#48 John Deere 2038R / 2032R Compact Tractor 175 Hour Review - Extreme Versatility

[@tomw6719]

Loctite! Great review of the 2032R, comprehensive and real world, thanks for putting this together.

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Much appreciated!

[@bearvonsteuben9675]

I just bought a 2032R (2016, 165 hrs., snowblower, mid-mower). I was very happy to watch this report on this machine of yours. I have a large Kubota for the heavy duty stuff and a smaller Kubota for lighter duty stuff, so this JD should slot in just right for my needs. Just need a hog for trail maintenance and pasture mowing. I’ll be watching out for those front axle bolts, though! Wow. Thanks very much for putting this together.

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks so much for the comment and I have a whole playlist of 2032R videos if you are interested. I run the Tractor Supply 60" rotary cutter on my tractor and it has worked perfectly for me and is quite a bit less expensive than some of the others. On the bolts, great idea to get a paint marker to mark them and keep an eye on them. One thing to point out is that the 2017 version of the 2032 was the first year of the Gen 2 body and style...From what I understand the 2016 2032R is based on the 2720 platform and I think is a little bit smaller but not positive. The 2017 was a completely new design. Either way, I've heard good things about the Gen 1 model so I'm sure you are in good shape. - Josh

[@sueackerman2470]

Excellent review. Plain talk and comprehensive. Thanks so much for posting.

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful! If I can answer any other questions for you don't hesitate to ask! Thanks for watching and for commenting!

[@ddacombe4752]

Thanks. Great to see an honest review of the tractor doing real work as Im just about to pull the trigger on the 2038R

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Thank you sir! You won't be disappointed, its a workhorse!

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Also, if you haven't seen the 10 money saving tips video that Jason did, check it out... Good to be armed with that info when going in to negotiate... Not all will work, but worth a view. I've heard supply is down and demand up, so that could alter some of the outcomes... kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3Tcl5WPjKeIkMk

[@ddacombe4752]

@@HardyBrothersOutdoors thanks, yes its been hard to get one from the dealer, but crossing my fingers they can source all my order within a few weeks as they did suggest i may have to wait til December for some of it

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

@@ddacombe4752 hope you get them sooner than December... I bought in 2017 and only had to wait on my backhoe... the 2038 was on backorder or I would have bought it. Enjoy and be safe! We have a few tips videos too for things we didn't realize until we had a tractor... both are 5 mins but worth a watch... one safety related and the other will help reduce some aggravation... Some say common sense, i say not so if you didn't grow up around tractors... :-)

[@jr88brutus]

Duncan Dacombe I’m wanting to get a 2038R as well. I’m about to the plug.

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

We appreciate you watching! We are striving to keep our ads at a minimum. So if you like our content, you can help support the growth of our channel with a Like, a Subscribe, and a purchase from one of our affiliate partners at no additional cost to you. Just use one of these links next time you make a purchase from; Hardy Brothers Outdoors Amazon Store - www.amazon.com/shop/hardybrothersoutdoors Bass Pro Shops - bassproshops.vzck.net/HBO Cabelas - cabelas.xhuc.net/HBO Tractor Supply Co. (TSC) - t.ly/0kan Northern Tool Clearance items - t.ly/4ZaH Titan Attachments (tractor implements) - t.ly/i9LC

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Great video! I’m getting ready to do my 100 hour review on my 2038R

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Cool looking forward to hearing your experience so far.

[@reconphil]

I bought a 2032R when we bought our property. It has about the same hours, I put 35 of them on it. I picked up a .50 cal ammo box an attached it behind the seat.

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

I’ve considered mounting one to the front suitcase weight bracket but behind the seat doesn’t work for me when I have the backhoe one. I suppose if it’s easy to remove that could work for the majority of the time. Do you have the backhoe? I also did a video where I added a motorcycle tube and used the tube on the front end loader. Could still use something to carry bigger tools.

[@reconphil]

@@HardyBrothersOutdoors I don't have the backhoe. JD is way too expensive. I've looked at the Mechmaxx & Woodmaxx (they appear to be the same). Both have self-contained hydrolics & spin the pump on the PTO shaft. More importantly, they cost less than half the JD version. There is a bracket of some sort behind the seat that has a couple of holes drilled into it. It may be for an accessory I don't have. I mounted the can there. I had to be sure it cleared the top point of the three point hitch. Works well. My 2032R is a 2016.

[@toddg3823]

I've also bent my key. I'm glad to see I am not the only one with that issue.

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

frustrating where they placed it... C'mon JD... :-)

[@ricktanguay2310]

I agree with another commentor. Put Loctite on the axle bolts and that should solve that problem.

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Deere actually changed the bolts to a harder grade and has made this change standard on their models. Folks have lost their axles and had some severe damage. I have a playlist about this issue and resolution. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@WestHawaiiRealEstate]

Thanks Josh, great information

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful Lance. Happy to answer any questions you have.

[@thomasschmitthomesteadproj6025]

A good review of the tractor. Thanks for sharing

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks 👍

[@mrgregpappas]

From what I understand about the 32r and 38r, they both have the same FEL lifting capacities. The 38r just has more power for the PTO. The GPM on the hydraulics is exactly the same. For more loader power you need to get into the 3 series which has a higher GPM and can lift quite a bit more. But, as with everything, bigger usually means the 3 series attachments cost more $.

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Yessir I believe you are right. Luckily we now have a 4052R for the heavier stuff but still have some logs that can’t lift. Thanks for the comment!

[@mrgregpappas]

@@HardyBrothersOutdoors Great channel. Keep the videos coming.

[@matthewriordan-solidaxlesa5810]

Great real review . Try crown lock nuts, they are not the friendliest nuts to put on but they won’t come loose.

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks for the reply and for the tip! Will check them out... I have also bought a paint pen to mark the bolts now so i can quickly visually check them.

[@danielsharon524]

Great real world review. I'm looking at either a 1025R or 2038R.

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

danielsharon524 thanks Daniel. Did you see my brothers review of the 1025R? It’s on the channel as well and tells a great real world use case as well. Not sure if your needs but based on our property the 1025R isn’t enough. That said, it was the perfect tractor for his initial needs.

[@danielsharon524]

@@HardyBrothersOutdoors I'll check it out - Thx! I'm not totally sure my needs either. Only way I can justify it is to make $ w/it besides my own needs which 1025R would be fine for. It comes down to how many jobs can I get because I have a 2038R's capability vs. how many I'd couldn't do because of the size/maneuverability of the 1025R and there's really no way for me to know but dimensionally the 2038R really isn't much larger although is looks so much bigger.

[@chrisr1881]

175 hrs in 3 yrs dosnt sound like its always on the go. I got 500 hrs in 3 yrs maintaining my 6 acres and still shinny like a new penny. To each their own tho. Nice honest video. Keep it up. 🍻

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

It’s not a lot of hours for sure. I don’t live full time on this property so when I’m here and able to use it, it’s being used but I don’t have every day to use or maintain it. We also have 4 tractors that we split time across. Thanks for the comment.

[@gregglouis2969]

Are you in southern OH? I’m over in Akron. Great video sir. Been looking at the 2032 myself. Thanks for the review.

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Yes we are in SE Ohio. Hocking/Athens area. Thanks for watching and commenting. Happy to answer any questions you have. If you are buying be sure to check out some of my brothers negotiating tips in the 1025R playlist.

[@gregglouis2969]

@@HardyBrothersOutdoors honestly if there is a weekend you would need help I’d love to extend a helping hand. I love that area and would enjoy to see your operation. Project oasis sounds interesting. Not sure if you’re on Facebook or something but I can send you my number if you ever need another hand.

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Hey Gregg, much appreciated! We have been talking about ways to organize so we can have folks pitch in... We are on Facebook at Hardy Brothers Outdoors as well, shoot us a message there and we will keep in touch! - Thanks! - Josh

[@LangFamilyFarmsLA]

Lift capcity is the main thing pushing me to Mahindra over JD. 1626 is 1560 I think the 2032 is 1300ish. Thanks for the great review

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

I would take a hard look at service and parts availability. I see lots of Mahindra dealers that barely have an office to work out of let alone a parts and service department.

[@treestomps1]

I have the same tractor only a couple of days but now I'm going to check my bolts lol and yes the same things you don't like about it are the exact same things I don't like

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Good idea to get a paint marker and mark those bolts... Mine have now been replaced by Deere and they have a DTAC open for the issue based on the videos where I highlighted the issue... it is definitely a known issue and have had others comment that their front axles fell off. Thanks for commenting! I do love the 2032R though!

[@JFroMG_YT]

You should torque all bolts down with thread locker. Hand tight is never enough especially for machinery

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Hi Jeffrey, I agree in large part, but if that is such a common expectation wouldn't you expect Deere to do that during the manufacturing process? The reality is they actually were using a bolt that was not has hardened as it should have been resulting in excessive loosening. Due to my videos they actually created a DTAC and the new bolt is used in their newer models. Here is a little more history on the issue as I laid out the issue and their response to solving it. Sadly many others have contacted me and people have had broken axles and some scary situations. Luckily we haven't had any reports of anyone getting hurt or killed. JD Loose Bolt Issue Playlist - kzbin.info/aero/PL8BQp5z-QX0Szmkbhr_UYhRIhlaxXsAJJ

[@freidrichnietzsche6643]

Considering one of these as a smaller compliment to our 5055e which is big heavy and tears up stuff with its r1 tires. Need something that is smaller compact and more maneuverable and don’t think the 1025r will have enough grunt.

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

We had the 1025R and while it did well, the extra HP makes quite the difference for sure. We mainly saw the difference in lift capacity, uphill mowing/plowing/grading, etc. I highly recommend the 2-Series tractor for sure.

[@freidrichnietzsche6643]

@@HardyBrothersOutdoors Many thanks for the response! I agree. Looking to keep hours off of the 5055 as many of our tasks just don't need that much tractor - we're also considering trading it in on a bigger unit but that's a horse of a different color. Need something to fill the gap between the two and can always pull the bigger tractor outta the barn when needed. It seems to me that there's enough of a difference between the 1025 and 2023 that warrant the extra expense for the additional capability. I also like that the 2xxx's are quite a bit heavier frame (and can be loaded more), larger wheels/tire, more ground clearance, lift, etc. Keep up the great videos.

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

@@freidrichnietzsche6643 makes perfect sense. I'm not real familiar with the 2025 but i know at the time I purchased (2017) it was a smaller frame than the 32/38 models.

[@coziii.1829]

I’m deciding between this and the 2038. Looks like this one I only have 5 acres 3 of it for tractor.

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Coz Iii either will get the job done. The 2038 will just give you a little more power if you need it. I love mine and it truly is the Swiss Army knife of compact tractors. Best of luck. If you haven’t seen our 10 Money Saving tips, check it out. Jason gives some negotiation tips that worked for both of us as well work on pretty much any big purchase.

[@davidpotter9462]

The 790 that I bought in '05 doesn't have any loose bolts...27 HP

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Yeh I think this was a result of using too soft of bolts for the application. They were replaced with harder bolts.

[@justinweber1838]

Is lift capacity limited by the fact the rear wheels lift off the ground or is it that it hydraulically won't lift due to power?

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Hydraulic limitations. You can get additional lift capacity with the MSL that is the mechanical self leveling loader however it also has some limitations. This tractor is great and does about anything I ask of it, but it can only lift what it is built to lift.

[@theroyboys2]

Great video! I'm about to pull the trigger on a 2032r as well. Had a hard time deciding between the 32 and 38 (dealer has both in stock), but ended up going with the 32. I hope to have it past warranty coverage and figure the bigger displacement of the 32 would offer one less component to worry about over the smaller turbo.

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks for the feedback and good luck on your purchase. Have lots of other videos of this tractor but also make sure to check out the loose axle bolt videos... it’s a great tractor, I love mine.

[@FredFlintstone21]

Awesome video! I bought my 2017 2032r with a bent key! Lol. I have the single point hydraulics as well. Someone mentioned "dont mid mount mow with the fel on", I never heard that before, have mowed with my loader on. One thing a youtuber reached out to me, asking me if my linear actuator that raises and lowers my mid mount mower has failed. Mine has not, have you had any troubles with your linear actuator? Supposedly deere is coming out with a better set up this spring that don't fail. There are quite a few posts about this issue that I found on green tractor talk. Thanks ~Fred

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Thanks Fred. No issues on the actuator failing. I’ve seen some chatter about that as well. Not sure why you can’t mow when ever FEL on... I do it all the time and just drop my bucket. I don’t have enough flat ground to take stuff and not have to wrestle to get it back on. Lol.

[@reddawg661]

If you will dip your bolts in Milk of Magnesia before your put them in they will never loosen up. Sounds weird but it works.

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Never heard that before. Will have to give it a try.

[@fredbaumberger8988]

I have a 3203 and I have the same problem with the key, bending it and even stopping the tractor

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Check out my latest video. There is a guy on FB, Robbie Clark, that has 3D printed a cover to help with the key issue. #142 5 Things John Deere Got Wrong with the John Deere 2032R 2038R

[@damonlewis5600]

Does the 72in. deck float over uneven ground or does it tend to scalp in places. I'm thinking about a 2032r myself but debating between 60 or 72 deck.

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

So my property is nothing but hills... it floats pretty well except when cresting hills vs running horizontal to the hill. I get some scalping but it’s a country property and not a well manicured lawn. I’ve seen great results from others like Joe Lopez who mows with the 72” deck on a 2038R... check out HomesteadJoe on KZbin. Now one thing is you can’t use the LoadNGo with the 60” deck as of yet to my understanding. It’s a great feature if you think you’ll use the tractor often without the mid mount mower on it. Hope this helps! - Josh

[@bsmith7763]

2032R owner with 72” deck and 6 acres of relatively flat ground - This set up is a beast and mows beautifully. Deck floats well for me. If you are dealing with hills or unleveled ground, stick with the 60”. At the end of the day it’s 12” shorter which, in reality, equates to a couple more passes. The 60” fits on more trailers too. My dealer was able to provide great advice.

[@KingGraver]

Thanks so much! Question - do you think the 2032 would handle a 6"bos blade?

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Yeh it would but it also would depend on if you are on hills and what you are pulling in it. I run a 5’ foot county line and am sure it could handle the 6’

[@beckysnyder4701]

I am surprised that you didn't stay with Massi-ferguson. 👍

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Closest one is WVa so over 90 minutes away... too far away. I did however just pick up a 1953 MF 204 Rough Terrain Forklift... :-)

[@dave434]

Looking at a 2014 now with 1144 hr. Dealer was asking 23900.00 I made cash offers of 15,16,17,18k Now Dealer came down to 19 & then 18k. Now I'm not sure I want it.

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

2014 is not the same body style and model as this 2017. 2017 was the first redesign year. I’m not really very familiar with the earlier models. I suppose the price depends on all the attachments. I have the pricing of what I paid in 2017 in the description. I do know prices have gone up.

[@jdixon1234]

Ammo box makes good tool box for tractor.

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

I've considered mounting one on the plate below the grill as that is the only place I can find room... I also made these two additions in terms of tool boxes #170 John Deere 2038R 2032R - Two Tool Box Hacks in under 10 Minutes for Less Than $30 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJylioSfoM5pjNk Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@southernwulf3335]

50 cal ammo cans are good toolbox. I mount em to the rops

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

I'm definitely in need of that... I've also heard you can build a tool storage area in that round hole that goes through the FEL... May try to do that. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@tomthumb891]

Very good lovely place to live

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Yes, thanks we really like it a lot!

[@Gobi2K17]

JD is best but after warranty you are on your own.

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Yes I'm happy with it overall. I recently had some work done that the dealership fought to get covered by the drivetrain warranty and JD was pushing back but they got it covered. Saved me about $800 so I was thrilled.

[@arthurslife1881]

And you can get the msl loader that has more lift weight

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Wish that had been an option when I bought originally. Don’t see myself ever paying the trade up fees as I’ve heard you can’t get much on the old loader. I’m about to have an old construction forklift refurbed. Hopefully that will do the trick for my sawmill needs.

[@arthurslife1881]

@@HardyBrothersOutdoors you said about storage have you looked into arttilian tool rack

[@79lynch]

giraffe I use westerndorf no third function hydraulic I Love it

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

What model and what if any drawbacks from a hydraulic third function? Do you sacrifice some reach?

[@twlyons1]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Glad you liked it!

[@Retiredoneat60]

Drill the heads on the loose bolts and safety wire them together. Problem solved.

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

I suppose that would work but I’m happy to see that Deere seems to have addressed it in newer tractors. They picked mine up and fixed it.

[@Retiredoneat60]

Even Better

[@ballvice7861]

I was going to say the same thing

[@garybaumann5637]

Take the fel off before you attach the mmm. You are not supposed to use the mmm with the fel attached.

[@HardyBrothersOutdoors]

Why do you say that? I usually will just take the bucket off. Is there a reason you shouldn't run the mmm w/ the FEL attached other than maneuverability? Appreciate any insight...