2038R

Should be more reliable for the $$

Wonderful tractor when it works. Mine is two years old and been in the shop 4 times for warranty work.

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Nice upgrade

This was a nice upgrade from my old 955. Smoother, quieter and smells better! Automatic throttle feature is great for moving about the yard when not mowing. Rim Guard and wheel spacers helped a lot for side hill stability.

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Great Addition

I bought my 2038R about a month ago and its more than I expected. More power, and torque than I was expecting, I easy on and off access. Is a perfect addition to our hobby farm.

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Awsome tractor

.I have owned mine for a out 2years .I've used it for every thing from cutting weeds to plowing snowing hasn't ever let me down .I do wish the loader could lift more.

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Awesome tractor and attachments hookups are so easy.

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Great tractor. Has enough Hp to do what I need.

Staff was very friendly. I had an issue with the mower after one cut and they gave me the White Glove treatment. They came, picked it up, took it back to the shop, fixed it and brought it back a day later.

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New owner

Absolute fun. I really luv it. Tiller is a beast. Everything I hoped for.

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Tractor is a Beast

I purchased this tractor exactly 1 month ago and I absolutely love it! The 2038R is a beast! And anyone on the fence about getting one I will tell you that you won’t look back!

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Great stability and solid tractor

This tractor is great. I also got the backhoe attachment which is awesome.

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What who you buy from

I bought this tractor about a month ago. Just beware who you buy from because the place I bought my from new nothing about this model or at least the sale man new nothing.

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Poor operator manual

I just got it about a month ago and it seems to be a good tractor but the operator manual is a real joke !! Doesn’t even show you the control levers and what they are for. The dealer didn’t show me anything but how to start it. They should give a more detailed operation manual or a web site you can go to and learn about the tractor.

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The Beginning of Long Relationship With a 2038R

I took delivery of this a few weeks ago. I haven't used it much yet. A little time with a 3 point snow blower with very heavy wet snow. Handle that task easy. Also about a hour moving a couple of blow over trees. The power impressed me with this task.

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Strong frame, good lifting, easy controls.

This is my first tractor and I am very impressed! The larger 2 series frame combined with the 38HP engine and R features make this a very capable machine. I have dug out a large concrete block, and had the FEL full of concrete without a rear counterweight, and no issues. The only complaint is the Turf tires are not good in mud, but once our land is graded this will not be a problem. Highly recommend.

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I am very happy with the tractor. It is easy to operate and has plenty of power. I am disappointed though that after spending that much money the tractor didn't come equipt with a rear work light.

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Well balanced power and hydraulics

I have only had it a couple of months, but graduating from a 1025R, this is so much more of a machine! Very happy with it so far!

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Great machine

What a great step up for me. Just what I needed to get the job done!!🤙

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Tons of power

I upgraded to the 2038R three months ago. It is clearly much more powerful than my previous 2025R. It also has much more lift capacity (full disclosure, I ordered it with mechanical self-leveling loader). It is very easy to handle and the controls are extremely ergonomic. I also love the e-throttle. What surprised me is that it is a much heavier machine so be careful when getting into soft grounds.

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2038R Tractor

Excellent machine. Has everything I had been looking for.

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I love my John Deere 2038R!

I bought this tractor back in June and I have used it to move dirt with the bucket, pick up logs with a grapple, mow the grass with the 72D mid mount mower, fertilize the grass with a rear 3-point hitch spreader, doze the driveway with a front mounted 3-point hitch blade, and groomed the driveway with a land plane. My son-in-law, who has a New Holland tractor, has used this tractor as well, and he is quite anxious to inherit it. The tractor, with 38 hp, is a workhorse. We have picked up logs almost too big around to fit in the grapple, but it manages the weight very well. I do use a ballast box for loader operation, filled with gravel, and it adds additional stability to the tractor. The maintenance tasks are for the most part pretty easy. I am disabled due to spine and neck issues, but I am able to do the greasing (underneath the tractor is most difficult, but doable), oil level checks, filter checks, water checks, etc. I will probably have the dealer perform the bigger maintenance tasks, unless my son-in-law wants to tackle them. I love John Deere and this is my second utility tractor. I am impressed with what John Deere has done to make these tractors more user friendly for older and handicapped operators.

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I find accessories easy to use with I match

Very pleased with tractor and help of salesman Derick Dixon. This tractor is perfect for my 135 acre timber farm

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Public Works Director

We bought the tractor last summer and we use it everyday for different jobs around the village. We are looking at the winter season coming up and will be using it as much as we can.

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Great machine! Everyone that has used it love it.

Tractor exceeded my expectations as to what it will lift for its size. Also, the small size is handy for getting into tight spaces. Very economical to operate. It uses very little fuel for the work it does.

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Green Beast

Bought this about a month ago. The quick release to change the bucket out to the snow pusher is so fast & easy to switch from one task to the next. The I Match hitch makes changing out implements a pleasure instead of a chore. So far I’m really enjoying this tractor & the implements I purchased with it.

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Great tractor!

This tractor is exactly what I thought it would be. I had two 1025R tractors and needed something bigger with a heavier lift capacity and additional height. I thought about the 2025R, but was concerned about it lacking power. I don’t have that concern with the 2038R.

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Great Features with excellent control positioning

This is my second 2038R tractor. Added third function hydraulic with power beyond and very glad that I did!!!!

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Great tractor

My 2038 has more than out performed what I ever expected. Only one thing I wish I had had put on it is a backhoe attatchment. I know you can purchase them at anytime, but I would had liked to had it in with the financing with 0% interest. But otherwise the tractor has been awesome. Highly recommend a John Deere in anything. I also own a Gator XUV823M with enclosed cab with heating and air and it holds up to any side by side. If I ever upgrade tractors it will be a John Deere.

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Great Sale & Great Tractor

I am very happy with my tractor purchase, and I am extremely happy with the dealership "West Central Equipment" in New Alexandris. Even more impressive was the salesman that actually cared about the sale and was very knowledgeable. There are two types of people in this world. 90 percenter's and 10 percenters. 90% of the worlds people live off of the 10 percenter's work. David is a 10 percenter!!!

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Powerful and Comfortable

Very comfortable operating station with adjustments of the seat, steering wheel and arm rests. Placement of the joystick is outstanding especially after prolonged use. If they offered this tractor with a cab then it would be absolutely perfect. I guess you can’t have it all but this little tractor is very close to being perfect.

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The 2038R is a solid machine

My first tractor. I recently purchased a 2024 2038R. For a subcompact loader it's very versatile. It says it has 37hp on the tractor. I've used it to pull fully loaded box trucks, a van and a giant generator out of the mud with it. Small, nimble, I was able to navigate small paths in a down town city park in Austin for a job where normal tractors or trucks would have been to big and tore up the park. It fits through yard gates which is excellent for my yards to go between properties without a hassel. I would highly recommend getting the self leveling loader option because it increases the lift capacity by a good 400lbs. I've already picked up and moved 1,500lb objects with the loader, with the backhoe on for counter balast, it struggles but can do the job. For my first tractor it has been really good to me but left me wanting more. Now I'm looking to get a second tractor down the road. Not sure if I want the 4R, 5 Series or just go big and get the JD 710L backhoe so I can really play in the dirt.

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Great tractor

I have had this tractor for just over 2 months, so far it is preforming great. I went from a 1025R to this 2038R, was a great investment.

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Great feachers

This my second 2038R tractor. I am just as pleased with this one as I was with the first one. There is nothing about this tractor that I don"t like. It is just fantastic!!!!!!!!!!

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This is my third 2038 tractor and they have all been working good. My one thing about this tractor is I the auto gen. I use it around the farm for mowing and a lot of different chores it’s not hard work but it seems like it doesn’t take long and it goes through it’s cycle Takes about half hour to go through it’s cycle. Wish they didn’t need it Thanks

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The implements are simple to change

I bout the tractor 5 months ago and it is night and day compared to my 1026R

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Regen is only bad thing on tractor.

Love the little tractor with one major exception, the Regen system is a major pain. It goes into Regen and can last for way longer than it says it willl. We have had our tractor take hours to complete a Regen. Very in convenient when you are done for the day and cannot put the tractor away until it stops and cools off.

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Good tractor fair loader

Bought this new 2038R a few weeks ago for mini farm and logging work. Not even 20hrs on it and in the shop for a broken loader. Tried using the frontier mechanical grapple to move a 7” diameter 4’ long log. Broke the loader at the pin attachment/holder. Only bought this grapple because I thought it was a neat option when I don’t have a 3rd option loader control. I don’t think the loader was designed to handle this grapple. Also I know these tractors are built in Georgia, but it’s disappointing that the loader says Made in China.

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unusable mid mount mower

Purchased 1 month ago and upgraded to the 72in mower deck. When it actually works it mows well but i have only gotten to ise it once. So far in 1 month the mid pto shaft has gone through 2 u joints, which render the mid mower deck usable. the dealer even replaced the entire mid pto shaft and within 1 week....it broke again. My recommendation is to find another model.

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Overlooked Gem of a Tractor!

My Dad and I were originally looking at a 3035D, but the lone 2038R in my dealership's lot caught our attention, and were almost instantly sold on it. The 2038r is an amazing tractor for its size and price. I have found it to be very useful for loader work, grading, raking, and mowing. My only main gripe is that the seat suspension is terrible. It is way too stiff and cannot be adjusted. I am aware that an air ride seat is available for the european version (along with a cab) so why can't we have one? At least have an option for an adjustable suspension seat. Other than that, it's a great tractor!

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Awesome little tractor

I purchased my Deere in 10/2020,its been awesome trator to work with. I originally bought for our 17.5 acre lot to clear and put up a house. Still have the lot but moved into 1.5 acre home. I used this tractor to clear and move logs for my mill,chipping,spreading,carrying,mowing,etc you name it its does it. IV used may brands of equipment over my life, the Deere is a well thought out machine

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JD 2038R

The drivers seat falls way short of driver all day comfort. Needs an air ride seat with adjustable suspension up to 350 pounds. The work lighting , needs rear lights ,better side light and head light that are above the bucket working height.

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Another Command Cut complaint and backhoe issue

I bought it in 2018 and the first time I got the underside wet the command cut died. The forums are full of complaints about command cut. A .50 cent spring and a potentiometer gets damaged but Deere requires buying a whole actuator for 2000+. They are on their 3rd revision of the part but will not own up to it and replace under warranty. Deere has a history of not owning their mistakes. The 270b backhoe bucket cylinder is also a design problem. They had so many warranty claims they redesigned with a stronger cylinder rod. Went from 1 inch to 1.25 inches. And of course, I was told it would not be covered under warranty. I just bought an MX5 JD rotary cutter I love this tractor but Deere is no longer worth the money when they wont stand behind their mistakes.

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Trouble with mower deck

Purchased a 2038R with a 60D mower deck a few months ago. I have less than 15 hours on the unit and it is getting ready to go into the shop for the second time for issues related to "mower deck alignment". I have not confirmed this but I was told by the repair shop that this is a common problem with this configuration.

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First review was great, but now?

Initially I was very happy with my 2038, but as many have noted, there are issues with the Command Cut system. Frequently drifts off the set cut height….very frustrating. Have not had a chance to get it into the dealer to be checked out due to needing it to work, but will be doing so soon now that cooler weather is here. Hoping I will not get slammed with big repair bills like others have described. We will see.,….,

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Command Cut

Used command cut for 1 acre for 3 months, worked well. Fourth month several issues. I paid thousands of dollars for a reputation based on experience. Deere knows they are having issues with command cut, but.....I just want to cut my grass and haven't been able to because of a poor design.

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Over promised - under delivered - scary to use

scary equipment to use on non-flat areas - there are far more stable machines on the market -- promoted to me as a must equipment for Gentleman's farm... it is a pain to use

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Well Designed Tractor

I've had my 2038r for 3 years now. Mostly used for mowing. I just bought a 72" reverse rotation woods tiller and it run it 8" deep in hard soil with no problem. I have picked up a 1100# beam with the 220r loader on front with a counter weight on back. I've only had one problem with the electric lift for the deck. Deere replaced the sensor and all is good. Although it's precise on electric lift for height adjustment I do think response should be faster. Sometimes I have to stop to let deck raise or lower to catch up while moving. Other than that it's a well built machine.

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2038R is the perfect tractor :-)

This beginner-friendly little tractor is a beast! Have had mine for 2 years and have had zero issues. I mow and maintain about 5 acres. Mostly used for mowing, moving mulch, and tilling our 2 acres worth of gardens. Front end loader is super useful for moving dirt and mulch. The cut quality is amazing on the 60" deck. The quick disconnect deck is easy to remove if you need to work in rough areas. Runs my 6ft rear PTO tiller with ease. This tractor is big and powerful enough to do most any job, yet small enough to get into the small areas. I have had no issues whatsoever with my tractor but I'm happy to know the warranty is there should I need it. It has never failed me. As with all equipment, preventative maintenance is key. This is a serious tool. Treat it right and it will treat you right. Our local dealer is amazing and very supportive. Replaced my orange compact tractor with a green one and I'm so glad I did! I highly recommend the 2038R if you need a tough little multi-use tractor. In my opinion this is one of their best tractors. More powerful than the smaller tractors and very versatile; This tractor is flexible, powerful, and compact. Ready to go? Go Green! You won't regret it!

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command cut feature is a headache

my command cut feature on 2038r has been the source for several warranty issues. it drifts from 3 to 2.5 or 2 while mowing. after several thousand dollars in replacement parts, still back at dealers again for same issue. i suspect others may be experiencing same, but little info available due to newness of system. i would certainly purchase this machine with manual deck-lifting lever run from 3 point like all my others that were Bullitt proof. first JD i did not care for.

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Great compact machine

The 2038R is a great mid sized compact tractor. The seat and posture is comfortable and allows the operator convenient access to all of the controls. The engine has ample power and is easily able to utilize 6' attachments. The base tractor is a good value but when the 220R loader and a mower deck is added the cost increases significantly. The size of the machine allows it to be capable but still maneuverable enough for smaller acreage owners with 4-10 acres.

Pros

• size
• capability
• comfortability

Cons

• rops height can hit low tree branches

First time tractor owner

First tractor ever! So far still learning about the tractor! My only issue so far is the key is the wrong place. I’m a big guy from top to bottom and left to right... extremely fuel efficient... going to use my bush hog this weekend...

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nice tractor

Nice tractor, plenty of power for what I need. Only two issues so far one; loader holes for the bucket are a bit to wide and require effect to install and remove attachments. The second issue is my fault, but had to LOL when I saw 8 lbs shot put ball video being dropped on hood. What they should've used was a rock, that's a bit more realistic scenerio and will crack that plastic $480.00 hood every time.

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Very happy with my 2038r

Plenty of power, easy to use, fuel efficient, and the perfect size. 60 inch deck and 220R loader

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Very happy so far!

I use the tractor for many different things from plowing snow with 66in blade on front with 54in blower on back. To loader work and running a stump grinder and it doesn't have any issues.

Pros

• great pto grunt
• smooth and strong 3pt
• easy to use
• great instrument panel

Cons

• no jd 3rd function valve kit for loader
• complete removal of front 3pt to us loader
• key should be moved to avoid hitting

Amazing tractor

I have 260 hours on mine which is 16 months old. Mostly mowing with the 72" seven iron auto connect deck. Very fuel efficient and quiet. I have the loader also. Very powerful and easy to use. Just let the air down in your rear tires. Mine came with 35 lbs. They work and ride much better at 10 lbs.

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• so easy to use
• quiet
• fuel efficient

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Outstanding Machine.

I have driven lots of equipment and I can’t remember a tractor being as impressive as this machine is. Deere is far and away better then it’s competitors!

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Great all around compact utility tractor

Use tractor for landscaping, moving materials, snow blowing, and cutting grass. Tractor has enough power for 2 plus acres, and small enough to fit in tight spaces. Other nice feature is ease of changing implements.

Pros

• lots of power
• changing implements
• maintenance

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Great combination of power and size

Owned a 2320 before, and was always wanting more power, and weight. I was planning to upgrade to the 3R series, but then the 2038R came out with more weight and power. This fit my needs perfectly, with is higher power and compact size. Excellent power, and a great mower with the 72D with CommandCut.

Pros

• power
• well designed

Cons

• seat is not that great
• for hp it should have more loader lift

Chihuahua thinks it is a Pit Bull

41 hours on the tractor as of this writing. I got the 60 in deck mower, box blade and 220R front loader. I have used the box blade to assist in leveling my new construction home yard, The blade works well and does everything asked of it. The loader is extremely versatile and I have been using it to grade the dirt around my new driveway, pad, and sidewalks as well as landscaping. Super easy to use and I learned how to use it for a variety of chores in just a few short hours. The deck mower boldly goes where my John Deere x300 riding mower chokes out. Our property has a lot of ivy after Hurricane Harvey and the deck mower slices through it like butter. I don't know how I lasted 64 years without this little workhorse.

Pros

• ease of use
• comfort
• value
• versatility
• fuel economy

Cons

• attach/remove tricky at times

2038 R Is a MIGHTY MITE !

Great tractor and a major upgrade from my old 1023e ! Everything you could ever ask for in a compact, plenty of power, and attachments are a breeze, I added rear wheeel spacers for added stability for steep and uneven terrain challenges (recommended) if needed. I went with the 72`` mower deck and I`m super impressed with the quality of the deck and the performance. I also strapped the largest tiller I could to the back and the tractor and it pulverized the soil effortlessly. There is only a fixed position snowplow blade however and I found that as kind of a bummer apposed to the 52`` fully hydro blade available on smaller tractors. Guess i`ll be saving up for the snowblower attachment (expensive). These tractors are premium quality and tough as can be!! Highly recommended and very happy, the whole family loves it !

Pros

• power
• user friendly
• fuel efficient

Cons

• no hydro snowblade
• key is in a bad spot (breaks)

Very capable machine!

I have owned and operated heavy equipment and tractors for years. This has got to be the best of its class John Deere has ever produced. I looked at all brands before deciding on this machine and have been extremely happy. I have the loader and 72" mid-mower for attachments. I ordered the tractor with LED lighting, rear aux hydraulics, wheel weights and R4 tires. The command cut and auto-connect deck are exceptional in their ease of use and performance. The capability of the loader is very impressive for its size. I replaced an aging 955 John Deere with this machine and have never looked back. This tractor has done all I have asked of it and never given me a bit of trouble. Highly Recommend this machine

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2038R biggest and best so far

I started with a JD gx345 then to the x728 then to the 2025R(first design) and now the 2038R...what a powerful tractor..I've owned this tractor for new since June 2017... I've equipped it with LED lighting package, rear hydraulic flow kit system, industrial tires, FEL , 60" Autoconnect deck, 54" rear snowblower, 54" fel snowplow from HLA, pellet forks from HLA and just recently purchased a rear pto driven grass collection system from Superior Tech( a authorized JD supplier)...JD currently doesn't offer a power flow collection system for this tractor yet....but what a nice stainless steel collection system ....I use this tractor year round and any task I have this tractor handles with no problem... :-)

Pros

• powerful engine
• efficient with fuel consumption
• excellent instrument cluster
• e throttle

Cons

• excessive right rear fender shakes at idle

Great Compact Tractor

I recently upgraded from a 1025r to the new 2038r....wow, its a difference! The power of the 2038r is great; all with a quieter turbocharged 38 hp engine. The dual range tranny and 4WD make it a formidable operator. I equipped with the 60 inch underbelly mower deck and Command Cut; the independent hydraulics allow me to cut grass with the three point rear hitch in the “up” position; nice on hilly terrain. The heavier front end loader is strong with a lift capacity of over a half ton. Ride is smooth for a compact machine and the larger frame and seat height add to visibility and stability. Large seat is very comfortable. Dual turn brakes add to the maneuverability in tighter spots. The operator station is nicely organized and efficient. Looking forward to using it with some implements such as my spreader, box blade and bush hog....compatible with many 3 series implements. Again, a lot of tractor in a smaller package! Very happy so far.

Pros

• power
• features
• capability
• comfort

Cons

• price as equipped

Really like this tractor

This is one of many new John Deere tractors i have owned over the last 35 years. I up graded from my 2025r to this and I'm really pleased. The 2038r is balanced good, power good and size wise really fits the bill. The fel is great, only thing i am not wil about is the command cut for the mmm. I use a 6 foot rear blower and also a 5 foot ditch flail mower, handles it all well. I would commend this tractor to anyone who wants a tough c.u.t.

Pros

• great power

Cons

• command cut