Did you post the same question on the Kubota, Mahindra, Kioti and RK forums too?

Obviously, the guys on here are going to lean green. And I can't blame them. But, one of the most important factors in your decision should be local dealer support. What dealers do you have in your area? Go visit them and get a feel for how they'll treat you - especially after the sale.

FWIW, you can't really go wrong with a Deere 2 or 3 series. I'd also have very few qualms about buying a Kubota - although I'm not a big fan of their "treadle peddle" for controlling forward and reverse.

 

Honestly no. I’ve only ever had Deere’s growing up more in the 40-50hp range. Figured I’d start where I know. I’ve used kubota I’d agree with the pedal comments. Deere dealer is the closest and actually have several near by kubota has a few less then new holland only two. I have never even touched a new holland.

 

Are you looking for new or used?

 

Used I believe, to maximize budget.The less I spend on the tractor the more I can spend on implements. Or other toys like a mule.
However the sum of the package deals on the 2032 that I see around here are mildly tempting.

 

You should also mention budget and a little more details on what you want.

For instance a 3E can be a great value but to some the lack of mid pto is a deal killer. Also it is harder to remove the loader. You mentioned brush hogging so the lack of mid PTO might not be a big deal but the loader could still be. That is an example of something you might want to avoid but to others it might not be an issue.

 

I know this could potentially become a dumpster fire as this is like asking which is better Ford or Chevy. However, I’m looking for most reliable (or easiest to work on) around 30hp tractor with loader. Small average (7ac) to maintain. Typical use bush hog, gravel work, smaller garden and dirt/mulch loader work.
Or the flip side question is are there any to avoid?

If it weren't for your loader requirement I would have recommended a Ford 8N.

Seriously, most of the small diesel SCUT/CUT tractors from the major brands are very reliable and the "routine" maintenance is very easy to do yourself. But... on most all of them if something really breaks you'll more than likely need to engage the dealer.

 

My suggestion is to get on youtube and start watching videos of what tractors are capable of and what jobs you think you want to do. I have been watching tractor videos for many years now and the only tractor I know you are supposed to avoid is the Kubota B3350. Neil from Messick's has one and even he admits it was a dud. You aren't leaning Orange so you are probably OK. A lot of guys want to stay away from the John Deeres with the universal joints that are hard to grease between the engine and transmission but I dont think there are any in the size range you are looking at. I dont see nearly as many videos on the other brands. They seem ok for the guys that bought them new and are excited about them but you dont see much about older models and lots of times you see guys saying. I finally upgraded to a John Deere or a Kubota...

From my non-scientific survey of forums and videos it seems like the 2038R is about the most popular tractor JD has. It seems like everyone wants one. yes they aren't big enough for some jobs but they seem to be the "Just right" tractor for a lot of people.

 

I would recommend a 2032 JD if you have the budget for it. Any of the 2 or 2 series is a good choice depending on your needs.

I see the “hard to grease driveshaft joints” come up all the time. I did mine yesterday. From start to finish, including getting the tools out and put away, it took me 25 minutes and I also greased the mower deck. It’s one of those things after you have done it once it’s easier. 50 hour interval so for me that’s about twice a year.

 

955!!!!

 

As someone who owns a 4720 cab for bigger work, I would suggest a Gen 2 2032/38R with a MSL loader.

 

According to the title - ever made.

You can go back a ways. The 790/990 were bullet proof. The 755/955 etc. were bullet proof. The 2520/2720/2032 are nearly bullet proof.

I say all this because of all the simple/stupid issues people are having with their brand new machines. Frame bolts loose - major hydraulic leaks, etc.

 

According to the title - ever made.

You can go back a ways. The 790/990 were bullet proof. The 755/955 etc. were bullet proof. The 2520/2720/2032 are nearly bullet proof.

Thanks so much. That’s why it’s in the title. I’m game for simple stuff manual transmission, wrestle and grumble at banged fingers attachment systems.


As others have asked I don’t know what I want to lift weight wise. (One day it’ll be mulch and maybe a zero turn mower the next day) in all honesty I’d say more material movement. I do have a skid steer I can borrow for really big dirt moving grading stuff. So I could work with anything. But I know myself and more ability would always be best.

I sure would be tickled to come in under 10k if a 990 995 is in that category. I quickly looked at the 790)

 

I would say mid mount is not really important as I don’t see myself manicuring the fields to the point of a mid mount paying off (from what I’ve read). Also there is a familiarity with the rear mounded mowers for me.
As far as price point ideally 15-18k would consider the ~20k a max.
If there is/was something before the 2 and 3 series I would be fine with that. I don’t think I “need” all the refinements but also realize I will absolutely need them after I have them.

 

I would say mid mount is not really important as I don’t see myself manicuring the fields to the point of a mid mount paying off (from what I’ve read). Also there is a familiarity with the rear mounded mowers for me.
As far as price point ideally 15-18k would consider the ~20k a max.
If there is/was something before the 2 and 3 series I would be fine with that. I don’t think I “need” all the refinements but also realize I will absolutely need them after I have them.

Here you go!! Shouldn't last long!

Used Compact Utility Tractors For Sale | 4150 listings | MachineFinder

Search John Deere MachineFinder for used compact utility tractors for sale. Explore makes and models from John Deere Dealers nationwide.

www.machinefinder.com

 

If you have to time to play around, start looking HERE

This will give you a ballpark for your budget, I'm a little partial to the 2038R myself.

 

JD, I'd have to give the nod to a 790.

 

You might try using machine finder. That is John deere only dealer base of used equipment. Some dealers do put some new stuff on there as well.

That 990 must be a hard machine to come by. Only 1 listing nation wide among all the deere dealers.

Used John Deere 990 Compact Utility Tractors For Sale | MachineFinder

Shop used John Deere 990 Compact Utility Tractors for sale at John Deere dealerships all in one place. Find the right equipment with John Deere’s MachineFinder.com.

www.machinefinder.com

Only see 3 790s out there. These are looking mostly 10K or less .

Used John Deere 790 Compact Utility Tractors For Sale | MachineFinder

Shop used John Deere 790 Compact Utility Tractors for sale at John Deere dealerships all in one place. Find the right equipment with John Deere’s MachineFinder.com.

www.machinefinder.com

 

Tractorhouse.
Over a dozen 790s and 3-4 990s, and some 8-9 and 10, 70 series machines, not much different than 90 series machines.
Quite a few 955s too.

 

2038R is the best currently made...
There, I said it!

 

What does your land look like??
Flat or Hills..?

How much land?

What is your primary use for a tractor if you know yet?

 

Mostly Hilly/sloped 7 acres
bush hogging
material movement. (Mulch, gravel, plant material burlaped trees)
we don’t get snow here.
And tilling small/medium garden (Don’t know dimensions but probably 2/3 passes with the tractor)

 

Sounds like a Hydro drive would be your best bet.

If you could find a low hour 955......you'd be happy.....10K ish loaded.

With the budget at 15-20 k as I think I read.....you could get something a bit bigger & newer.

 

Well, I do agree the 2032R and the 2038R are really great machines.
I didn't see any out there in the target price range, especially not new and none showing used below $18K

I think the 990 and 995 were good machines, but there is not any 995s showing up and only 1 990.

There does appear to be several 2018+ latest model 2025Rs available used with low hours. These might be worth a look. I recently bought a new 2025R, so recent its not been delivered yet. I also use to own a 2038R.
I think based on your usage and land description this might be a good choice for you.

Used John Deere 2025R Compact Utility Tractors For Sale | MachineFinder

Shop used John Deere 2025R Compact Utility Tractors for sale at John Deere dealerships all in one place. Find the right equipment with John Deere’s MachineFinder.com.

www.machinefinder.com

Used Compact Utility Tractors For Sale | 3967 listings | MachineFinder

Search John Deere MachineFinder for used compact utility tractors for sale. Explore makes and models from John Deere Dealers nationwide.

www.machinefinder.com

Used Compact Utility Tractors For Sale | 4150 listings | MachineFinder

Search John Deere MachineFinder for used compact utility tractors for sale. Explore makes and models from John Deere Dealers nationwide.

www.machinefinder.com

 

I see the “hard to grease driveshaft joints” come up all the time. I did mine yesterday. From start to finish, including getting the tools out and put away, it took me 25 minutes and I also greased the mower deck. It’s one of those things after you have done it once it’s easier. 50 hour interval so for me that’s about twice a year

 

I would say 650/750 670/770 for you Small frame compacts 790/990 which became the 3005 & 4005 for You medium and Large Frame Compacts Though I would still love to have a 1450 or 1650

 

I just did a quick search and found a 2017 3032 with 316 hrs for 15k.

 

Used Compact Utility Tractors For Sale | 4150 listings | MachineFinder

Search John Deere MachineFinder for used compact utility tractors for sale. Explore makes and models from John Deere Dealers nationwide.

www.machinefinder.com

 

Or this one.

Used Compact Utility Tractors For Sale | 4150 listings | MachineFinder

Search John Deere MachineFinder for used compact utility tractors for sale. Explore makes and models from John Deere Dealers nationwide.

www.machinefinder.com

 

Maybe mention what part of the country you are in as there can be a few thousand dollars in freight to get a machine across the country to you, so that might impact your search and selection some.

Certain machines seem to have much more regional availability than others. For example, many models which are very common in the Midwest are often much more scarce in the Pacific Northwest and desert southwest.

Then there is the selection and consideration of a machine. Some wouldn't hesitate to purchase a used machine sight unseen based upon photos where others wouldn't consider a machine they couldn't personally inspect and test drive. Unless, of course, you are up for a major road trip as part of your tractor acquisition.

 

I am in South Carolina close to the North Carolina border. I am finally at a computer so searching is a lot easier. Also not something I have to have right now I can wait for the right one to pop up. I do see a 990 relatively close for 14k 945 hours. I think I am leaning more the 790/990 755/955 route, as it give me the tractor I am looking for at the price point I am looking at. However the 2 and 3 series I am sure would spoil me if I found one at the right price.

 

I am in South Carolina close to the North Carolina border.

East, or west of Charlotte? I live about 40 miles NNW of Charlotte, maybe not too far from you. I didn't see what kind of budget you have, but the two Deere models that came to mind near your "30 hp range" is a 2520 and a 2720. The 2520 has just under 27 hp (20 pto hp), and the 2720 has 31.5 hp (23.5 pto hp). These are a generation removed from the current 2 series offerings, manufactured between 2008 and 2012, so still fairly new, parts readily available, can find them with low hours. Old enough that the prices have started coming down some. Neither model has a driveshaft between engine and transmission. Both are the same physical dimensions, the 2720 weighs in around 1975 pounds sans attachments, 2520 about 1800 or so. Both use the same loader (CX200), both have a mid pto as well as the rear pto.

I have a 2009 2520, with loader and 62" drive-over mower deck, gave $13K for it with 380 hrs. on the clock. I've had it 12 months and have put 200 more hours on it, and it hasn't missed a beat. It literally gets used every day, I mow 6+ acres a week during the season, plus use it doing landscape work for a friend's business, spreading fertilizer, spraying for weed control, clearing undergrowth , moving dirt and mulch, chipping limbs, tilling ground, plowing. It is quite a capable machine.