and 2) by using the clutch.
| Transmission | John Deere Syncro-Range |
|---|---|
| Oil type | 303 Special |
| Oil capacity | 52 qts [49.2 L] |
| Type | Partially synchronized |
| Type(optional) | 303 Special |
| Gears | 8 forward and 2 reverse |
Transmission variants 2
- Power Shift allows shift-on-the-move between gears without clutching.
| Transmission | John Deere Power Shift |
|---|---|
| Oil type | 303 Special |
| Oil capacity | 68 qts [64.4 L] |
| Type | Full power shift |
| Type(optional) | 303 Special |
| Gears | 8 forward and 4 reverse |
- 8-speed partially synchronized
- 8-speed full power shift
Mechanical Specs of John Deere, 4020
- Hydraulic wet disc brakes
- Power steering
- Open operator station. Cab optional.
| Drive | 4x2 2WD |
|---|---|
| Drive(optional) | 4x4 HFWD 4WD |
| Differential lock(optional) | Mechanical rear |
Front-wheel assist was optional after 1969.
Power Information of John Deere, 4020
| Front PTO Type | 1000 |
|---|---|
| Rear PTO | Independent |
| Rear PTO(optional) | 1000@1900 |
| Engine RPM | 540@1900 |
| Rear PTO Type | 540/1000 (1.375) |
| Engine RPM | 1000@1900 |
| Front PTO | Independent |
| Front PTO(optional) | 1000 (1.375) |
Hydraulics Specifications of John Deere, 4020
| Total flow | 18 gpm (early) [68.1 lpm] |
|---|---|
| Type | Closed center |
| Valves | 1 |
| Pressure | 2250 psi [155.1 bar] |
| Syncro-Range Capacity | 10 gal [37.9 L] |
| SCV flow | 6 gpm [22.7 lpm] |
| Power Shift Capacity | 12 gal [45.4 L] |
Three-Point Hitch of John Deere, 4020
| Rear Type | II |
|---|---|
| Rear lift | 3790 lbs [1719 kg] |
Electrical System of John Deere, 4020
| Ground | Positive (1964-1969) |
|---|---|
| Charging amps | 55 |
| Charging system | Motorola alternator |
| Charging system(optional) | Negative (1969-1972) |
| Battery volts | 12 |
| Batteries | 2 (24V system) |
| Batteries(optional) | Floating (24V) |
| Battery AH | 75 |
Where it sits
With 101 hp[P] HP, the John Deere 4020 sits between 4320 (48 HP) and 4000 (107 HP) in John Deere's range. Its power puts it in the 85th percentile of 1960s models in our database (709 machines).
Frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the John Deere 4020 have?
The John Deere 4020 delivers 101 hp[P] HP.
What years was the John Deere 4020 produced?
The John Deere 4020 was produced in 1963-1972.
What engine does the John Deere 4020 have?
The John Deere 4020 is powered by a LP gas, 6-cylinder 12-valve engine.
What transmission does the John Deere 4020 use?
The John Deere 4020 uses a John Deere Syncro-Range transmission.
Is the John Deere 4020 4WD?
The John Deere 4020 is available in 2WD/4WD.