JD 3208E versus 3005 MT

[T-C Lawn Maintenance]

Good morning. I am new on this site. I am in the market to buy a new JD. Have prices from two different dealers. One tells me that HST is the way to go and the other is telling me that MT. 3208E is $1400.00 higher than 3005. Primary purpose for tractor will be as follows: !. grooming mower. 2. rotary cutter and 3 front end loader. May pull a disk but a very distant fourth option. Also dealer that is trying to sell me the 3005 states that with HST you lose 6 to 7 HP because of the HST. How correct is this? Any thoughts or help will be greatly appreciated. Have a great day.

 

[nmu98]

For the jobs you are describing, I would want HST. Will you lose a bit of HP.. Probably. 7 to 8 HP on a 35hp tractor, no way....

With a gear tractor, you have to live with speeds of each gear while you are at PTO speed. With a hydro, you can keep pto rpms, and go any speed need.

For loader work, there is no shifting. its nice.

Some people love geared tractors, but most will agree a hydro is easier for the tasks you listed. For heavy ground engaging equipment, I would rather have gears, but this tractor does not have the hp for that anyway...

 

[GreenWannabe]

All tractors lose HP when measured between gross engine HP and PTO HP, due to installed accessories, hydraulic pump, and powertrain losses. HST models lose a little more than gear drive, due to running the hydro pump for the transmission. The 3005 loses 4 HP, while a 3032E loses about 6.4 HP - a difference of only about 2 1/2 HP. I don't see a 3028E on JD's website; the closest is a 3032E, which has 25 PTO HP, compared to 23.5 PTO HP on the 3005. PTO HP comparisons are more reflective as to the work you can do with each tractor than gross ehgine HP numbers. Most implements are also rated for tractor PTO HP, not gross. HTH.

 

[jenkinsph]

Sounds like this is going to be your all in one tractor, I would consider something larger than you that more like a 3320 or so. If you are using this to make a living you will need a faster machine. Buying too little tractor will cost you when you find you need to move up. Much better to spend a little more when you make the initial purchase.



Steve

 

[AKfish]

Primary purpose for tractor will be as follows: !. grooming mower. 2. rotary cutter and 3 front end loader. May pull a disk but a very distant fourth option.

Welcome to TBN. From your handle, I'd guess that this tractor will have some commercial use.

If that's the case, you won't be well served with the MT JD3005 - IMO. The collar shift tranny with a finish mower and the bush hog (in tight quarters, etc) and using the FEL will have you embarrassing your clients with a string of Drill-sargent quotes!

If you're reasonably certain that the 2000 series tractors don't have enough Hp for your needs and the 3203 is the horsepower level you need to work at - you should take the time and compare the HST 3203 with the 3320.

The 3-range HST is a more capable configuration and will allow you to more easily adapt to changing mowing conditions. Hills, grass height, brush types, etc. etc.

In addition, the FEL capabilities (speed and lifting) and the hydraulic speed and power of the 3320 is considerably better than the 3203.

But, if the name of the game is productivity and efficiency - the extra money up front will pay dividends for many years down the road.

Best of luck.

AKfish

 

[T-C Lawn Maintenance]

Thanks to all for your help. I did get the model number wrong. Should have read 3038E. HP is 37.1. I will share this with all and please give your comments on this. Tractor with 305 loader, JD MX5 rotary cutter, leinback B245 16 X 18 disck harrow, landpride FDR1660 grooming mower and 18th Hudson Brothers trailer with electric brakes. Total price is $23,229.00 off the yard. Does this sound like a good price? Again thanks to all for your help. Hope that I can be as helpful in return. Have a great evening.

 

[farmboy12]

Just wondering, do you have any past experience with tractors?


Kyle

 

[jenkinsph]

TC, what applications do you plan to use the disc harrow in? Small yards or acreage sized plots, what process brought you to choose the disc?

Just wanted to add that the MX5 may be to heavy for this tractor, a 3520 for 37 hp weighs about 900 lbs more and has roughly 50% more lift capacity on the 3 pt hitch.
Steve

 

[T-C Lawn Maintenance]

Just wondering, do you have any past experience with tractors?


Kyle

Yes I do. In fact I grew up on a farm many years ago. Later I worked for a JD dealer for about three years. So yes I have had some experience with a tractor. Now am I a pro, probably not but do know forward from reverse. Was not saying that to be smart. I remember when I purchase my first z turn mower thought it would be a piece of case to operate. Dang near broke my behind. If it were not for a beloved cedar tree I would have ended up in a pond. Now I have three z turns in my business. Last one was a JD 757. Also I have had to rent a tractor to do landscaping work at the various motels that I maintain. So in essence I do have some knowledge of operatiing a tractor. Know that they are not toys. I think that with anything that you buy or operate you have to use alot of common sense.

 

[T-C Lawn Maintenance]

TC, what applications do you plan to use the disc harrow in? Small yards or acreage sized plots, what process brought you to choose the disc?

Just wanted to add that the MX5 may be to heavy for this tractor, a 3520 for 37 hp weighs about 900 lbs more and has roughly 50% more lift capacity on the 3 pt hitch.
Steve

What will I use the disk for? This is really not that big of deal for me. I guest one of the things that I would use it for is plowing fire lanes on the property that my brother and I own. I listed the disk was option number 4. This I may get and may not. Really not an issue as compaired to grooming mower, rotary cutter and front end loader. Also I have looked at the 3520 and it is a nice piece of equipment but I do think that for what I want to do that I will not need that much of a tractor. Sure if I had the extra money I would buy one of these with the cab and all the bell and whistles. Thanks for your reply.