Help me advise neighbor

[jinman]

I need some expert JD advice. My neighbor just signed a deal on a John Deere 3038e tractor with 305 loader. I asked him if the loader had the Universal Skid-Steer quick-tach adapter and found out it came with the JD quick-tach adapter. I suggested that he contact his dealer and find out what it would cost to have his loader set up for the Universal SS adapter. After talking to his dealer this morning, the dealer told him that he would have to sell him the loader without a bucket. Doesn't JD sell universal SS buckets? I suggested that he should be able to trade his standard bucket for the SS style AG bucket.

I don''t know how much help he will get from the dealer, but I have pallet forks, a rock bucket-grapple, a bale spear, two buckets, and other attachments for my loader. I could loan him those if he has the skid-steer plate, but not the JD plate. Of course, he can buy a JD to SS adapter for around $900, but that's a pretty severe penalty.

I'm wondering if any of you JD owners have purchased a JD loader with SS adapter and what the difference in prices are for that setup vs the JD. His bucket now is a 5' bucket and his 305 loader has a capacity around 1200 lb.

Can anyone help? I'd sure appreciate some advice to pass on.

 

[chevy]

Here is an adapter at a much lower cost. My son in law has one & it works very well.

John Deere to Skid Steer Quick Attach Adapter 200 300 400 500 tractor loader

 

[jinman]

Thanks, chevy. That's great info. Even with shipping, that adapter is a bargain.

 

[grsthegreat]

as far as is my understanding, JD does not use the universal SS adapter in its tractor lines. They have their own system.

 

[Dutch445]

i think a big part of that discussion is that JD doesn't recommend any skid steer attachments for
loaders under the 300cx size, but i'm sure many still do convert.
as of right now, there are no JD skid steer carrier options for new loaders,
except for the larger loaders on the 4000 series tractors, then it's over $600
to upgrade to that carrier. plus you have to buy a SS bucket, and if the dealer doesn't
have to contract to sell commercial worksite products, then he can't order them from Deere.

chevy that adapter is rather inexpensive, do you or does anybody else have experience with
that adapter? I have seen that website recently in other attachment searches..

 

[Dutch445]

Thanks, chevy. That's great info. Even with shipping, that adapter is a bargain.

yes,, it looks like a good deal. the only drawback is it's added weight, on an already limited loader,
which reduces his net lift capacity. but, for the occasional borrowing of forks or other attachments,
that adapter is a great idea to maintain his OE loader, and then have the ability to use your attachments.
much less than buying the JD parts also, sort of the best of both worlds.

 

[jinman]

yes,, it looks like a good deal. the only drawback is it's added weight, on an already limited loader,
which reduces his net lift capacity. but, for the occasional borrowing of forks or other attachments,
that adapter is a great idea to maintain his OE loader, and then have the ability to use your attachments.
much less than buying the JD parts also, sort of the best of both worlds.

That's the way I see it too. Not only does the adapter add weight, but it moves the load out further by 8-10" from the pivot/pins. That has a tremendous degrading effect on loader lift and breakout. However, as you say, if it's for an occasional pallet fork use on light loads, you can't beat it.

 

[kcflhrc]

I wonder if the attachment is the same for the 305 Loader as is the new D160 loader? He might also question why he is getting the 305 and not the D160, not exactly sure what the difference is. I bought my 2013 3032e in January and it came with the 305 loader also. I'm betting he is getting a 2013 model like I did. I have no use for the skid steer attachments so it was irrelevant to me.

 

[arlen4720]

as far as is my understanding, JD does not use the universal SS adapter in its tractor lines. They have their own system.

My 4720's 400cx is set up for skid steer attachments. It was about a $500.00 option. But I did get the original parts back in a box, in case I ever want to switch back to the JD mounts.

 

[pacerron]

I need some expert JD advice. My neighbor just signed a deal on a John Deere 3038e tractor with 305 loader. I asked him if the loader had the Universal Skid-Steer quick-tach adapter and found out it came with the JD quick-tach adapter. I suggested that he contact his dealer and find out what it would cost to have his loader set up for the Universal SS adapter. After talking to his dealer this morning, the dealer told him that he would have to sell him the loader without a bucket. Doesn't JD sell universal SS buckets? I suggested that he should be able to trade his standard bucket for the SS style AG bucket.

I don''t know how much help he will get from the dealer, but I have pallet forks, a rock bucket-grapple, a bale spear, two buckets, and other attachments for my loader. I could loan him those if he has the skid-steer plate, but not the JD plate. Of course, he can buy a JD to SS adapter for around $900, but that's a pretty severe penalty.

I'm wondering if any of you JD owners have purchased a JD loader with SS adapter and what the difference in prices are for that setup vs the JD. His bucket now is a 5' bucket and his 305 loader has a capacity around 1200 lb.

Can anyone help? I'd sure appreciate some advice to pass on.

Jim,
I think BlueRiver had a thread last year about him manufacturing SS adapters for JD FEL.

 

[JD 4520]

Thanks, chevy. That's great info. Even with shipping, that adapter is a bargain.

Sure wish I had a neighbor that was only a fraction as pleasant as you. Your neighbor should feel blessed.

 

[jinman]

Sure wish I had a neighbor that was only a fraction as pleasant as you. Your neighbor should feel blessed.

You know, that goes both ways. This neighbor is new to the neighborhood and a real asset to our community. If I can help him any way, I'm gonna do it.

Pacerron: I'm just trying to get good info for this guy before his tractor is delivered. We both know how much cooperation to expect after the the sale is done and the delivery made. Right now, David is overwhelmed with options and language that seems to make as much sense as hieroglyphics. I don't want to make his process more complex, but do want him to make decisions he will not later regret. Knowing there is an inexpensive SS adapter for that loader is a big relief to me. $385 is a whole lot less than $750 for a set of pallet forks. I'll check with Blueriver if David becomes serious about a purchase. In the meantime, if he needs pallet forks, he can borrow my TC45D.

 

[nickc]

im not sure of the difference between the 305 loader & the cx line but there are many inexpensive adapters available online, certainly worth a look. I hope this response is long enough, im hoping not to get that rash

 

[dirt ditch]

It is a personal choice, but the JD quick attach is a good system. If it was me I'd stay with the JD style attachments. My :2cents:

 

[grsthegreat]

It is a personal choice, but the JD quick attach is a good system. If it was me I'd stay with the JD style attachments. My :2cents:

their system is ok, but it limits aftermarket items it will accept. Nearly every other modern tractor uses the quick attach skidsteer system of attachment...cept for JD.

you can find 100's of items that wont attach to the JD system without changing their attachment system.

 

[jinman]

My neighbor got his new 3038e delivered yesterday and brought it over to to show it off. It's a nice little tractor even if an economy model. The hood raising and latch mechanism is a little floppy, but very functional. I like the controls layout and the HST transmjssion is very strong and responsive without being too noisy. I like the way the lower 3PH lift arms join the rear differential case too. JD has beefed up the arms with support bushings to make those arms very strong. Anyone doing boxblading will like the extra strength while backing. The I-match is well documented here, so I'll just say that it may be a bit overpriced, but very functional.

I liked the dual HST pedals since that's what I'm used to on my tractor. I'd perfer split brake pedals, but you don't get everything with an economy tractor. The dash seems well designed and the mechanical gas fuel gage/float is absolutely brilliant.

The 305 loader is very responsive and a great match for the tractor's hydraulics. The loader is responsive and the float indent is positive and firm. Curling the bucket easily popped the front wheels right off the grround. The cutting edge on the loader bucket seems very beefy even if the rest of the sheet metal looks just sufficient. The bucket seems a good match for the loader.

I really like the openness around the seat area and the easy access to the 3PH lift cylinder. The HST control lever and emergency brake are very well designed and placed. I'm not so sure about the electric PTO actuation. I'll have to get some feedback from my neighbor later after he uses it a bit.

My impression was that this is an economy tractor that is very capable and a good product by JD. With care and good maintenance, it should be a long-term performer. I think my neighbor will be very happy.

 

[Dutch445]

very nice report Jim!
they are a snotty little tractor, and not real heavy either.