4000
The 4000 was the furthest extension of the high-horsepower-to weight concept. Powered by the same engine as the 4020, its shipping weight was 7,670 pounds compared to with 8,555 pounds for the 4020. (Both weight figures are for diesel-powered, row-crop models equipped for field use.) It was an economical tractor for the farmer that wanted to 'trade up' to more power, but couldn't afford to replace his complete line of tools. For example, rather than trade in his 3020 and 4-bottom plow to buy a 4020 and 5-bottom plow, he could go the 4000 route; keep the 4-bottom plow, but pull it fast enough that in a given period of time he could plow as much total acreage as with a 5-bottom plow at slower speeds. In short, the 4000 was built to be a runner, not a lugger. At the same time, though, it had the same PTO power as the 4020. The 4000 was rated at 96.89 hp in the State of Nebraska Test No. 1063, 1969."
Excerpt from John Deere Tractors 1918~1994 Copyright 1994 by Deere & Co.
Pictured above is a John Deere 4000 "Low Profile" model produced for orchard owners. Notice the exhaust pipe running down along the bottom of the tractor. The 4000 was also called "The Poor-man's 4020", although if you own one of these rare machines now, you probably don't consider yourself poor. The 4000 was also said to have "no frills" - note that there were no battery covers nor the sheet metal that went around the seat to hide the hydraulics. If you ask me, this is still one sharp machine, although I don't know that I would run this one in a field of stubble with the low-profile exhaust...something to think about.
This 4000 puller belongs to Dean who is from Alcester, South Dakota. It's all stock and he hardly uses it for farming. He mainly pulls his "baby" during the summer season in South Dakota, Iowa & Nebraska. He brings home a trophy every now and then too. It sure is a great lookin' machine. Thanks Dean for letting us have a look!
A 4000 shivering in the snow just waiting for someone to lay their cash down and take it home.