[AT] JD 620

Sun Jun 29 18:59:34 PDT 2014

Dean, thank you very much--that's extremely helpful information, and I'll be
taking it with me when I can arrange to go look at the tractor.   Thanks for
taking the time to share so much!

Dean Vinson
Saint Paris, Ohio

-----Original Message-----
From: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com
[mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of Dean VP
Sent: Sunday, June 29, 2014 9:06 PM
To: 'Antique tractor email discussion group'
Subject: Re: [AT] JD 620

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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