upgrading my compact tractor

[searcyfarms]

Hi All,

Upgrading my 2210 - looked at a 2038R and 3520 - new vs used - think I like the 3520 more however they deck didn't lift, they found a wire worn in two, its a 2012 with 400 hours - also I noticed it had a lot of marks on the driveshaft to the 72 autoconnect deck, is that normal to have marks on them from the carriage or something under them ?

I like the heavier capacity of the 3520 vs the 2038 - I will be using it as my primary mower for my 2 acres of mowing - I cut wood so pull firewood trailer, landscape needs etc......lift other things as needed for garden, stumps/logs etc......push dirt/manure around to spread in garden.

just curious if there are any concerns with the driveshaft thing or other items to watch for.

Thanks,
Robert

 

[rngrrymd]

If I am correct, the 3520 is now the 3039R... so a little heavier frame. The new 2038R is pretty nice, though. Electric dial for raise and lower of the mower deck, you can get a quick disconnect for the hoses on the front loader, fuel fills at left rear fender, brand new six year warranty for peace of mind, can use all the same implements as the 3r line. What is your quoted prices between these 2 models?

 

[searcyfarms]

about 4 grand difference but the 3520 has a light kit/grill guard/3 speed trannie/more lift/air ride seat

 

[rngrrymd]

For only 4k less price difference you get a machine that has a little nicer seat and 3 ranges instead of 2. You also get a machine with no warranty that you've already noticed issues with. The 2R has a nice light kit option and grill guard upgrade available. It also has a 6 year warranty and you can make your own scratches on it. I understand your desire for the 3 series machine which is a little nicer but without warranty there is always possibility that $4k cost savings will evaporate or go negative over the next 6 years. It's your money in the end but if I was going to buy used I think I'd want more savings $$$$$ for my trouble.

 

[rngrrymd]

Have you shopped the price on the 2R from multiple dealers? Deere is offering 0% for 60 months financing plus $2000 off or $2500 off for cash buyers. Make sure the dealer isn't skimming this rebate into their pocket. I was quoted roughly 16% off list regular discount then you should get the extra $$$ from Deere as well.

2 Family Compact Utility Tractors for sale | John Deere US

 

[searcyfarms]

yea I get what you mean, I did see a 2038R with a light kit at the dealer but they didn't have one with a mmm on it or anything for me to test drive and when I went to look at the 3520 the deck wouldn't lift so..........couldn't drag that around in fully dropped position.

I do have my concerns that the dealer wouldn't have checked the machine out better before putting it on the lot for sale - wouldn't they have noticed the deck didn't come up - its in a gravel parking lot so.............and I told them I was coming to look at the 3520 so wouldn't you want to check it? not to mention it had a flat tire on the front as well when I got there.

it has 390 hours on it and it looks ok other than I noticed the tire/deck not lifting/rubbing of the driveshaft on under carriage but I understand that is normal as it swings under the tractor the shaft rubs on things - correct I don't HAVE to HAVE the 3 series but after my experience with my 2210 and its poor design/performance I don't want to get something small that might be problematic not to mention the 2038R doesn't have the history/rep of the 20 series in which I have heard good things about.

I like the idea of a wty as does my wife - she and my daughter would be mowing with whatever I get also.

any more thoughts?

 

[searcyfarms]

oh the other thing too was the loader bucket was bent across the top , like they tried to use the top lip to shove a steel post in the ground instead of the bottom of the bucket - it pushed the top of the loader up/away from the bottom - I did check the cutting edge and it is straight so just one of those oops that we all have made like leaving the tailgate up when driving out from under the gooseneck!!!

 

[rngrrymd]

The new 2R series got heavier than the old models 2R's which along with the 3520 u are looking at is basically a re-badged Yanmar from what I understand. I believe John Deere is making the 2R in house at their Georgia plant now but still using Yanmar motors. They also positioned the seat lower between the wheels on the new 2R so it is more stable on slopes. If they had a cab model in the 2R I was all hot to trot on that machine initially when I started looking at tractors and would have probably bought the 2038R I liked it so much. If u were buying that 3520 from an individual for less money and you knew it was taken care it would be different but it doesn't sound like you are getting enough of a deal to deal with a used machine with potential issues. Car dealers and tractor dealers - u think they would clean up the used vehicle/tractor and go over it before putting on lot. Nothing like looking at used cars and seeing french fries lying on the carpet still from the old owner. What a score! You get the used car and a snack for later.

 

[searcyfarms]

yea this one had tons of twigs and leaves stuff in/around the seat etc....doesn't look like they even bothered to clean it up...........I sure wouldn't run my business that way so it does give me concerns not knowing the history - grrrrr so I ponder ......

 

[searcyfarms]

talked myself out of the 3520 after sleeping on it - after final calculations it would be a difference of 4600 - like someone said - a trannie issue would eat into that pretty quick - not to mention the other red flags from dealer/wire/tire/lift/bent bucket/etc......no history dealership changed hands recently/bought out by another bigger deere group

6500 is not much for my trade so going to see what I can do with other dealers or might try to sell outright on my own - 2038R is nice but......27K is a lot for a hobby tractor

I have another tractor and loader to sell besides my trade so will focus on those - can always wait till winter to trade they usually have same deals or watch for a used 2038R as it will still be under WTY.