new 3005 vs 3032e

bluelagoonacres · Feb 9, 2012

so confused. Been talking to 3 jd dealers and one is pushing the 3005 saying that be honest with me and that the 3032 could not do what I want as the 3005 could such as pick up hay in the rear and then ill be using for grading a road ect etc and that 3005 better for that then 3032. I will also use the tractor to maintain about 2 acres of pasture. No front loader with either one dont think i will use it since we have a bobcat. Anyway another dealer is pushing the 3032 saying newer tractor and good deal and stronger and you know has more bells and whisltes, dont really care about hydro thing use to shifting and yes Im a girl. the other dealer just was giving me quotes all pretty good same range with each other just one trying to sell one model and one trying to sell other model. HElPPPPPPPPP who is telling me the truth, y gut says the 3005:confused2:

Johndeere3720 · Feb 9, 2012

Both are good tractors. The 3005 (previously the 790) has been around for much longer than the 3032E but that just says it must be a good tractor if they still sell it. The 3032E is a very capable tractor, I have some time on one grading and tilling and it performed well. Really, they are pretty similar machines, you will get more leg room and an easier entry/exit on the 3032E vs. the 3005. The 3005 will have a little more torque due to the nature of a gear tractor. I cant see the lift capacities to be much different as they are both around the same size. Hydro will perform well if you need to change directions frequently. If I were going to mow a field on a 3032E i would get the cruise control option (if available). My vote would be on the 3032E for the ease of operation, easy to get on/off, larger operator platform under foot, and convenience if changing directions frequently is a must.

Folio · Feb 9, 2012

I can't speak to the 3005, but I do own a 3032E and have about 200 hours on it. Have used it to brushhog 25 acres of dry land pasture, till a large garden, maintain a 1/3 mile driveway with a box blade, and scoop and haul all manner of stuff in the loader. It's my first tractor, but I'm pleased that it does everything I've asked it to do. It's turning radius is ideal for the tight spots I have to work in and wouldn't trade the HST. I am over six feet tall and had no trouble mounting and dismounting until I put the canopy on. Now I have to be careful of my head. I'm rather attached to it.

The downsides are minor. I don't like that it doesn't have a collapsible ROPS to manage those tight spots, and much as I've tried to be creative, I've found no way to mount even a small tool box anywhere. The other thing I've noticed is that the 3032 is mentioned very little on this site. Does that mean there aren't that many out there? Dunno.

But truth is, I really didn't shop around. The JD salesman I dealt with was super helpful in defining my specific needs and cutting me a package deal. In addition, he's been a great coach to this rookie. Several times I've called him with a problem and he's come out to my place to teach me the finer points of the equipment's operation. Way I figure it, that's money in my pocket. Hope this helps.

Ray

Martian · Feb 9, 2012

Both excellent machines and can't go wrong with either.

If you really want a machine that will run for the next 50 years problem free, get a 3005. Simply a rebranded 790, which has been out since what feels like the mid 1800's (actually 2000, but close enough:laughing

but they have really been put through the paces, and they are work horses. Pretty sure everyone has had one, including myself (only for a year). Very basic tractors, but they are simple to work on and extremely dependable. I've never heard of anyone have catastrophic problems with them. Just built like a rock. If you just need something that will start every time and work around the farm, 3005 will go forever.

With that said, if you want a little more comfort, the 3032e is right inbetween the 3005 and the 3x20's. They do have hydrostatic, and a slightly more comfortable operating station. But they were designed to be a more cost effective (or the polite way to say cheaper) tractor, where the 790 (3005) was supposed to be designed as a old school tractor 10 years ago.

They have been put through the test of time. Either tractor is an excellent option, if you need a simple workhorse, go with the 3005 though.

bluelagoonacres · Feb 10, 2012

I think I am leaning for the 3005. The orginal dealer I went to who was referred to me was honest and said for what I want he would not sell the 3032e to me. Need for horse farm, small and keeping a rock road, about 2100ft intact. The other two dealers are pushing the 3032e at me. Both are nice but the more I hear about the 3005 and the history the more I like and sounds like a heavy sound tractor. I dont need all the bells and whistles just need it to do its job. Clutch and gears no problem Im not worried about all that. Tks for the advice everyone.

Crznrte66 · Feb 13, 2012

For the most part, John Deere has the 3032E and 3038E models due to the fact that there was a demand for a "value" tractor similar to the 3005 (790) but the customer base wanted the ease of a hydrostat transmission, more loader lift capacity and more horsepower. The 300 model loader on a 3005 tractor has a rated lifting capacity at full height at pivot pin of 741 lbs. The 305 model loader on a 3032E has a rating of 1186 lbs. Neither have the foldable rops or other features (bells and whistles) as the 3x20 JD series. The 3032E has more rated engine horsepower but real similar "pto" horsepower due to the differences in the transmission (gear vs. hydro). We could have a lengthy debate as to advantages/disadvantages to gear and hydro transmissions, however, for the majority of homeowner style tasks people like the ease of use in the hydro. The model 305 loader is specific to the 3032E and 3038E. It is not a quick release style loader for the most part like the 300 is on the 3005 and other 3x20 series. It has a separate loader control valve while the other 3000 series machines all have the loader control valve (dual scv) integrated in the machine itself. So in other words, if you see yourself taking off the loader you will lose the control valve on the 3032E while the 3005 will still have the 4 ports available on the tractor itself for running other front attachments. There are other things such as no factory manufactured backhoe for the 3032E/3038E. JD builds this machine as a base "landscape tractor" meaning most will never take off the loader and will only need to run common 3 point implements such as a blade, box scraper, etc. In closing, either will probably work just fine. They are both good machines. The 3005/4005 (gear shift) models are built by Yanmar for John Deere while the 3032E/3038E models come out of Augusta, GA. The dealer will be able to get you into a higher horsepower machine with some nice conveniences and more loader lifting capacity for close to the same price as the 3005 as the dealer cost to list margins are better on the 3032E than on the 3005. Hope that helps.

jenkinsph · Feb 14, 2012

Crznrte66,
Welcome to TBN

That was as good a first post as I have seen on here.:thumbsup:

RoyJackson · Feb 14, 2012

I'd go for the 3005...the basic design goes back to the late 1980's (was the 670 and 770, then became the 790...then the 3005). As others have written, very dependable tractor! I owned one for 6 years.
Even with no loader, you'll still want MFWD (4wd) so you get the power steering and 2-stage clutch.
For pasture maintenance, I assume you mean field mowing. With no loader, you'll want a couple hundred pounds of suitcase weights for front ballast. I suggest you buy them (4 or 5 weights at 42 lbs each) when you buy the tractor. Used ones sells for as much as new ones. The reason you'll need that front ballast is to counterweight the rotary cutter you'll be mowing with. A 3005 can handle a 5' cutter with no problem.
For road grading...plan on using a box blade or a rear blade? Either way, the 3005 is a pretty light tractor (about 2100 lbs stock, no loader). Depending on your soil or gravel type, you'll be taking pretty small bites on each pass. If major work is required...you do have your skid steer.

As far as the operator station...by now, I reckon you've sat on both the 3005 and the 3032. Which fits you best?

There are a couple downsides to the 3005. As written already, they're a light tractor (so is the 3032,BTW). That can result in traction problems. The front axles are strong pulling forward, but have had problems (gear breakage) when pulling a load in reverse gear. This has been sporadic and most likely more of an operator problem...but there is history.
The only thing I didn't like about my 790 was reverse gear...at PTO RPM, Reverse Low range was too slow....but Reverse High Range was too fast. You'd notice this mostly when field mowing with a rotary cutter. That reverse gearing is the only reason I don't have my 790 today (got a 4400 with the reverser transmission).

Good luck in your decision!

jenkinsph · Feb 14, 2012

bluelagoonacres said:
I think I am leaning for the 3005. The orginal dealer I went to who was referred to me was honest and said for what I want he would not sell the 3032e to me. Need for horse farm, small and keeping a rock road, about 2100ft intact. The other two dealers are pushing the 3032e at me. Both are nice but the more I hear about the 3005 and the history the more I like and sounds like a heavy sound tractor. I dont need all the bells and whistles just need it to do its job. Clutch and gears no problem Im not worried about all that. Tks for the advice everyone.

No offense but an inexperienced buyer may consider some of these options as "bells and whistles". I wouldn't consider for example the hydro to be one of the "bells and whistles" an extra cupholder is a "bell and whistle".

I recommend you do a few hours of loader work with a gear tractor and a hydro tractor to know what the differences are, then make your decision. There are pages and pages of debate over which is best but your own experience in use will help with the decision. I have both gear and hydro tractors and really prefer the hydro for back and forth work hands down.

RoyJackson · Feb 14, 2012

jenkinsph said:
No offense but an inexperienced buyer may consider some of these options as "bells and whistles". I wouldn't consider for example the hydro to be one of the "bells and whistles" an extra cupholder is a "bell and whistle".

I recommend you do a few hours of loader work with a gear tractor and a hydro tractor to know what the differences are, then make your decision. There are pages and pages of debate over which is best but your own experience in use will help with the decision. I have both gear and hydro tractors and really prefer the hydro for back and forth work hands down.

She's not buying a loader...has a skidsteer for loader work.