The John Deere 4240 is a reliable and robust row-crop tractor known for its versatility and durability. Part of the Iron Horses Series, this tractor is built to withstand demanding agricultural tasks. With a powerful diesel engine and a range of transmission options, it provides farmers with the flexibility they need to tackle various field operations. The availability of a comfortable Sound-Gard cab enhances the operator’s experience, reducing noise and improving comfort during long hours of work. The 4240 is a trusted workhorse that has earned its place as a dependable choice for those seeking a reliable and capable row-crop tractor.
| John Deere 4240 Specs |
|---|
| Years of Production | 1978 – 1982 |
| Series | Iron Horses Series |
| Type | Row-Crop tractor |
| Built in | Waterloo, Iowa, USA |
| Original Price | (1982 Syncro-Range ROPS 2WD) |
| Original Price | (1982 Power Shift Cab 2WD) |
| Variants |
|---|
| 4240 | Row-crop |
| 4240 Hi-Crop | High-clearance |
| Engine Detail |
|---|
| Manufacturer | John Deere |
| Fuel | Diesel |
| Cylinders | 6-cylinder |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 466 cubic inches (7.6 L) |
| Bore/Stroke | 4.5625×4.75 inches (116 x 121 mm) |
| Air Cleaner | Dual dry element |
| Pre-heating | Ether injection |
| Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 |
| Rated RPM | 2200 |
| Idle RPM | 800-2400 |
| Operating RPM | 1500-2200 |
| Firing Order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Starter Volts | 12 |
| Oil Capacity | 17 quarts (16.1 L) |
| Coolant Capacity | 30 quarts (28.4 L) |
| Transmissions key details |
|---|
| Transmission (Quad-Range) | Partial power shift with 16 forward and 6 reverse gears |
| Transmission (PowerShift) | Full power shift with 8 forward and 4 reverse gears |
| Transmission (Syncro-Range) | Partially synchronized with 8 forward and 2 reverse gears |
| Transmission (Syncro-Range Creeper) | Creeper with 13 forward and 5 reverse gears |
| Transmission (Quad-Range) |
|---|
| Type | Partial power shift |
| Gears | 16 forward and 6 reverse |
| Oil Capacity | 62 quarts (58.7 L) |
| Description | The Quad-Range transmission offers 16 forward gears and 6 reverse gears. It allows for power shifting between pairs of gears in each range (1-2 and 3-4), with synchronized shifts between gears 2 and 3. There are two reverse gears available in ranges A-C. Shifting between ranges requires the tractor to be stopped and the clutch to be used. |
| Transmission (PowerShift) |
|---|
| Type | Full power shift |
| Gears | 8 forward and 4 reverse |
| Oil Capacity | 54 quarts (51.1 L) |
| Description | The PowerShift transmission provides 8 forward and 4 reverse gears. It allows for clutchless, shift-on-the-move power shifting between all gears, enhancing convenience and efficiency. An inching pedal is provided for precision tasks and attaching implements. |
| Transmission (Syncro-Range) |
|---|
| Type | Partially synchronized |
| Gears | 8 forward and 2 reverse |
| Oil Capacity | 62 quarts (58.7 L) |
| Description | The Syncro-Range transmission offers 8 forward gears and 2 reverse gears. It features four shift stations, each with two forward gears. Reverse gears are available in stations one and two. Gear shifts within a station are synchronized, requiring the use of the clutch. To select different shift stations, the tractor must be stopped, and the clutch must be used. |
| Transmission (Syncro-Range Creeper) |
|---|
| Type | Creeper |
| Gears | 13 forward and 5 reverse |
| Oil Capacity | 62 quarts (58.7 L) |
| Description | The Syncro-Range Creeper transmission adds a creeper option to gears 1-5 of the Syncro-Range transmission. The creeper is engaged by clutching and moving the creeper control lever, allowing for slower speeds and precise control in certain applications. |
| Power |
|---|
| PTO (Claimed) | 110 hp (82.0 kW) |
| Drawbar (Tested) | 93.38 hp (69.6 kW) |
| PTO (Tested) | 111.06 hp (82.8 kW) |
| Mechanical |
|---|
| Drive | 4×2 2WD, 4×4 HFWD 4WD |
| Differential Lock | Pedal-actuated hydraulic |
| Differential | Hydraulic wet disc brakes |
| Cab | Sound-Gard cab standard |
| Capacity |
|---|
| Fuel Tank | 46 gallons (174.1 L) |
| Hydraulic System | 11 gallons (41.6 L) |
| Hydraulics |
|---|
| Type | Closed center |
| Capacity | 11 gallons (41.6 L) |
| Valves | 1 or 2 |
| Pump Flow | 23 gpm (87.1 lpm) |
| Tractor Hitch |
|---|
| Rear Type | II/I |
| Rear Lift | 5,732 lbs (2600 kg) or 6,766 lbs (3069 kg) |
| Power Take-off (PTO) |
|---|
| Rear PTO | Independent |
| Rear RPM | 540/1000 (1.375) |
| Serial Numbers |
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| 1978 | 1000 |
| 1979 | 7434 |
| 1980 | 14394 |
| 1981 | 20186 |
| 1982 | 25670 |
| Electrical |
|---|
| Ground | Negative |
| Charging System | Alternator |
| Batteries | 2 |
| Battery CCA | 850 |
| Battery Volts | 6 |
| Tires |
|---|
| Ag Front | 11L-15, 9.5L-15, 10.00-16, 11.00-16, 12.4-24 (4WD) |
| Ag Rear | 18.4-34, 23.1-30, 16.9-34, 20.8-34, 15.5-38, 16.9-38, 18.4-38, 18.4R38 |
| Dimensions |
|---|
| Wheelbase | 106.6 inches (270 cm) |
| Length | 156.5 inches (397 cm) |
| Width | 96 inches (243 cm) or 113 inches (long axle) (287 cm) |
| Clearance (Front Axle) | 22.2 inches (56 cm) |
| Clearance (Rear Axle) | 27 inches (68 cm) |
| Clearance (Drawbar) | 14.2 inches (36 cm) |
| Rack-and-Pinion Rear Axle | 3.386 by 92 inches (86 by 2336 mm), 3.386 by 96 inches (86 by 2438 mm), 3.386 by 109 inches (86 by 2768 mm), 3.386 by 113 inches (86 by 2870 mm) |
| Front Tread | 50.1 to 93.5 inches (127 to 237 cm) |
| Rear Tread | 66 to 115.9 inches (167 to 294 cm) |
| Weight |
|---|
| Shipping | 10,900 lbs (4944 kg) |
| Operating (Duals) | 12,395 lbs (5622 kg) |
| Ballasted | 14,090 lbs (6391 kg) |
| Height |
|---|
| Steering Wheel | 88.7 inches (225 cm) |
| ROPS | 106.1 inches (269 cm) |
| Cab | 118.2 inches (300 cm) |
| Attachment Loader Specifications |
|---|
| Lift Capacity (Full at Pin) | 3100 lbs (1406 kg) |
| Breakout Force | 4700 lbs (2131 kg) |
| Dump Angle | 38° |
| Reach (Dumped) | 32 inches (81 cm) |
| Rollback Angle | 11° |
| Height (at Pin) | 126 inches (320 cm) |
| Clearance (Dumped) | 102 inches (259 cm) |
| Clearance (Level) | 121 inches (307 cm) |
| Boom Cylinder Diameter | 2.5 inches (6 cm) |
| Bucket Cylinder Diameter | 2.5 inches (6 cm) |
| Weight | 1350 lbs (612 kg) |
| Bucket Options |
|---|
| Bucket Width | 60 inches (152 cm) |
| Bucket Width | 72 inches (182 cm) |
| Bucket Width | 84 inches (213 cm) |
| Bucket Width | 96 inches (243 cm) |
| Bucket Capacity | 0.5 cu yd (0.4 cu m) |
| Bucket Capacity | 0.6 cu yd (0.5 cu m) |
| Bucket Capacity | 0.8 cu yd (0.6 cu m) |
| Bucket Capacity | 0.9 cu yd (0.7 cu m) |
| John Deere 158 Loader |
|---|
| Lift Capacity (Full at Pin) | 3800 lbs (1723 kg) |
| Breakout Force | 5000 lbs (2268 kg) |
| Dump Angle | 37° |
| Reach (Dumped) | 32 inches (81 cm) |
| Rollback Angle | 12° |
| Height (at Pin) | 156 inches (396 cm) |
| Clearance (Dumped) | 132 inches (335 cm) |
| Clearance (Level) | 151 inches (383 cm) |
| Boom Cylinder Diameter | 2.75 inches (6 cm) |
| Bucket Cylinder Diameter | 2.5 inches (6 cm) |
| Weight | 1771 lbs (803 kg) |
| Bucket Width | 60 inches (152 cm) |
| Bucket Width | 72 inches (182 cm) |
| Bucket Width | 84 inches (213 cm) |
| Bucket Width | 96 inches (243 cm) |
| Bucket Capacity | 0.5 cu yd (0.4 cu m) |
| Bucket Capacity | 0.6 cu yd (0.5 cu m) |
| Bucket Capacity | 0.8 cu yd (0.6 cu m) |
| Bucket Capacity | 0.9 cu yd (0.7 cu m) |
John Deere 4240 overview
The John Deere 4240 is a prominent member of the Iron Horses Series, representing a formidable row-crop tractor in the agricultural landscape. Produced between 1978 and 1982 at the Waterloo, Iowa facility in the USA, it held an original price tag of $33,313 for the Syncro-Range ROPS 2WD version and $40,926 for the Power Shift Cab 2WD variant in 1982. The 4240 came in two main variants, the standard row-crop configuration and the Hi-Crop model tailored for high-clearance operations.
Under the hood, the John Deere 4240 packs a robust 6-cylinder diesel engine with a displacement of 7.6 liters (466 cubic inches). This liquid-cooled powerplant is known for its durability and efficiency, generating a significant amount of power with a compression ratio of 17.0:1. With a rated RPM of 2200, the 4240 offers ample power for various farming tasks.
One of the standout features of the 4240 is its versatile transmission options, including the Quad-Range, PowerShift, Syncro-Range, and Syncro-Range Creeper. These transmissions provide a wide range of gear choices to cater to different operational needs. The PowerShift transmission, in particular, allows clutchless shifting for seamless gear changes on the move.
Advantages of the John Deere 4240 include its solid construction, reliable engine, and the availability of different transmission choices, which enhance versatility in the field. It provides a comfortable working environment for operators with the optional Sound-Gard cab, reducing noise and improving overall comfort during long hours of operation.
But, like any machine, the 4240 is not without its disadvantages and common issues. Some farmers may find the initial purchase price to be relatively high, especially when considering newer tractor models with advanced technology. Additionally, the tractor’s size and weight can make it less suitable for smaller operations or areas with limited space.
Common problems that owners may encounter with the John Deere 4240 include issues related to its age, such as wear and tear on components like the transmission and hydraulic system. Over time, seals and gaskets may deteriorate, leading to oil leaks. Routine maintenance and inspections are crucial to address these issues promptly. Moreover, sourcing parts for older models like the 4240 can be challenging, although aftermarket suppliers often offer solutions.
In conclusion, the John Deere 4240, part of the Iron Horses Series, is a dependable and powerful row-crop tractor with a range of transmission options. Its advantages lie in its robust construction, reliable engine, and operator comfort. However, potential drawbacks include the initial cost and challenges associated with maintaining and sourcing parts for older machines. With proper care and maintenance, the 4240 can continue to be a valuable asset for farmers in a variety of agricultural applications.
