JD 3038e - Looking for comments from existing owners

[gatorbait3014]

Just purchased a JD3038e at my local dealer yesterday. Should be ready to pick-up by the 16th (Thursday). Curious to hear from existing model owners likes and gripes on this model.


Thank you in advance....


Mark in Central Virginia

 

[nikdfish]

We have about 420 hrs on our 2010 3038e and have not had any significant issues since purchase. For us, it has been pretty much the perfect mix of size / power / affordability for what we needed. If you haven't loaded the rear tires, you probably should consider it. The power to weight ratio is such that you are more likely to spin the wheels then run out of power. The only quality issue we have run into is that the paint on the exterior of the seat pan has pretty much all peeled off - strictly an asthetics thing - no functional negative effect. It is real good on fuel consumption, sometimes I think it may be better than our smaller 1025R. If you need to run "off-seat" PTO operations (like a chipper), you will need to either come up with a weight for the seat (I use a bag of tie-down chains), or gimmick the seat switch.

Do be aware that the 305 loader has probably one of the quickest within spec "leak down" rates of the John Deere FEL models, so don't be surprised if you notice the bucket start bouncing while cutting a field...

Nick

 

[Steve IA]

Hi, Mostly agree with Nick on my 2011 little sister 3032E. Loaded the rear tires was the best thing I did. Ride is rough with little springiness in the seat. Loader curl does 'leak down' a little, but my main booms hold with only 1/2" drop over 24 hrs. Seat upholstery did crack this winter even having been parked inside. Turns shorter and smoother in 2wd than in 4wd. I use 4wd only when needed to reduce tires chewing up the lawn. I pull a 72" finish mower and it does great around trees and stuff.
Good luck,
Steve
southIA

 

[kcflhrc]

I have the little sister too, a 2013 3032E. I was a little gun shy of the 3038 because of the turbo but the best deal was on the 3032 anyway. I truly couldn't be happier with this tractor. It does most everything I ask of it and doesn't complain. I have the 305 loader, 5' brush hog and 6' standard rear blade with the I-match coupler and loaded rear tires.

 

[jeff9366]

Here are 2,000+ "JD 3038e" threads from the T-B-N archive:

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=Deere+3038e+site:tractorbynet.com

 

[gatorbait3014]

Hi Nick,
Thank you for the info. I purchased the tractor with a front loader (D160 ?) and a Rear Augur. I had quite a bit of fencing to install, and the augur seemed like a very good alternative to a post hole digger.

When you commented about "loading the tires", were you referring to adding wheel weights to the rear wheels? Please advise on that one.

PERSON COUNTY, NC..... I just moved from next-door in Halifax County (VA) back up to property we own Amherst County (VA), near the Blue Ridge Parkway. One of our horses is a 'rescue' from Person County.

Mark

 

[kcflhrc]

When you commented about "loading the tires", were you referring to adding wheel weights to the rear wheels? Please advise on that one.

They put fluid in the rear tires, similar to washer fluid, to add weight to the machine. Just about a necessity in a tractor this light weight.

 

[beenthere]

Windshield washer fluid is precisely what I add for weight in the rear tires.

 

[Steve IA]

I spotted a 3038E down the road lately with vertical exhaust. I hope it's quieter than my 3032E where ear plugs are nearly a necessity.

 

[kcflhrc]

I spotted a 3038E down the road lately with vertical exhaust. I hope it's quieter than my 3032E where ear plugs are nearly a necessity.

They are noisy. But I think it's more motor noise than exhaust noise.