Help me advise neighbor

JD 4520 · Feb 24, 2014

jinman said:
Thanks, chevy. That's great info. Even with shipping, that adapter is a bargain.

Sure wish I had a neighbor that was only a fraction as pleasant as you. Your neighbor should feel blessed.

jinman · Feb 25, 2014

JD 4520 said:
Sure wish I had a neighbor that was only a fraction as pleasant as you. Your neighbor should feel blessed.

You know, that goes both ways. This neighbor is new to the neighborhood and a real asset to our community. If I can help him any way, I'm gonna do it.

Pacerron: I'm just trying to get good info for this guy before his tractor is delivered. We both know how much cooperation to expect after the the sale is done and the delivery made.

Right now, David is overwhelmed with options and language that seems to make as much sense as hieroglyphics. I don't want to make his process more complex, but do want him to make decisions he will not later regret. Knowing there is an inexpensive SS adapter for that loader is a big relief to me. $385 is a whole lot less than $750 for a set of pallet forks. I'll check with Blueriver if David becomes serious about a purchase. In the meantime, if he needs pallet forks, he can borrow my TC45D.

nickc · Feb 25, 2014

im not sure of the difference between the 305 loader & the cx line but there are many inexpensive adapters available online, certainly worth a look. I hope this response is long enough, im hoping not to get that rash

dirt ditch · Feb 26, 2014

It is a personal choice, but the JD quick attach is a good system. If it was me I'd stay with the JD style attachments. My :2cents:

grsthegreat · Feb 26, 2014

dirt ditch said:
It is a personal choice, but the JD quick attach is a good system. If it was me I'd stay with the JD style attachments. My :2cents:

their system is ok, but it limits aftermarket items it will accept. Nearly every other modern tractor uses the quick attach skidsteer system of attachment...cept for JD.

you can find 100's of items that wont attach to the JD system without changing their attachment system.

jinman · Feb 28, 2014

My neighbor got his new 3038e delivered yesterday and brought it over to to show it off. It's a nice little tractor even if an economy model. The hood raising and latch mechanism is a little floppy, but very functional. I like the controls layout and the HST transmjssion is very strong and responsive without being too noisy. I like the way the lower 3PH lift arms join the rear differential case too. JD has beefed up the arms with support bushings to make those arms very strong. Anyone doing boxblading will like the extra strength while backing. The I-match is well documented here, so I'll just say that it may be a bit overpriced, but very functional.

I liked the dual HST pedals since that's what I'm used to on my tractor. I'd perfer split brake pedals, but you don't get everything with an economy tractor. The dash seems well designed and the mechanical gas fuel gage/float is absolutely brilliant.

The 305 loader is very responsive and a great match for the tractor's hydraulics. The loader is responsive and the float indent is positive and firm. Curling the bucket easily popped the front wheels right off the grround. The cutting edge on the loader bucket seems very beefy even if the rest of the sheet metal looks just sufficient. The bucket seems a good match for the loader.

I really like the openness around the seat area and the easy access to the 3PH lift cylinder. The HST control lever and emergency brake are very well designed and placed. I'm not so sure about the electric PTO actuation. I'll have to get some feedback from my neighbor later after he uses it a bit.

My impression was that this is an economy tractor that is very capable and a good product by JD. With care and good maintenance, it should be a long-term performer. I think my neighbor will be very happy.