I bought a new 3032e with the 305 loader a few months ago, and overall like the tractor. What I didn't like is the leakdown rate on the loader. JD engineering says up to 7.5" per hour of leakdown is acceptable. That's a subject in itself. What I would like to share is that JD considers the 3032e and 3038e a "lower spec tractor" (their term). When I looked at tractors, I originally liked the size of the 2000 series, but felt like I could get more tractor in the 3000 series for the money. I remember the salesman saying the 2000 series is a "premium" tractor, but I didn't give that much thought. What this really boils down to is JD is battling the "3rd world" tractors with machines like the 3000 series. I'm the type of guy who thinks everything John Deere builds (other than Home Depot lawn tractors) is a premium, well-engineered machine. Personally, I think JD would be better off going back to building nothing but "premium" tractors. If they cost more, fine. If you're a company with a name and reputation like JD, you should want to put your name on nothing but a premium machine. I understand competition quite well, but when you start sacrificing quality to compete, you're going down a dangerous path. One last note- the 3032e has an aluminum rear axle housing, and I'm fine with aluminum. What I neglected to consider is that the tail end of the tractor is really light without ballast. The Kubota 3200 has an iron housing. The 3200 has 3 gear ranges versus 2 on the JD. I thought 2 would be fine, and for the most part it is, but what I missed is that a 3rd range would probably give me a lower ratio in low, which would be helpful. Would I buy another 3032e? Probably, but go in with eyes wide open.
After I play around with it for a while of course! First thing on the list of things to do is to fill the rear tires. Any recommendations for ballast/tire weight?
