Comparison Best JD Subcompact for needs

[TBJ]

Hello,
New member, but have enjoyed numerous threads on all range of topics. Very informative. Hoping to gain some advice on JD Subcompacts.

I'm purchasing 20+ acres in Upstate So. Carolina as a second home/hobby farm. The 10-14 acres I will be maintaining are mostly "smooth" terrain but with some "rolling" elevation changes. Will be mowing approx. 5-8 acres of existing pasture for "aesthetic" purposes (less than finish cut is ok). Will also maintain another 5+ acres of more weedy terrain with a fair amount of trees. Initially this portion will require some heavier duty brush cutting, but will keep seasonally maintained thereafter.

Looking to find which JD Subcompact will best suite my needs. First caveat is that I will only be using the property for a few weeks in the Spring and Fall with a 2+ month continuous stay in the summer. Will be hauling lumber, gravel etc. around so a FEL is a must. Also looking to install approx. 1000-1500 feet of fence line so looking at an 3 pt. auger. Some driveway & landscape maintenance will be done and will get a rear blade, rake, or box blade as needs arise. For my pasture mowing and light clearing, thinking of a 5' rotary cutter (light to mid grade). Also considering the JD quick hitch.

Due to my limited time on property, my initial thought was "get the smallest JD that will get me by," such as a 2305. Helpful guys at the local JD dealer indicated the PTO horsepower will be an issue and suggested the 3032-E as a good entry level model with enough PTO HP plus Hydro., but suitable cost for my "part-time use". BTW, I'm a novice in the tractor/implement arena, but have a fair amount of "mechanical common sense." Thank you in advance for suggestions.

 

[foreman Etexas]

Hello,
New member, but have enjoyed numerous threads on all range of topics. Very informative. Hoping to gain some advice on JD Subcompacts.

I'm purchasing 20+ acres in Upstate So. Carolina as a second home/hobby farm. The 10-14 acres I will be maintaining are mostly "smooth" terrain but with some "rolling" elevation changes. Will be mowing approx. 5-8 acres of existing pasture for "aesthetic" purposes (less than finish cut is ok). Will also maintain another 5+ acres of more weedy terrain with a fair amount of trees. Initially this portion will require some heavier duty brush cutting, but will keep seasonally maintained thereafter.

Looking to find which JD Subcompact will best suite my needs. First caveat is that I will only be using the property for a few weeks in the Spring and Fall with a 2+ month continuous stay in the summer. Will be hauling lumber, gravel etc. around so a FEL is a must. Also looking to install approx. 1000-1500 feet of fence line so looking at an 3 pt. auger. Some driveway & landscape maintenance will be done and will get a rear blade, rake, or box blade as needs arise. For my pasture mowing and light clearing, thinking of a 5' rotary cutter (light to mid grade). Also considering the JD quick hitch.

Due to my limited time on property, my initial thought was "get the smallest JD that will get me by," such as a 2305. Helpful guys at the local JD dealer indicated the PTO horsepower will be an issue and suggested the 3032-E as a good entry level model with enough PTO HP plus Hydro., but suitable cost for my "part-time use". BTW, I'm a novice in the tractor/implement arena, but have a fair amount of "mechanical common sense." Thank you in advance for suggestions.

How much you looking to spend? Thats a big factor... Do suggest 4x4,on the smaller units.You usually can find a used 3pt auger somewhere,no need for new for that little of fence. I do think the 3000 series is in the right ball-park,with 5ft shredder somewhere in the 30/35hp range.
I mean if you got 31grand to spend JD3520

 

[Martian]

Hello,
New member, but have enjoyed numerous threads on all range of topics. Very informative. Hoping to gain some advice on JD Subcompacts.

I'm purchasing 20+ acres in Upstate So. Carolina as a second home/hobby farm. The 10-14 acres I will be maintaining are mostly "smooth" terrain but with some "rolling" elevation changes. Will be mowing approx. 5-8 acres of existing pasture for "aesthetic" purposes (less than finish cut is ok). Will also maintain another 5+ acres of more weedy terrain with a fair amount of trees. Initially this portion will require some heavier duty brush cutting, but will keep seasonally maintained thereafter.

Looking to find which JD Subcompact will best suite my needs. First caveat is that I will only be using the property for a few weeks in the Spring and Fall with a 2+ month continuous stay in the summer. Will be hauling lumber, gravel etc. around so a FEL is a must. Also looking to install approx. 1000-1500 feet of fence line so looking at an 3 pt. auger. Some driveway & landscape maintenance will be done and will get a rear blade, rake, or box blade as needs arise. For my pasture mowing and light clearing, thinking of a 5' rotary cutter (light to mid grade). Also considering the JD quick hitch.

Due to my limited time on property, my initial thought was "get the smallest JD that will get me by," such as a 2305. Helpful guys at the local JD dealer indicated the PTO horsepower will be an issue and suggested the 3032-E as a good entry level model with enough PTO HP plus Hydro., but suitable cost for my "part-time use". BTW, I'm a novice in the tractor/implement arena, but have a fair amount of "mechanical common sense." Thank you in advance for suggestions.

My $.02, but I wouldn't want either of those models. The 2305 is too small for your needs and the 3032e just isn't as good of a value, $ for $ I think the Kubota L3800 is more bang for the buck, and I'm known as a Deere guy (take a look at my signature).

If you want a Deere compact for that amount of land, I would either recommend a 2520 or a 2720 and a zero turn, or a 3x20, preferably with a cab.

Even for part time use the base model 3032 and the luxury model 3x20 makes a huge difference. From the removable loader to better ergonomics, I think it's a very worth upgrade. If you are doing as much work as you state, although it's not full time, it will be quite a few hours on the seat.

I would recommend checking out other brands, take a look around, and if your like me, and stuck on JD, then at least you can get some prices for negotiating:thumbsup:

Good luck!

 

[murphy1244]

My $.02, but I wouldn't want either of those models. The 2305 is too small for your needs and the 3032e just isn't as good of a value, $ for $ I think the Kubota L3800 is more bang for the buck, and I'm known as a Deere guy (take a look at my signature).

If you want a Deere compact for that amount of land, I would either recommend a 2520 or a 2720 and a zero turn, or a 3x20, preferably with a cab.

Even for part time use the base model 3032 and the luxury model 3x20 makes a huge difference. From the removable loader to better ergonomics, I think it's a very worth upgrade. If you are doing as much work as you state, although it's not full time, it will be quite a few hours on the seat.

I would recommend checking out other brands, take a look around, and if your like me, and stuck on JD, then at least you can get some prices for negotiating:thumbsup:

Good luck!

Good Post Martian,Check out the competition or better yet used tractors.

 

[foreman Etexas]

My $.02, but I wouldn't want either of those models. The 2305 is too small for your needs and the 3032e just isn't as good of a value, $ for $ I think the Kubota L3800 is more bang for the buck, and I'm known as a Deere guy (take a look at my signature).

If you want a Deere compact for that amount of land, I would either recommend a 2520 or a 2720 and a zero turn, or a 3x20, preferably with a cab.

Even for part time use the base model 3032 and the luxury model 3x20 makes a huge difference. From the removable loader to better ergonomics, I think it's a very worth upgrade. If you are doing as much work as you state, although it's not full time, it will be quite a few hours on the seat.

I would recommend checking out other brands, take a look around, and if your like me, and stuck on JD, then at least you can get some prices for negotiating:thumbsup:

Good luck!

With all the nice JD's out there sure dont see why need to stray off track...

 

[samhudson3]

Check out the JD 4000 series. I bought a 4300 (35 HP) HST 12 years ago and it's been a great machine. I live on 44 acres, some rolling like yours and it handles everything I've wanted it to do. It was more machine than I needed at the time, but I'm glad I made the investment as I've grown into it.

 

[Martian]

With all the nice JD's out there sure dont see why need to stray off track...

Seems as though its usually the other way around...

 

[foreman Etexas]

Seems as though its usually the other way around...

Im just glad you said Kubota and not go way off track:laughing
I also like the JD4105

 

[XSKIER]

Check out the JD 4000 series. I bought a 4300 (35 HP) HST 12 years ago and it's been a great machine. I live on 44 acres, some rolling like yours and it handles everything I've wanted it to do. It was more machine than I needed at the time, but I'm glad I made the investment as I've grown into it.

I think that 4300 you have would be a 3520 today. When I was shopping, I really liked the 3038e. However it does lack the mid PTO option.

 

[samhudson3]

I think that 4300 you have would be a 3520 today. When I was shopping, I really liked the 3038e. However it does lack the mid PTO option.

Made me look it up! It'd be the 4320 now:
4000 Tractors Series - Product Catalog

I reckon it's time for me to walk a Deere lot again...

 

[Martian]

Made me look it up! It'd be the 4320 now:
4000 Tractors Series - Product Catalog

I reckon it's time for me to walk a Deere lot again...

Believe you meant a 3320. According to tractor data.com 4300 is 33.2HP. A 3320 is 33HP. Frames should be accordingly sized as well. A 4320, however, is is 48HP and on a larger frame.

 

[jenkinsph]

Made me look it up! It'd be the 4320 now:
4000 Tractors Series - Product Catalog

I reckon it's time for me to walk a Deere lot again...

The 4320 is not an updated 4300, the 4320 is a larger tractor all the way around. Good idea to go look at a 4320 and 3520 too.

 

[TBJ]

How much you looking to spend? Thats a big factor... Do suggest 4x4,on the smaller units.You usually can find a used 3pt auger somewhere,no need for new for that little of fence. I do think the 3000 series is in the right ball-park,with 5ft shredder somewhere in the 30/35hp range.
I mean if you got 31grand to spendView attachment 251639 JD3520

Thank you! Certainly looking to go w/ the 4x4. Also looking to go used (or after market) for those lesser used implements such as auger. Mostly due to the part-time nature, looking to stay under $20k.

 

[TBJ]

My $.02, but I wouldn't want either of those models. The 2305 is too small for your needs and the 3032e just isn't as good of a value, $ for $ I think the Kubota L3800 is more bang for the buck, and I'm known as a Deere guy (take a look at my signature).

If you want a Deere compact for that amount of land, I would either recommend a 2520 or a 2720 and a zero turn, or a 3x20, preferably with a cab.

Even for part time use the base model 3032 and the luxury model 3x20 makes a huge difference. From the removable loader to better ergonomics, I think it's a very worth upgrade. If you are doing as much work as you state, although it's not full time, it will be quite a few hours on the seat.

I would recommend checking out other brands, take a look around, and if your like me, and stuck on JD, then at least you can get some prices for negotiating:thumbsup:

Good luck!

Thanks! Mostly stuck on JD, but will look more at L3800. Been debating on the removable loader option...although it seems I read that the 3032e has a "kit" for this. Also, several folks I have talked to claim they rarely ever take the FEL off. At the end of the day, my finance background forces me to weigh the cost vs. part-time issue.... which will be for several more years. Haven't ruled out going used (ie: 3320) to compare. Of course that brings up a whole other can of worms.

 

[RoyJackson]

I think that 4300 you have would be a 3520 today. When I was shopping, I really liked the 3038e. However it does lack the mid PTO option.

The 4300 and 4310 would be equivalent to the 3320 as far as engine and PTO HP. The 4400 and 4410 tractors match the 3520 for power.

For TBJ: The older 4000 series machines (1998-2005) are really good tractors and you can probably keep the cost under $20K (including the loader). Considering the property size and work, a subcompact probably wouldn't be a good idea.
Try www.machinefinder.com and www.tractorhouse.com to see what's available in your area.
The only 4000 series machine I wouldn't recommend is the 4200/4210 hydro models. These were a bit low on power for the size of the tractor...but there are some TBNers who have 'em and love 'em!

 

[Martian]

Thanks! Mostly stuck on JD, but will look more at L3800. Been debating on the removable loader option...although it seems I read that the 3032e has a "kit" for this. Also, several folks I have talked to claim they rarely ever take the FEL off. At the end of the day, my finance background forces me to weigh the cost vs. part-time issue.... which will be for several more years. Haven't ruled out going used (ie: 3320) to compare. Of course that brings up a whole other can of worms.

If new, to keep the budget under $20k, a 2720 would be about the only option, and that would be right at $20k. If you really wanted a new one, a 3320 could come in just over $20k. A good option is still used though. If your financing, you won't be able to take advantage of the 0% these companies offer a lot of times, but paying cash sometimes it's the best way to go.

 

[Eric102]

I saved 10 grand (plus taxes) over new by buying a 9 month old 90 hour 3320 with CX loader, back hoe, rototiller, forks and more so keep watching the ads and dealer inventory. It took me about a year to stumble onto that deal.