3025D vs 3035D

Even a 3025D will typically run out of traction long before running out of torque. Extra HP will become more of an issue if you plan to run any rear PTO-driven implements like a bush hog, rear snow blower, chipper, etc.

jgayman said:

Extra HP will become more of an issue if you plan to run any rear PTO-driven implements like a bush hog, rear snow blower, chipper, etc.

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Yes, but with a gear drive he will have more HP at the PTO than with a Hydro.

Pretty sure the lower gears are low enough to put plenty of power to the ground.

x2 - Size the tractor HP by what you need to run on the PTO.

rtgt said:

Yes, but with a gear drive he will have more HP at the PTO than with a Hydro.

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True. But he's not comparing hydros. He was comparing the 3025D to the 3035D. They both weigh less than 3000 lbs and are within 100 lbs. of each other. One of the desired uses is plowing snow on an inclined driveway. As such, either of these tractors is going to have three wheels spinning due to loss of traction long before you stall the engine out due to insufficient HP/torque.

x2 - Size the tractor HP by what you need to run on the PTO.

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Yes. That is where the greatest difference is between these two tractors. 3025D:20HP PTO vs. 3035D 31HP PTO.

jgayman said:

True. But he's not comparing hydros. He was comparing the 3025D to the 3035D.

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I understood that. I was trying to agree with what you said and expand on it a bit.

I was trying to say he can do more with the PTO on that tractor. (i.e. don't apply hydro logic / thinking / sizing.)

You get more bang for the buck in the back with a gear drive tractor.

The 3025D is going to be a very capable tractor.

rtgt said:

I understood that. I was trying to agree with what you said and expand on it a bit.

I was trying to say he can do more with the PTO on that tractor. (i.e. don't apply hydro logic / thinking / sizing.)

You get more bang for the buck in the back with a gear drive tractor.

The 3025D is going to be a very capable tractor.

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Ah.. yes. You are 100% correct. I love the new D-series tractors. I especially like the cast iron rear ends. Just like the good ole days.

Another factor to consider.

If you go to the 3035D with the emissions, you will need to work it to keep the regen's down.

If the 25D has the PTO hp you need, I wouldn't go bigger.

I had a mid-90's L2500 DT with Ag tires and that thing was a workhorse. Very similar in size and weight to the 3025D. I loved the thing. There were times it was a little light but in 4wd I could pull a 6 1/2' disc as deep as it would go and run it in gear 6 or 7 on an 8 speed trans. Same with running a 6' bush hog as long as the grass wasn't super tall.

Personally I think the 35 horse is only going to offer marginal additional performance for your needs.

USN Retired said:

I’m looking into buying a 3D series for my property. I have hills and a 5 degree incline gravel driveway to snow plow. I weighing in if the new gear drive 3025D would have enough torque to Handle it and I can avoid emissions issues and cost. Or do I need to step up to the 35 hp.

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I'm a little late here, but I am in the same boat and am wondering how much PTO power I need for brush hoggin. I've noticed the 3035 D has 10 more HP to the PTO than the 3025. DId you go with the 3025D, and if so, hows it going?

Mine is the the 3043D but i like my D series. The overwhelming majority of my works is PTO implements and it’s perfect for that. If I were more focused on loader work I’d definitely want the hydro but that’s less the 5% of my seat time. 99.9% of the time the 43hp is overkill for me but man it’s nice when I need it. I don’t see why the 25hp version would have any issue running a 60” brush hog unless you were talking really tall and dense stuff. Even then going slow would probably fix it until you got it under control and could speed up on later cuttings.

Guess what I was trying to say is the 25 will do a lot of work. If you have the money extra hp is always nice. I’ve had zero issues with the ReGen stuff but I also work my tractor hard regularly.

While I don't have a Deere, I do have a tractor with a very similar power-to-weight ratio, and I've been quite happy with it thus far. Outside of PTO work, anything the 35 horsepower model can do, I can do, though I may have to do it at a slower pace. I won't make the same claim up against the 39 horsepower models, that's probably a bridge too far.

I also enjoy the simplicity that comes with not having an ECM. I do believe that as long as you run them at a higher RPM, a Tier IV machine will run fine outside of the odd lemon; however, if I don't need the added power why deal with added complexity?

Whichever machine you choose, I'm sure it will be a long lasting and joyous relationship. 👍

I've had my 3025D for two years now and love it. Love having gear drive, wouldn't want it any other way. I also have the 300 E loader. I have zero complaints with it. I specifically wanted a gear drive tractor and
Liked the heavy build quality of the 8 lug D series with the cast iron rear end compared to the Es 6 lug aluminum housing.

In low range it has tons of torque. I also went with the 25D to avoid the extra emissions components.

I think you'd be very happy with either one, but I think the 25D would serve you well.

Just my .02. Good luck with whatever you decide.