4030 JD PROS OR CONS

you're comparing basketballs to baseballs with the 4030 and 3020. the 4020 is more equivalent to a 4030, but you can't go wrong either way!

The 4030 carries all the options of all the other 30 series tractors including sound guard body and quad range transmission allowing it to rise above the 3020. The 4030 also has a wet clutch and a sturdy front axle which puts it ahead of a 3020 for a loader tractor.

The 6329 Dubuque powerplant is reliable and starts fairly well in the cold. It's easy on fuel, but does lack that classic lugging ability that was offered by the Waterloo engines of the time. Our 4030 was repowered with a 4400 combine engine that makes a few more horsepower than the factory engine. It made it a little peppier, but still lacks that mid to low range torque. These engines also have a bad history of having rust holes in the piston liners. This is because of maintenance neglect. They require scheduled services including coolant change/water conditioner.

As for an all around opinion... I'd dare to sat that the 4030 was one of the best 85 horsepower tractor of the time. Remember that when you are looking that most 30 series tractors are worn out now. They have lots of years of abuse under their belt. Expect to have to work on it.