The John Deere New Generation line (beginning with the 2010 and its sister models) was truly revolutionary. It represented the first modern, four-cylinder tractors the John Deere company had ever manufactured. Many tractors in this line turned out to be incredibly reliable and are still in use today – most notably, the 4020 John Deere. However, a few losses came alongside the victory. In my opinion, the 2010 is a tractor to steer clear of.
The 2010 was a huge advance for its time. The Deere company tried out lots of new strategies with the New Generation line, and the 2010 included a new engine design. The engine had an inventive deck plate to hold the sleeves in. The deck plate rested directly on top of the sleeves, using some O rings to make a seal.
This is another one of those ideas that sounds great on paper but doesn’t work as well in the field. As the tractor is used during the day – especially if it is turned off and on frequently – the engine naturally expands and contracts. The all-in-one design of the deck plate makes this tiny amount of expansion and contraction a big problem. The O rings aren’t enough to maintain a seal.
In addition to the engine difficulties, the model is also susceptible to a wide variety of PTO problems.
John Deere abandoned the deck plate idea when this model’s production was through. After the 2010, no additional models were made with deck plates. This is great news for the reliability of other tractors in the New Generation line, but it’s bad news for owners of these tractors. A low demand for parts means that parts are difficult to find and expensive.
The 2010 was a huge advance for the time. Nostalgia is strong with these tractors, too. For many farmers, the 2010 was the first modern tractor they owned. The live power, live hydraulics, and ergonomic design were game-changers for the industry. Restoring one can be a real labor of love – just know what you are getting into!
John says
I have a restored 1961 John Deere 2010 row crop, wide front end. i have had it since 2011.
I keep the maintenance services all up to date, Recently I had to have the hydraulic pump
seals replaced. In 5 years it has been one of the best tractors I have ever owned.
Not all John Deere 2010’s are bad, i have a very good one, but I take very good care of
all my tractors. I believe that if you take care of your tractors, they will take care of you.
I would be happy to show you my 2010 sometime.
Mark sutton says
I would love to pick your brain. I just bought a 2010 diesel. Not sure what year.
Call anytime. 703-447-8575
Mark Sutton
I won’t bug you. Just have a few questions
Matthew Stavick says
I found one of these with the backhoe and the loader, it is the yellow machine, needs work, but went with it because of what you wrote here, looking forward to getting to know my machine better! It does run, but has a pretty good leak at the front cover of the transmission, something about a crack where two little tubes go in the right front, as your sitting in the seat.
Brandon says
Lookin for a 2010 transmission front cover if anyone can help me please call or text 574 242 1947
john says
looking for a cylinder sleeve deck plate JD 2010 diesel
Henry Brabham says
I have 2010 jd diesel cylinder deck plate for sale, i bought it for my 2010, only to find out that my 2010 had 1010 motor, now iam looking 1010 cylinder deck plate
bill kincade says
I have a 2010 john deer diesel and I think that I might need a deck plate lots of water in the oil and it is coming to the pan through #2 hole between the cylinder and the sleeve. Health is not good haven’t tried to pull the plate , but thinking that the water is coming through the sleeve wall, so trying to find a sleeve plate I didn’t know that it didn’t have individual sleeves would love to hear from you. @ bill.kincade@yahoo.com Thanks looking to hear from you
Lisa Warren says
Hi Bill, it looks like there are only a few of those left and it would be found at a John Deere dealer only. Good luck!
Chuck Palmer says
I’m looking to trade a 1010 deck plate for a 2010 cylinder deck plate gas tractor. Don’t know if diesel and gas deck plates interchange Cfpalmercamp@ gmail.com
Greg says
2010 wide front end.
The distance from the ground is 24 inches to platform. Did this model have a step to help you reach the platform ?
Lisa Warren says
Hi Greg!
Originally the 2010 did not have a step, but we do have 2 steps available at Steiner Tractor Parts to help make it a little easier.
https://www.steinertractor.com/JDS243-step–bracket-assembly–fits-many-john-deere-models
https://www.steinertractor.com/JDS3108Step-and-Bracket-AssemblyDouble-Step
Carl says
Does anyone know where a guy can get a deck plate for a 2010 gas engine for a reasonable price?
Daniel Wallace says
I have the entire cowling and both side panels and the instrument panel for the 2010. Very good shape!
randy says
how much for the side plates
BArry says
This tractor looks like one that my grandpa and uncle used when I was a small kid. My uncle was paralyzed from the waist down and while he did need a hand getting up he did and then did all the tractor duties. Well most gramps did have a couple other tractors.
I’m too young to remember the specifics but I do remember this. The front set of wheels was narrow. The fenders over the rear wheels were flat and could be sat on … I also believe there were holes toward the front of the fender for hanging on.
Nice picture …. I’m pretty sure that this is the model my grandpa used.
Walter Johnson says
I need some advice. I cannot get my gas 2010 to turn over. Previously, if I jostled the gearshift it would fire off nicely. Is the safety mechanism worn out? What is this mechanism called, where can I find it and buy one, and how hard is it to repair?
Robert Wegener says
I expect to become an owner of a John Deere 2010 soon. It needs work, but the price is right (free.) My experience with tractors is exclusively from the pilot’s seat, and I have no idea how to tell what am I getting into with this tractor. So… newbe question. How can I tell if this thing has a gas or diesel engine?
William pauley says
Open the fuel cap and take a sniff Diesel and gasoline smell different. I gas enginez have four spark plugs four wires and a distributor cap a diesel has an injector pump.
Chris says
I have a 1965 John Deere 2010 gas 4 cylinder and trying to get a sleeve out that busted because it dropped a valve, the sleeve closest to the steering wheel. Will it come out by itself?
Chris says
The piston busted to pieces and the sleeve is busted and need to replace, everything else looks really good and new, but can’t get the busted sleeve out.
Jack Hubbard says
I have a JD 1961 2010 gas model. I broke the front end axle, need a narrow frontend for it. Can it be changed to a wide frontend?
JAMES Robert SOPER says
You basically have to replace the whole front end
Jacob Roland Jones says
i got my dad john deer 2010 gas just like the one that is pic. And it has a flat. Where can i get a tire for it or do they have inter tube.
Lisa Warren says
Hi Jacob, are you looking for a front or rear tire?