Few tractors in history have achieved the iconic status of the John Deere 4020. First introduced in 1963, the 4020 quickly became the gold standard of the New Generation lineup and remains one of the most beloved tractors ever built. It was powerful, versatile, and reliable in its day, but perhaps the most remarkable thing about the 4020 is how relevant it still is more than sixty years later.

A Tractor Ahead of Its Time

The 4020 came equipped with features that were ahead of the curve for the 1960s: power steering, a comfortable operator platform, and a wide range of fuel choices including diesel, gasoline, and LP gas. The diesel version was especially prized for its fuel economy, but all models shared the same hallmark of John Deere engineering: they were built to last. Farmers quickly recognized the 4020 as a workhorse that could handle everything from plowing to baling with ease.

Why It Still Matters

What makes the 4020 stand out today is not just nostalgia, but the simplicity of its design. Unlike modern tractors packed with electronics and complex systems, the 4020 was built in a way that makes it endlessly repairable. As long as there are humans with a set of wrenches and some mechanical know-how, a 4020 can keep running. In that sense, it’s almost like the cockroach of the tractor world. If everything else stopped tomorrow, chances are the 4020 would still be chugging along in a field somewhere, ready to work.

Collectors and Auctions

That durability has made the 4020 not just a farm staple but also a collector’s favorite. Auctions continue to show strong prices for well-maintained models, whether in working clothes or restored to showroom condition. Collectors know that owning a 4020 is more than buying a piece of iron, it’s owning a piece of agricultural history that still has practical value.

In fact, few tractors have held their value as consistently as the 4020. Farmers who bought one decades ago often find they can still sell it for a good return today. That kind of staying power is rare in any machinery market.

Tractor Tuesday’s September 9 Auction

At Tractor Tuesday, we’re proud to be part of that story. In our September 9 auction, we’ll be offering not one but two John Deere 4020s: a gas version and a diesel version. Both machines represent everything people love about the 4020: ruggedness, reliability, and a legacy that refuses to fade.

For the farmer, these tractors still have plenty of life left. For the collector, they’re a chance to own a piece of history. And for everyone else, they’re a reminder that good design and honest engineering never go out of style.

View both listings by clicking here.

The Legacy Lives On

The John Deere 4020 isn’t just another old tractor. It’s a symbol of resilience, simplicity, and timeless value. Whether plowing a field, turning heads at a show, or waiting for the next bidder at auction, the 4020 proves that some machines are built to outlast the ages.

On September 9, two more of these legendary tractors will find their next home. Maybe one of them will be yours.