My First Tractor - Unicorns do Exist!!

CampyVA · Apr 1, 2019

Hi All,

After about ~6 months of research, thousands of used tractor listings, many wasted drives, and seemingly endless frustration, I finally found what I was looking for.

I purchased my first tractor this past weekend, a near pristine 2011 John Deere 3032e.

Who knew it would be so hard to find a low hour, well maintained, used, mid-size CUT for a reasonable price. I was "this close" to throwing up my hands and buying new, but I really didn't want to spend almost double the money, and risk taking the initial depreciation hit if it turned out I didn't like owning a tractor (doubtful) or if I realized I bought something too small in a few years (I hear this can happen). ...and I'd rather have that extra money to buy implements with.

About that... I can't wait to get out into our 19 acres and see what it can do, but first I need to buy... you know.. everything. So far I bought some chain and ordered up some Bolt-On Hooks from Ken's. Next on the list is a 5' box blade for much needed driveway maintenance, a 5' rotary cutter for our neglected pastures, and maybe a Ratchet Rake. Down the road a bit, I see some third function hydraulics and a grapple in my future, but I don't even know where to start with that.

Thanks to everyone on the forums who helped in the process. TBN is a fantastic resource.

nybirdman · Apr 1, 2019

Congrats on the new tractor;they are out there.My BIL purchased a 1997 L3300 Kubota with 176 hours on it.4WD and FEL+front snow blower:at a bargain price too.

PEJ5 · Apr 1, 2019

Congratulations on your new purchase. I am 6 months and a mere 23 operation hours ahead of you so this is a rookie response. Most of my hours so far are snowblowing with a used blower, but that is not applicable to you. I also purchased a 3pt hydraulic wood splitter since wood is a great source of heat at -10F, again not applicible.

More useful. I purchased a rear blade and middle buster from my neighbour because he no longer had a use for them - great deal for me. I ordered weld on hooks just last week! I will soon start building a rear ballast box for safety.
Next, after a great deal of reading on TBN I will purchase a set of pallet forks to deal with my piles of logs, some large boulders, and put everything I can on pallets for easy moving. I will likely build a pallet platform for some work on eavestrough, and other 8' high work ahead of me.

Finally, following the snow melt, I will put my tractor to work and enjoy my investment and reduce back breaking chores.

Have fun.

MGMAN45 · Apr 1, 2019

CampyVA said:
Hi All,

After about ~6 months of research, thousands of used tractor listings, many wasted drives, and seemingly endless frustration, I finally found what I was looking for.

I purchased my first tractor this past weekend, a near pristine 2011 John Deere 3032e.

Who knew it would be so hard to find a low hour, well maintained, used, mid-size CUT for a reasonable price. I was "this close" to throwing up my hands and buying new, but I really didn't want to spend almost double the money, and risk taking the initial depreciation hit if it turned out I didn't like owning a tractor (doubtful) or if I realized I bought something too small in a few years (I hear this can happen). ...and I'd rather have that extra money to buy implements with.

About that... I can't wait to get out into our 19 acres and see what it can do, but first I need to buy... you know.. everything. So far I bought some chain and ordered up some Bolt-On Hooks from Ken's. Next on the list is a 5' box blade for much needed driveway maintenance, a 5' rotary cutter for our neglected pastures, and maybe a Ratchet Rake. Down the road a bit, I see some third function hydraulics and a grapple in my future, but I don't even know where to start with that.

Thanks to everyone on the forums who helped in the process. TBN is a fantastic resource.

View attachment 598320

Nice Tractor.What is the HP? just curious.

fjcruiser · Apr 1, 2019

CampyVA said:
Hi All,

After about ~6 months of research, thousands of used tractor listings, many wasted drives, and seemingly endless frustration, I finally found what I was looking for.

I purchased my first tractor this past weekend, a near pristine 2011 John Deere 3032e.

Who knew it would be so hard to find a low hour, well maintained, used, mid-size CUT for a reasonable price. I was "this close" to throwing up my hands and buying new, but I really didn't want to spend almost double the money, and risk taking the initial depreciation hit if it turned out I didn't like owning a tractor (doubtful) or if I realized I bought something too small in a few years (I hear this can happen). ...and I'd rather have that extra money to buy implements with.

About that... I can't wait to get out into our 19 acres and see what it can do, but first I need to buy... you know.. everything. So far I bought some chain and ordered up some Bolt-On Hooks from Ken's. Next on the list is a 5' box blade for much needed driveway maintenance, a 5' rotary cutter for our neglected pastures, and maybe a Ratchet Rake. Down the road a bit, I see some third function hydraulics and a grapple in my future, but I don't even know where to start with that.

Thanks to everyone on the forums who helped in the process. TBN is a fantastic resource.

View attachment 598320