The John Deere 4020 is a celebrated tractor, often discussed in agricultural circles for its performance and reliability. Having operated both the International Harvester (IH) 806 Diesel and the power shift John Deere 4020 diesel tractors, it’s clear that while both are significant machines, they occupy different niches in the tractor market. A direct comparison reveals that the 4020, while powerful in its own right, was positioned as a competitor to a different IH model than the larger 806.
When evaluating these tractors, it’s crucial to understand their original market context. The IH 806 was a larger, more robust tractor, not designed to directly compete with the John Deere 4020. In fact, the true competitor to the 4020 from International Harvester was the IH 826. Back in their release era, the price difference highlighted this distinction; the 806 carried a premium of approximately $1000 over the 4020. This price gap significantly influenced purchasing decisions. For instance, as shared from personal experience, the higher cost of the 806 Diesel deterred some buyers, including a farmer who opted for the more affordable John Deere 4020, attracted by its power shift feature which felt like an added bonus at the lower price point. Operating both, one immediately notices the substantial difference in weight and overall size, confirming the 806’s heavier build.
The price difference between the IH 806 and John Deere 4020 largely stemmed from engine selection. The 806 was equipped with the larger D361 engine, which naturally incurred higher production costs. In contrast, the John Deere 4020 featured an engine size more comparable to the IH D358. Interestingly, despite its larger size, the D361 engine in the 806 proved to be exceptionally durable, often reaching up to 15,000 hours of operation when properly maintained, particularly avoiding excessive use of starting fluid in cold weather. Conversely, the engine life of the John Deere 4020, as observed from a personal account of a 4020 reaching 15,000 hours, required engine rebuilds around the 5,000 and 10,000-hour marks, suggesting an engine rebuild cycle roughly every 5,000 hours. This engine lifespan aligns with experiences from Neuss engines and is typical of the D358, reinforcing the IH 826 and John Deere 4020 as more direct competitors in terms of engine durability and class.
Transmission preference also played a role in user perception. The John Deere 4020’s power shift transmission was a feature that garnered mixed reactions. While some operators appreciated the convenience of power shifting, others found the system to be somewhat jerky in operation. Personal experience indicates a tolerance for the power shift’s characteristics, yet acknowledges that it was not universally favored. In contrast, the IH 806 lacked a power shift option. However, the Torque Amplifier (TA) on the 806 often fulfilled similar needs for on-the-go gear changes, mitigating the absence of a power shift for many users. Adding to the differences, the John Deere 4020 was also noted to be slightly lighter in weight compared to the 806, contributing to variations in handling and ground engagement.
In terms of practical field performance, particularly plowing, the distinctions between the tractors became apparent. In one specific agricultural region, the IH 806 demonstrated the capability to effortlessly pull a 5-furrow 16-inch frame 550 plow. The John Deere 4020, in the same area and under similar conditions, was better suited to a smaller 5-furrow 14-inch JD plow. Attempts to use a 16-inch frame plow with the 4020 proved to be too demanding, leading to the conclusion that the 14-inch plow was a more appropriate match for the 4020’s power and size.
In conclusion, when considering the John Deere 4020, it is essential to place it in the correct competitive context. The IH 826, not the 806, stands as the direct competitor to the 4020. The IH 806 Diesel represented a larger, more expensive tractor, a category for which John Deere did not have a direct counterpart in that era. Moving up the IH range, the even more powerful IH 856 could be seen as a closer comparison to the John Deere 4320, representing a step up in tractor size and capability. These observations are intended to provide a comparative perspective, not to diminish the merits of either the John Deere 4020 or the IH tractors, but to clarify their relative positions and strengths in the landscape of agricultural machinery.
