JD 3520 vs 3038E

Green Quest · Mar 16, 2009

i have narrowed it down to these two tractors. i was wondering what people thought about either one. also your like and dislikes. i was primarly going to use it in my landscaping company and to do bush hog.

JiminGa · Mar 16, 2009

well, do you have a skid steer? need specifics for your uses, I use a 2305 in my landscaping business, and it's great for some things, but it won't lift a pallet of sod or block. I'd say if it'll fit the needs the 20 series is hands down better for your commercial application, but you may regret not going to a larger frame 4x20 tractor.

Green Quest · Mar 16, 2009

dont do much sod work. i would use it more for moving mulch around and rocks with the bucket. and also for grading drive ways. i do have a skid steer but want to add a tractor to the fleet. i think im going for the 3520 with the HST transimition

docjupa24 · Mar 16, 2009

i have a 3520 and it has plenty of power, hydro is perfect for mowing etc. im wanting to go up to 4520 but just because i need a bigger backhoe.........

Spudland_Dave · Mar 16, 2009

Absouletly love my Cabbed 3520....but HATE the 300cx...to be clear...it works good...but its a little "Too Loose" for my tastes....

Green Quest · Mar 16, 2009

so is the 300x loader better than the 300cx that was my other question thanks for the imput i think im going to buy the 3520 but imput on loader would be nice thanks in advance

mattcage · Mar 16, 2009

I was looking at the 3038 machine also. I ended up getting a 06 3720 for just a bit more.

If you are buying from scratch, get the 300cx loader. Mine has the 300x loader, and I wish it had a bit more umph to it. It is just a few hundred more for the bigger loader. Mine came with the 300x and there is nothing wrong with it; however if you are going to use it commercially, time is money and all that. The bigger loader might save you a few scoops here and there.

The 3038 looks to be a fine machine, but the 3x20 series is a lot more machine. (Or so I think; what do I know)

Matt

Green Quest · Mar 16, 2009

we i was looking in to it more and the 3038E has a smaller fuel tank and they cut alot of corners with this tractor i think im going to stick with the 3520. and in comercial world time is money and more time the less money i earn.

jenkinsph · Mar 17, 2009

Green Quest said:
we i was looking in to it more and the 3038E has a smaller fuel tank and they cut alot of corners with this tractor i think im going to stick with the 3520. and in comercial world time is money and more time the less money i earn.

I also do alot of landscape work commercially but not full time. I think you will be better served with the 3520 too.

Steve

RollingsFarms · Mar 17, 2009

watching Deere's introduction show on RFDTV about the new 3038 and 3032 tractors, they mentioned that these tractors(3038 and 3032) are the 'budget busters'. in other words, you've never owned a tractor in your life, then take a look at this one with the major features a first timer might desire such as hydro, mfwd, loader(although not quick-tach), etc. they took the main features that most desired from the 3000 series and made two tractors to compete with other manufacturers budget tractors. the 3020 series offeres you things such as availible cab, mid pto, cruise control, loaders that you can take off, etc.

jenkinsph · Mar 17, 2009

RollingsFarms said:
watching Deere's introduction show on RFDTV about the new 3038 and 3032 tractors, they mentioned that these tractors(3038 and 3032) are the 'budget busters'. in other words, you've never owned a tractor in your life, then take a look at this one with the major features a first timer might desire such as hydro, mfwd, loader(although not quick-tach), etc. they took the main features that most desired from the 3000 series and made two tractors to compete with other manufacturers budget tractors. the 3020 series offeres you things such as availible cab, mid pto, cruise control, loaders that you can take off, etc.

Yeah, if you spend much time on TBN and watch RFDTV's tractor shows then you are "hooked on tractors". So you might as well go the deluxe route.

Steve

Green Quest · Mar 17, 2009

with the loaders for the 3520 which one is the better loader the 300x or the 300cx. thanks for the imput i had decidedon the 3520.

RollingsFarms · Mar 17, 2009

most people go for the 300cx. i think it's a little more heavy duty, but don't quote me on that.

Green Quest · Mar 17, 2009

thanks that what i was thnking that it was a little heavy to but just wanted to make sure

JasonMac · Mar 18, 2009

Definitely go for the 300cx!!!! More lift capacity, more lift height..... It is a great loader over the 300x..... It's a great loader, just wish it could be made totally tight at the masts. Me personally, I don't care about the quick park feature of it, my loader stays on all of the time... I just wish there was a way to lock it in so there is no slop at all at the loader masts, and I know that is the same thing that Spudland Dave was saying also... the loader works great, lifts great, plenty of strength, plenty of lift height, but has a little movement at the posts.....

but don't cheap out and get the 300x.... why they make this loader is beyond me.... they should only offer the 300cx on all 3000 Twenty series tractors, and give just a little discount. Most people who have the 300x will admit they wish they had the CX instead... for a few hundred dollars extra it is worth it..

JasonMac · Mar 18, 2009

Oh... also I forgot to mention.... get the Heavy Duty Bucket too..... don't get the Standard Duty... it is not a reinforced bucket at all, and they will bend and warp on you very easily, so make sure you get the Heavy Duty bucket.... I myself use the 73" bucket with the reversible cutting edge option.... it is nice... 73" or 66" Heavy Duty is fine.. Don't get the 60" because it doesn't overlap the width of your tires enough...

Green Quest · Mar 18, 2009

can you get 4 way bucket from deere or do you have to buy from another company i was looking in to them and the 4 way would fit my neededs right but need to know of a good place to get one

Spudland_Dave · Mar 18, 2009

JasonMac said:
Oh... also I forgot to mention.... get the Heavy Duty Bucket too..... don't get the Standard Duty...

I'd reccomend going "all the way" and going with the Skid Steer QA attachment on the 300CX....the QA isnt free (but not expensive either) and puts you in the position of being able to buy buckets, forks, etc... that are WAYYY Heavier Duty and Cheaper....In the long haul, you're better off with the Skid Steer QA, no matter what tractor model or brand you buy.

nmu98 · Mar 20, 2009

Spudland_Dave said:
I'd reccomend going "all the way" and going with the Skid Steer QA attachment on the 300CX....the QA isnt free (but not expensive either) and puts you in the position of being able to buy buckets, forks, etc... that are WAYYY Heavier Duty and Cheaper....In the long haul, you're better off with the Skid Steer QA, no matter what tractor model or brand you buy.

I did not take that recomendation when I ordered my 3720. I thought why? What else could I put up there other than a bucket? Then I needed some pallet forks..... Then a grapple..... then a bale spear.... then ... then.... and now everything I have is JD Quick tach. Not a huge deal, but it cost more to get it this way, and I will have to stay with this brand..... Staying with the brand does not bother me, but I like to have choices......