Report on 3038E with 6' bushhog

[DKCDKC]

I had the 6 foot box blade for my previous tractor, a 68 hp JD 2030. That 2WD tractor pulled the BB up hill and down, full or not. This 3038 probably has the power, but not the weight. It pulls the full BB on the flat or downhill with no problem most of the time.

The issue is that gravel - pushed by wheels and runoff- tends to move down hill, so I want to pull it back up at some point. What I have done is tilt the BB back and then just watch it. When the tires just begin to start slipping, I raise the blade just a bit to let some out. I can usually pull a partial box full up that way. It takes more pulls, but it seems to work eventually. Then I make one run downhill to smooth it out. Best I can do right now.

I think that if I can move down to a 5 foot BB I could pull it both ways a lot easier. But finding someone who wants to trade may be an issue.

 

[msmud]

DKCDKC,
Makes sense. Only suggestion I could make is to make sure your tires pressures are low enough for maximum grip. For me, that is 8.5 - 9 psi rear on my R4s, 17.5 front with no loader. This may not help you given how light the 3038e is, but it costs you nothing to give it a try.

 

[Quisp]

Thanks, do you know if they replaced the tach display or the wiring or alternator ? The tach is driven off of the alternator. A sales rep at the JD dealership said he heard this was a common problem, but did not know what part was failing. Your description sounds like it is in the display. Mine always goes to zero and reads correctly when it is working, it is just hit and miss when it does work. Sounds like a loose wire and I am just putting off hauling the thing 25 miles to the dealer.

 

[DKCDKC]

DKCDKC,
Makes sense. Only suggestion I could make is to make sure your tires pressures are low enough for maximum grip. For me, that is 8.5 - 9 psi rear on my R4s, 17.5 front with no loader. This may not help you given how light the 3038e is, but it costs you nothing to give it a try.

Thanks MSMUD. I have cranked down the pressure a bit, but not that low. I'll give it a try. Overall I like the 3038. I kinda wanted a slightly bigger tractor, but prices are high for a PT farmer and this was as far as I felt comfortable going. I loved the old 2030, but it was killing my knees to get on it, and my wife - she of replaced knees and hips - couldn't get on it at all.

On the other hand, the CUT is awfully handy to go in among trees where a bigger machine couldn't go.

 

[msmud]

Quisp, My dealer gave me the impression they pulled out the whole tach/display unit as a module and replaced it. I'll bet it's not just a loose wire.

DKCDKC, see if you can post your results on what happens with lower tire pressures and your 6 foot boxblade. I'd like to know just what the 3038e is capable of with ground engaging equipment, having only used a bushhog with mine. I also love the maneuverability of this little machine. Big power, tiny tractor.

 

[firefighterjrm]

I use a foot behind my 3032 and pulls fine even with a loaded box just re did my 1000ft driveway with no problems just started clearing some woods out last night plenty of power and plenty of bucket lift

 

[firefighterjrm]

Meant to say 5 foot

 

[DKCDKC]

msmud...
I have filled tires and can only lower pressure a bit more. However, in messing with it I found the dealer filled the tires to 75 percent when I had wanted 40 percent. I took out some, but will have to wait a bit to get the rest down. I didn't notice much difference from what little I was able to lower the pressure. Also put about 300 pounds in the bucket to increase weight on the front wheels. That did help a bit. But it's just a lighter tractor. My driveway is gravel - what we call crusher run... A mix of gravel and fines. When it is dry the rock is fairly light and I can pull a full 6 foot box blade easily. When it's damp, I can pull a full BB downhill or on the flat, but not uphill. I have to lift the blade and carefully carry only a portion full - which is hard to do. I think a 5 foot BB will be my answer, since I would find it expensive to go to a heavier tractor just for this one task. The 3038 handles bush hogging and misc duties around the farm beautifully. It's hard to justify the expense for the BB work.

 

[vtsnowedin]

msmud...
I have filled tires and can only lower pressure a bit more. However, in messing with it I found the dealer filled the tires to 75 percent when I had wanted 40 percent. I took out some, but will have to wait a bit to get the rest down. I didn't notice much difference from what little I was able to lower the pressure. Also put about 300 pounds in the bucket to increase weight on the front wheels. That did help a bit. But it's just a lighter tractor. My driveway is gravel - what we call crusher run... A mix of gravel and fines. When it is dry the rock is fairly light and I can pull a full 6 foot box blade easily. When it's damp, I can pull a full BB downhill or on the flat, but not uphill. I have to lift the blade and carefully carry only a portion full - which is hard to do. I think a 5 foot BB will be my answer, since I would find it expensive to go to a heavier tractor just for this one task. The 3038 handles bush hogging and misc duties around the farm beautifully. It's hard to justify the expense for the BB work.

Why do you want them just filled 40%? Just curious as on my 5045E having them loaded to 75% still leaves you needing ballast box or wheel weights to properly balance it for loader work.

 

[medic0648]

The ballast % can make a difference when in soft, boggy, or wet areas. I have had to drain the ballast on my yanmar in the winter to keep from sinking too much. DKCDKC where are you located? I have a 5' bb and it is way too small for my john Deere 301a.