Dad's 4010

If Dad's 4010 could talk, it would speak of revolution and Americana, of hard work and perseverance, of many hands and no quit. But most of all, it would speak of character. You can't buy battle scars, only earn them. The John Deere 4010 is an American icon, and Dad's is no exception. 

Dad's family bought this tractor new in 1964. It was the big tractor around the farm until about 1968 and the main farmhand until about 2000 when she was put to pasture. Around then, Grandpa gave the tractor to Dad and he has kept her going ever since. This past summer, though, the hydraulic pump gave out and this week we set out to change it. 

Dad and Uncle Lloyd already had the front end removed by the time I got home. They were sharing old memories of who put what ding where and how much this tractor revolutionized farming for their family. 

Putting a farmhand on a tractor is the worst thing you can do to it. Super handy, but terribly hard on the front end. Hard to say how many times this guy has been welded up. Manure, hay, feed, dirt, gravel... you name it, she's hauled it. Though it's stout now, the last 25 years around our place has been no walk in the park, either.

Though it didn't totally die, the hydraulic pump no longer delivered the volume of fluid to make the loader very functional. 

Once we got it out, we were able to change the brackets and fittings to the new one. 

Up she went. A few modifications, but not many. 

There were a lot of different lines to hook back up. 

Vibration is a killer to hydraulic lines. Where there is steal, it's best to brace them and cushion them with rubber. 

Once plumbed back in, we started her up to look for leaks before we put the front end back together. 

Back in the day, it was not uncommon for the guys to swap the duel front end to a single wheel for planting and such. 

Giddy up. 

With her running well, we put the tin back on. 

And reattached the loader. 

Back in business. 

If there was ever an image of my dad on wheels, it would be of a John Deere 4010. And not just any 4010, but this Lungren owned and operated, time tested and true, all work and no quit, still going strong after 60 years, 4010. Every time I grab the wheel this warhorse, I think of all the men who have worn it down to the metal. If Dad's 4010 could talk, I know what she'd say, Let's ranch!