Whats the differences between 3R and 3E?

[Musdalen]

I'm looking for a new JD 3 series tractor (or a Kubota L). I have seen a 3039R but I noticed there is also a 3038E listed on their website. The 3R seems to be a little more than $4k more expensive than the comparable 3E.

What is the difference between the 3e Series and the 3R series in terms of performance?

 

[s219]

Deere "e" models are economy tractors, with fewer features (and a lighter-duty build in the case of the 3 series models). The "R" models are deluxe tractors with more features.

 

[airbiscuit]

Have you considered a Kioti?

 

[Musdalen]

Have you considered a Kioti?

No. I haven't even heard of them or know of a dealer nearby. I'm not opposed to learning but I lean towards what is available locally.

 

[airbiscuit]

There are Kioti dealers in Kensett, IA and North Hampton, IA. I realize that's not next door, but by visiting more dealers and trying out more tractors, you will learn a lot, and ultimately make a better decision.

 

[Corey MARSHALL MACHINERY]

I have a clean 3038E 2016 for Sale if anyone is interested in a used one with 300 HRS

 

[kcflhrc]

The E Tractors are designated for ECONOMY or no frills. I have a 3032E and it does everything I need, the 3038E is the same tractor just turbocharged. Shop around, there are deals out there. I bought my 3032E in January 2014 for $19k delivered. That was tractor, loader,brush hog and rear blade.

 

[Musdalen]

I was all set for an E. I tried to convince the dealer that I needed an R and he pretty much talked me out of it. Then I told the wife and she had a good point that if I ditched the lawn tractor, the R could take it's place with a belly mower. And at that point the quick detach mower and loader that is unique to the R overtakes the E. So, now I'm back at looking at the Rs. There is one on the lot ready to go too. I've got 4 weeks tops to figure this out, but I think it's really time to just bear down and get it done. I'd like to have this wrapped up by the end of next week. I could put the thing to work this weekend.

 

[kcflhrc]

I prefer to mow with my Zero Turn. It's quicker than the tractor will be and not tear up the yard near as bad. With the money you will save buying the E will more than cover a nice Zero Turn. That's what I did anyway and I'm happy with my decision. There are areas under trees that my tractor would not work. One other thing, you should be able to get 5 year 0% financing on your tractor. I have 2 years left and it will be all mine.

 

[Musdalen]

kcflhrc,
right you are about the $ trade off. However, there are other issues that add to the R's side of the equation. Quick Tach loader is one of them. Not having to store or service the lawn tractor is another. These may not make up for all the dollar difference, but thrown together, these sorts of things matter to me. So, I'm leaning Rwards now. But whipsawing back and forth between two choices is not my style. I've got to finalize this and put it behind me. I will drive an R and see how it handles relative to the type of mowing that I will have to do.

 

[kcflhrc]

kcflhrc,
right you are about the $ trade off. However, there are other issues that add to the R's side of the equation. Quick Tach loader is one of them. Not having to store or service the lawn tractor is another. These may not make up for all the dollar difference, but thrown together, these sorts of things matter to me. So, I'm leaning Rwards now. But whipsawing back and forth between two choices is not my style. I've got to finalize this and put it behind me. I will drive an R and see how it handles relative to the type of mowing that I will have to do.

Yep, we all have different needs. I have never found a need to remove the loader and I also bought the I-Match Hitch for the rear so it works well for me. I think I spent around $3k on my 50" Toro Zero Turn.

 

[Musdalen]

What is an I-Match Hitch?

 

[kcflhrc]

What is an I-Match Hitch?

It's the Quick-Connect Hitch for the 3-point. Dealer recommended it and I'm sure glad he did.

 

[Musdalen]

Thanks. I thought it might be something like that.

I don't know how I would bust my knuckles or wrench my back with one of those, however. I might run out of ways to hurt myself

 

[Musdalen]

Thanks to all of you for your many comments and suggestions. After a lot of thought, some seat time with a demo on our property and a little more thinking, tonight we closed the deal on a 3039R. We could probably make do with the E series and saved some money but in the end, we wanted the flexibility of the R and so it is on order and due to arrive in a week or two. We will have an FEL on it with both a bucket and a grapple. The latter seems extravagant, but it is also, almost certain to get the most use of any of the implements.

There is a lot of brush, firewood, and fence building/replacing work ahead of us and this will get all of that and much more done in style. Though not cheap, I think we will be very happy with the green beast.

Thanks again.

 

[MF283]

Sweet, we want pics when you get it.

 

[ArlyA]

Please do post pictures and reports when you put her to work. I worked in Storm Lake IA a short while, although I not sure were that is from you.....

 

[Musdalen]

In the FWIW department, this afternoon, my new 3039R will be delivered. Coincidentally, we are expecting something like 5" of snow tomorrow. I am hoping it turns into 12" at least.

 

[teg]

Waiting for the "tractor in snow" photos!!!

 

[Musdalen]

Well, I couldn't wait for the snow. It is still in rain and sleet form and it was **** cold and windy by the time we unloaded the new tractor and uploaded the 8n and did the paper work. But even so, with real, 12 V lights I had to try the FEL.

So, this is just a pile of horse manure to most people, but to me, that photo means my life just got a whole bunch easier.

I played with it until my hands were too cold to grip the steering wheel. I definitely need a spinner on it.

Before I put it away, I thought I would Quick Hitch to my old 6 ft rear blade. Unfortunately, I couldn't do it. My top-link pin just went away with the old hitch on the 8N. That was dumb. But even if I had it, I would not have been able to quick hitch. The top link positions on both my blade and my 5' rotary mower are too high to work with the QH. I see it can be adjusted but only an inch or two. I think I need more like 4 or 5. Not sure what I'm going to do about that, but I think the QH might not be useful. I have to study that more on the weekend when I have time, light and warmer extremeties.

In the meantime, I can see that HST and an FEL (and, in a week a grapple that is on order), will be making my life so much easier than it used to be.