Killer B,
I have had four mid frame JD compacts, three of them the 3000 series machines. I have also owned one large frame compact and other JD equipment. I also own an XUV diesel Gator, and unlike JB, have had no problems with mine. There is no better compact on the market than the JD 3000 series, period. I am not claiming that JD equipment is better (although I think it is) but it certainly on average is among the top performers and most reliable equipment out there. Some forums mention that JD as a company does not have an interest in compacts, which is simply untrue. JD sells many compacts, as realizes quite well their importance in the market. There are no problems of which I am aware regarding the 3000 series machines. My good friend manages a large dealer and gets me equipment regularly. He rarely, if ever, sees any significant problem with these machines. If there is a problem, JD insists it be fixed. They do not want to lose customers to other manufacturers. I am talking about personal knowledge of a sample over 1000 tractors in active and in many cases frankly abusive use. I will say if you like the JD product, but are having ANY reservation about durability, I would erase that from thought. These are bulletproof machines, that will last a customer years.
John M