[AT] JD 620

[Dean VP]

Dean,

Welcome back to the green world. I've owned a 1958 High Clearance JD 620 for several years and it is
one of my favorite tractors.  A successor following the A then the 60. Aluminum pistons and a little
higher RPM. About 20% more HP than the 60. First thing to check are the manifolds. They usually are
cracked if they haven't been replaced from original. May still run but not really good for exhaust
heating of the manifold. Replacement aftermarket manifolds are available in the $200 region. The
manifold bolts will also need to be replaced at the same time. A tedious job if they twist off.  A
1958 Model 620 is more valuable than a 1957 620. Some significant improvements were made in the 598
models. The 58 models are known as the Black Dash versions but be careful to check the serial number
to verify that it is a truly is a 58 model since many 57's have had their dash's painted black. The
serial # range for 1957 620's is:  6200000-6213099 .  The Serial # range for 1958 620's is
6213100-6222686. The 1958 models have a plastic steering wheel and the 57's have a steel spoked
steering wheel. I'm not including the orchard versions. There also were All Fuel and LP versions made
but I am assuming you are looking at a gas version Row Crop.   The High Clearance version is also more
valuable and their attributes include 42" rear tires and rims, Extra Long Axles and  Extra Long Axle
Housings and either a single wheel front end or a WFE.  A High Clearance Version adds $500 to $1,000
value if the 42" tires are in really good shape. New 42" tires are very expensive.  The front end is
convertible so it is easy to change front ends. Check to see if it has Power Steering that allows you
to turn the front wheels with one finger on the steering wheel both ways. A Roll O Matic tricycle
front end  is desirable but a Square Casting Wide front End adds about $750 to $1000 value to the
tractor. If it has a Round Tube Wide Front End it may only add $250 value. The Round Tube Wide Front
Ends fits on a 620 but really belongs on an early numbered series tractor such as a 50, 60 or 70.
Orchard and Standard versions are more valuable than the Row Crop versions. A High Crop version would
be really valuable $$$$$$$$$$$$$$

The Dash Gauges include a Speed Hour Meter which probably isn't working or hasn't for some time unless
someone has replaced it recently.  I would not take any stock in what hours show on the gauge. It is
entirely possible that it didn't work for years even though it may be working now.  The only way that
that might be believable is if the current owner is the original owner and guarantees that it is
valid. 99.9% have failed in the 50 plus years it has been around.  I just plain don't trust whatever
they read. Many sellers try to sell a tractor by showing that the meter only reads a low number of
hours. All that probably indicates is how long the original meter worked.  :-) 

Check how much play is in the steering wheel when the tractor isn't running. Check how much play there
is in the radiator fan. This is a good indication of how many hours are on the tractor. Lots of play,
lots of hours.  Check to see if there is an automatic fuel shutoff still in the fuel line.  These were
notoriously unreliable so sometimes they were completely removed. Replacements can be found. These
shut off the tractor fuel if there wasn't adequate oil pressure. 

The tractor should include a complete three point hitch including original JD Top Link and sway blocks
on the drawbar frame. If the Three Point Hitch is in decent shape and includes the original JD Top
Link it probably adds $1,000 to $1,300 to the value of the tractor.  Check to see if the Hydraulics
lifts the three point hitch up and then pull down on it to see if it stays up.  Also check to see if
the Power-Troll is  a single or dual version.  A single would have two outlets to run a single
cylinder up and down. With two levers on the right side of the seat. A dual version with 4 outlets
would allow running two cylinders with three levers on the right side of the seat.  A dual version
adds $400 to $600 value to the tractor.  Does it have fenders?  Clam shell fenders were the correct
option and in good shape probably adds $200 in value. Deluxe Flat Top Fenders with lights in the
fenders are sometimes found on the 20 series tractors but they really only belong on the later 30
series tractors but will fit the 20 series. Some collectors like the looks of the flat top fenders.
YMMV.  Make sure it has live PTO. 


Now some more options that add value.  Does it have an external air cleaner stack across from the
muffler. That probably adds $200 to the value.  Does it have a single or dual front rockshaft set up.
A single version might add $200 in value a dual version might add $300.  Does it have a Float Ride
Seat and in good shape? If it works properly it probably adds about $200 value to the tractor. One
that needs to be repaired will cost at least $200 to repair.  Are the seat cushions and back rests in
good shape?  Repairs may cost pushing $100.00

Then the obvious things to check for are cracked and welded heads and blocks from freezing, Oil and
water leaks. Check for oil leaks at the axle coming out of the casting. Can be fixed but some work
involved.  How good is the tin? Many dents?  Are the grill screens dented. Replacements are available
for about $60 a side. 

Take some pictures and post them. I might be able to make more specific comments after seeing the
actual tractor.  

PS: I would guess that a well restored JD 620 like your Farmall M would give the M a real run for the
money and probably become your most favorite tractor.  JD really had their act together in the 20
series tractors.  Oh and BTW it will really do some hard farm work as well. Almost 50 HP with 70% of
the weight on the rear wheels unlike the M.  It is a great tractor. 

Dean VP
Snohomish, WA

They say necessity is the mother of invention. 
Don't know who the father is, probably remorse.
Red Green

-----Original Message-----
From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com [mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of
Dean Vinson
Sent: Sunday, June 29, 2014 4:31 PM
To: 'Antique tractor email discussion group'
Subject: [AT] JD 620

A nice-looking 620 has caught my attention, and I'm giving serious thought
to buying it.   Looks straight and well-maintained.   Aside from some brief
time on my dad's late-40s A and then a 1951 A owned by a friend, my
experience with two-cylinder Deeres is limited to casual observations at
tractor shows.   Any general thoughts on what to look for?

Dean Vinson
Saint Paris, Ohio

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