3203- Anyone with any problems?

[hydrovane218]

I recently bought a new 3203, am new to tractors and this site, and am wondering how these things have been or will be.(not even sure how long this model has been around.)
I am under the impression that these are GIRLY tractors from the odd post I have read.(ie. they don't seem to be highly toughted) Is it because it is HYDRO and doesn't have rear remotes? Just trying to get some feedback on these things....not that it really has any bearing on things since it's in the garage now
As a first time tractor buyer, I bought it based on Name(ie. build quality-hopefully, dealer support, and long term service and parts support), and what I needed it to do, now and in the future. So far I love it. I bought it mainly to blow snow but also knew a million and one uses would pop up for it after i got it.(I have already bought a box scraper and pallet forks to go along with the loader(300- which also doesn't seem to have a huge fan base) and blower.
Just cattle prodding at the vast amount of brain cells at work on this site...

 

[tomd999]

Hiya,

I talked to my dealer extensively about the 3203 as he had one on special this last summer. (I decided that a 2520 was more what I needed to get around the hills and trees at my place along with slightly better loader specs) From what I got from talking to him and other dealers/people is that it's a value line machine with as little frills as possible positioned to compete directly with Kubota. Generally be stone ax reliable and run forever with a minimum of fuss.

According to my dealer it fills a niche of the hobby scale horse owner, someone with a couple-3 animals, some light loader work Ie: Stables, manure, hay, feed, snow, mow around 5-7 acres of fields/hay and light grading/road work.


My 2 cents,

Tom

 

[Superduper]

I am under the impression that these are GIRLY tractors from the odd post I have read.(ie. they don't seem to be highly toughted) Is it because it is HYDRO and doesn't have rear remotes? ....

This is an economy model of the JD line that does not have the rear remotes or power beyond capability, has lower 3PH capacity and limited to the lighter duty loader. It does have good power. It is definitely not a girly model but has limited capabilities compared to the 3x20 series which it is very similar in size to. As long as it suits your needs and purposes, it is a fine tractor. However, it is not as popular as some others specifically because of the factors noted above. Otherwise, you should be fine and it should serve you as well as any other JD Compact Utility Tractor.

 

[RoyJackson]

The one thing I specifically do not like about the 3203 is the lack of off seat PTO operation. That one thing would prevent me from even considering this tractor.

 

[Phineas7]

The one thing I specifically do not like about the 3203 is the lack of off seat PTO operation. That one thing would prevent me from even considering this tractor.

Actually that's the same problem I'm having with my 790. Makes it difficult to run a chipper, which I've only done once so far, but I need to come up with a better solution. I used the seat belt to hold the seat down. It just seems fundamentally wrong to use one safety device to override another

 

[jjmarotz]

My 3203 I bought in July 07 and now has currenlty 58.4 hrs on it with absolutely no problems. The machine is flawless for the jobs I have used it for. Have moved over 50 yds of gravel, tons of snow, augered over 200 holes, and now blowing drift after drift of snow. I have yet to find a chore it can't do. I bought mine on the NEEDS vs. wants of it, ie. don't need cruise, tilt wheel, mid pto, extra hyds, etc, I wanted a tractor, not a cadilac. I have absolutly loved every hour with it. 3rd scv can be added on with an electric diverter. Off seat pto operation can be solved with modifications to the switch under the seat, (DON'T tell anyone). Mods and add ons can be part of the fun with this stripped down version. Besides, it gives me an excuss to be in the shop rather than watching the boob-tube. Enjoy your 3203.

 

[RoyJackson]

Actually that's the same problem I'm having with my 790. Makes it difficult to run a chipper, which I've only done once so far, but I need to come up with a better solution. I used the seat belt to hold the seat down. It just seems fundamentally wrong to use one safety device to override another

Read your manual...the 790 does have an off seat PTO capability. That's one of the reasons I bought a 790.

 

[hydrovane218]

Knowing that the 3203 doesn't have rear remotes, is it actually possible to run a (FRAME MOUNT)back hoe(or run a wood splitter etc.) on this? If so, can it be done using the tractor hydraulics and not getting a hoe with it's own pump driven off the PTO? I hear JJMAROTZ(got that right?) said it is possible to scab hydraulics off the tractor using an Electric Diverter? Slightly confused as somebody said rear (3rd SCV) can not be added as the FEL control valve mounts directly on the transmission.
I didn't think it would be a big deal, honestly, when I bought the tractor, to CUT IN to the system to grab hydraulic flow before the FEL control valve. Hearing and now seeing how the valve is mounted directly makes me wonder if it can be done.
Just a thought for future goodies that I may find a use for.

 

[Superduper]

Backhoes and Wood splitters normally need power beyond option to function. Using the tractors hydraulics would require the power beyond capability. In keeping with it's pricing scheme, my guess is that power beyond was purposely omitted from the option list. Along with the power beyond delete, you will notice that the factory backhoe option is also not available because no power beyond means no backhoe.

The psi is a little bit lower but if the tractor can lift a deere backhoe (using deere's rockshaft mount, then I don't see why you can't physically mount the hoe unless the rockshaft lift brackets are different from the 3x20 series. Alternately, if an aftermarket supplier makes a frame mount hoe, then you should be fine as long as you can get power beyond installed.

That leads us back to the factory power beyond option, which is not offered for your tractor. However, I did notice that the SCV to Rockshaft oil tube is the same for the 3203 and 3x20 series tractors. Essentially, the power beyond option replaces this tube and inserts a fluid loop (power beyond) into this circuit. Since the original tube is the same on both tractors, I am guessing that the power beyond option for the 3x20 series tractor can be made to fit the 3203 also, maybe with a little tweaking. I am presuming, of course, that the hydraulic flow circuitry is the same for both series tractors. While it is not a factory option, I have seen many folks here do very creative modifications to their tractors to suit their needs. In my opinion, the factory option is the best route but if it isn't available, then you got to do what you got to do.

Finally, keep in mind that the 3203 tractor tips the scales at about 2700 pounds before the loader, which will be required when using a backhoe (which should add another 800 pounds or so). The rear axle on this tractor is only rated at 4000 pounds (compared to 5300 for the 3x20 series) and the smaller 447 hoe weighs in at around 1000 pounds. You can probably forget the beefier 448 hoe which is 1500 pounds. If a hoe is in your future, I would recommend a smaller one.

 

[Idont]

I have a 2007 John Deere 3203. The PTO won't engage. I have changed the hydraulic oil and filter. Also have replaced the PTO switch and had the seat switch checked. The PTO light comes on showing it is engaged but is not working. Does anyone have any suggestions.