A newer 2038r thread

[Suilenroc]

Hello all! I posted recently in the new members section and in the yanmar section... Originally I intended to purchase a yanmar 424. After test driving it and its bigger brother the YT235 I am switching gears! Visited my somewhat local JD dealer and started to drool.

My property is mostly wooded, over 15 acres of hardwoods and pine. We have several acres of yard, we are not picky, close to a mile of trails throughout the property and lastly a 1000ft uphill driveway. Beautiful spread

I bet you all can guess my tasks... my objective in this purchase is to fulfill my property management tasks, have fun and to stay young! Lots of exterior projects on the house too. All of these things are my hobby if you want to call it that!

Anyway, I started this thread to hear ideas on different implements I am looking at. This is a financing purchase. I'm hoping to snatch most of what I'll like having. 270b backhoe, FEL 61" bucket, 6ft standard rotary cutter, 72"MMM, 5' landplane, 6' backblade, loaded rears, spacers for the back tires...

I'm open to any and all ideas! And please shoot me comments and questions on the 2038r... I debated a lot about 2 series vs 3... I love the size of the new larger 2s!!! Thanks

 

[s219]

I haven't seen the new 2-series in person yet, but they really look nice on paper/website. Last time I stopped by my local Deere dealer, they still hadn't gotten any in stock.

 

[Suilenroc]

I haven't seen the new 2-series in person yet, but they really look nice on paper/website. Last time I stopped by my local Deere dealer, they still hadn't gotten any in stock.

This dealer does! It seemed like a no brainer to go for the 38 over the 32. I believe that little jump will allow me to borrow many more of my neighbors and friends implements!

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

While I am not familiar with the new 2 series or 3 series and my property is different, I believe I had a similar decision to make a few years ago. Here are a few of the considerations that pushed me into the 3xxx series.

FEL lift. I wanted to be able to lift a cu yd of dirt. The 2 series could not do that and subsequently even with the 3 series, I have wished for more lift power. I wanted approx 8' lift height. 2 series did not do that.

Back Hoe. The 2 series BH did not dig deep enough and as a function of depth had less reach requiring the tractor to be moved more often. Obviously the 3 series BH also has more actual digging power. I have found that digging out stumps that look relatively small are a chore even for the 3 series BH.

While more HP will run PTO implements with a lighter tractor, it may be difficult to put the HP to the ground without wheel spin.

Transmission. I did not see if the 2 series is a 2 range or 3 range. Past users of 2 range HST tended to complain Low was too slow and High was not powerful enough for certain tasks. In Ohio, I suspect you will also have snow clearing duties. For work in the woods, you may want to consider something better than a plain ROPS for head protection from falling limbs.

It's easy to spend other peoples money, but my suggestion is to carefully detail your specific requirements, now and future anticipated & compare to each series capabilities in order to ensure best possible chance of making the right decision. Based on your information provided, I suspect, in the long run you might be happier with a 3 series or maybe even a 4 series.

 

[bigtiller]

I'd love to have a 2038R, I do mostly PTO work, but Mrs.tiller wants a new car also. We can't get both so it's neither for now. I keep telling her when the factory puts an integrated cab on the 2038R we may have to discuss it a little more. I've noticed she rolls her eyes when we talk about tractors.

 

[Suilenroc]

While I am not familiar with the new 2 series or 3 series and my property is different, I believe I had a similar decision to make a few years ago. Here are a few of the considerations that pushed me into the 3xxx series.

FEL lift. I wanted to be able to lift a cu yd of dirt. The 2 series could not do that and subsequently even with the 3 series, I have wished for more lift power. I wanted approx 8' lift height. 2 series did not do that.

Back Hoe. The 2 series BH did not dig deep enough and as a function of depth had less reach requiring the tractor to be moved more often. Obviously the 3 series BH also has more actual digging power. I have found that digging out stumps that look relatively small are a chore even for the 3 series BH.

While more HP will run PTO implements with a lighter tractor, it may be difficult to put the HP to the ground without wheel spin.

Transmission. I did not see if the 2 series is a 2 range or 3 range. Past users of 2 range HST tended to complain Low was too slow and High was not powerful enough for certain tasks. In Ohio, I suspect you will also have snow clearing duties. For work in the woods, you may want to consider something better than a plain ROPS for head protection from falling limbs.

It's easy to spend other peoples money, but my suggestion is to carefully detail your specific requirements, now and future anticipated & compare to each series capabilities in order to ensure best possible chance of making the right decision. Based on your information provided, I suspect, in the long run you might be happier with a 3 series or maybe even a 4 series.

Thanks! I believe I did weigh all those things and found myself wanting the 2 over the 3 series. I believe I can do most things that I'd want a tractor to do by hand. In fact, I have for the most part minus grading my driveway. Judging by spec's of course the 3 looks better than a 2, and a 4 better than a 3. I am settling on the 2038r cause of its feel, not so much it's specifications. When I test drove a 3033, I felt like I was on something that wasn't quite right. Too large for my and to tall to fit my trails. The 3032e was slightly smaller but lacked a finish for even its price. I might be eating my words someday but today I feel pretty comfy knowing that I'm making my judgement off what fits me now!

 

[rustyshakelford]

Here's my opinion which is generally not taken well by some. Unless you make money with your BH I would recommend saving that 7k+ and rent a mini-ex when those projects come up. They are considerably quicker and more powerful. The most common argument is that when they want to use it they want it now which always surprises me as that's a typical millennial attitude and most here are more seasoned than that. Almost anytime I see a tractor for sale with a backhoe, the pic shows it almost tipped over, faded from the sun and no noticible wear on the bucket. It was great for 5 hrs and then not touched again

Good luck and sounds like a heck of a tractor package your building

Brett

 

[Suilenroc]

Thanks Brett! Ive read a lot about CUT backhoes ending up as garage weights!

 

[megaboz]

I have been looking at the new '17 2032R, well actually have one on order. I was looking at the new 3 series, but it was a little big for me as well. The couple extra HP for the 2038, not really worth it to me, even for PTO attachments. If you do get it, get the heavy duty bucket, I think you will appreciate it in the end. I have a '11 2025 and I have just about wore the bucket out.

 

[DVMSteve]

The most common argument is that when they want to use it they want it now which always surprises me as that's a typical millennial attitude and most here are more seasoned than that.

I get that... and in general I would agree. I *should* be more seasoned! I'm 54, with 9 kids! BUT, I'm nearly in the same boat as the o.p. here in the contemplation mode. My specific deal is that I do most of the cooking for my family, am extremely busy in my practice and am President Elect of my state professional association. SO, I have only a few hours left in a day to get work done outside. I don't want to have to spend most of that driving into town to pick up my friend's machine, then haul it back.

So I originally thought that having one of my own at home, albeit a small one, would be the way to go. Having listened to all the sage advice, however, I've changed my mind on that.

 

[Suilenroc]

I have been looking at the new '17 2032R, well actually have one on order. I was looking at the new 3 series, but it was a little big for me as well. The couple extra HP for the 2038, not really worth it to me, even for PTO attachments. If you do get it, get the heavy duty bucket, I think you will appreciate it in the end. I have a '11 2025 and I have just about wore the bucket out.

I am curious why you opted for a 60" deck opposed to the 72".?.? I've yet to finalize the order, my debate is between the MMM and just going with a RFM... I think i get the benefits of both an neither one is screaming to me as the absolute solution. I do intend to do some mowing, somewhat frequently on my trails. I have a riding mower that can get close to the house and whatnot but I really like the idea of half as many passes in the open area of my "yard" with the 2038r. The riding mower can do some trail mowing, but honestly, if i intend to keep that thing running i need to keep it off the trails! I feel like i'm pretty vulnerable out there on that thing, seems pretty delicate for trails! I priced and the MMM being it's probably the most expensive option, as to back track away from it the total just goes down...

 

[megaboz]

I am curious why you opted for a 60" deck opposed to the 72".?.? I've yet to finalize the order, my debate is between the MMM and just going with a RFM... I think i get the benefits of both an neither one is screaming to me as the absolute solution. I do intend to do some mowing, somewhat frequently on my trails. I have a riding mower that can get close to the house and whatnot but I really like the idea of half as many passes in the open area of my "yard" with the 2038r. The riding mower can do some trail mowing, but honestly, if i intend to keep that thing running i need to keep it off the trails! I feel like i'm pretty vulnerable out there on that thing, seems pretty delicate for trails! I priced and the MMM being it's probably the most expensive option, as to back track away from it the total just goes down...

Well, the 60" VS 72", have you seen a 72" under a 2032R or 2038R? The 72" sticks out a lot! For me, it is too wide for my property (in places) and scalping would be problematic. I currently have a 62" deck presently on my 2025, it does what I need very well. To me, 60" vs. 62" not much of a difference. It really just depends on how many narrow spots you have. I have several and many difficult compromising positions that puts a larger deck in my case in precarious situations.

 

[megaboz]

I am curious why you opted for a 60" deck opposed to the 72".?.? I've yet to finalize the order, my debate is between the MMM and just going with a RFM... I think i get the benefits of both an neither one is screaming to me as the absolute solution. I do intend to do some mowing, somewhat frequently on my trails. I have a riding mower that can get close to the house and whatnot but I really like the idea of half as many passes in the open area of my "yard" with the 2038r. The riding mower can do some trail mowing, but honestly, if i intend to keep that thing running i need to keep it off the trails! I feel like i'm pretty vulnerable out there on that thing, seems pretty delicate for trails! I priced and the MMM being it's probably the most expensive option, as to back track away from it the total just goes down...

How did you know I went with the 60" deck option? LOL

 

[megaboz]

If the specs on the JD site is accurate, $2k for 6 more HP, doesn't seem worth it. 6 more HP wouldn't make that much of a difference in PTO power. Just my opinion though...

 

[Suilenroc]

Your signature!

 

[megaboz]

Your signature!

Sad... I forgot I updated my signature.

 

[Suilenroc]

If the specs on the JD site is accurate, $2k for 6 more HP, doesn't seem worth it. 6 more HP wouldn't make that much of a difference in PTO power. Just my opinion though...

I have access to 6ft implements that are not in my purchase. I was told by the dealer that as long as they are under the 3pt lift weight requirements I should have no issue running them. Example, 72" tiller. I really do not want to own one of these but have a neighbor that will let me borrow. The 6' rotary cutter would be hard to get by with on a 32r as well. That extra 6hp as quoted so far isn't a 2k increase either... Either way, what I gain in my abilities to borrow for specific needs allows me to save on storage, more implement flexibility and more padding for higher demands.

 

[bigtiller]

If the specs on the JD site is accurate, $2k for 6 more HP, doesn't seem worth it. 6 more HP wouldn't make that much of a difference in PTO power. Just my opinion though...

The pto horsepower of 2032r verses 2038r is a little more than 6 hp The jump is from 23.5 to 30.4 hp. That is more than a 29% increase, which is a huge difference.

I'm not saying it's worth $2k but it is something to consider.

 

[SI2305]

Suilenroc,

I too have been very interested in getting a 2038r. This would be a huge step up from my current JD2305 which I love but have outgrown. Regarding the RFM. I presently mow my yard with a RFM and though it cuts well, it is a pain to maneuver. I am thinking about the 2038 in part to get back to a MMM with a drive-over deck. You stated that you have trails to mow. I have about 10 acres and a couple thousand feet in trails. My absolute hands down favorite implement for mowing trails is a flail mower and I have my eye on a Woodmaxx 6 foot flail mower with a hydraulic offset. I don't know how this type of mower would fit into your overall budget, but the flail mower is amazing. it cuts through rough material but leaves a finish-like mower cut.

At any rate, One reason I am replying is that if you do go this route, I would love to see some up-close pictures. My local dealer does not have a 2038r in stock and I am particularly interested in the right-hand control area. I would really love to see how the 3pt control and the loader controls are situated. Online pictures look pretty good, but none that I have found show this area with any close-up details.

Good luck on your decision, and if you do go the 2038r route, please let us know how it looks/feels. I would love to get some feedback before I take the plunge myself.



Thanks in advance,
SI2305

JD2305, loader, 4' bush hog, 5' RFM, 5' grader blade, 4' flail mower, 4' box blade

 

[jgayman]

I would love to see some up-close pictures. My local dealer does not have a 2038r in stock and I am particularly interested in the right-hand control area.

Does this help?