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Matt Minnichsoffer
34 articles

1:25 John Deere 3020 – 3D Scratch Built

September 27, 2024 · in Automotive · · 16 · 59


This is the second in my line of 3D scratch-built Tractors. The 3020 was the little brother to the heralded 4020 as part of Deere's “New Generation” it was manufactured from 1964 to 1972. The 3020 was nearly identical to the 3010 model that it replaced and could be powered by three different 4-cylinder engine options: gas, diesel and LP gas with an average rating of 71 horsepower. Believe me they can hold their own for a four cylinder. Great planter, haybine tractors.

I chose to depict a 1965 version of this classic as that's what my grandfather had on his farm. A good friend of mine has a 1972 version which has a slightly different operator station configuration and a few other differences that I'll spare you from listing. The model is fully built in 3d CAD and printed on a Elegoo Saturn 2. There are 11 major pieces: hood, engine/frame/transmission, front axle, hitch assembly, fenders, rear tires, front tires, and seat; 6 smaller parts (air cleaner, muffler, shift lever, hydraulic levers, steering wheel, PTO lever).


Thanks for looking, comment away, and keep building.

Reader reactions:
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7 additional images. Click to enlarge.


16 responses

  1. Wow! This is really cool, Matt (@coondog). This is a really good example of what can be done with some good 3D design software and a 3D printer, along with the ability and imagination to use both. Pretty amazing. I assume you made your own decals also, which isn't easy making yellow decals for a green background. Which 3D design software did you use?

  2. That’s a really good model, Matt, lots of detail on show, and the tyres are especially convincing.

  3. that is super cool!

  4. Amazing work, this build is a knock out! 3D printing has come a long way, this kit looks like the real thing. This brings scratch building to another level.

  5. Looks like a diecast one I had as a kid. Impressive work!

  6. Ours was also a 1965 but in gas and narrow front wheels. The finish on those tires really is exceptional, Matt!

  7. Wonderful job, Matt!
    Congratulations!

  8. Add another wow from me, Matt @coondog
    Excellent designing and building on this scratch build John Deere.
    I'm wondering how much time it has taken you to get all this done, design, print and build.
    Are those tires printed as well.

    • Yes the tire are printed as well. I actually started with the tires knowing they’d be a challenge. There are a lot of 3D tire models, but most of them have the lugs flat on the outside. That’s not how they are so I built my own. Probably 8-10 hrs. The rest of the tractor took maybe 40/50hrs? Engines take time. Mostly you can build one side and mirror it for tractors.

  9. Love your tractors, Matt! More impressive that you did all from scratch to completion. Well done...

  10. Awesome looking build!

  11. Beautiful work Matt! Love seeing a project like this, knowing the design work that went into it. This great build may have just convinced me to take the plunge on a resin printer...

  12. Man this is so cool! I've been thinking about doing this and building my uncles 1956 John Deere model 70

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