Buying Advice John Deere 3039R transmission choice

1026R owner · Aug 3, 2018

I'm trading in my 1026R and implements for a John Deere 3 Family tractor and implements and am thinking 3039R open station (or possibly 3046R). (I should have read the advice of jeff9366 about buying enough tractor, but I got six years of work and experience out of the 1026R and now I get to pick out a bigger tractor--not too shabby.)

The 3039R offers the choice of standard PowerReverser or optional Hydrostatic. I'm leaning toward the former.

My 1026R and the X384 I just bought both have two-pedal transmission operation. It's fine. On cars, I prefer manual gearboxes and fewer automatic and automated features, though I do like having an automatic on my F-350.

Any opinions on this important subject? I don't think I have tried out a PowerReverser.

Mitch

RyeThomas · Aug 3, 2018

Well you have opened if not the biggest one of the biggest discussions/disagreements in tractor history.

It’s simple, you have to go operate them both, no one can tell you what your going to like. I have owned hydrostatic tractors and PowerReversers. They both have pros and cons. My 4310 and 4510 are Reversers, my 3032 and the Kubota BX I has were hydro. If I were to buy a new tractor tomorrow I honestly can’t say what I’d buy. I’d operate both and let my gut tell me.

There is no clear cut winner, IMO. Now if anyone else is going to use the tractor Hydro is far more user friendly, Reverser keeps my wife off my tractor, LOL.

Plenty of threads on the matter, best of luck whatever you decide.

RyeThomas · Aug 3, 2018

Also just checked the specs, you only loose .5 pto hp going to the hydro.

Also I am not certain but with the hydro you may get load dmatch, motion match, speed match and ethrottle. Nothing that is a must but they may be options you want.

1026R owner · Aug 3, 2018

I hadn't realized this was a big discussion, I'll look harder. You're right, I *should* go back to the dealer and look at both. It's a 90-minute drive each way, but a big purchase, obviously.

The hydrostatic does indeed come with LoadMatch, MotionMatch, SpeedMatch, eThrottle. I think I can live without all of that. I don't like LaneAssist, active cruise control or many of those features on cars. And no one but me is going to drive my tractor.

RyeThomas · Aug 3, 2018

It’s worth the drive to be sure you get it right, this should be a lifetime tractor.

The areas I miss a hydrostatic, hooking implements. Mine are stored on a gravel pad on the side yard The is not level. Having a hydrostatic to get the super small movements when hooking implements on a slope is nice, even in A1 with the Reverser clutching, rolling, needing to be perfect can be a struggle. Super precise movements when loading my trailers is easier with a hydro.

I really like the throttle foot pedal on the Reverser, it’s just more natural to me. I like running a cutter or ground equipment with a Reverser better. I like running distance with a Reverser better (that said I’m sure a hydro with cruise would be the same).

Anyway good luck, the 3rs look really capable.

Kubota 2350 · Aug 3, 2018

The Ehydro is pretty foolproof, great for loader work.

1026R owner · Aug 4, 2018

They've found and tagged one in the area for me, a 3039R with the hydrostatic, which I think will be perfect, and I can't wait to get it. I had a choice of several around, if I couldn't stand waiting to order one, none with the more traditional PowerReverser. The other two had turf tires, another big decision. I went with R4s, and had to specify to not have them filled (it just bugs me, okay?). RyeThomas pointed out the ease of small movements with the hydrostatic, and I hadn't thought of that. There's also the benefit of the hydro working like the riding mower, so I don't forget what I'm doing when jumping back and forth. I thought about a cab for a long time, and past posts from Kubota 2350 (now a proper Deere man) made me think long and hard about that. I'm sure I'll think of him this winter when I'm getting face-blasted by the snowblower.

I'm getting it with AutoConnect and a 60-inch mid-mount mower. I'm having a canopy installed, and a QuickTatch setup with weights. I want a suspension seat, which the salesman is saying is a factory option and needs to be ordered with the tractor, which wasn't my understanding. Not sure which front-end loader they're putting on it. Holding off on a backhoe for now. I'm adding a rotary mower (a Frontier RC2060, I think) and a (York 6-foot, I believe) landscape rake. To that arsenal, I will be able to retain the box blade, tiller, and forks from the 1026R, though quite a few implements do not transfer. I will need to think about a new snowblower soon, as I am losing the one that went with the 1026R.

When I moved to this farm eight years ago, I started with a one-tractor strategy, hence the 1026R. At the time we considered a two-tractor strategy, upon which I am converting to now, having just purchased a JD X384 for the endless mowing that needs to be done. Who knew at the time we'd be doing as much as we're doing? I didn't fully envision towing chicken coops, lifting engine crates, tilling a field, grading a road, moving gravel and dirt around, and planting large trees. It's great fun and I feel very fortunate to be able to buy such a neat machine.

Thanks for the advice, guys. I will continue to check in here.

Eric102 · Aug 5, 2018

Unless something has changed recently the air seat suspension is an easy install on the 3 series. Just did it on my 3320 and wished I'd done it years ago, makes a huge ride difference on rough ground.

1026R owner · Aug 6, 2018

That was my understanding, Eric. Good to hear your report that the suspension seat does indeed help. I have furrows in our meadow where it was once a plowed field that beat the heck out of me while mowing. I'll follow up on the seat.