Need Some Tractor Advice

[HustlerRider]

Hi All,

My local John Deere dealer has a package deal that seems pretty good to me. Thought I would check with you experts here as I've never owned a tractor before. I'm looking at getting this for brush hogging, snow removal, and if someone wanted me to use the FEL or box blade I'd do that as well of course, here's whats included.

1) JD 3038 E Tractor (4WD)
2) Front end loader
3) 6 foot brush hog
4) 5 foot box blade
5) 16 foot dual axel trailer

This package can be had for a little less than $20,000. I think I can get the dealer to change out the box blade for the A12E hydro-adjustable snow plow that Deere has for this model without changing the price much. The only thing I saw that I thought was a downside is that this tractor has no Deere backhoe attachment.

So what do you guys think, good deal or would I be paying to much for this gear? Here is a link to the product page at Deere, sorry its so long:


http://www.deere.com/en_US/ProductCatalog/HO/servlet/com.deere.u90785.cce.productcatalog.view.servlets.ProdCatProduct?pNbr=1481LV&tM=HO&link=enav

Thanks for any help you can provide.

[LBA1999]

first, I went on deere's site and could not find the blade. Is it loader mount or do u have to take the loader off. if u have to take the loader off don't get it the loaders on these tractors are not quick tach and it would be a pain to remove the loader. The box blade and bush hog are the attachments to start out with u can do a lot with them. also get the dealer to bundle forks (quick tact not bucket mount) because u will use them for everything all the time they are the most versitale attachment. Finally, I just want to say I have a JD 3203( econo tractor before 3038E) and I hate it. loader hydraulics are awful( u have to use both hands to make fine adjustments the detent is so strong) it has no power and is more lightly built than nicer deere tractors. I was pulling out a smaller stump one day ( about 5"diameter) and broke the drawbar clean off. got under the tractor and realized these things are not built heavy like the nice deeres are. I bought this tractor trying to go cheap and i got what i paid for. it was my first econo tractor and i am so sorry I didn't get a better one BUY a jd 3020 OR 4020 SERIES YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY I know it is tough to drop the extra $ but don't do what I did and end up with a tractor u hate. i have had better deere tractors and they are very nice machines you will be happy with them. As for a Backhoe don't buy a regular 3 point they have no power and for what they cost buy a used mini ex or a used tlb like JD 110 or Kubota L39,L45. Look for nice used there are deals out there but whatever u do DO NOT BUY A 3038E U WILL BE SORRY U DID!

[Leroy_1]

I haven't heard any real complaints on the 3E tractors in my local area. This is out of dozens sold just this year. I agree the 3020 and 4020 are a lot more tractor, but for the price I think the 3E's are hard to beat.

[jimshack]

the 3032e and 3038e are good sellers that's for sure, all my dealer seems to carry are those two models. They do offer a parking kit for the loader now, but lba1999 is correct that the hydraulics are infinately weaker than the 3x20 series. I would recommend at least looking into a used 110 tlb as they can be found in the low 20's.
think of the 3032/3038 as a larger heavier 2720. probably just fine for light brush mowing and loader work.

[HustlerRider]

first, I went on deere's site and could not find the blade. Is it loader mount or do u have to take the loader off. if u have to take the loader off don't get it the loaders on these tractors are not quick tach and it would be a pain to remove the loader. The box blade and bush hog are the attachments to start out with u can do a lot with them. also get the dealer to bundle forks (quick tact not bucket mount) because u will use them for everything all the time they are the most versitale attachment. Finally, I just want to say I have a JD 3203( econo tractor before 3038E) and I hate it. loader hydraulics are awful( u have to use both hands to make fine adjustments the detent is so strong) it has no power and is more lightly built than nicer deere tractors. I was pulling out a smaller stump one day ( about 5"diameter) and broke the drawbar clean off. got under the tractor and realized these things are not built heavy like the nice deeres are. I bought this tractor trying to go cheap and i got what i paid for. it was my first econo tractor and i am so sorry I didn't get a better one BUY a jd 3020 OR 4020 SERIES YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY I know it is tough to drop the extra $ but don't do what I did and end up with a tractor u hate. i have had better deere tractors and they are very nice machines you will be happy with them. As for a Backhoe don't buy a regular 3 point they have no power and for what they cost buy a used mini ex or a used tlb like JD 110 or Kubota L39,L45. Look for nice used there are deals out there but whatever u do DO NOT BUY A 3038E U WILL BE SORRY U DID!

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. The blade is a loader mount, I'll post a photo here. I'll also look at the 3020 and 4020. This 3038 was attractive because of the package deal. The dealer called me back and said the snow blade is $1900.

Thanks for the other replies also everyone. Here's that photo...

[LBA1999]

I guess I came across as too harsh. It would be ok for LIGHT 3 point work like bush hogging, leveling, etc. but for a loader don't even consider it. look for a used 4020 or 3020 series there are lots out there in good condition they can do more work and will be something you can grow into as your uses increase, as they DEFINITLY will. U will use it a lot more than u expect. As for the blade on the loader, don't get that because with the bucket on my 3203 in float the loader pushes down and puls the front wheels off the ground when the snow pile gets too big. Only would be worse with a blade. Get a nice deere you will have more pushing power and never stall it with Loadmatch. The Ehydro trannies are truly the best on the market in my opinion and I have had several but the econo models don't have all those features. Let us know how it turns out BTW the package they are giving you is an awesome deal esp if the attachments and trailer are decent quality. See how much price difference it would be to upgrade tractor to a 3020 series. remember anything u buy before Jan. first u can write off 100% next year let us know what happens

[meador56]

Had 3203 for 3 years 300 loader on and off in less than 5 minutes. Put 500 hrs on it paid 16,500 got 11500 back in trade. Traded for new 4105 in April got 21 in it more tractor bigger tractor, it's already got 195 hrs on it. Its in shop rite now getting some repairs over all both have been real nice productive machines. Thought about 110 tlb and may still buy in future but they are pretty long in tight places.

[dixieking]

i wouldnt get that blade at all you can do the same job + some with a standerd 3 point hitch blade (non box) cause if you were to come over here we have a blade for our 5200 w/ 520 bucket attachment and we havent used our blade in 2-3 years when we need to what we will do is hook up the 3 point hitch standerd blade to our 2510 tricycle john deere tractor and plow the humanes society with that!
maybe this will help alittle more!