John Deere 3038E Reviews
Total Junk
Model Year: 2019
I bought the tractor in July. Within the first week the loader was drifting very bad. The dealer has pushed me off until a month ago. They finally took the tractor. Now, over a month at the dealership and several cylinders later, it is still there not fixed. The back hoe is doing the same thing - drifting - so they said it's probably bad cylinders. This stuff is brand new, not even a hour on it and it was doing this. I have made several payments on it while it sits in a shop waiting for John Deere's recommendation.
Pros: Easy to use
Cons: Poorly built and so are the replacement parts
Model Year: 2019
I bought the tractor in July. Within the first week the loader was drifting very bad. The dealer has pushed me off until a month ago. They finally took the tractor. Now, over a month at the dealership and several cylinders later, it is still there not fixed. The back hoe is doing the same thing - drifting - so they said it's probably bad cylinders. This stuff is brand new, not even a hour on it and it was doing this. I have made several payments on it while it sits in a shop waiting for John Deere's recommendation.
Pros: Easy to use
Cons: Poorly built and so are the replacement parts
My First Year
Model Year: 2016
I've had my 3038E a little over a year. These are my issues: First, the brake sensor broke. Not a big deal. Second, it would over heat every time I mowed the 7-acre field. It only took a few min to spray it clean. Third, the hydraulics would start to get more and more slack. Forth, the seat sensor would shut the tractor down at the worst and most dangerous times ... and the final last straw is when my rock shaft housing broke and John Deere said it was my fault but couldn't tell me how I could have done it. They didn't even come look at it. They had the dealership send them a picture..
Pros: It's green
Cons: Overpriced
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Model Year: 2016
I've had my 3038E a little over a year. These are my issues: First, the brake sensor broke. Not a big deal. Second, it would over heat every time I mowed the 7-acre field. It only took a few min to spray it clean. Third, the hydraulics would start to get more and more slack. Forth, the seat sensor would shut the tractor down at the worst and most dangerous times ... and the final last straw is when my rock shaft housing broke and John Deere said it was my fault but couldn't tell me how I could have done it. They didn't even come look at it. They had the dealership send them a picture..
Pros: It's green
Cons: Overpriced
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JD 3038E
Model Year: 2013
I've had my 3038E for 4 years and it has exceeded my expectations. I use it to plow snow, grade the driveway, and general yard work. It starts perfectly all year round. I have removable forks on my loader and I can haul more than a pickup truck's load of brush and a full bucket of class 5 gravel is no problem. This tractor is fabulous! I've had zero problems. I got a tremendous deal with John Deere, too! 5 years with zero interest. It is stil a great tractor after 4 years.
Pros: Powerful, easy to operate, comfortable
Cons: None! Awesome machine!
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Model Year: 2013
I've had my 3038E for 4 years and it has exceeded my expectations. I use it to plow snow, grade the driveway, and general yard work. It starts perfectly all year round. I have removable forks on my loader and I can haul more than a pickup truck's load of brush and a full bucket of class 5 gravel is no problem. This tractor is fabulous! I've had zero problems. I got a tremendous deal with John Deere, too! 5 years with zero interest. It is stil a great tractor after 4 years.
Pros: Powerful, easy to operate, comfortable
Cons: None! Awesome machine!
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Great Balance Of Capability And Size
Model Year: 2012
This is my first tractor, so this is a first impression review. We are planning to build in about a year on 8 acres of replanted pine forest with about 15-year-old trees. My immediate purpose for buying was to clear out under the pines in all the areas that we plan to plant partial sun-low maintenance things like azaleas, dogwoods, and such. This thing is awesome! It has plenty of power, good balance, and is very nimble in and around the big trees. My favorite weapons so far are the forks and box blade combo with liquid-filled tires. I'm cleaning up the underbrush while smoothing out the washboard rows left from the reforesting efforts. The forks let me grab the deadfall logs and make burn piles easily. It is very low fuel consumption. I'm lucky to get through 5 gallons of diesel on an all-day session. The unevenness of my land does remind me frequently that the 3038E is a narrow frame/short wheelbase machine. You have to be aware of quickly shifting grades, but I've never felt like I was going to roll over. I typically just lose traction with one or more wheels and have to disengage whatever implement is holding me back.
Pros: Very versatile machine with a strong build
Cons: Just use it within its design limits, it's not a 50 horsepower machine in ability or price
Model Year: 2012
This is my first tractor, so this is a first impression review. We are planning to build in about a year on 8 acres of replanted pine forest with about 15-year-old trees. My immediate purpose for buying was to clear out under the pines in all the areas that we plan to plant partial sun-low maintenance things like azaleas, dogwoods, and such. This thing is awesome! It has plenty of power, good balance, and is very nimble in and around the big trees. My favorite weapons so far are the forks and box blade combo with liquid-filled tires. I'm cleaning up the underbrush while smoothing out the washboard rows left from the reforesting efforts. The forks let me grab the deadfall logs and make burn piles easily. It is very low fuel consumption. I'm lucky to get through 5 gallons of diesel on an all-day session. The unevenness of my land does remind me frequently that the 3038E is a narrow frame/short wheelbase machine. You have to be aware of quickly shifting grades, but I've never felt like I was going to roll over. I typically just lose traction with one or more wheels and have to disengage whatever implement is holding me back.
Pros: Very versatile machine with a strong build
Cons: Just use it within its design limits, it's not a 50 horsepower machine in ability or price
3038E
Model Year: 2015
A good tractor but the "E" is definitely for economy. Upgrading from a 790, that was a solid machine, you can see the differences. The fuel level indicator on the hood makes it tough to watch the fuel level. The front hydraulics bleed off when sitting. The exhaust is a killer, hitting the grill guard mount and shoved directly into the drivers face. You would think a John Deere recall is in order...
Pros: It's still a John Deere
Cons: Exhaust fumes/fuel gauge,rear hydraulic clearance
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Model Year: 2015
A good tractor but the "E" is definitely for economy. Upgrading from a 790, that was a solid machine, you can see the differences. The fuel level indicator on the hood makes it tough to watch the fuel level. The front hydraulics bleed off when sitting. The exhaust is a killer, hitting the grill guard mount and shoved directly into the drivers face. You would think a John Deere recall is in order...
Pros: It's still a John Deere
Cons: Exhaust fumes/fuel gauge,rear hydraulic clearance
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I'd Buy It Again. Great Customer Service From The Dealer
Model Year: 2011
We have used this tractor for bush hogging, post hole digging, tilling a 3,500 square foot garden and about four acres of pasture, landscape raking and driveway maintenance, as well as a lot of lifting, carrying, pulling, and digging (using the bucket to dig sand and lime-rock). It has done everything we've asked of it, and has never failed us (although I did get it stuck in deep loose sand once--my fault). I've done most of the maintenance (fluid and filter changes, greasing), and with one exasperating exception have found them to be easy. All of the filters and lubricants are easy to drain and replace, even the 5.5 gallons of pricey transmission/ hydraulic fluid. Draining the radiator is easy. However, draining the last bit of coolant from the block requires removing and replacing a drain plug that's hard to find, difficult to remove, and almost impossible to replace. The Yanmar engineers who decided to put this drain plug in a tight little corner of the engine block weren't thinking about accessibility when the designed it. Other than this, the tractor has been a joy to own and operate. We have had great customer service from our John Deere dealer, too.
Pros: Power, simplicity, fairly easy implement changes, mostly simple maintenance
Cons: Draining coolant from the block is a pain in the neck
Model Year: 2011
We have used this tractor for bush hogging, post hole digging, tilling a 3,500 square foot garden and about four acres of pasture, landscape raking and driveway maintenance, as well as a lot of lifting, carrying, pulling, and digging (using the bucket to dig sand and lime-rock). It has done everything we've asked of it, and has never failed us (although I did get it stuck in deep loose sand once--my fault). I've done most of the maintenance (fluid and filter changes, greasing), and with one exasperating exception have found them to be easy. All of the filters and lubricants are easy to drain and replace, even the 5.5 gallons of pricey transmission/ hydraulic fluid. Draining the radiator is easy. However, draining the last bit of coolant from the block requires removing and replacing a drain plug that's hard to find, difficult to remove, and almost impossible to replace. The Yanmar engineers who decided to put this drain plug in a tight little corner of the engine block weren't thinking about accessibility when the designed it. Other than this, the tractor has been a joy to own and operate. We have had great customer service from our John Deere dealer, too.
Pros: Power, simplicity, fairly easy implement changes, mostly simple maintenance
Cons: Draining coolant from the block is a pain in the neck
Good Tractor, But.....
Model Year: 2011
I purchased this tractor to maintain five acres and it worked perfect around the house. After a few years, I purchased some land and started to use this tractor for clearing, trail mowing, and road maintenance. The tractor works good, but I have run into some annoying build quality issues, All of my issues started showing their face at about 200 hours. The front seals were leaking and the loader would bleed off while the tractor was running. It has poor placement of the suction line for the transmission. My dealer has worked with me to fix the issues underneath a warranty since John Deere has admitted these are problems. I have added R1 AG tires and dual rear SCVs. These options have proven to make the tractor into a workhorse. Overall, I would recommend this tractor for a small around the house tractor < 10 acres. All of my issues I started running into were when I started using it like a big tractor. I will be looking at a 5500 series tractor soon and will keep this one for around the house.
Pros: Simple design, good power, no motor issues
Cons: Build quality issues
Model Year: 2011
I purchased this tractor to maintain five acres and it worked perfect around the house. After a few years, I purchased some land and started to use this tractor for clearing, trail mowing, and road maintenance. The tractor works good, but I have run into some annoying build quality issues, All of my issues started showing their face at about 200 hours. The front seals were leaking and the loader would bleed off while the tractor was running. It has poor placement of the suction line for the transmission. My dealer has worked with me to fix the issues underneath a warranty since John Deere has admitted these are problems. I have added R1 AG tires and dual rear SCVs. These options have proven to make the tractor into a workhorse. Overall, I would recommend this tractor for a small around the house tractor < 10 acres. All of my issues I started running into were when I started using it like a big tractor. I will be looking at a 5500 series tractor soon and will keep this one for around the house.
Pros: Simple design, good power, no motor issues
Cons: Build quality issues
Awesome Utility Tractor That Does Pretty Much Everything Needed
Model Year: 2010
We purchased 69 acres in East Texas back in 2010, and needed a utility tractor for several uses. I shopped around at the Kubota and New Holland dealers here first, and got their best prices in the 25 to 40 horsepower range. Then I went to the John Deere dealer and after the salesman asked me what I wanted to do with it, he told me about the 3038E and explained that it was priced well because it didn't have lots of bells and whistles, like hydraulic quick connects. I went outside to look at it and was really impressed that it had more power and a hydro-static drive for less than the equivalents at the other dealers. I was sold and made the purchase the same day. I have done so much with this little workhorse. I have hauled tons and tons of dirt and iron ore and logs around in the loader, mowed the 10 or 12 acres of fields several times, cut down saplings galore with the heavy duty shredder, graded miles and miles of road, plowed and harrowed a garden several times, and cleared several trails on the 50 acre tree farm. It handles everything I need it to do, as long as it is within its limits. And it does have limits. But then it is not a 100 HP farm tractor. The loader will not pick up a full load of wet dirt, or lift much more than a loader full of dry dirt. But then, in my opinion, it shouldn't anyway. The heavy-duty shredder will stall the engine when you try to push it through a full load too fast. None of this bothers me. If I need more power, I will buy a bigger tractor. The only problems I have had with it are that I ran over a dry tree top once and a sharp limb stabbed into the hydraulics return hose, which is underneath the floorboard area and is totally unprotected. It really needs a metal guard over it, in my opinion. I lost most of the fluid quickly and had to leave it where it was until I could replace the hose and refill. Also, the warning flashers are in a terrible place. I have ripped both of them off once and broken both of them again with tree limbs that I passed by while mowing. I plan to build some metal housings and mount new ones inside of the housings and in a different location so they aren't sticking outside of the ROPS where they are so exposed. Other than that, I have no complaints. I'm at 1,023 hours and have done little more than change the oil and hydraulic fluid as required. The battery gave up this winter, but three years on a battery is not unusual. One other thing I would like to say is that the hydro-static drive is so safe compared to a gear drive. When you let up on the pedal, it stops immediately, unless you are going full speed in high gear. Even then, it stops pretty dang fast. Box blade and loader work and mowing stuff like tree lines is so much easier with the hydro-static. You just move your foot to the desired pedal and push down as much as needed to inch it one way or the other. No shifting or taking your hands off the steering wheel or levers. It's all in the right foot. I have used the differential lock several times, but I have probably only used the brakes a hand full of times when I was on a pretty steep incline. It's just not needed for normal operations. When you let up on the drive pedals, it stops. And also, when you come out of the seat while it is in gear, the engine dies quickly. If the PTO is engaged and you come out of the seat, even in neutral gear, the engine dies. Pretty nice safety features. I would highly recommend this little tractor to anyone who needs a general purpose utility model. I don't think you will be unhappy with what you get for the money you spend.
Pros: Hydro-static drive, built in toolbox, nice safety features.
Cons: Exposed hydraulics return line hose underneath, warning flashers location makes them easy to get broken.
Model Year: 2010
We purchased 69 acres in East Texas back in 2010, and needed a utility tractor for several uses. I shopped around at the Kubota and New Holland dealers here first, and got their best prices in the 25 to 40 horsepower range. Then I went to the John Deere dealer and after the salesman asked me what I wanted to do with it, he told me about the 3038E and explained that it was priced well because it didn't have lots of bells and whistles, like hydraulic quick connects. I went outside to look at it and was really impressed that it had more power and a hydro-static drive for less than the equivalents at the other dealers. I was sold and made the purchase the same day. I have done so much with this little workhorse. I have hauled tons and tons of dirt and iron ore and logs around in the loader, mowed the 10 or 12 acres of fields several times, cut down saplings galore with the heavy duty shredder, graded miles and miles of road, plowed and harrowed a garden several times, and cleared several trails on the 50 acre tree farm. It handles everything I need it to do, as long as it is within its limits. And it does have limits. But then it is not a 100 HP farm tractor. The loader will not pick up a full load of wet dirt, or lift much more than a loader full of dry dirt. But then, in my opinion, it shouldn't anyway. The heavy-duty shredder will stall the engine when you try to push it through a full load too fast. None of this bothers me. If I need more power, I will buy a bigger tractor. The only problems I have had with it are that I ran over a dry tree top once and a sharp limb stabbed into the hydraulics return hose, which is underneath the floorboard area and is totally unprotected. It really needs a metal guard over it, in my opinion. I lost most of the fluid quickly and had to leave it where it was until I could replace the hose and refill. Also, the warning flashers are in a terrible place. I have ripped both of them off once and broken both of them again with tree limbs that I passed by while mowing. I plan to build some metal housings and mount new ones inside of the housings and in a different location so they aren't sticking outside of the ROPS where they are so exposed. Other than that, I have no complaints. I'm at 1,023 hours and have done little more than change the oil and hydraulic fluid as required. The battery gave up this winter, but three years on a battery is not unusual. One other thing I would like to say is that the hydro-static drive is so safe compared to a gear drive. When you let up on the pedal, it stops immediately, unless you are going full speed in high gear. Even then, it stops pretty dang fast. Box blade and loader work and mowing stuff like tree lines is so much easier with the hydro-static. You just move your foot to the desired pedal and push down as much as needed to inch it one way or the other. No shifting or taking your hands off the steering wheel or levers. It's all in the right foot. I have used the differential lock several times, but I have probably only used the brakes a hand full of times when I was on a pretty steep incline. It's just not needed for normal operations. When you let up on the drive pedals, it stops. And also, when you come out of the seat while it is in gear, the engine dies quickly. If the PTO is engaged and you come out of the seat, even in neutral gear, the engine dies. Pretty nice safety features. I would highly recommend this little tractor to anyone who needs a general purpose utility model. I don't think you will be unhappy with what you get for the money you spend.
Pros: Hydro-static drive, built in toolbox, nice safety features.
Cons: Exposed hydraulics return line hose underneath, warning flashers location makes them easy to get broken.
JD 3038E Tractor Review Canadian South Country Equipment
Model Year: 2008
Little bit of a story. I had a 3032E, found it lacked front end loader power, dealer was unable to repair it to bring adequate lifting power (bucket of gravel shouldn't be too much). A year later I bought a 3038e to replace it. 3038 was ok for the first few years, still a bit under powered, very tippy, but ok. I had fluid put in the tires and I was quite happy with it. Did a lot of tilling, snowblowing, 3 point hitch mower. Typical large farm yard work. Maintenance done at 400 hours (year 3 or 4), changed front diff fluid, changed trans fluid. Here we are today at year 5-6. Transmission range shifter input leaks, both front hubs leak, quite loud now, tach occasionally stops working, front end loader is slower acting and still will just barely lift a full bucket of gravel. Quote to repair from 2 different dealers. $3000 +/- They are known to have front axle leaks. All of them have it after about 2 years of regular service, tach problem is common and some have trouble with the hydrostatic transmission not putting out enough pressure. Both dealers admitted that these are trouble with the 3038e/3032e machines...with the statement of ...it's a cheap tractor, what do you expect? (I expected the well advertised John Deere quality) Corey Dietz
Pros: Price, simple, hydro-stat drive, Deere dealerships.
Cons: Quality, quality, quality, axles, transmission & loader power.
Model Year: 2008
Little bit of a story. I had a 3032E, found it lacked front end loader power, dealer was unable to repair it to bring adequate lifting power (bucket of gravel shouldn't be too much). A year later I bought a 3038e to replace it. 3038 was ok for the first few years, still a bit under powered, very tippy, but ok. I had fluid put in the tires and I was quite happy with it. Did a lot of tilling, snowblowing, 3 point hitch mower. Typical large farm yard work. Maintenance done at 400 hours (year 3 or 4), changed front diff fluid, changed trans fluid. Here we are today at year 5-6. Transmission range shifter input leaks, both front hubs leak, quite loud now, tach occasionally stops working, front end loader is slower acting and still will just barely lift a full bucket of gravel. Quote to repair from 2 different dealers. $3000 +/- They are known to have front axle leaks. All of them have it after about 2 years of regular service, tach problem is common and some have trouble with the hydrostatic transmission not putting out enough pressure. Both dealers admitted that these are trouble with the 3038e/3032e machines...with the statement of ...it's a cheap tractor, what do you expect? (I expected the well advertised John Deere quality) Corey Dietz
Pros: Price, simple, hydro-stat drive, Deere dealerships.
Cons: Quality, quality, quality, axles, transmission & loader power.
3038E Review
Model Year: 2010
I purchased this tractor back in Aug 2010. I reviewed a few brands including other models of JD. None came close to this price and with the capabilities of this machine. I love the ease of operation, power steering and horsepower of the tractor. I snow blow, road grade, mow over 5 acres of grass and clear over 11 acres of trails in the woods with it. I loved the weight of the machine which helps in the deep snow of Maine! I have had only one issue with the tractor and that is the front axle seals leak. I found out a trick to alleviate the issue, I installed a vented cap for the dip stick, this keeps from over pressurizing the front axle. After 2 sets of failed seals this works great! Great machine!
Pros: Ease of operation, horsepower, capabilities, size, price.
Cons: Front axle seal issue.
Model Year: 2010
I purchased this tractor back in Aug 2010. I reviewed a few brands including other models of JD. None came close to this price and with the capabilities of this machine. I love the ease of operation, power steering and horsepower of the tractor. I snow blow, road grade, mow over 5 acres of grass and clear over 11 acres of trails in the woods with it. I loved the weight of the machine which helps in the deep snow of Maine! I have had only one issue with the tractor and that is the front axle seals leak. I found out a trick to alleviate the issue, I installed a vented cap for the dip stick, this keeps from over pressurizing the front axle. After 2 sets of failed seals this works great! Great machine!
Pros: Ease of operation, horsepower, capabilities, size, price.
Cons: Front axle seal issue.
Tire Issues
Model Year: 2010
I have one rear industrial type tire that keeps going flat. I try to keep 35 lbs of air in it, I have brought it to 2 different tire repair places and no one can find a puncture in it or anything wrong with it. When it loses enough air, the weight of the tractor causes the tire to separated from the rim. Then you have to bring it somewhere to fix it. It has become a pain, because I now put a block of wood under the axle on that side do the weight does cause it to separate. It has me and others scratching our heads. Any suggestions?
Pros: Love the tractor.
Cons: That is my only issue now.
Model Year: 2010
I have one rear industrial type tire that keeps going flat. I try to keep 35 lbs of air in it, I have brought it to 2 different tire repair places and no one can find a puncture in it or anything wrong with it. When it loses enough air, the weight of the tractor causes the tire to separated from the rim. Then you have to bring it somewhere to fix it. It has become a pain, because I now put a block of wood under the axle on that side do the weight does cause it to separate. It has me and others scratching our heads. Any suggestions?
Pros: Love the tractor.
Cons: That is my only issue now.
John Deere 3038E
Model Year: 2013
My first tractor was a JD 2520. It was a good tractor and never let me down, but I wanted a little more power, especially off the rear PTO. The 2520 had features that were very nice (cruise control, etc.), but I seldom, or never used them. I wanted a more basic tractor, with a little more power. I didn't want to break the bank getting a different tractor. After much research and gleaning all the reviews I could find on-line, I decided to get the JD 3038E. It was a basic tractor with more power. I have to admit I missed a few of the bells & whistles that were on the 2520. Mostly the four-wheel drive indicator and the loader bucket indicator. Now that I have a little over 100 hours on the tractor, I feel I made a good choice for me. I've used the tractor with my JD 655 tiller and it tills new ground much faster than the 2520. I also have a Frontier 1164, 64" wide snow blower. Once again, the 2520 worked with this snow blower, but there were times I had to go slow when I encountered a deep snow bank. I can clear snow now twice as fast as I could before. I do slow down a little when I get to deep snow banks, but not much. I used the 3038E with a box blade and front end loader to rebuild on trouble spot in my son's driveway. Five 22 ton dump truck loads of rock, spread and contoured in a couple of days. I am very happy with this tractor. It's not the tractor for everyone, but it sure does what I want it to do for me.
Pros: Price, power, good fuel economy, easy to maneuver, good parking brake, beefier 3 point hitch.
Cons: No 4-wheel drive indicator.
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Model Year: 2013
My first tractor was a JD 2520. It was a good tractor and never let me down, but I wanted a little more power, especially off the rear PTO. The 2520 had features that were very nice (cruise control, etc.), but I seldom, or never used them. I wanted a more basic tractor, with a little more power. I didn't want to break the bank getting a different tractor. After much research and gleaning all the reviews I could find on-line, I decided to get the JD 3038E. It was a basic tractor with more power. I have to admit I missed a few of the bells & whistles that were on the 2520. Mostly the four-wheel drive indicator and the loader bucket indicator. Now that I have a little over 100 hours on the tractor, I feel I made a good choice for me. I've used the tractor with my JD 655 tiller and it tills new ground much faster than the 2520. I also have a Frontier 1164, 64" wide snow blower. Once again, the 2520 worked with this snow blower, but there were times I had to go slow when I encountered a deep snow bank. I can clear snow now twice as fast as I could before. I do slow down a little when I get to deep snow banks, but not much. I used the 3038E with a box blade and front end loader to rebuild on trouble spot in my son's driveway. Five 22 ton dump truck loads of rock, spread and contoured in a couple of days. I am very happy with this tractor. It's not the tractor for everyone, but it sure does what I want it to do for me.
Pros: Price, power, good fuel economy, easy to maneuver, good parking brake, beefier 3 point hitch.
Cons: No 4-wheel drive indicator.
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John Deere 3038E
Model Year: 2013
After looking at several brands, I bought the JD 3038E in a package deal with no interest for five years. It starts and runs great and is easy to operate. I have some steep hills to mow with four year old brush on most. I have to take it slow and easy on the steep slops and can not mow if it is wet or even damp. Ag tires may have been a better choice. I can drive it into the garage, but would still liked folding ROPS. After only 20 hours, I am still learning what I can and should not do on my hills. Overall, I love my green machine.
Pros: Easy to start and operate, comfortable, good on fuel, good power.
Cons: Traction not what I had hoped on steep slops, ROPS does not fold.
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Model Year: 2013
After looking at several brands, I bought the JD 3038E in a package deal with no interest for five years. It starts and runs great and is easy to operate. I have some steep hills to mow with four year old brush on most. I have to take it slow and easy on the steep slops and can not mow if it is wet or even damp. Ag tires may have been a better choice. I can drive it into the garage, but would still liked folding ROPS. After only 20 hours, I am still learning what I can and should not do on my hills. Overall, I love my green machine.
Pros: Easy to start and operate, comfortable, good on fuel, good power.
Cons: Traction not what I had hoped on steep slops, ROPS does not fold.
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Best Tractor for Your Money
Model Year: 2010
When I decided I needed a compact tractor, I researched every dealer, new and used in my area. I could not find a better deal than JD. Everyone thought I was nuts for thinking JD was cheaper because they thought if it was green, it would be too much money. I truly could not find a better value for a 38 HP tractor than this one. Sure it is missing a few bells and whistles, but it still does anything you want/need it to. The 3038E is by far the best bang for your buck. I would buy another in a heartbeat.
Pros: 38 HP for 17 K.
Cons: Cheaper front end loader.
Model Year: 2010
When I decided I needed a compact tractor, I researched every dealer, new and used in my area. I could not find a better deal than JD. Everyone thought I was nuts for thinking JD was cheaper because they thought if it was green, it would be too much money. I truly could not find a better value for a 38 HP tractor than this one. Sure it is missing a few bells and whistles, but it still does anything you want/need it to. The 3038E is by far the best bang for your buck. I would buy another in a heartbeat.
Pros: 38 HP for 17 K.
Cons: Cheaper front end loader.
Good Tractor for Old Guy
Model Year: 2013
Hydro-static drive and no clutch, a short step to the padded seat and enough oomph to get most woodland things done. Got it to clear dead fall and cut trees on my MFL. Hauls and moves most logs that I should reasonably take care of. Its limits help me understand my age imposed limits. It powers up the PTO chipper consistently well and will lift an 16" x 8' log safely with a ballast box. The 4wd pulls bigger logs fairly well through the woods. The "plastic" body does need wax and soft cleaning. The oil dipstick is a bit hard to reach and put back in because of location and the permanent style loader. The plastic dipsticks are hard to read because they do not appear to retain the hydraulic fluid well. The front, left, and down exhaust is irritating when working nearby.
Pros: Small, adequate power, ease of forward and reverse.
Cons: A bit too narrow.
Model Year: 2013
Hydro-static drive and no clutch, a short step to the padded seat and enough oomph to get most woodland things done. Got it to clear dead fall and cut trees on my MFL. Hauls and moves most logs that I should reasonably take care of. Its limits help me understand my age imposed limits. It powers up the PTO chipper consistently well and will lift an 16" x 8' log safely with a ballast box. The 4wd pulls bigger logs fairly well through the woods. The "plastic" body does need wax and soft cleaning. The oil dipstick is a bit hard to reach and put back in because of location and the permanent style loader. The plastic dipsticks are hard to read because they do not appear to retain the hydraulic fluid well. The front, left, and down exhaust is irritating when working nearby.
Pros: Small, adequate power, ease of forward and reverse.
Cons: A bit too narrow.
Darn Good For the Money, 0 Down, 0%
Model Year: 0
I have used this tractor to bush hog, move dirts, and grade gravel drive. Works great---very comfortable and super easy to operate. I would recommend this model because it is turbo charged which boost HP from 32 to 38. Well worth the extra because the hydro-transmission you might loose 1 or 2 HP and the turbo makes up for it. Also, the tractor is packed with options. I bought a quick hitch from Harbor Freight and it is worth every penny. Plus it was a lot cheaper than the I-Match quick hitch from John Deere. It looks and acts identical. Once installed, changing components are a breeze. Other than hooking up the PTO, you won't even have to get off the tractor. The tractor has a very strong front loader, don't even think of NOT getting it. This tractor is heavy enough but also light enough not to put ruts in your yard. I would also recommend water in the tires as a counter weight for the front loader. Hope this helps with someone's decision. I looked at different MFG., and the quality and design far out do others.
Pros: Robust and easy to use.
Cons: Don't know of any as of yet, as with any tractor, get the size right for you.
Model Year: 0
I have used this tractor to bush hog, move dirts, and grade gravel drive. Works great---very comfortable and super easy to operate. I would recommend this model because it is turbo charged which boost HP from 32 to 38. Well worth the extra because the hydro-transmission you might loose 1 or 2 HP and the turbo makes up for it. Also, the tractor is packed with options. I bought a quick hitch from Harbor Freight and it is worth every penny. Plus it was a lot cheaper than the I-Match quick hitch from John Deere. It looks and acts identical. Once installed, changing components are a breeze. Other than hooking up the PTO, you won't even have to get off the tractor. The tractor has a very strong front loader, don't even think of NOT getting it. This tractor is heavy enough but also light enough not to put ruts in your yard. I would also recommend water in the tires as a counter weight for the front loader. Hope this helps with someone's decision. I looked at different MFG., and the quality and design far out do others.
Pros: Robust and easy to use.
Cons: Don't know of any as of yet, as with any tractor, get the size right for you.
Awesome Tractor
Model Year: 2013
I have owned older model Ford tractors. They were great machines. I just got my JD 3038E w/loader/back blade/box blade/forks today. Wow. Lots of power. Very easy to operate. I had my wife operate it. I gave her only a two minute lesson and away she went. She has never driven a tractor. I am totally impressed with this machine. Tomorrow I get to play (I mean work) lots.
Pros: Power, ease of use, size, comfortable cockpit.
Cons: Smallish fuel tank (6.4 gal).
Model Year: 2013
I have owned older model Ford tractors. They were great machines. I just got my JD 3038E w/loader/back blade/box blade/forks today. Wow. Lots of power. Very easy to operate. I had my wife operate it. I gave her only a two minute lesson and away she went. She has never driven a tractor. I am totally impressed with this machine. Tomorrow I get to play (I mean work) lots.
Pros: Power, ease of use, size, comfortable cockpit.
Cons: Smallish fuel tank (6.4 gal).
JD 3038E
Model Year: 2010
Generally a very good machine.The only design faults so far concern the external hydraulic lines on the 305 loader. A flex line between the oil cooler and cooler in and out lines would be a good idea. Contact with and external object and the solid lines caused a cracked oil cooler coil. Possibility a guard on these lines would be advantageous. An external hydraulic pump would also be handy, as pump failure would require transmission dis-assembly.
Pros: Reliable.
Cons: Internal hydraulic pump. No external electrical power outlet.
Model Year: 2010
Generally a very good machine.The only design faults so far concern the external hydraulic lines on the 305 loader. A flex line between the oil cooler and cooler in and out lines would be a good idea. Contact with and external object and the solid lines caused a cracked oil cooler coil. Possibility a guard on these lines would be advantageous. An external hydraulic pump would also be handy, as pump failure would require transmission dis-assembly.
Pros: Reliable.
Cons: Internal hydraulic pump. No external electrical power outlet.
Simple & Solid
Model Year: 2011
This was my first & probably last tractor purchase. I chose this tractor because of its lack of complexity. Kinda like I like my trucks. Rubber floor mats, wind up windows, etc. It ain't no Cadillac but if your looking for something that will get the job done, this one is the "hoss" that'll do it. It pulls a 5ft grooming mower like it was nothing. It drags a box blade full of dirt. Hell it ain't never not done anything I wanted it to do.
Pros: Easy to operate. Plenty of power.
Cons: No gauges. Not sure about the plastic hood but time will tell.
Model Year: 2011
This was my first & probably last tractor purchase. I chose this tractor because of its lack of complexity. Kinda like I like my trucks. Rubber floor mats, wind up windows, etc. It ain't no Cadillac but if your looking for something that will get the job done, this one is the "hoss" that'll do it. It pulls a 5ft grooming mower like it was nothing. It drags a box blade full of dirt. Hell it ain't never not done anything I wanted it to do.
Pros: Easy to operate. Plenty of power.
Cons: No gauges. Not sure about the plastic hood but time will tell.