Tractor Sizing New John Deere - Need Help with 3 or 4 Series

[BearChamion]

I’ve got a 3046R and a 5115M.

If you’ve got hills go with at least the 4 series.

 

[hawkeye_miner]

I briefly looked at the 3 series but wound up buying a 4052R cab. This will be my first compact tractor (I've owned several larger machines) so I'm anxious to see how it performs. The loader capacity of the smaller machines ruled them out for me.

 

[Cranblue]

I have been lurking for a while and reading various forums and internet info. I have visited a couple different dealers and received different opinions. I am looking for more insight on this from folks dealing with tractors daily. Here is what I am working with land wise and tools.

* Why John Deere? This is the only local dealer in 50-100 miles from my cabin in West Virginia, it is in the middle of no where. If I need service, they do pickup/dropoff.
* Very little flat ground, mainly hills.
* 50 acres total, 30 acres of fields that need brushed hogged, 20 acres of which many have trails that need brushed hogged as well
* Many projects to dig and put in culverts and I need the backhoe when I have time to use it, so I want the backhoe and I know the increased cost. Renting a mini excavator just does not work timing wise as you have to factor in when I am there and weather is good.
* FEL & pallet forks for moving material around
* Box blade or land plane for grading and smoothing out the very rough terrain/trails

I am between a 3038e, which I do am reading I want the heavier 4xxx series for hills and the R as it has a beefier frame compared to the e. Cost is always a concern, so no specific budget yet. Trying to figure out if the 3xxx or 4xxx series is the better way to go? Also 3038e or 3038r or maybe the 4044M. Or what else am I not thinking of.

Just over a year ago I looked at JD 4044 I had figured 40-50 hp would be enough for a 20 acre property owner with a large tree removal job to start working on. My uncle had little smaller property bought 3038 he felt little small but sometimes bigger not always better.I ended up with Kubota L4701 with FEL and Back hoe very happy with it power and capability for a tractor. I agree with most here if you can afford 4044 you should be pleased with its size and capabilities. Good luck on your purchase