Should I buy it?

[Bagfitter]

I found a JD 2010 crawler with 6 way blade and ROPS in a field, sitting for 5 years semi protected from the elements from a lot of debris around it. Owner said it ran, clutches are stuck. Tried to spin crank with hand but couldn’t. Track is in great condition grousers are like new which gives me a good/bad feeling that it wasn’t used much and has original track or it was beat and they reworked the under carriage along with some fresh paint. That leads me back to the engine, I pulled the dip stick and found it to be a black jelly like oil that was twice the height of the full level so I presume there is 2” of water in the bottom of the pan. Radiator is dry so where did that go, on the ground or in the engine? Everything on it appears to be really clean like it was freshly power washed 10 years ago and never used since so I can’t tell if there are any oil leaks. Tried moving as many levers as I could through the debris and they all seemed to work.
So now the big question, how much is this machine worth and what should I ask for it?
Or should I walk away?

[Jim B]

My personal thoughts:

I wouldn't. The 2010 was built 1961 to 1965, with no follow up models such as a 2010B and in general was not very successful, in either the AG or industrial side. It was totally replaced by the 450. The engines in the 1010 and 2010 machines were John Deere's entrance to four-cylinder models from the 2 cylinders, with a new engine design. A big thing with them is the sleeves are attached to a deck plate, not individual in the block as newer engines ar. Parts interchange ability across the board with other models is very, very limited. A number of things are NLA from JD and not available in the aftermarket.

I would look at it as only scrap value, less labor of loading and trucking cost. Depending on what you find, the engine could take $2000 to $3000 easily plus your labor. Stuck steering clutches could be $1000 plus minus and labor. Bad radiator - from some threads I have seen I think that is an item that may no longer be available, and some are fitting different radiators and adding separate coolers for the reverser/transmission oil. You didn't say if it was gas or diesel, a diesel setting can lead to injection pump issues and diesel system repairs can get expensive. Plus, unkown drive train, hydraulic system condition, electrical system, and other incidentals.

The decision to purchase is yours alone. If you really, really want a project, buy it. It might turn out it doesn't need much but some TLC, but go into the project knowing you could need to outlay a fair amount of cash and time to get it in useable condition. Some have great luck with them.

[Bagfitter]

Jim,
Thanks for your input, I do agree it could be a money pit with a lot of disappointment or with some TLC it could be my weekend ride around the property waking up the neighbors.
Stay tuned for update on whether I buy it or not.

Thanks,

[Jim B]

If you do purchase it, future posts about it should be made on the Early Models Board at the top of the list. A moderator may move this thread up there when it is seen.

Good luck with whatever you decide.