John Deere 3038E Reviews
Replacing the little Kubota
Model Year: 2010
I finally decided the little 17HP Kubota was no longer meeting my needs, especially when slashing about 30 acres of pasture at 3 feet wide per run. I did a lot of researching on the net (any idea how many second hand tractors are on the net?) and many trips looking at second hand offerings, before I decided that maybe a new tractor was the only viable option. I had a good look at a number of manufacturers (New Holland, Case, Massey, Kubota, Iseki) before deciding the JD offerings were probably the best value for money locally. I wanted a tractor with about 40HP, 3PL, Loader, with enough grunt to lift round bales safely, and able to comfortably run a 1.5 metre slasher. The 3038E eventually came out as the most affordable model to meet these needs for me. [JD 3038E, 305 Loader, JD I-Match Quickhitch] So far, I've now put about 20 hours work on the machine, exercised all the above requirements, and been very happy with the outcome. The tractor is easy to operate, is not 'flimsy' in construction, and isn't just a beefed up lawn tractor, which some of the other manufacturer's offerings seemed to be. I'm very pleased with the I-Match quick hitch, strong and works well, but beware the 3PL products that don't meet the mounting point standard layout for Cat 1 hitches and don't provide adjustment via spaced mounting holes.
Pros: Well sized, strong, good power, easy to operate, very good build quality, and good dealer support.
Cons: Lack of rear remotes (kit available at significant cost).
Model Year: 2010
I finally decided the little 17HP Kubota was no longer meeting my needs, especially when slashing about 30 acres of pasture at 3 feet wide per run. I did a lot of researching on the net (any idea how many second hand tractors are on the net?) and many trips looking at second hand offerings, before I decided that maybe a new tractor was the only viable option. I had a good look at a number of manufacturers (New Holland, Case, Massey, Kubota, Iseki) before deciding the JD offerings were probably the best value for money locally. I wanted a tractor with about 40HP, 3PL, Loader, with enough grunt to lift round bales safely, and able to comfortably run a 1.5 metre slasher. The 3038E eventually came out as the most affordable model to meet these needs for me. [JD 3038E, 305 Loader, JD I-Match Quickhitch] So far, I've now put about 20 hours work on the machine, exercised all the above requirements, and been very happy with the outcome. The tractor is easy to operate, is not 'flimsy' in construction, and isn't just a beefed up lawn tractor, which some of the other manufacturer's offerings seemed to be. I'm very pleased with the I-Match quick hitch, strong and works well, but beware the 3PL products that don't meet the mounting point standard layout for Cat 1 hitches and don't provide adjustment via spaced mounting holes.
Pros: Well sized, strong, good power, easy to operate, very good build quality, and good dealer support.
Cons: Lack of rear remotes (kit available at significant cost).
5.7 Good Hours
Model Year: 2010
I just used my tractor for the first time today moving sod and was surprised at how well the tractor and the 305 loader handles the loads. Very good tractor for my needs. Plenty of power with the turbo engine. This is my first tractor and I am very satisfied. It doesn't have loads of features but has all I need for the type of work I use it for. Just a great basic tractor and a great value for what it is.It's very easy to use and anyone could use it. If you need a good tractor and are just starting out, this would be a good start. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting a good tractor on a budget.
Pros: Powerful engine, easy to operate, good loader and nice looking.
Cons: Only has rear PTO. No offseat PTO and loader is not removable.
Photo Uploads:
Model Year: 2010
I just used my tractor for the first time today moving sod and was surprised at how well the tractor and the 305 loader handles the loads. Very good tractor for my needs. Plenty of power with the turbo engine. This is my first tractor and I am very satisfied. It doesn't have loads of features but has all I need for the type of work I use it for. Just a great basic tractor and a great value for what it is.It's very easy to use and anyone could use it. If you need a good tractor and are just starting out, this would be a good start. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting a good tractor on a budget.
Pros: Powerful engine, easy to operate, good loader and nice looking.
Cons: Only has rear PTO. No offseat PTO and loader is not removable.
Photo Uploads:
New but happy so far
Model Year: 2010
With only 7 hours of time on my tractor I can say so far it has been a life saver and money saver. I recently purchased an acreage with about 1/4 mile of drive. We had a long and wet winter with snowfall total in the 5 foot range and lots of wind to drift it. With the 305 loader on the tractor I was able to clear the drive in about 40 minutes to an hour (paying someone else cost 300 bucks a clear). I had to clear it 7 times, 6 of them work days and 4 of them back to back. I estimate so far the tractor has saved me 2100 dollars in clearing fees and several thousand in lost wages. Being only 7 hours old all I can say is no problems yet and I hope it stays that way.
Pros: Traction control is easy to use, low cost for 38 horsepower
Cons: none yet
Model Year: 2010
With only 7 hours of time on my tractor I can say so far it has been a life saver and money saver. I recently purchased an acreage with about 1/4 mile of drive. We had a long and wet winter with snowfall total in the 5 foot range and lots of wind to drift it. With the 305 loader on the tractor I was able to clear the drive in about 40 minutes to an hour (paying someone else cost 300 bucks a clear). I had to clear it 7 times, 6 of them work days and 4 of them back to back. I estimate so far the tractor has saved me 2100 dollars in clearing fees and several thousand in lost wages. Being only 7 hours old all I can say is no problems yet and I hope it stays that way.
Pros: Traction control is easy to use, low cost for 38 horsepower
Cons: none yet