Buying Advice HELP.. THINKING ABOUT 3038E

/ HELP.. THINKING ABOUT 3038E #1  

MATTS875

Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2010
Messages
35
I have priced out a John Deere 3038e with a FEL for $16300 total out the door.Can I buy a better tractor for that money or maybe a little more?I have looked at the Kubota L3400 with a FEl and without the Hydrostat trans. for $17500 total.Not sure if I would miss the Hydro ..never had it before.I can get 0% for 48 months on the JD and 0% for 60 months on the Kubota.I know this might be a flip of a coin, just need a little reinforcement.I am also not too sure about the JD 3038e Yanmay Turbo Diesel engine..not sure of the maintenance.I can buy the 3032 with a FEL for 15k out the door.any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
/ HELP.. THINKING ABOUT 3038E #2  
That price is a little lower than what I was quoted for a 3038e last year. When I priced them the 3038e was about $1K cheaper than the L3400 hydro.

Here is the scoop between the two tractors. Both tractors are considered "budget" tractors. The difference between the L3400 and the 3038e is as follow:

The L3400 does not have a turbo, the JD 3038e does ( I prefer no turbo). The L3400 Hydro has cruise control standard, the JD does not. The L3400 has a drawbar std, the 3038e does not. The L3400 has Foldable ROPS at no extra charge, the 3038e does not. The L3400 has a temp gauge and fuel gauge, the 3038e does not. The L3400 has a split brake, the 3038e does not. There is some controversy over the position of the split brake on the L3400 so check it out before you buy.

The 3038e does have two pedal hydro, which some people prefer, but I like my setup on my L3400 so it's no big deal to me. The 3038e is a nice tractor. I tested one out before I bought my 'bota. IMO J.D. left those features off so it would not compete directly against the 3x20 series. Also, there is no option to leave the PTO running without being on the seat for things like a PTO generator. Also, the 3038e is all plastic, the 'bota is all metal. I really like mine.
 
/ HELP.. THINKING ABOUT 3038E #3  
Oh, and I paid $18K out the door for mine in Nov. with ag tires and FOPS. Good luck.
 
/ HELP.. THINKING ABOUT 3038E #4  
Before you buy either the 3032 or 3038, do your homework. Both are "Economy" tractors and they have certain limitations that you may not be aware of.
 
/ HELP.. THINKING ABOUT 3038E #5  
I'm not sure you will need the extra hp with this tractor....especially with 5 foot implements (3038 vs 3032) unless your doing mostly heavy PTO work: tiller and brush hog.

I find that 30 hp will spin the tires before bogging the engine....(but the 3032 is a bit heavier than my 790)....so that deal for the 3032 may be pretty enticing if your on a budget. :confused: ;)

I wish Roy would expand on "certain limitations".....lol.

After having some seat time on my used 790.....I would buy a hydro or a shuttle tranny if buying a new tractor. So much nicer for loader work and for close quarter maneuvering.

OH....and welcome to TBN Matt!!....use the search feature to get lots more posts on these tractors....and ask more questions!
 
/ HELP.. THINKING ABOUT 3038E #6  
One other thing that could be a big factor for your decision: the Dealer and his proximity to you. Also, the parts availability and how well you "get along" with the dealer.

For me, the proximity and parts for the JD make it any easy decision.
 
/ HELP.. THINKING ABOUT 3038E #7  
I have about 4 hours ob my 3032 and I love it. I am fan of the two pedal hydo. I have had a rocker hydo (TC33) and it worked but like two better. Do some home work, these posts help so much. Do what works best for YOU!

Have fun hunting, :thumbsup: :confused2: :drool:
 
/ HELP.. THINKING ABOUT 3038E
  • Thread Starter
#8  
THANKS for the advise.I went and finally got to look at both the JD 3038e and the Kubota L3400.First time to be on both.not putting down the Jd at all but the Kubota does have a lot of nice features that I like.I think I am going this weekend to negotiate a price on a new kubota l3400 with FEL. I was quoted 17500.00 total out the door for one that did not have the hydrostat trans. I think I am ok with that.The only adds I like are the r4 industrial tires.The kubota just felt more solid.all input is appreciated. I think I am about to over analyze this whole thing.thanks again
 
/ HELP.. THINKING ABOUT 3038E #9  
After having some seat time on my used 790.....I would buy a hydro or a shuttle tranny if buying a new tractor. So much nicer for loader work and for close quarter maneuvering.

Can't speak for a hydro, but I now have the Power Reverser on my 3320, it is nice for loader work, took a little getting used to at first, but I've got 58 hours on it now & it's starting to become 2nd nature to me. Keep in mind foggy, if you go with the JD PR'r it does not act like the shuttle shift found on most of your construction type Backhoe's; the power reverser is moving the minute the lever is moved into position not when you accelerate as on the commercial equipment, you may still be using your clutch, just a lot less.
 
/ HELP.. THINKING ABOUT 3038E #10  
I haven't tried the Kubota, and definitely not knocking them as they make a nice tractor, but if it has a rocker hydro pedal, try using it for an hour or so before you make your decision. I have very strong calves from years of playing soccer and other physical activity, and those pedals still fatigue my calf after a couple of hours. I really do not like rocker pedals I have found out. I'll take a 2 pedal setup any day of the week as I can easily rest my heel which means less muscle fatigue. Just something to consider...

BTW - I have the PR on my 3520 and I love it. Hydro would be nice sometimes, but I am never cursing having the PR. I actually really like it a lot. Now when I get on our old JD big tractor, then I start cursing. Heh
 
/ HELP.. THINKING ABOUT 3038E #11  
I have to agree on the twin pedals vs the single pedal as found on the Kubota....I don't think I could live with that treadle affair....but I'm sure they are a good tractor too.

I'm not ready to buy a new one (yet)....but it's fun to size up what to buy for my next tractor. I believe I would need to make a jump up to the JD twenty series in order to be happy....and likely learn to live with the hydro whine. But I'm going to check out that power reverser one day.....just to see what that's all about.

I maybe could be happy with the 3032e or 38e....and the price is right....but I am NOT going through another tool box build. :laughing: I cannot believe ANY company can sell a tractor without a toolbox or a cupholder....or at least an optional one. GEEESH :confused2: :laughing:

For me, dealer support becomes the deal breaker / maker....and in my area JD has it covered hands down at present (but the other brands are nipping at JD's heels). ;) If a good Bobcat dealer comes to my area....I believe I'd be shopping his showroom.

I'm just not ready to rob my piggy bank....I'm kinda tight. :D
 
/ HELP.. THINKING ABOUT 3038E #12  
Not sure if it's a dealer thing or Kubota but my L3400 came with a small toolbox right behind the slow moving vehicle sign.

The pedal thing has been a non-issue and frankly I don't really understand it. You rest your heels on the floor and use the pedal. If you need to reverse, you rest your heel on the reverse pedal. I have used my tractor for hours with no problem. I guess each person is different.

I really like my Ag tires and I'm glad to decided to go without the R4's. I use mine on the farm and I need maxiumum traction and I'm glad I have it. Rarely do I spin tires even when loading the tractor down.

Drive the L3400 and post up what you find.
 

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