Comparison John Deere 3032e vs Kubota B3300

[DodgersDad]

We are looking to buy a tractor for our horse property (5 acres). We are considering the John Deere 3032e or the Kubota B3300. They are very similar in price (the John Deere is actually several hundred cheaper). We will be using it mostly to mow pasture, move dirt for stalls, and using an auger to install fence posts. Any thoughts on which would be the best fit for our needs?

 

[TripleR]

Both are good tractors with very similar features. The Kubota has a 3-speed transmission whereas the John Deere has two. I use Medium on mine quite a bit. For me this would not be a deal breaker, only a consideration.

I believe the real difference is going to be which "feels right" to you as the controls are quite a bit different. I prefer the HST controls on the Kubota, but also own a John Deere and have no real problem with it. The brake pedals are on the left for the John Deere and on the right for the Kubota. I prefer the Kubota arrangement, but many prefer the John Deere.

Spend a little time on both and you will know which one is right for you. Good luck.

 

[CurtisG]

As posted, you will have to see and feel for yourself which one is right for you. I bought the Kubota B3300 and the only thing I do not like about it is the vibration at PTO speeds, it is my understanding that the B series with the 4 cyl motor has this high frequency vibration that the 3 cyl does not have. I went back to my dealer and tested both 3 and 4 cyl models and the 3 cyl models such as the L2800 are much smoother at PTO speeds. It probably does not matter to a lot of people but mine puts my feet to sleep. I am in the process trying to trade for a L2800 but with only 29 hours/ 2 months on mine they still want about $1700 difference, too much as far as I'm concerned. I realize it is considered a used tractor now but I think Kubota should foot some of the difference. If they don't I will have to keep my B3300 and wish I had bought the John Deere 3032. Just my opinion!

Curt

 

[Code54]

May want to look at the Kubota L3700 SU - they seem to be selling all over for 18600 with a loader and that may give you a little extra tractor for the money. I bought one and really am glad I moved up to that size.

 

[Artesia Aggie]

If you want more HP, the L3700SU compares favorably with the Deere 3038E. You can get a 3038E around here for about $17,000-$17,500 with a loader. It is basically the same tractor as the 3032E with more horses.

 

[Code54]

I was looking at the Deere as well and it is a nice machine. The draw back for me was the loader and lack of a quick detach, only a 2 range hydro, and the lack of a subframe backhoe. Depending on your needs and wants it is a good machine to consider.
Also make sure you have a good dealer, that can help make the decision - a good dealer can be very important after the sale.
Good luck

 

[Artesia Aggie]

I agree that a good dealer is essential. Just FYI, with the 3032E and 3038E there is a quick attach dealer installed option for the loader.

 

[CurtisG]

Well:thumbsup:---I finally gave in and decided to go ahead and trade my new(2 months old) Kubota B3300SU in on a L2800 XtraPower. I'm giving up 3 HP (33 vs 30) but the L series is a much heavier tractor and loader and has the 3 cyl engine that has less vibration than the B3300's 4 cyl. at PTO speeds. Dealer should have it ready sometimes Thursday.

Curt

 

[JDGreenGrass]

Sounds like you got what you want.

Good for you.!!:thumbsup:

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

the 'e' series deere is an economney tractor, the B3030 is a deluxe model. To make a more fair comparision look at the Kubota B3200 (same size) or L2800 (bigger)

 

[peterc38]

the 'e' series deere is an economney tractor, the B3030 is a deluxe model. To make a more fair comparision look at the Kubota B3200 (same size) or L2800 (bigger)

Huh? The comparison was to the Kubota B3300, not the B3030

 

[BleedGreen]

Similar size and hp, the Kub has a continuous live PTO and the Deere has an independant PTO, Kub - 1/4" valve, JD - position control, Kub - single pump, JD - dual pump, and the JD has slightly more 3 pt hitch lift capacity and is a little over 100# heavier. The Kub does have a longer wheelbase and a little more ground clearance. Both Deere and Kub make very good machines (obviously I am partial to green ) and I think the biggest differences between the two in usability for you will be the 3 pt hitch controls (position vs 1/4) and the PTO (indp vs live)

Just my :2cents:

 

[TripleR]

Similar size and hp, the Kub has a continuous live PTO and the Deere has an independant PTO, Kub - 1/4" valve, JD - position control, Kub - single pump, JD - dual pump, and the JD has slightly more 3 pt hitch lift capacity and is a little over 100# heavier. The Kub does have a longer wheelbase and a little more ground clearance. Both Deere and Kub make very good machines (obviously I am partial to green ) and I think the biggest differences between the two in usability for you will be the 3 pt hitch controls (position vs 1/4) and the PTO (indp vs live)

Just my :2cents:

That would be enough for me as I hate the 1/4" valve.

 

[DodgersDad]

"Kub - 1/4" valve, JD - position control"

Can someone clarify what this means and why there would be a preference? Thanks!

 

[TripleR]

You can do a search and find hours of reading. Here is just one example:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/168321-quarter-inching-valve.html

Essentially with position control, you can pick a repeatable, set height for your implements and it will remain there. Also small adjustments to your lever give small corresponding changes to the height, up or down.

With 1/4 inching and other non position control, you move the lever up or down and the implement will move as long as you hold the lever or you can move the lever and the implement will completely raise or lower and the lever will self center. With the 1/4 inch feature, you can "bump" against tabs with your lever and the 3-point will move in small increments. There is a You Tube on this.

I am sure someone else might be able to give a more succinct definition.

 

[TheGoose]

I checked out the 303xe series when I bought my 'Bota. Here is the rundown:

JD 3032e/3038
No cruise control
no drawbar
no temp/fuel gage. Only rpm.
No split brake. PTO
Only 2 speed hydro.

I tested one and it seemed like a solid machine. I think JD intentionally made it cheap to make the 3x20 more appealing. The loader handled nice and smooth and the tractor drove good. I did not like all the plastic. I picked the Kubota L3400, which is similar to the L2800 and now L3700. The only thing I do not like about the Kubota is the jerky 3-pt hitch. It's fine for box blade etc. but is a pain when using a post hole digger or boom pole. L3400 series falls more inbetween the 3032 and 3x20 series, depending on the model. Also the 3038 uses a turbo to get those 38 HP, the Kubota is non-turbo.

 

[DodgersDad]

We decided to go with the JD 3032E. Have many hours on it already with the mower and 6" and 9" augers while installing our pasture fence. Solid machine and love the position control. Thanks for all the suggestions.