What are the pros and cons of this tractor? Is the extra hp vs the 3032 worth it given how light this tractor is? What other tractors in this size range would you be looking at?

I'd be looking at something with a cast iron rear axle housing to get more weight to the ground vs the aluminum that one has.

I like the mahindra 2538 but I haven’t been able to find anyone that can come close to sunsouth’s deals.

How much difference is there between it and the5045e?

I still love JD but I won't ever have anything with that DPF garbage.
The older JDs are still king of the hill.

I have one and love it. It has its place, and it is a tuff little tractor. We have two larger tractors that we use when a big job needs them, but in tight places the 3038 cannot be beaten. I had mine installed with hydralics so I could run a hay rake, etc on it. I can run it all day on a tank of fuel in the field, and this is a big plus. When it comes to trailering it, you can't tell it is behind you on the highway. It is a perfect food plot tractor, and does an excellent job with a bush hog behind it-it pulls a 5' very well. Don't buy one without a loader-period.

I looked at every small tractor before buying this one. The resell value is unreal on small utility tractors also. Keep your eyes open and look how many contractors are using the 3038 and you will be surprised. It will not do the heavy jobs the larger ones will. We simply have three. Small, medium, and large. We work them according to the job. I know most folks can't afford three tractors, and if I had to choose only one, the 3038 would be the pick. It might take longer to get a job done, but it will do the trick.

Hope this helps.
B

I have a 3032e and for my needs and the way I use it, it has been perfect. As long as you are working and just using the tractor, you hardly even notice when it does a soot clean cycle for the DPF. I'm sure there are things where the extra HP maybe would have come in handy, but I can't think of it off the top of my head. Maybe the lift capacity of the FEL, but I don't know if those are the same or not. As mentioned, having a little more weight would be something that would be nice. But again, the way I have been using the tractor - I feel like if there was more weight, more "ass", to the tractor, that I would have torn up some equipment. I have a JD ballast box that let's you work the FEL like it's a heavier tractor if you need.

I have owned two of the 3032e tractors and have been very happy with them,

I will say that the last 3032e I purchased in 2017 from SunSouth had to have a warranty repair. The tractor was in the shop 6 weeks to get an o ring replaced. I called every week, and they kept telling me that they haven't even started on it. On week 6 they told me that they had it on the schedule for that week. One day later, they called and said it was ready to pick up. 6 weeks in my opinion is way too long for me to have my tractor in the shop for a warranty repair.

The first 3032e I purchased in 2007 I bought from the John Deere Dealer in Atmore, AL. I had two small warranty issues with them as well. However, the tractor was only in the shop a couple days each time. Also the dealer in Atmore came to my house and picked the tractor up both times.

Just my experience. Also, my dad has the tractor I purchased in 2007 and its still running strong. I think they are good tractors, I would just avoid SunSouth.

Check your blinky envelope tbest.

I looked at the 3038 this afternoon. I was extremely unimpressed. We currently have a Massey Ferguson 1433v that we are thinking about selling. The JD felt about 20% smaller (granted I’m 6’4”) and had a lot of plastic components. While the HP rating is just about identical the JD was 550lbs lighter.

My uncle has a Mahindra in the same class as the two above and the Massey will just flat outwork it due to the weight difference. I’m still looking but I haven’t found what I want which is one of the reasons I’m getting the old Ford 2000 out. It can outpull any of the above due to its weight which equals better traction.