2 vs 3 spd HST and transmission controls

[Musdalen]

After talking to a JD salesman, I am comparing a 3039R vs a 3038E. I was leaning towards an R, but the dealer thinks an E might be better for me ($5k cheaper). He has an R on the lot, but he can find an E easily I guess. Anyway, the E has a 2 spd hydro, and no adjustment to speed up or slow down the acceleration and deceleration of the machine when the pedals are pushed down or let up. This is supposed to avoid tearing turf - but I won't be on "turf".

I figure R4 tires for working in the timber and around my house, barn and pasture, brush mowing, grading, and using the FEL to move wood, gravel and manure. Do I really need $5k worth of these transmission electronics and the 3-spd HST rather than the 2-spd HST and a "normal" transmission (less to go wrong??).

I'm a rookie to loaders and modern tractors. I have only an 8N for reference. I guess my JD x540 lawn tractor has HST, but I don't see much relevant there.

Thanks

 

[beenthere]

I have the 4300 (before the electronic tranny controls that came in the later models). I would not want to be without three speeds.. nor would I want the e controls.
For tough pulling (usually heavy log out of the woods) then low gear is what I use. For road travel, high gear is used. For 95% of the work, middle gear (B) is used.
Appreciate your dilemma.. and say high to the Story City norwegian natives....

 

[k0ua]

Lets just put it this way.. There is at least $5000 worth of usable tractor differences between those two tractors. You get what you pay for. If you can swing the money, you will be a lot happier with the more expensive tractor. OR. look at other brands like Kioti, Kubota, LS Mahindra. But if you don't like any of them and want green, you get what you pay for. I would buy the more expensive tractor. There is a lot more than a transmission in differences.

 

[MF283]

I'd go with the "r" if i were looking between the two unit's, i could justify the difference. Wonder if the dealer can get an "e" for you to compare between the two, seems to be a popular model in these parts.

Ronnie

 

[4570Man]

My L3240 is under powered for its weight, and it's 6 speed HST transmission is a lifesaver. I'm a huge fan of the transmission. My B7200 has a 2 speed transmission with a higher power to weight ratio and gets along fine. There's no doubt the B7200 transmission will provide a longer trouble free service life, but the 30 year newer L3240 transmission loaded with electronics is pretty sweet.

 

[motownbrowne]

I'm almost always in the middle of the three ranges I have. I'd be bummed to only have 2 ranges.

 

[TSO]

While I agree about the 3spd benefits, and I'm also almost always in mid range...

Another contractor that I work with often, has two 3038E's with loaders. He and about 4 of his guys use it with a 5ft Harley rake for chewing up turf and moving small amounts of dirt around. Surprisingly, they are almost always in Hi range and they get along just fine with those little machines.

You might be OK with the 3038E.

 

[Egon]

What are the speeds in the different ranges?

 

[s219]

I suspect once you see the "e" model in person you'll understand why it's so much cheaper. It's really much less tractor. The gearing/HST stuff is just one of many differences. Now, it may be fine for your uses, but at least compare them side to side and drive both before making any decisions.

 

[Billrog]

Not familiar with those tractors but my last one had 3 speeds in each range and the one i have now has 2 .
With the 3 speeds M range was a lot more versatile when it came to hills and pulling logs I now find myself in low range much more often.