Buying Advice New Tractor advice

[Redblok]

Looking into the Chipper/Shredder - I amy just rent a powered unit.

 

[RoyJackson]

Roy,

I like the 3520 with the eHydro. The one I found has the power reverser trans.

The 3038e can be run without having weight in the seat. According to them, you place the machine in neutral, set the parking brake (do not sit in the seat) and start the machine. The PTO will work and you don't have any weight in the seat.

The reverser is an outstanding transmission....the advantages of easy forward and reversing, yet no power loss from the HST. Best of both worlds.
My Deere 4400 has a reverser transmission. Mine is what the call a Sync-Reverser. The main difference is I have to clutch to shift directions...not required on the Power-Reverser. IMHO, these are the most versatile transmissions Deere uses. Basically, it has 12 speeds forward, 12 speeds in reverse. There are 4 speeds and 3 ranges. Like the eHydro,you do need to stop to change ranges. Speed changes within a range can be done on the fly.
Frankly, there's not that many times I need to shift gears, once one is selected for the task. However, reversing can be quite frequent.
Personally, I think you'd really like it!

As far as the 3038e...this is directly from the Deere manual:

Using Rear PTO

NOTE: The Rear PTO is only operational with the operator on the seat.
Engaging Rear PTO

1. Sit on operator’s seat.

2. Stop machine motion, remove foot from forward and reverse travel pedals.

NOTE: The starter will not crank if the PTO knob is pulled to the engaged/on position. If the operator leaves the seat with the engine running and the PTO engaged, the safety interlock system will stop the engine.

3. Reduce throttle setting to 1500 rpm.

4. Pull the PTO knob to the engaged/on position to engage the rear PTO.

5. Adjust the hand throttle lever forward to the desired speed for implement used.

NOTE: The PTO icon on the tachometer indicates the correct engine rpm for a standard 540 PTO .
Disengaging Rear PTO

1. Adjust engine rpm to low idle speed.

2. Push the PTO knob to the disengaged/off position to disengage the rear PTO.

Here's the link to the manual:
OMLVU20279_L8

 

[Redblok]

Thanks Roy - Before I buy anything, I am going to play hookie tomorrow and test drive tractors again.. I find it interesting that the JD sales rep was telling me the work around. I will have to check that out. I definitely would like to run a PTO generator when the power goes out and maybe a chipper /shredder.

 

[Redblok]

I was wrong on the 3520- The out of state dealer now told the finance rate was 4.9% and that the $19900 was the cash price, $21900 of the financed deal plus whatever the finance rate is.

I guess that one is out. Looks like the 3038e is probably the winner, but I am going test driving tomorrow.

 

[94BULLITT]

There are actually other dealers much closer than 80-100mi from Springfield (I'm in stafford, VA as I type this). There is a NH/Kioti dealer in Frederick, a Kubota dealer in Fredericksburg, an LS dealer in Culpeper, a Case/IH dealer near Leesburg, etc....none terribly far away.

Looks like his closest Kubota is in College Park, MD.

http://www.kubota.com/locator/DealerDetail.aspx?dealer=53205&latLng=(39.013142,-76.92776800000001)&f=Springfield,%20Virginia

 

[diesel3]

You are really going to do some heavy work to start with ! Clearing 5 acres ? Different machines for different jobs . The John Deere 3038 or 3520 are good tractors, for cutting pasture or yard or general farm use, I have a 253 mf 4 wheel drive .4 in 1 bucket loader attached 50 hp or better ,it has help clear off some lots , I have been and still are a heavy equipment operator , for over 40 years ,The 3520 I believe can handle a backhoe attachment , not heavy duty and costly. With the 3520 and the 5 ton truck , if you take your time , you can clear the 5 acres, if you have never done any clearing before you will learn just take your time . If you get bit by the equipment bug , it is a life long disease , not a bad thing to have. Best of luck!!!! Keep on Tractoring!!!!!!

 

[Redblok]

You are really going to do some heavy work to start with ! Clearing 5 acres ? Different machines for different jobs . The John Deere 3038 or 3520 are good tractors, for cutting pasture or yard or general farm use, I have a 253 mf 4 wheel drive .4 in 1 bucket loader attached 50 hp or better ,it has help clear off some lots , I have been and still are a heavy equipment operator , for over 40 years ,The 3520 I believe can handle a backhoe attachment , not heavy duty and costly. With the 3520 and the 5 ton truck , if you take your time , you can clear the 5 acres, if you have never done any clearing before you will learn just take your time . If you get bit by the equipment bug , it is a life long disease , not a bad thing to have. Best of luck!!!! Keep on Tractoring!!!!!!

Diesel 3 - Thanks for the advice. I do plan to take my time. Years ago I had done some clearing. If I had the budget - I would just buy a decent Crawler/loader with a 4/1 bucket to do the work, but I also need a CUT 4x4 to do work on another property as well.
Thanks

 

[Oiltech]

Redblok I purchased an Everything's attachment grapple with the 3rd function hyd kit for my L3540 and installed it myself. It's a great attachment and no complaints. It's tuffer than the Kubota FEL which I bent/twisted pulling on a tree with the grapple. The hyd won't allow curl, lift and clamp at the same time.

 

[Redblok]

OK - I did my test drives - I like the eHydro and HST over the Power Reverser. I have my choices narrowed down to the JD 3038e and the 3320. I really like the larger size, extra weight, lift capacity and increased breakout force of the 3320. That being said, the 3038e has more overall HP and PTO HP. Both tractors will have a WR long diverter valve kit installed. So hear is the question - Is the 3320 worth the extra $6000 in price (including taxes)?

My budget for a tractor is about $22K. The 3038e comes in at $21 500K not including $1,400 for the EA Root Rake Grapple. The 3320 is coming in at $27,500 not including the grapple. I know the 3320 is a much nicer tractor and the extra weight is helpful, but is it worth paying 25% more?

I look forward to hear what the members have to say. My heart says one thing, but my wallet says another.

Thanks

 

[cartod]

Is it worth 25% more? It was for me. That is a decision only you will be able to make. If you get the best the first time, you wont have to look back in regret.....Your miles may vary.