1:25 John Deere 4020 – 3D Scratch Built
Background
The legendary 4020 was born in 1963 and it's safe to say a love affair began with many farmers that burns as hot today as it did when they first saw black smoke roll out of the muffler. The 4020 was, and still is, one of those engineering marvels that they got just right. You all know what I'm talking about—that special something that all came together perfectly to produce a timeless piece of machinery.
My introduction began at my grandpa's Polk County Wisconsin dairy farm. The “Big Tractor” was like excalibur. Not for the kids to drive, we got the 2510, raking hay and running wagons. The 4020 was for work—but a farmboy knows love when he sees it.
All through my youth I worked on dairy farms. I spent six years working for a local dairy farmer and his 1972 Powershift 4020 became my baby and cemented the bond to this legendary workhorse. My heart still beats a bit faster when I sit in that seat, turn the key, and hear that horse come to life. And it's only two years younger than me!
So, here's where my two passions meet. Since no models exist for any John Deere New Generation tractors, I figured—build one. So I did.
The Build
Back to the computer and start modeling it out in 3D. After my 10 month excursion into the 3D CAD work with my Super X build, the 4020 came together pretty fast. Maybe because most of it is symmetrical, so I just had to build one half and mirror it and 90% was complete. I did a lot of walk-arounds and referencing of my 1/16 Ertl tractors for the right size relationships and locations of parts, etc. The rear Firestone tires took some time to figure out and the engine was a bit complicated, but in the end I had about 12 pieces that I could 3D print for the final assembly.
The great thing is with a few modifications I can build multiple models of tractors from the 4020 base. So I hope to build three other horses to fill out my John Deere stable.
This build was a ton of fun from start to finish. Hope you enjoy it and keep building.
Another fantastic job, Matt! Congratulations!
That is really cool, and even better because not only did you build it you drew it, you created it! I really built up into a very nice looking kit. Not sure what the market is for tractors, but you definitely have a winner you could sell.
Really great, Matt, this turned out brilliantly.
Amazing work and an incredible result.
A beautiful result, Matt @coondog
Your 3D printing skills are amazing.
Did you also create the decals yourself?
Yes, I created the decals in Adobe Illustrator and had them printed by Fusion Scale Graphics, fsdecals.com. Awesome company to work with. I would recommend to anyone creating custom decals.
Thanks for the kind words. This 3D world has opened a lot of doors for creation.
Amazing piece of work!
Wow, that's just incredible, Matt @coondog! 🤩
That is one fine piece of work, Matt. I like the multi-rib tires on front; we have those on our Farmall 1066, our 4020 equivalent in these parts.
I know the 1066 well. When I get done with the Deere's I want to model out the IH '66 series. And I agree, the 1066 also holds legendary status.
That's very exciting, Matt, we must keep in touch.
Simply outstanding work Matt. saw quite a few of these in my youth in SE Ohio.
@coondog - Amazing Matt! Beautiful 3D work, the finished model is incredibly well detailed. What 3d printer do you have?
I have an Elegoo Saturn 2 and use the water soluble resin.
Matt Minnichsoffer (@coondog)
This is an incredible build. You are head and shoulders above the rest of us mere mortals ! Having the skills needed to design AND print your models is fantastic. It looks like the real thing...
My Grandma had a "Red Belly Ford" 8N when I was a wee tike. I would ride on it with my Dad driving. I had a good friend who's father also had an 8N and we would "borrow" it on occasion and terrorize the neighborhood.
Then later on I learned how to drive a little better using a little Ford Tractor we had at middle school. That one may have been a 1715 Ford... Don't remember for sure though. I used to work on these tractors. I didn't like to split one and install a new clutch. That was a lot of heavy / hard work but I managed. I did a lot of work on Massey Ferguson's. We had a MF 383, a MF 253 and another Jacobsen copy. But I never got the opportunity to work on John Deere's.
Well done on many areas. I'm definitely clicking on some of the various "like" buttons.
I'll bet you're mighty proud of this one ! I would be...
Always appreciate your comments my friend. Thanks for the very kind words.