Comparison New JD 3032e or '04 NH TC33D

[arshutr]

Hello everyone. I am in the market for a compact tractor. I have JD, IH and NH dealerships very nearby (4 miles) and have spoke with each of them. The JD dealership has a new 3032e with loader (non-QD) and has quoted me $17.4 for the package. 0% finance...yadda, yadda. They also have a '04 NH TC33D in really nice shape with the 7308 loader, and a SIMS aftermarket cab (heat, no air) and the unit has 460 hours on it. Tires are great...75%-ish. Nice work lights on rear and front of cab. I think I can get them into the mid to low $13K range on it. It is a one owner machine that runs out great.
So, my question is. What is everone's opinion? New bare-bones JD or the TC33D with cab? Thanks for the input in advance.

 

[DKCDKC]

You leave out crucial information. What are you going to use it for, and how long do you expect it to last... And do you have a reason to want a cab. Around here cabs are only on vehicles that never go near trees. The JD you cite is a good little tractor with a lot of fans. I have the slightly bigger 3038e, and it's also a pretty good little tractor. I don't know the NH you cite, but have friends who have been very pleased with NH equipment. The NH is bigger, more powerful and heavier... But those characteristics can be postives or negatives, depending on the work you plan to do.

 

[arshutr]

I have a small acreage and horses. Tractor will be used to clean the horse lot, scoop snow (we get that white stuff here in NE), mow with rear mount shredder, roto-till garden and small tree nursery, dig post holes, etc., etc. I have a older Farmall 706 that I move large round bales with, and realize that the small tractor is incapable of this type of heavy lifting. I am well aware of a compact tractor's advantages and limitations, so I was just curious what everyone thought about each of the available machines and their opinions regarding which one you would buy. The way I see it, the cab really adds value to the NH (in the winter especially), but I also like the idea of a new machine and warranty. I know the JD's are great little units, but holy crap!!!.... green accessories are expensive. I'll ask about the 3038e as well, as they have 2 of them on the lot too. It sounds like the 38 and the 32 are the same unit but the 38 just has a turbo that boosts the HP by 6. Probably helps a lot in the power department, but if it's an extra $2K for just 6 HP, I don't see that it's worth it. If you can't tell, I am a bit frugal and want as much as I can get for $ spent. I went to the JD store today to look at the 3032. The loader does seem a bit beefier and stiffer than the NH. I noticed a little flex and movement in the NH when I checked it out on Sat. JD wins in that area. More thoughts???? Thanks again.

 

[TSO]

I think that for the price, the tc33 with cab is a nice pick. I would try to work out some type of limited warranty with the dealer if possible. Equipment breaks and wear & tear items wear out. I've seen alot of threads about little nitpicky issues with the TC's, mostly just electrical. 400+ hours isn't necessarily a lot, but it depends on what the tractor was put thru for those hours, and what type of maintenance was done in that time.

Good luck!

------

Have you shopped any other brands? There are better values to be found if you're buying new ... I'd be happy to offer an option to consider if you care to hear it.

 

[arshutr]

TSO, thanks for the response. That is kinda the way I am leaning right now too. The TC is very clean and was maintained well. Shedded it's entire life too. Guy with a small acreage owned it and did essentially the same thing I have planned for it....minus the horses. It had a small hydraulic leak and a coolant leak when it arrived at the dealer, but they fixed them. They have used it around the dealer yard for small jobs and they said it worked just fine. This was told to me by the mechanic/sales yard guy that came down and jump started it when I tested it on Sat. Not the salesman. Battery was notched in Aug of '05 so it will need one right away. I will likely work that into the deal if I end up getting it. I'll work the deal tomorrow and post results. I attached a pic of the TC. Thanks!

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

That cab will be nice in the winter. But what about summer. Do the windows, etc. open up to get enough air flow through it in the summer? I spent a summer as a kid in Oklahoma driving a tractor with a cab without air conditioning (the a/c was out), and it was miserable.

 

[TSO]

That cab will be nice in the winter. But what about summer. Do the windows, etc. open up to get enough air flow through it in the summer? I spent a summer as a kid in Oklahoma driving a tractor with a cab without air conditioning (the a/c was out), and it was miserable.

Good advice ... I prefer open station during all but the winter months. That heated cab will be nice in the winter, but I'd want the option to take the doors & panels off for the rest of the year.

 

[arshutr]

Well, I ended up getting the JD 3032E. Was ready to go with the New Holland, but 0% financing and an extra $1000 toward two implements with the JD swayed the decision to the green side. That and the fact that the NH was already 9 years old, so resale later on would be a consideration. Got the RC2060 rotary cutter/shredder for $600 after the $1000 rebate as the 2nd attachment. Taking delivery on Thursday. Looking forward to having a nice little machine for work around the place. Thanks to everyone for the recommendations.

 

[TSO]

Well, I ended up getting the JD 3032E. Was ready to go with the New Holland, but 0% financing and an extra $1000 toward two implements with the JD swayed the decision to the green side. That and the fact that the NH was already 9 years old, so resale later on would be a consideration. Got the RC2060 rotary cutter/shredder for $600 after the $1000 rebate as the 2nd attachment. Taking delivery on Thursday. Looking forward to having a nice little machine for work around the place. Thanks to everyone for the recommendations.

Congrats! Pics?

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Congrats on the new tractor. Sounds like a good choice. 0% and $1,000 off a 2nd implement would have swayed me too.

 

[arshutr]

Just got a text from the dealer around 6 PM. Delivery tomorrow right to my house......so pics tomorrow night. After I play around with it for a while of course! First thing on the list of things to do is to fill the rear tires. Any recommendations for ballast/tire weight?

 

[JMER817]

Congrats! I just bought a new JD tractor as well. Can't beat the 0% financing. Expecting it next week

 

[jenkinsph]

Just got a text from the dealer around 6 PM. Delivery tomorrow right to my house......so pics tomorrow night. After I play around with it for a while of course! First thing on the list of things to do is to fill the rear tires. Any recommendations for ballast/tire weight?

Have the dealer fill the tires with Rim Guard.

 

[Buddy G]

I bought a new 3032e with the 305 loader a few months ago, and overall like the tractor. What I didn't like is the leakdown rate on the loader. JD engineering says up to 7.5" per hour of leakdown is acceptable. That's a subject in itself. What I would like to share is that JD considers the 3032e and 3038e a "lower spec tractor" (their term). When I looked at tractors, I originally liked the size of the 2000 series, but felt like I could get more tractor in the 3000 series for the money. I remember the salesman saying the 2000 series is a "premium" tractor, but I didn't give that much thought. What this really boils down to is JD is battling the "3rd world" tractors with machines like the 3000 series. I'm the type of guy who thinks everything John Deere builds (other than Home Depot lawn tractors) is a premium, well-engineered machine. Personally, I think JD would be better off going back to building nothing but "premium" tractors. If they cost more, fine. If you're a company with a name and reputation like JD, you should want to put your name on nothing but a premium machine. I understand competition quite well, but when you start sacrificing quality to compete, you're going down a dangerous path. One last note- the 3032e has an aluminum rear axle housing, and I'm fine with aluminum. What I neglected to consider is that the tail end of the tractor is really light without ballast. The Kubota 3200 has an iron housing. The 3200 has 3 gear ranges versus 2 on the JD. I thought 2 would be fine, and for the most part it is, but what I missed is that a 3rd range would probably give me a lower ratio in low, which would be helpful. Would I buy another 3032e? Probably, but go in with eyes wide open.

 

[TSO]

I'm the type of guy who thinks everything John Deere builds (other than Home Depot lawn tractors) is a premium, well-engineered machine. Personally, I think JD would be better off going back to building nothing but "premium" tractors. If they cost more, fine. If you're a company with a name and reputation like JD, you should want to put your name on nothing but a premium machine. I understand competition quite well, but when you start sacrificing quality to compete, you're going down a dangerous path.

Might want to check into it, but I don't think JD actually builds their own compact tractors. From what I've read on this forum, it appears that most of them are built by Yanmar. The number of people who truly believe that JD is a superior product seems to be dwindling, if sales of other tractors are any indicator. Most times, the big brag that I hear from deer is that they can source parts more quickly, and have more parts available if you have something break. their advantage might be down to a day at this point, if any advantage at all.

 

[DKCDKC]

I've got a 3038e and am generally happy with it. Cost was a real consideration for a retired guy with a limited budget. I felt the JD gave me more for my money than the competition - but a part is also based on the quality of the local dealers. I have not experienced the leak down issue others have written about here. Just this week I left the bucket full of heavy snow while I went in for a hot lunch. I returned 90 minutes later and found the bucket almost exactly where I left it - almost to the inch. But I do not like the lightness of the tractor, and it's narrow width. I usually leave a box blade or heavy implement on the tractor all the time to help... In addition to having the tires filled. But I'm still not wild about it. As for the narrowness, I am about to go for wheel extenders on the back - particularly now that I understand JD will be making them.

Were I to do it all over again, I'd still go with the JD, but a larger model - screw the budget. It has a better fit for large me than the orange or red alternatives.

 

[arlen4720]

Might want to check into it, but I don't think JD actually builds their own compact tractors. From what I've read on this forum, it appears that most of them are built by Yanmar. The number of people who truly believe that JD is a superior product seems to be dwindling, if sales of other tractors are any indicator. Most times, the big brag that I hear from deer is that they can source parts more quickly, and have more parts available if you have something break. their advantage might be down to a day at this point, if any advantage at all.

Most of them are built by John Deere. The 1 series, 3x20's, 4x20's, the 3038, and the 3032 are John Deere built. The 4x20's have John Deere engines in them as well. The rest have Yanmar engines. The new, yet to be released, tier 4 4x20 replacements will have Yanmar engines.
The 2 series is built completely by Yanmar (I think there are 3 models), and maybe the 3005, 4005. So it's a pretty small fraction that is built by Yanmar. The lawn tractors, and Zero turns are also built by John Deere.
I agree with the guy who says he wishes JD would only focus on their premium models....screw the budget.

 

[Buddy G]

You are correct, Yanmar is in some sort of partnership with JD. But my last Deere, a 4010 compact, was a Yanmar, and I loved it. I think JD would have considered it a "premium" product, though. I guess at the end of the day, stockholders want to see growth and profit, and Deere is no exception to what stockholders want.

 

[Beltman60]

heck as long as they are telling you it's not a premium tractor hence the E I ok with that

 

[NICKB304]

Might want to check into it, but I don't think JD actually builds their own compact tractors. From what I've read on this forum, it appears that most of them are built by Yanmar. The number of people who truly believe that JD is a superior product seems to be dwindling, if sales of other tractors are any indicator. Most times, the big brag that I hear from deer is that they can source parts more quickly, and have more parts available if you have something break. their advantage might be down to a day at this point, if any advantage at all.

I think all deere under 50hp are built at their plant in India.