3038E

Hydraulics are not protected. would like to kick t

Wouldn't recommend this for anyone it sucks biggly

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Bought this a few months ago. Problem with the 6 ft mower on back front end too light will not steer well slides when trying to make a sharp turn. Please respond and advise

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Problem with steering. Brush hog on the back front too light in front can’t steer tractor just slides

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Powerful for its size!

I’m a month into owning this tractor and have been quite pleased with its performance on our dairy goat farm. It is powerful enough to keep up with our projects, including stump removal, rototilling, grading, installing culverts, mowing, post-hole digging, and more. We can’t wait to get more implements to expand our ability.

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Sunshine was the lowest priced tractor!

I purchased my tractor in July from Sunshine. My salesman Joe, who was very knowledgeable, friendly and professional. He delivered the tractor and demonstrated how to operate. I have NO regrets!!!

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Good quality and warranty

I went in to get a lawnmower part and bought a tractor. I was thinking about doin it two years from now but they had a good deal and great financing so I went ahead and did it. Glad I did!

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Fuel gauge is old school.

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First Deere, nice

Had it about a month now and so far I'm very happy with the tractor. Already have twenty five hours on it and used loader, backhoe, tiller, bush hog and finish mower with no issues. Backhoe is easy to remove to use the PTO.

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Good and bad

Somethings better, somethings worse than others...

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So far this tractir has been operating great. USA!

In Apr 2024 I bought this as a pre August 2023 model. Althought i fully recognize this fact i was disappointed it was delivered with a dirty, stained, slightly faded seat. Additionally the blank caps and left and right handles where clearly weathered. Perhaps my expectations those items would have been replaced. Having said that I have contacted my sales rep and feel confident that he will relsolve any issues to my satisfaction. My sales rep deserves an overall 5 star. He worked with me to get the best possible price and was high responsive to any phone calls and inquires. He worked with me to select the right model for my needs. Not to small or too big. Just Right!

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awesome compact tractor!

owned my 3038 for about three months now. used it to bush hog some acreage. awesome tractor. lots of fun to use. if i have one suggestion, it is to add an extension to the collar that you have to manipulate to connect attachments on the rear of the tractor. I have a hard time holding the collar down and attaching the bush hog. If there was something on the collar that made it easier to hold down, that would be awesome.

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Looking to continue my great experience

I bought this a month ago because my 1025R was too small and I did not use everything that I had with it. I hope to continue my positive experience with my 3038E. Sales, delivery, and service have always been great at what used to be Leberge & Curtis, then Cazenovia Equipment. Hopefully the past performance is carried on into the future with SNP.

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JD 3038 is a very good Compact tractor

I've own my JD 3038 for over 3 years with the Gabber and additional hydraulic control levels on the right rear. Pound for pound I'm very please with this workhorse. At 38 hp, there isn't many jobs I can not a complete. Very please with the hydraulic system of this tractor.

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So far so good

So far it has met or exceeded my expectations. Have less than 20 hours, but very impressed with the engineering.

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Awesome machine

I've never farmed before, so never had a tractor. This machine is amazing. I've broken up ground for a large garden, and now tilled it. The box blade and tiller worked like a dream. Never gonna have to till by hand again!!! The loader is exceptional as well, makes moving dirt easy. I'm getting ready to build a fence, and can't wait to use the auger attachment. I am very pleased with this purchase!!!

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Happy as a Clam

I purchased the backhoe, pallet forks and the trailer mover for my 3038. I have found it to be quite easy to switch implements from several different brands. The controls are intuitive and easy to find. I have added work lights and battery ports to the front and rear of the tractor this will make it easier to provide power to jump-start a vehicle or assist with starting a generator. I only wish they would have put that extra little step on the other side of the floor of the tractor and on the backhoe I am a lefty and find myself always climbing up the other side of the tractor.

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LOVE IT!

I have a relatively small property, but it has a lot of trees, rocks, and other features that generate a need for a loader. The old 4100 was a compromise between lawn mower and loader, and just couldn't handle much more than clearing the driveway. I'm really glad I traded it in for the 3038E! I am amazed at how often I use the pallet forks - by that too!

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Tough tractor

Bought this last month, and I am very pleased. This is a hardworking little tractor. It is very versatile and I have cleared and cleaned up several overgrown areas and opened a number of new trails. No problems.

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All I needed is great

Happy with my purchase excellent tractor wi a lot of power just what I need it

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Gets the job done.

Bot to take care of 3 small acreage. Looking into purchasing other implements for other projects.

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GREAT TRACTOR FOR THE PRICE POINT

THIS IS MY SECOND 3E SERIES TRACTOR, I HAVE HAD NO ISSUES WITH THIS TRACTOR, IT HAS ALL THE POWER I HAVE ASKED OF IT, I ALSO INSTALLED THE TRACTOR PLUS SMART CONNECTOR AND I CAN SEE ALL MY TRACTOR INFO ON THE TRACTOR PLUS APP. GREAT TRACTOR FOR THE PRICE!

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Nice tractor even though it had many chips and rus

I bought the tractor a month ago. They dropped it off and I drove it into my shed. A few days later I decided to put a coat of wax on the tractor. While I was doing this I found several places where there was chips with rust spots. I went to the dealer and asked if they could give me some touchup paint. He said I would have to talk to service about that. I asked service and they said I could purchase some touchup paint. So I purchased the touchup paint to repair the chips and rust on the tractor I have not even used yet. It was delivered with the chips and rust spots. I guess once they get you get my money I'm on my own. I was hoping I would receive better treatment on this tractor then I did on the last one I purchased from another tractor manufacturer.

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Great power!

We bought this for landscaping and seeding grass. Nimble, powerful, and it looks good!

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Great tractor and service from dealer

Excellent power and very nimble tractor for landscaping!

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It's the economy tractor so there are not many opt

I bought the tractor almost a month ago. They delivered it, and I drove it into my shed and parked it. Two days later I went out to put a coat of wax on it to protect from the elements. I found several chips and rust spots while polishing it. I went to the dealership the next day and asked my salesman if they could give me some touch up paint. He said you will have to talk to service about that. In other words we got your money, to bad so sad. I asked service and they said yes, I could purchase some touchup paint. So I had to purchase touchup paint for the tractor that I haven't even used yet to fix the chips and rust spots. Everyone I have talked to about this said they would have told them to come and get the you know what it that's the way they treat customers that purchase a new tractor. I was really hoping I would have a good relationship with the dealer, but it appears they are like all the other dealers. We got your money now so go pound sand!

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I am very pleased with my tractor purchase. All the people at the dealership were very helpful

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I have had the tractor for a few months and really like it. It’s done everything I need to do. I’ve moved dirt and rock and some bush hogging work. With only a small leak on the bucket controller (they fixed with no hassle). My only complaint is the bucket doesn’t have enough lifting power and needs a self leveling bucket system also

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Great machine.

Haven't had it very long but so far it has done everything I expected.

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Exceeds Expectations...

Handles everything we throw at it! Not a single issue. We used it to reclaim a cattle pasture... 5 foot rotary cutter, 5 foot box blade, rear mount auger boring 12 inch wide 36 inch deep holes to set a new fence line, a 6 foot grooming mower.

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Minor Issues

As an older guy, the tractor is a little hard to get onto. Another step would be good (I don't have an engineering diagram to send you!) Too many blank boxes to fill in on this review.

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3038

This is a very helpful tool. I find it very useful. The bucket is very powerful.

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Just what we were needing

We traded an old 35HP Kioti for the 3038E. A primary reason was to get to a HST and to have something current so we can source parts when needed. Overall we are pleased with the purchase and this is definitely more enjoyable to operate. The 3038E is stable (we put fluid in the rear tires) and pairs nicely with our 1025R. The HST makes loader work a breeze, my wife is probably more than tired of hearing me talk about how much more pleasurable it is to move material. What is lacking is some of the towing power we had (or thought we did with the Kioti) and some of the things I thought just came on tractors. For example the screen in front of the radiator - we have added this because there is no way you can brush hog in tall grass without one. I am not a big fan of the rear differential lock being integrated in the brake pedal and I would really like an alarm for when I try to drive with the parking break on.

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Seat needs more suspension.

Haven't had a chance to use it but 3 days, but I like very much. Very functional and good power and maneuverability.

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Does Everything We Ask...

Very happy with the purchase of this 3038E compact utility tractor! We've used it to brush hog our recent acquisition of 10 acres of former cattle pasture. We've used it to bore multiple 12" holes with an auger. We've used it to build a 1/4 mile long driveway with a box blade. It also runs our grooming mower and pulls our 60 gallon sprayer. Not a single hic up... it's proven to be dependable.

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Awesome workhorse!

I upgraded to the 3038E from the 1025R and it’s the best decision ever!

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Great tractor for the price. Bought grapple bucket to use to clear under brush in my woods. With four wheel drive and grapple combo makes easy work of it!

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it's size will make it a winner close quarter

yes i have had the tractor for less than a month and really haven't had a chance to use it however i'm sure it will be very useful

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Happy with the tractor. Not so much with the dealer. Tractor was delivered with a bush hog that had rust on it. I called Meade tractor in Mount Sterling to get some touch up paint and never heard back from them. NO such thing as customer service anymore

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Great starter tractor.

Purchased July 2023 and have put 20 hours on it.So far a very easy machine to operate with smooth steering and accessory operation. This is the first tractor I have ever purchased so pleased with ease of operation.

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Just what I needed

I REALLY appreciated the salesman taking the time to explain the mechanics of the tractor.

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I like it basic

It’s works well and I like the simplicity of the tractor!

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Great starter tractor!

Love it! Great starter tractor but one day I’ll sure I’ll want a bigger one. Can’t believe how much more work I can get done. Have used it to clear my fields and keep trails up. Very happy with it.

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Flawless performance.

I use a 3038E for a small farming operation. In the two years I have had it it has not failed to start, and has not used any fluids. The tractor will lift and pull a 1000 lb mulch layer handily, with plenty of power to spare, and works perfectly with a five foot tiller. The 300E loader issues are with buyers that fail to realize the numbers stated are for moving loose materials in the loader bucket, not for pallet forks. I can lift a heaping bucket of wet sand with no issues at all.

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This is a great tractor for my small ranch.

Purchased in September of 2020 for my small ranch in central Texas. I have a front-end loader, front-end grapple, set of forks, backhoe 10” bucket, 5’ shredder, 5’ tiller, box blade, 5’ rake, post hole auger with 8” & 12” bits. The only con I have is the lifting power of the front-end loader could be a little stronger, only about 1,800 pounds. Very maneuverable, in and out of tight spaces, up and over rocky ledges. Easy to use Hydrostatic and Hydraulic controls, plenty of power for what I use it for, if I need a bigger tractor with more power, I probably shouldn’t be doing it. Cleared 15 acers of cedar, dug a 50’x50’x8’ pond, moved countless tons of rock. This is a great tractor for my small ranch.

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Great tractor/weak bucket

Love this tractor, maneuverable Volcano economical, only problem is the bucket could use about 50% more left power. Leaves you wanting for a better bucket & grapple capacity

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Great features

Great little tractor. Easy to operate. Drives great!

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SUCKS!!!

Bought new. Has 222 hrs. Been in shop 3 times. Front bucket leaks down continually. No power on lifting. Goes on and on. Very unhappy. Will never buy another Deere!!

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Lift capacity isn’t there….

I purchased a 3038e tractor to use on are 10 acres, it’s has the power the mow, but I went and purchased a set of pallet forks for the unit it will not pick up much when using them, it should be an option for the 300e loader and 200e loader, it miss leading on the weight capacity…. If your doing any kind of farming with this tractor it’s limited, want pick up a round hay bale, sells men told me it would work fine for moving hay around,,,, this is a great lawnmower tractor that’s about it…..I when back to the dealer asking if I could return it for a bigger unit within a few days after I purchased this tractor, nope, should have a return if your purchasing another unit from them ,,,,

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I use this machine for everything around my proper

I've owned this 3038E for almost 5 years now. I originally bought to plow snow since I have a great deal of driveway and roads on my property. We average over 16' of snow each season and I'm plowing every other day in winter. Snow gets piled as high as 8' around the perimeter easily with the front loader. The terrain is steep hills with almost no level ground, so 4X4 is mandatory and this machine is practically unstoppable. My driveway and roads are all gravel, so unfortunately, it gets removed with the snow. I then have to use both front loader and box blade to keep gravel spread and smooth. The only thing I wish the tractor had is a full cab as I get rather cold while working outside for 6-8 hours. This tractor has truly been a workhorse and lifesaver for me. It is extremely capable and problem free, and I couldn't manage my property without it.

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Super easy to operate!! My wife is comfortable on

Had a 3038E for 1 week and it is awesome! Performs task easily, highly recommended!

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Gets the job done...

I waited a year to post a review of my new 3038e. I wanted to experience it in a full year long spectrum to give it a grade. I can't be more pleased with the choice I made buying it. It's not too big and it's not too small. I've yet to find a job that it won't do for me. I mostly mow, till, use the front loader for all sorts of chores, and move things with the forks. I have the ballast box and that helps tremendously when I don't have another implement on back and want to do some heavier lifting. The iMatch system makes hooking and unhooking implements a breeze. Maintaining it has been easy and have had zero breakdowns. I love my John Deere 3038e and highly recommend it.

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Overheats

I’ve had this tractor about 3 years, I’m a small hobby farm in Kentucky. Heres my experience. My top hole that the center link connects to broke off, the top left corner while drilling fence post. The dealer said warranty wouldn’t cover. Less than a year old!. Second issue it could barely lift a large hay roll after the salesman said it will. Third issue is it OVERHEATS. The radiator gets clogged so easy, even when clean won’t last a work day mid summer, dealer said there’s no fixing it. And I think the hydraulics need to be stronger. Be nice to be able to pull out fence posts

Pros

• looks nice

Cons

• to many to list

Excellent Tractor

The JD 3038 2011,I owned was flawless and ran like no tomorrow for me !! This machine did everything I could ask and more, so much more ,to my amazement!!! I am going to purchase another in the next month or so! All I can say futher is for me it will always be, GO GREEN !!!!!!!!!!

Pros

• excellent tractor

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big Time operator

I was handed down this sweet piece of machinery over a year ago, and oh boy! It’s a good time. I’ve operated larger JD equipment before, so I wasn’t a 100% sure on this cat when I got it, but after a few uses of mowing, tilling, grading my drive, and endless pushing of snow over the winter, this thing is most definitely a big time operator. 30hp at the pto is more then enough to get me in trouble doing things around log style home. The loader is definitely best and my most us option on the tractor. I’ve dug driveways, snow, hauled fire wood, dirt, and used it as a pool for my son. The forks are also a must have. They make life hay, moving small bails, and other heavy thing you wife expects you lift but you aren’t a giant power lifter or Arnold in his prime. I might also use the forks to make platform for bow target practice, I don’t think JD will endorse that, and that’s all at your own risk.If you got some acres and know need a small tractor, stop being chump and buy this. You’ll like it, I promise.

Pros

• ease of use
• 4wd
• bucket
• power
• too many things i could go on and on

Cons

• i have found any major ones yet

Great Tractor

I've had this tractor going on 4 years. Honestly, I'm shocked at some of the things my 3038 can do! I own about 10 acres of land - this tractor does the job to keep my place looking great. I've used it for everything; Graded the plot for my house, dug up roots and stumps, landscaping, bush hog - you name it, I've done it. I've only had 1 issue with the tractor that required JD to figure out, and turns out it wasn't something JD couldn't control (mouse ate a wire). Overall, I've been impressed! Just a note for new buyers - I wish I would've bought mine with rear remotes and set up for a grapple. Spend the money now, even if you think you don't need it. I was one of those (save the money) guys - currently doing research to add hydraulic top links / tilt and a grapple to mine (costly). I've run into countless situations where I wish I had both, even though I thought I never would when I bought the tractor.

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great little tractor for the price

no problems at all, has been a great little tractor. I use it for mowing mostly, I have a 7 ft finish mower on it and also have use a 6 ft brush hog and a 7 ft rototiller, no problems at all Only thing I don't like is there is no 4wd indicator. sometimes I forget its in 4wd.

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Great Tractor

I have owned this tractor for just over a month and cannot say enough good things about it. I have used every attachment on my 10 acres with ease, front loader, rotary cutter, box blade. The ease of use on this tractor is unbelievable. Within a few minutes after taking it off the trailer, I had the feel for every part. I also love the way that JD set everything up for maintenance. Everything is easy to get to and check and if something seems to be difficult, the side panels around the engine come off with no tools required. I have already put about 30 hours on the tractor. Only regret was not purchasing this tractor a year ago when I bought the property.

Pros

• ease of use
• sevicability
• power

Cons

• havent found one yet

Could use some improvements

I’ve had my 3038E a lil over a year, these are the issues. First week the break sensor broke off. The front loader is 2 weak for a load of gravel or a hay roll. The seat sensor is dangerous, shuts the tractor down at the worst times. My lift level casing for my pto broke, “its made of cast” and now it’s a nightmare trying to get warranty work done.... And I’m sure there’s other cons if I think a lil

Pros

• it’s green

Cons

• it’s overpriced

Great all around tractor

Over my years of aquaculture we used many John Deere tractors both large and small, ranging in horsepower from 40 to 140 horse. Now retired and with small acreage (ten) this tractor has plenty of horse power to do most anything I ask of it. The front end loader only expanded it's many duties around our home. We have owned this tractor and loader now for about six months and as with all the other John Deere products I have owned over the years this one is without a flaw. My local dealer always has any service related parts in stock and always has answers for any questions with any of my other John Deere equipment or attachments for this tractor. We use this tractor to do anything from moving gravel and stone for the drive. We also use this tractor with a rear mounted three point hitch drag blade to keep our driveway in tip top shape. A six foot three point hitch mounted tiller is no problem for this tractor with plenty of power to spare. I should know as I tilled our whole front yard which is well over an acre with no problems. It does everything and anything I ask of it of course within reason of it's size and horsepower. The four wheel drive makes all chores easy even in moist to wet conditions. As always there is no better or no equal to my John Deere equipment. Even my wife enjoys using this tractor and before this she had never operated a tractor.

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The 3038E is a Great tractor at a great price!!!

Bought the tractor a couple of months ago. So far only 25 hrs but it has been awesome. The little turbocharged engine will not bog down I use a 6 foot finish mower 6 foot box blade and 5 foot tiller Wish I could afford the 7 foot tiller and mower because this tractor has plenty power to spare!!!! The loader is good but not too strong. It does a great job but it's just not stout like a commercial machine but with a little hunching and persuasion it will load a heaping bucket and lift it Now for the bad the differential lock is engaged with the same foot pedal as the rear brakes. I despise this. You have to find the "sweet spot "to keep from engaging the brakes too. John Deere should have NEVER done this. I hate it. With that said everything else about this tractor is awesome. My first green machine and it won't be my last!!! Can't wait till I can afford to have my woodsmaxx 9 foot backhoe delivered

Pros

• horsepower to spare
• tight turning radius

Cons

• i hate the diff lock is on rear brake pedal

6 years old and only 390 hrs . weekend hrs

I'm not a farmer but we do have a pc of Bama to escape to. At 200 hrs the 3 pt hitch froze up and had to be lubricated....It would not let you have full range of motion...Which brings me to last week...390 hrs. noticed front seal leaking on left side. I'm calling deere today to get advise.....hope its not too $$ . After reading other reviews maybe we... she turned the wheel too much in 4wd with loader full?

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For size and price, hard to beat

I’ve had my 3030e since August 2013 and just rolled over 500 hours. It’s a good time to take stock. Main uses: blading a half mile of mostly steep gravel road (snow in winter, gravel otherwise); spreading about 100 tons of rock (2”) on hard-to-access wagon roads with the loader; yanking out smaller stumps with a subsoiler; disking garden areas and fields I’ve cleared for sowing grass or cover crops; hauling tons and tons of firewood up steep wooded hillsides ( 5’ x 10’ trailer); mowing in summer (60” bush hog); tilling garden plots (60” tiller); moving rock and/or firewood with front loader; moving utility poles (and a few tree-length logs) with tongs or log chain attached to a boom that mounts on the 3 point. I haven’t had it to the shop for anything or required any repair. I’ve changed oil well ahead of schedule. At 400 hours I did all the required service (engine oil and filter, fuel filters, air filter, hydraulic oil and filters). It runs cool (i.e., doesn’t overheat) in hot weather. It has started in the coldest weather we’ve had (-7 a couple years back). It’s in an unheated garage. With a lot of steep ground and a dangerous road when icy, tire chains all around are non-negotiable. Front is no problem (I keep them on year-round). Rear: well, despite dealer and factory claims, rear chains would not clear the 3 pt. linkage. And there was no way I was going to start down that hill on ice without rear chains. Solution: 2 ½ inch wheel spacers. I bought them from a company out in Nevada. Now I can run rear chains with no clearance problems. The added width doesn’t hurt stability on hillsides, either. I can’t imagine that engine powering out; when under load it just hunkers down and pulls harder. A larger tractor would be nice. But I can get in and out of places with this one that my neighbor’s 100 horse can’t. Plus my 3038e has a lot lighter footprint and with R-4 tires doesn’t tear up ground so bad when off road.

Pros

• hydrostatic tranny
• easy on fuel
• tight turning radius

Cons

• one coolant drain plug hard to access
• rops can't be lowered
• noisy; earplugs a must

A little dissapointed

I have a 3038e that I have had for 1.5 years and overall it is ok. It has been in the shop 3 times other than scheduled maintenance and it seems to take 3-4 weeks each repair. The first repair was the lift arm broke completely off, the second was both back wheels needed to be replaced (one fell off), and here recently, the lift arms again while mowing. I am not here to bash JD, because overall it is easy to use and has good power for its size. What I would like to say, is if you have any doubt about the size and quality of this tractor, I recommend moving up to the utility series tractor. This one is a bit light and has some cheap features (gas gauge/tool box). Mine should be repaired by this Friday, but I have a feeling I am going to come home with a different (larger) one.

Pros

• powerful
• easy to use

Cons

• light weight
• cheap features
• slow service

Great Tractor for the money!

I purchased this tractor back in August of 2010 and have had only one major issue with the machine. The front Hub seals went south on me twice. I checked the front axle oil and removed the dip stick plug and it almost popped off under psi every time during the summer months after putting a few hours on the tractor. Three years ago I made my own dip stick cap and vented it with a small hole, this alleviated the seal leaking again. I have had this home made vented cap now for three years and my front hubs don't pressurize anymore, the weak link in the front hub when under PSI is the seals. I now have approx 500 hours on this machine and so far it has been flawless after this additional plug I made to the front axle. The tractor has been very impressive other than this one issue for me. I did wear out my cutting edge on my 305 Loader so I replaced the cutting edge with a double sided new cutting edge through John Deere, the 305 loader has to be drilled out to take the new cutting edge but it was well worth the addition. Saved me from having to buy a new Loader. Real happy with this tractor!!

Pros

• horsepower
• easy using capabilities
• cost

Cons

• front hub axle seals

Solid

Just went through "Snowzilla" in Virginia. Snowblower wouldn't start and run reliably. Generator - one worked, the other one didn't. But 18 degrees, 35 MPH winds, 32 inches of snow, and the Deere started up every time, worked many hours with the FEL and a rear snow blade, bottom line, when I needed it, it ran flawlessly. That's true value. I own three Deere tractors, 7220, 5100M, and my little 3038E for my house, and wouldn't buy another tractor brand for anything.

Pros

Cons

Was good for the first 150 hours????

Will as advised by dealer to service at 100 hours. I did complete service and filters(oil, Hydraulics). Runs great and transmission good for Hydrostatic. The 3 point lift failed 3 days out of the 2 year warranty. The dealer wouldn't help or look at, they gave me advise to change hydraulic fluid and filters. I did all this and still no 3 point lift. I've have found numerous people online with same problem which was complete replacement of pump. This why I gave low Quality and no recommend.

Pros

Cons

More than I expected.

I bought this tractor to help with cutting firewood and doing landscaping around my property. My land is hilly and the tractor has amazed me with it's power and performance. I carved roads into the woods with no problems. I haul a trailer and loader full of wood out up hills with the tractor wanting more. It is just the right size for tight areas. I had the dealer add rear Hydros to make this tractor be able to run a front grapple and a rear log splitter. I get a lot more done than I ever thought possble. No issues in my first year. Put at least 600 lbs on the 3 point for max traction and lifting.

Pros

• power to spare
• easy to get on and off

Cons

Good tractor at a Great price

I've waited until I had 100 hours to write a review.. Its been completely problem free.. After having 3 different Kubota's over the last 20 years I decided to try green and I've been very happy with the power, performance, lifting capacity and handling of this tractor.. It would be nice if they came out with a option to switch the loader to a skid steer style quick hitch though.. Its a good by

Pros

• great value

Cons

• needs skid steer bucket attachment

Reduced Lifting power

after having this tractor for 8 months, Im very unhappy on its lifting capacities on the front loader.

Pros

• engine runs smooth
• very easy to steer

Cons

• front loader doesn't lift very much

LOVE IT

Was the best thing I have purchased. I compared it to the competition and it was the best value I could find. A back up light is needed in my opinion. Loader works great have moved a lot of rocks that would still be sitting there because I could not have moved them with out it. Use it to disc a couple acres and it works great.

Pros

Cons

• wish i would have added rear hydrolics

3038E Review- 4 stars!

I've had my 3038E for 3 years now and am quite happy with it. It is a quality JD product, and you're getting good value for the money. I've put over 600 hours on my tractor and have used it extensively for loader work, brush mower work, manure spreading and back blade work. I've used the loader on plain dirt and have used it to move blast rock and other heavy loads. Custom features since I purchased was: welding chain hooks on the bucket, adding a back up light, installing a block heater. The only truouble I've had was when a part in the hydraulic pedal failed, and JD replaced at no cost. The dash developed a leak and allowed moisture in after about 400 hours and this made the tach stop working. I had to pay for that to be fixed at $600. Other than those two issues, which really are minor in the grand scheme of things I've had no other issues. The tractor is a hard-working tough machine that is more capable than you'd think. The four wheel drive feature is excellent, and where I live with all the mud etc, the tractor has never gotten stuck. I wish it came with some of the features I've installed, however it was quite easy to add the backup light as the wiring is already there behind the seat to add a light and already pre-wired at the factory to the existing light switch. Adding a back up light cost me $20. The block heater is tricky to install but for $90, I was able to install this as well in under an hour. It improves the warming of the engine on cold days, reducing idling and saving on fuel and wear on the engine. Overall, I'd say I'm very happy and if you buy this tractor, you will be too.

Pros

Cons

Really well built and user friendly machine.

I purchased a 3038e in March of 2014 so far I have put about 100 hours on the machine. I have been very pleased with performance and durability. Front loader capacity is good, I can dig holes and move dirt and materials easily, three point is smooth and precise, 4WD pretty much makes this tractor go anywhere, twin pedals make loader work easy, and the PTO/Engine has plenty of power. Maintenance is easy and machine has performed flawless thus far. Good purchase for the price.

Pros

• power
• easy to use
• durable

Cons

• light weight
• no mid pto option

Bucket keeps dumping

Bought this 3038E over a Kubota, but now I wish I had bought a Kubota. The bucket will become loose and you must continuely keep bumping the controller to keep it upright and from spilling what is in it. I have carried it back to the dealer while under warranty and John Deere says there is nothing wrong. I have owned several tractors in the past and this is the only one that has hydraulics that leak down while in operation. Overall the tractor is fine but this is very annoying and John Deere does not seem interested in trying to fix it. Their service in Montgomery, Alabama is very very poor.

Pros

Cons

Tough Little Tractor

I am a retired power plant maintenance mechanic, I live on a sloping/rocky 2-acres in western NC Smoky Mountains area. I purchased my JD 3038E Nov 2012, it now has 275HRS. It’s been a work horse. I have mowed, tilled, dug ditches with loader and/or rear blade, excavated, dug up and/or moved rocks, pulled fallen trees / hauled firewood, cleared snow. My implements consist of the JD 305 loader, 72” fully hydraulic front and rear blade, 58” tiller, 5’ shredder. I included at purchase the additional 2-valve hydraulic controls, tow bar and the rear work light. I have put this little tractor to the test, running it to its max and at times beyond specs. I have not experienced any mechanical issues with my JD 3038E to this point, hope this continues. After reading some of the reviews I will pay close attention to those issues (thanks to all for the info). Due to the extremes I have operated this tractor I am going to complete the 400HR service at 300HRS. I do all my own maintenance and will do my own repairs if and when the need arises.

Pros

• fuel usage is good
• performs well

Cons

• jd website lacks info
• jd authorized sales centers lack knowledge
• not made in usa

Still Going After Five Years

We have about 4 acres and bought our 3038E roughly 5 years ago. This is one tough little tractor! I use the loader more than the finishing mower we bought with it. Lately, I've been building a 56' x 36' house pad and have pushed or pulled about 40 dump-truck loads of clay soil and river sand. I haven't got stuck once and have had no trouble at all. I have even dug up grass-covered ground with the loader with no trouble. Keep it clean and greased and the engine maintained and you'll never have any problems with it. Be sure to put Armor-All on the seat periodically to keep it from cracking.

Pros

Cons

Great Tractor

I've operated this specific tractor for 30 hours. Moved a lot of dirt with the loader, disced 2 acres, set two 1625 gallon tanks (empty), box-bladed, and generally have hauled and pulled stuff around. Most of the negative comments I see are not the tractor's fault. If you use the loader extensively without the proper rear ballast you will wear out the front seals. Don't be surprised. Stay within the limits of what the tractor was designed for and you will be pleasantly surprised. If you want to run it like a larger tractor then buy a larger tractor. Concerning not accepting a backhoe. Correct, it will not accept a backhoe and if you would have done your research you would have known this. This is an economy tractor, it will not have all the whistles and bells that a 33xx series tractor of the same class will have. Don't blame the tractor if you operate it outside the parameters of its specs. This tractor is a great value for the money. Hydrostat drive is easy to drive, FWD, one-piece ROPS #that fits in a garage without folding), good fuel usage, easy to use controls, lots of attachments available. Tank mounted fuel gauge is adequate for the job.

Pros

• good value
• dual pedal hydrostat drive
• nimble - perfect manueverability on a small farm

Cons

• wish it had a tool box

Bought the tractor thinking it would be good quality.

I have 10 acres and do not need a heavy duty tractor, figured this tractor would do most of what I need, grading, moving dirt, hauling small loads. I have struggled with this tractor ever since I bought it, it is poor quality, I had problems with the loader dumping unless you keep pulling the handle, it won't hold the pressure and dumps on it's own if you aren't paying close attention to it. Bolts and nuts have fallen off of it, multiple times bolts would fall off and parts would be come detached. I've only used this for 40 hrs and left front knucle seal leaking and John Deere wants $400.00 to fix. Never will I buy a John Deere tractor after this one, it is underwhelming. John Deere shouldn't be proud of this tractor. Warranty ran out a year ago so I gotta foot the bill for all of the problems.

Pros

Cons

good tractor good price

have had the tractor for just over 4 months/105 hours and has not had any issues. would definently buy again.

Pros

• fuel economy
• price
• power

Cons

• a little light on the rear

Good Value for the money

I bought this tractor for a 40+ acre cattle farm. It does really well, bush hogging, digging with loader, post holes etc. I too have a bucket that leaks forward, although I may have overloaded the hydraulics at one point. No issues with the RPM gauge or axle as some have said. It is a bit unstable on sloping ground, I have also had the rear wheels off the ground hauling round bales on the loader. I wish they made rear wheel weight for this model. Front to back and left to right the wheel base is small, thats good for tight spaces, bad for stability on slopes. Didn't think I'd need rear hydraulics, wish I had them on this model. Overall, great little tractor.

Pros

• gets into tight areas trees gates etc.

Cons

• unstable on slopes when loaded