Precision Perspectives
News from the National
By Phil Alstaetter
 Ertl continues to increase the level of detail with its Precision Series. The Key Precision series that started in late 2004 continues to grow. The line now includes the John Deere 4430, John Deere G, IH Farmall 1206 and International 3588. As soon as one of these models are announced by Ertl collectors are eager to know what the next model will be.
The answer is here on the 3rd John Deere Key Series has come in the form of a John Deere 3020. This new 3020 is as exciting as the John Deere A with cultivators was. Collectors are wanting to see this new 3020 because it features a model 48 loader. Not only is this a loader model but it has a removable loader. Here is how the loader works. The back of the loader closest to the seat, sets on pegs and the front brace of the loader is attached at the grille with a pin. Take off the pin and lift the load up and to the front and it comes off. Ertl provides you the loader stands to keep it upright when it is off.
The Precision 3020 and 48 loader are pre-1968 models as they have the four leg John Deere logo. The tractor has great detail. Just looking at the pictures you can see the operator platform is complete with a key in the ignition. The wheels in the rear are set up with wheel weights for loader work. The hydraulic lines detail the loader mounting.
The John Deere 3020 is often over shadowed by the 4020. At 71 hp the 3020 was well suited for any work a farm had in the 1960's and early 70's. A farmer could work the 3020 with a 4 or 5 bottom plow, large chisel plow, good size disk or a two row forage harvester. It had precision steering to handle planting and row crop cultivating. Between field work the 3020 was well suited foe clean up jobs in the feedlot and barn yard.
I have included some pictures of the real 3020 to compare the detail Ertl has matched in the Precision. I really like how Ertl made it possible to make this 3020 a chore tractor with the loader or you can take the loader off and hook the 3020 onto the Precision 494 planter for some field work. The new Key Precision 3020 and 48 loader are arriving at John Deere dealers as you read this article.
For CaseIH readers make sure to order the new Precision Farmall 450. CaseIH is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the 450's introduction with a one time run of the Precision model. This model is not part of the new Key Precision series, it is a one time special offering from Ertl. If you miss out on it you may be paying a much higher price to get it in the future. To add to the release of the 450 Ertl will randomly insert 50 gold Farmall 450's into the production. The Precision 450 should be showing up a CaseIH dealers soon so put your order in today before they are gone.
Remember: Collect what you like and like what you collect.
|
