John Deere 2025R vs John Deere 2038R
Quick take: The John Deere 2025R costs $11,000 less; the John Deere 2038R has more engine power (36.7 vs 24.2 hp); the John Deere 2038R has more loader lift (1,120 vs 1,023 lbs).
| Spec | John Deere 2025R | John Deere 2038R |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $22,500 | $33,500 |
| Rating | 4.6★ (620) | 4.7★ (520) |
| Category | Compact | Compact |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic | Hydrostatic |
| Engine HP | 24.2 hp | 36.7 hp |
| PTO HP | 18 hp | 30 hp |
| Loader Lift | 1023 lbs | 1120 lbs |
| 3-Point Lift | 1150 lbs | 1356 lbs |
| Hydraulic Flow | 6.4 GPM | 9.3 GPM |
| Drive | 4WD | 4WD |
| Engine | Yanmar | Yanmar |
| Weight | 1755 lbs | 2610 lbs |
| Fuel Tank | 5.4 gal | 8.5 gal |
| 4WD | Yes | Yes |
| Loader | Yes | Yes |
| Cab | No | No |
| Hydrostatic | Yes | Yes |
| Power steering | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise control | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 6 yr / 2000 hr powertrain | 6 yr / 2000 hr powertrain |
Pros & cons
John Deere 2025R
- ✓Much stronger 1,150 lb 3-point lift than the 1025R, so it handles heavier rear implements like box blades and rotary cutters far better
- ✓The 220R loader lifts over 1,000 lbs, a meaningful upgrade over the 1025R for material handling
- ✓Keeps the beloved AutoConnect drive-over mower deck, so you still mount the deck without leaving the seat
- ✓The longer wheelbase and extra weight give it a more planted, stable feel than the 1025R for loader and slope work
- ✓Same huge Deere dealer network and legendary resale value as the rest of the family
- ✓Cruise control standard on the HST makes long mowing sessions much easier on the operator
- ✓Independent PTO and Twin Touch pedals give the refined, beginner-friendly operation Deere is known for
- ✓It's a genuine step up in capability while still fitting in a standard garage and trailer easily
- ✗It costs noticeably more than a 1025R for only a modest bump in engine HP, so many owners debate whether it's worth the jump
- ✗Still only 24.2 engine HP and 18 PTO HP, so the power is unchanged from the 1025R - you're paying mostly for lift and size
- ✗The tiny 5.4-gallon fuel tank carries over, meaning frequent refueling on big jobs
- ✗Deere's proprietary loader and deck lock you out of cheaper third-party attachments
- ✗Fully equipped it pushes past $22K, encroaching on 3025E territory which has more real power
- ✗Ground clearance is still fairly low for rough terrain compared to a 3-series
- ✗The premium Deere pricing means a comparably capable Kubota LX or Kioti CK often costs less
- ✗For the money, some owners feel they should have stepped up to a 3025E for the extra engine grunt
John Deere 2038R
- ✓The turbocharged 36.7 HP Yanmar gives it 3-series power in a 2-series package, and it doesn't bog under heavy loader or PTO load
- ✓It's the biggest tractor that still takes the AutoConnect drive-over mower deck, making it the top pick for owners who mow large lawns and do real tractor work
- ✓30 PTO HP comfortably runs a 6-foot mid-mount deck, 5-foot rotary cutter, tillers, and snowblowers
- ✓The premium R-platform gets the deluxe seat, tilt wheel, cruise, and refined eHydro that the E-series models lack
- ✓Lower center of gravity than the 3-series makes it noticeably more stable on slopes, a recurring owner compliment
- ✓The 220R Quik-Park loader detaches in minutes without tools and pairs with a mechanical self-leveling option
- ✓Deere's massive dealer network and legendary resale value protect the investment
- ✓Independent PTO plus mid-PTO and 9.3 GPM hydraulics make it genuinely versatile across mowing, loading, and ground engagement
- ✗It's expensive - loaded with the 220R loader it lands in the mid-$30Ks, squarely in 3033R/3038R territory
- ✗The 1,356 lb 3-point lift is unchanged from smaller models, so heavy rear implements like big box blades max it out
- ✗Many buyers agonize between it and the 3038R, which offers a bigger frame and more lift for similar money if you don't need AutoConnect
- ✗The turbo and common-rail injection add complexity versus the simple naturally aspirated engines Deere fans grew up on
- ✗The 220R loader's 1,120 lb lift trails cheaper Korean rivals that lift nearly double
- ✗Deere's proprietary loader and deck attachments lock you out of cheaper third-party gear
- ✗At 2,610 lbs it's mid-weight - more planted than a 1-series but still light enough to need ballast for serious loader work
- ✗The Deere badge premium is real - a Kioti CK3520 or Yanmar YT235 with similar specs costs thousands less