Hey all, I'm trying to decide what tractor I would like. I have decided between the 3032e and the 2520. It will come with an FEL, and no other attachments at this time. I have 4 acres, small driveway to maintain, large garden and various other things to maintain. I will do my mowing with my 455D. Here's the scoop....my uncle is a JD salesman, so some of these prices might seem crazy. He says he will sell the 3032e for $14300 OTD with FEL, and the 2520 w FEL for $15100 OTD. I know the price is excellent, just need help deciding what I want. Just for sake of anonominity, I wont say what dealer or salesman!
Need help deciding 3032e/2520
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pdp11
Silver Member
It sounds like many of the things that differentiate these two tractors are not a concern for you right at the moment, but I would think down the road a bit. For instance, if you plan to add attachments and what they might be, or if you would stop using the 455 to mow with.
I have a 2520, I bought it for the convenience that tractor offers and the versatility of doing many different jobs where I need to change the configuration to suit the task. I also bought it for the primary task of mowing 3.5 acres, which it does in far less time than what I had before, and using far less fuel.
Once you buy either of these tractors, you are going to find other uses for it than what you thought of initially. For the difference in price, I like the 2520 because of the features. You didn't say if the loader on the 2520 was a 200CX, which easily comes off, or the 200X which takes a great deal more effort to detach. That could also be a factor for you.
I have a 2520, I bought it for the convenience that tractor offers and the versatility of doing many different jobs where I need to change the configuration to suit the task. I also bought it for the primary task of mowing 3.5 acres, which it does in far less time than what I had before, and using far less fuel.
Once you buy either of these tractors, you are going to find other uses for it than what you thought of initially. For the difference in price, I like the 2520 because of the features. You didn't say if the loader on the 2520 was a 200CX, which easily comes off, or the 200X which takes a great deal more effort to detach. That could also be a factor for you.
Yeah the 2520 is quoted with a 200CX. The 3032e is quoted with the 305 loader. the 305 doesnt detach quickly( or at all, he is looking into a detach kit.) Obviously I will eventually get a tiller, subsoiler/midddle buster, box blade, and maybe a rear flail mower. I guess I'm not sure the real differences between the two tractors, besides horsepower. I know the frames are different, anyone care to explain some diffs?
jenkinsph
Super Star Member
Would steering brakes make a difference in your garden? The 2520 has them while the 3032e does not. Either of these two would be plenty of tractor for four acres.
pdp11
Silver Member
Basically, the 3032e is the economy end of the 3000 series. While it is slightly larger than the 2520, it lacks some of the features that are present in the smaller tractor. The 3032e doesn't support mid-mount mowers or a backhoe. It has a fixed ROPS, and an FEL that doesn't come off. I'm sure there are other small differences, but you should check the list of attachments in the sales literature and compare what ones are compatible with each tractor. You may find that while neither is large enough for a flail mower, there are many other mowing options for either one.
kennyd
Advertiser
Just be sure to get a ballast box with either machine you choose, that is on "attachment" you will need now to use the loader properly and safely.
I don't see your two choices as comparing apples to apples...you really need to look down the road a little.
I don't see your two choices as comparing apples to apples...you really need to look down the road a little.
nikdfish
Veteran Member
If you are planning on doing ground engaging tasks in the future, consider the potential differences in total weight between the two (with & without filling the tires) and the impact that would have on getting traction ...
Nick
Nick
The 3032e would seem to have some advantages for what you propose to do. 20% more operating torque/25% more PTO hp would help with the flail or tiller; availability of R1 tires would help a good deal with the subsoiler, middle buster or boxblade.
tomd999
Platinum Member
Hiya,
2520 all the way. The E series is just that, economy. You lose a lot of features like turning brakes, mid pto, quick park loader, folding rops, the ability for front mount impments, frame mount loader control.
Ask your uncle why Deere came out with the E series, it's to compete with the people that come in right after looking at Kubota, Cub Cadet, Bobcat/Kioti standard series tractors and the dealers can show that to them and have a price point match. The 3032 is very close to being the Cub Cadet/Yanmar EX3200 painted green.
My 2 cents,
Tom
BTW, before you make up your mind, try out a 3320, it will cause you to forget all about the 3032 and most likely the 2520 as well.
2520 all the way. The E series is just that, economy. You lose a lot of features like turning brakes, mid pto, quick park loader, folding rops, the ability for front mount impments, frame mount loader control.
Ask your uncle why Deere came out with the E series, it's to compete with the people that come in right after looking at Kubota, Cub Cadet, Bobcat/Kioti standard series tractors and the dealers can show that to them and have a price point match. The 3032 is very close to being the Cub Cadet/Yanmar EX3200 painted green.
My 2 cents,
Tom
BTW, before you make up your mind, try out a 3320, it will cause you to forget all about the 3032 and most likely the 2520 as well.
foggy1111
Elite Member
I have one SIL that owns a 3032 and another that just bought a 2720. Both have loaders. Both have a 5' box blade. One bought a front mount snow blower for the 2720 and plans for a flail mower(?). The other has a 5' rotary cutter and plans for a rear mounted snow blower. Good plans for all of the equipment they will use. Still....they have slightly different needs and implements.
These are both light tractors and have similar HP. To me the larger size of the 3032 makes it a bit better at handleing 3 point implements and for doing ground engaging work. There is more room in the operating station if your a big guy.
The 2520 / 2720 is great for PTO uses and is a bit more nimble and lots more freindly with a front snow-blower and mid mount mower. To me, things seem quite light-duty if you used it in timber....or apply any level of abusive treatment. The 2000 class seems more at home on a lawn.
I agree that a 3320 is in a whole 'nother class....but that is not the question here.....and that model gets much more expensive (about 8k - that buys allot of implements) for homeowner use.
I think you need to focus on the implements you want to use to make a good choice here. They are both good tractors.
These are both light tractors and have similar HP. To me the larger size of the 3032 makes it a bit better at handleing 3 point implements and for doing ground engaging work. There is more room in the operating station if your a big guy.
The 2520 / 2720 is great for PTO uses and is a bit more nimble and lots more freindly with a front snow-blower and mid mount mower. To me, things seem quite light-duty if you used it in timber....or apply any level of abusive treatment. The 2000 class seems more at home on a lawn.
I agree that a 3320 is in a whole 'nother class....but that is not the question here.....and that model gets much more expensive (about 8k - that buys allot of implements
) for homeowner use.I think you need to focus on the implements you want to use to make a good choice here. They are both good tractors.
mjncad
Super Member
Another question comes to mind; will the OP do his own maintenance? I find it easier to do my 200-hour services with the loader off and out of the way.
A quick-tach loader makes life easier in that respect.
A quick-tach loader makes life easier in that respect.
charleyfarmall
Platinum Member
Either tractor is going to be fine.
The 200cx loader is stupidly easy to take off and comes off in a couple of minutes, and goes back on easier.
The 3032e only weighs about 200 pounds more so the size isn't much of an argument.
The Hp might make a difference depending on what implements you are really going to use. the 2520 will handle 5 foot implements quite well.
If you want a 5 or 6 foot mowing deck for the lawn or a front snowblower, you need the 2520.
Don't buy the machine because it can do XYZ. Buy it based on what YOU need.
The 200cx loader is stupidly easy to take off and comes off in a couple of minutes, and goes back on easier.
The 3032e only weighs about 200 pounds more so the size isn't much of an argument.
The Hp might make a difference depending on what implements you are really going to use. the 2520 will handle 5 foot implements quite well.
If you want a 5 or 6 foot mowing deck for the lawn or a front snowblower, you need the 2520.
Don't buy the machine because it can do XYZ. Buy it based on what YOU need.
JayC
Veteran Member
The 305 loader can come off, but not as easy as on a 2520. Deere does offer the parking kit for the 305. It includes the stand itself (which resides in the loader's torque tube when not using it), quick connect/disconnect pins, and quick couplers for the hoses. If I remember right, Deere's "build it yourself" tool shows it to be around $350.
foggy1111
Elite Member
I have a quick-park loader.....and I have never taken my loader off. I can see needing it off for some folks....but I don't have the need.
ChuckinNH
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First off, someone should slap you a bit for being so rude to an uncle that is trying to do you a favor. Wake up Kid. After that I would choose the 2520 since you have no specific use for it, and the E series are designed more to fit specific uses.
glc24
Platinum Member
If this price is just the tractor and FEL,not really.
I also agree that the more "user friendly" of the two is the 2520 for sure.
Greg
Johndeere3720
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I have a bit of experience on a 3032E and it is a nice tractor for what it is. Compared to the 2520 it does lack comforts and accessories but it is a very reliable machine. Seeing that you are getting it with just the FEL I cant see you removing it any time soon. The engine has very easy access, teh side panels are easy to remove, everything is easy to get to in terms of maintenance. The position control on the 3 point hitch is my favorite part about the 3032E because it has a longer selection row which allows you to more precisely adjust your implement height whether it is tilling, mowing, or box blading. :thumbsup: I actually like it better than the 3x20 tractors because the selection gauge for the lift lever sits lower so this makes the wider range of lift control possible. (just my opinion). I have nothing against the 2520, i know there are tons of happy 2520 owners out there that absolutely love their tractor. But what strikes me towards the 3032E is the price is lower than the 2520, you have the ability to get R1 tires (I personally favor R1s), you gain the extra power and torque, and you still get a John Deere quality machine. You may have noticed but when you sit on the two tractors, you sit on the 2520 and you sit in the 3032E. I personally like the feel of sitting in a tractor vs. on one. So overall, my vote is on the 3032E.
You may have noticed but when you sit on the two tractors, you sit on the 2520 and you sit in the 3032E. I personally like the feel of sitting in a tractor vs. on one. So overall, my vote is on the 3032E.
ChuckinNH
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I have a bit of experience on a 3032E and it is a nice tractor for what it is. Compared to the 2520 it does lack comforts and accessories but it is a very reliable machine. Seeing that you are getting it with just the FEL I cant see you removing it any time soon. The engine has very easy access, teh side panels are easy to remove, everything is easy to get to in terms of maintenance. The position control on the 3 point hitch is my favorite part about the 3032E because it has a longer selection row which allows you to more precisely adjust your implement height whether it is tilling, mowing, or box blading. :thumbsup: I actually like it better than the 3x20 tractors because the selection gauge for the lift lever sits lower so this makes the wider range of lift control possible. (just my opinion). I have nothing against the 2520, i know there are tons of happy 2520 owners out there that absolutely love their tractor. But what strikes me towards the 3032E is the price is lower than the 2520, you have the ability to get R1 tires (I personally favor R1s), you gain the extra power and torque, and you still get a John Deere quality machine.
Good, well thought out post........ thanks for contributing.
JDGreenGrass
Veteran Member
I consider these 2 tractors in my mind all the time. They are both in the range that I could afford if buying new and both are very capable.
I love the thought of a front blower but, I also like the thought of having 25pto/hp to operate the rear blower, that all ready own. I like the thought the 2520 would be easy on the lawn but, the 3032 with ag tires means that chains would never be needed in winter. Both tractors are hydro's and my '92 770 is gear driven. Man, what a step up that would. I like both tractors and frankly, I think they compare well with enough trade offs on each to get the consumer thinking. I like the 2520 but, I want a 3032. The OP has mentioned ground engaging tasks, that alone would point to the 3032. The 3032 has a shorter wheelbase and is nimble. Snappy hydraulics. I spent a short time on a 3032...never driven the 2520. Both are real comfortable to me.
I think the OP has a tough decision, although he can't go wrong with his choice. Heck, at those prices, buy one of each. Wait, then he could afford a 3320...Matter of fact, what would be the price of a 3320.??
I love the thought of a front blower but, I also like the thought of having 25pto/hp to operate the rear blower, that all ready own. I like the thought the 2520 would be easy on the lawn but, the 3032 with ag tires means that chains would never be needed in winter. Both tractors are hydro's and my '92 770 is gear driven. Man, what a step up that would. I like both tractors and frankly, I think they compare well with enough trade offs on each to get the consumer thinking. I like the 2520 but, I want a 3032. The OP has mentioned ground engaging tasks, that alone would point to the 3032. The 3032 has a shorter wheelbase and is nimble. Snappy hydraulics. I spent a short time on a 3032...never driven the 2520. Both are real comfortable to me.
I think the OP has a tough decision, although he can't go wrong with his choice. Heck, at those prices, buy one of each. Wait, then he could afford a 3320...Matter of fact, what would be the price of a 3320.??
