Buying Advice JD 3038E

[Fuddyduddy1952]

It also comes down to whether you need the HP for ground-engaging implements, or not. I was able to save some money in the jump from 3E up to 3R, by dropping horsepower down from 38 to 33 hp, since I don't really need the horsepower for operating a loader. I'm pretty sure the gap between the 3038E and 3033R was even less than $5k back in 2019, but have no idea where the two are priced today.

$5K from what I looked up, but from memory in 2017 like you said it probably wasn't much difference. Most farmers around here have Deere and that's what I went with. What's funny is at my homeplace at the property front is a Kubota dealer and I could have gotten anything at cost. I don't know if I could get used to the treddle.
If I could go back I would research more. Back then it was a 5 minute decision "I'll buy this and that"...
But I'm very happy, it's served me well.

 

[nikdfish]

Have a 2010 3038e. Get the extra hydraulics, the two rear remotes at the least. You want a hydraulic top link. Recently added those items & now wish I had done it from the first. Also, load the rear tires. Have had very few issues that weren't self inflicted.

 

[NorCal Guy]

Thank you all for your advice. I did pull the trigger and got the 3038E with box blade, flail mower and wheel weights. Unfortunately the wheel weights took about a month so it was too dangerous to use the flail mower this year by the time it was delivered due to the dry conditions. So I'm going to have to wait until next year for that. But I am looking forward to doing some of the dirt work I have planned. Thanks again!

 

[tacticalturnip]

You've got some fun ahead, for sure.

 

[Fuddyduddy1952]

A great addition to mine was a winch. I simply used 1/4" steel plate drilled to match the front weight bracket and winch mount. I got one with remote control.
I used it yesterday carrying big logs looped around log holding it in bucket to carry it low.