3120 or 3032E ??

   / 3120 or 3032E ?? #1  

dkostiha

Bronze Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2010
Messages
77
Location
Austin, Texas
Tractor
John Deere 3120
I have found two tractors that are very similair and the price is only $500 for the 3120. They are both still under warranty wiith between 250-300 hours on each. They are both 4wd, R4 tires, hydro trans with FEL loaders. The 3120 has a 300X loader and the 3032E has a 305 loader. I am not what the lifting capacties of these two FELs. I have read the Tractordata specs for both rigs. The 3120 is about 800 lbs heavier and the 3 point will lift 1200 lbs more.

I will use the rig to pull a 5' shredder, 5' box blade and do some dirt work with the FEL.

What else should I be comparing ? What are the pros and cons of these two rigs ?
 
   / 3120 or 3032E ?? #2  
If it were me I would go for the 3120 assuming they are in equal condition. I don't have any experience with either tractor but some one will chime in.

If you compare the two tractors doesn't the 3120 have the 3 range ehydro while the 3032E has the 2 range hydro? The 3120 has left and right individual brakes whereas the 3032E has a single brake? That is enough for me to pick the 3120.
 
   / 3120 or 3032E ?? #3  
Both the loader and 3 point lift capacities are significantly better on the 20 series. More weight. Better (HD) 3 point set up (rigid vs chains). 3 RANGE HYDRO. Heavier front axel. More electronic controls of tranny - cruise and load match etc. Bigger tires. Better Seat. Better Gauges. More room on platform. Brakes. Removable loader. Heavier duty loader and bucket? More hydraulic options.

To me, you get a lot more bang for your (similar) buck with the 20 series. :thumbsup:

You do have a little less power with the 3120 tho. They have recently deleted this model as the 3320 was just a few bux more. Still.....I don't think you would be underpowered with 5 foot implements.
 
   / 3120 or 3032E ?? #4  
   / 3120 or 3032E ?? #5  
Chains? Are you talking about the lift arms, or just normal sway chains.

Not positive on this....but I think the 3032 has sway chains vs the 3120 which has telescoping stabilizer bars. And....I believe the 3 point lift hardware is more HD on the 20 series IIRC.
 
   / 3120 or 3032E ?? #6  
The 3120 does have higher 3PH capacity. That would be expected since it is a larger tractor than the 3032E and weighs about a thousand pounds more. Nothing to do with the sway chains or bars though. Really no difference in capacity, strength, or durability with either style sway control that I am aware of.

dkostiha - While the 3032E is a good tractor, for a similar price I also would go for the 3120 for the reasons already mentioned.
 
   / 3120 or 3032E ?? #7  
The 3120 does have higher 3PH capacity. That would be expected since it is a larger tractor than the 3032E and weighs about a thousand pounds more. Nothing to do with the sway chains or bars though. Really no difference in capacity, strength, or durability with either style sway control that I am aware of.


OK....so I went to the JD site and had to have a look....since your taking me to task. ;) The 3032 does have chains and turnbuckles....similar to my old 790. The 3320 has the telescoping sway control...which is said to be better. The 3320 also includes a drawbar....which is a good thing for heavy pulls.

I had some issues with my sway control on my 790....I had some stretch issues and some break issues. May have just been luck....but I'm hoping my 3320 has a better set-up. :D
 
   / 3120 or 3032E ?? #8  
Knowledge from first hand experience like you had is always best. Like I said, I knew of no problems with chains, that I am aware of. Guess I am aware of one now.
 
   / 3120 or 3032E ??
  • Thread Starter
#9  
Ok, I think I am going with the 3120. Does anyone know the lifting capacity of the 330X and how does it compare to the 300CX ?
 
   / 3120 or 3032E ?? #10  
Ok, I think I am going with the 3120. Does anyone know the lifting capacity of the 330X and how does it compare to the 300CX ?

I think the 300cx is quick attach...quick detach.

I think the 300x is not.

Look into it further as I am not 100% certain I am correct.

How much pto power on the 3120.??
 
   / 3120 or 3032E ?? #11  
Ok, I think I am going with the 3120. Does anyone know the lifting capacity of the 330X and how does it compare to the 300CX ?

I just did a little digging and apparently both loaders are Quick-Park.

Quick on. Quick off.

Still, this info could stand corrected.
 
   / 3120 or 3032E ?? #13  
Hi Dk, i've had a 3120 e hydro since Sept 2007 now got 820 hrs on clock - it's worked in a farm situation, its a very good tractor - comfortable, excellent vision when working. problems i've encountered...worst is that there is a plate on the very bottom of the front 4wd axle assembly. we've had rocks & logs come under the bucket & dent the plate 4 times in 3 years - hydo/oil fluid leaks out - the damned things r on the lowest part of the tractor & just not heavily enough material IMO- u have to be careful on that issue. steering adjustment slips sometimes - don't pull urself up one it if ur overweight like me:eek: have had the pedal sensor re-set on hydro ay 775 hrs - not a big job. other than that i'm very happy. i had a MF165 2 wd tractor that was 40 years old, spent nothing on it, but a lots changed and the 3120 with 4wd does all the old MF did & more.
re loader - one thing u have to watch is that the loader is stronger than the standard walled tyres that came on the unit. there r 2 3120 in our district, we both find when using the bucket we have to put lot of air in front tyres, then let some out when back to paddock work - both of us have blisters on the side walls of front tyres!!!! both of us have adopted the idea that we will let the tyre collapse & then replace with a thicker walled tyre at that time. i thought it was just me, was relieved when other owner had same issue. all that aside i find its a very good machine - it won't last out like MF165 did - not as heavy built, but neither will i - 10 years will see me off tractors anyways & each year i do less. if ur not going to do 1,000hrs a year i think u'll be happy. cant help more than that. cheers OzGH
 
   / 3120 or 3032E ??
  • Thread Starter
#14  
I bought the 3120 today. It is my first hydro, I have had shuttle shift and geared trans in the past. I was please with the loader and how it handled overall. No looking back now. Thx to all !
 
   / 3120 or 3032E ?? #15  
Congratulations. I think you'll be very pleased with your new machine.

On top of the FEL mast there is a 5/16" hole that does not seem to serve any purpose. Went to the local auto store and purchased two 5" convex mirrors that mount with a 3/8" threaded stud. Slipped a short piece of 3/8 ID clear tubing over the stud and inserted into 5/16" hole.

Presto - two adjustable rear view mirrors that so far don't seem to be stuck in the way.
 
   / 3120 or 3032E ?? #16  
I bought the 3120 today. It is my first hydro, I have had shuttle shift and geared trans in the past. I was please with the loader and how it handled overall. No looking back now. Thx to all !

I'd like to see a picture of that tractor.:thumbsup:

Best of luck with the operation of your new machine.
 
   / 3120 or 3032E ?? #17  
Good deal, for the extra $500 I think you made the better choice. WE WANT PICS>:D
 
   / 3120 or 3032E ?? #18  
Yes, pics please and congrats to you on your new 3120 ! :thumbsup:
 

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