New 3E series on RFDTV

[kennyd]

Just watched the John Deere show...Was primarily focused on the new 3E series "value" or "economy" tractors that where unveiled for the first time today.

Things that stood out for me:

1. Yanmar 3cyl engines
2. Made (assembled) in Georgia
3. Loader is FACTORY installed, and is NO a quick-detached unit, but the bucket still is QA
4. Joystick for FEL is mounted on the mast like Kubota does-I HATE this!
5. NO split brakes
6. Mechanical hydrostatic tranny (2 speed I think)
7. MFWD
8. 1100lbs FEL lift capacity
9. Cruise control optional
10. Fixed ROPS
11. NO Mid-PTO option

They kept saying basically "you will surprised at the price!"

 

[jd670]

Just saw the new 3E series tractors on the Deere website. Looks like Deere went retro. These tractors remind me of the 50 series...750-850-950.... Starting at just over 13,000 not bad.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Just took a quick look at em..
EVEN The Drawbar is optional....

I love my 3520.......but I'm sure this will help Deere in the budget tractor category...

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

This is totally to go after all they sales they are loosing to Kubota's L2800/L3400 and the lesser brands. Looks like its intentionally hampered in the same way the 3005 is... actually, doesn't this kinda overlap with the 3005?

 

[bxowner]

I'd disagree that the 3005 is 'hampered.' It seems like a nice package and is already priced well at under $10k in 2wd.

My question is why Deere didn't just spend the engineering costs to make hydro an option on the 3005. As is, in 4wd gear-drive, it prices out at $12200, versus $13600 for the 3E. I'm sure they could have offered hydro for less than $1400.

Then you'd have a machine with a mid-PTO, quick attach loader and split brakes (3 features I couldn't live without on a utility tractor). Granted, you lose a couple of horsepower.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Its hampered in that these also appear to not take rear remotes, a backhoe, etc. Just like the 3005. There is no reason a machine can't take rear remotes unless your trying to structure your product line to force people into more expensive tractor if they need these things. There is nothing wrong with the product, its just that they're removing such fundamental stuff (removable loader) to really take away any appeal of these machines beyond price.

 

[gamble77]

These have a nice open operators station whereas the 3005 does not, I also believe these have the electric independent PTO...

Drawbars we have been told will soon be optional on the 3X20 and 4X20 series as well...

 

[Spudland_Dave]

There is nothing wrong with the product, its just that they're removing such fundamental stuff (removable loader) to really take away any appeal of these machines beyond price.

IMO...I would have taken a "Solid Mount" Heavy Duty loader for my 3520 over the 300CX if it were available... The older "20 Mins to remove" loaders were alot more solid then the current Quick Mount offerings from Green & Orange...I wouldnt call it a fundamental item.
Id argue a CAB is a fundamental item,

Doesnt suprise me that the Drawbar will become optional...big chunk of steel that Deere can save a few bucks on knowing bleepin well 90% of the "deluxe" tractors will still opt for them...just like the 300CX... The dealer I bought mine from mounted NOTHING but the 300CX on the 3x20's....around here the 300CX is pretty much the "Standard" loader because of that. I'm sure some dealers will just continue to order the drawbar and pass the cost along to the consumer. Deere should have just upped the price of the tractor $50.00 to cover the drawbar on the deluxe (xx20) models.

Tractors seem to be following the current economic trend of removing or reducing options/features/sizes but keeping pricing the same..... To the un-informed person life is good because a Widget today still costs $99.99 like it did last year, but realistically they are getting less widget....

 

[crashz]

I think Deere marketed the 3E tractor for my demographic. The shopper looking for a basic, easy to use tractor with a low price. Since a tractor is more toy than tool for me, and I'm not interested in extra gizmos, the 3E sounds very attractive. I will be shopping them out along side the Kubota L2800/L3400.

Are they on the website yet?

 

[Cidertom]

Once upon a time there was a chainsaw brand "MC_________" that was widely used around here by professionals. Then the company started down the mass-market road, a little cheaper here, a cut corner there and soon they were bankrupt. Certainly they were bought and the name resurected. But you don't see professional loggers using them. They mass marketed themselves away from their core business of providing a dependable long lasting tools.

I have to worry that some bean counter at Deere is leading the drive to capture a little more market by removing value. Then that person will start showing the percentage is higher on the consumer stuff than the well made stuff and we will not have the choice. They are never going to be able to beat the itchy-crotchy china diesels in price, and probably shouldn't try.