John Deere 2025R vs John Deere 3025E
Quick take: The John Deere 3025E costs $1,500 less; the John Deere 3025E has more engine power (24.4 vs 24.2 hp); the John Deere 3025E has more loader lift (1,186 vs 1,023 lbs).
| Spec | John Deere 2025R | John Deere 3025E |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $22,500 | $21,000 |
| Rating | 4.6★ (620) | 4.5★ (980) |
| Category | Compact | Compact |
| Transmission | Hydrostatic | Hydrostatic |
| Engine HP | 24.2 hp | 24.4 hp |
| PTO HP | 18 hp | 18.5 hp |
| Loader Lift | 1023 lbs | 1186 lbs |
| 3-Point Lift | 1150 lbs | 1356 lbs |
| Hydraulic Flow | 6.4 GPM | 7.9 GPM |
| Drive | 4WD | 4WD |
| Engine | Yanmar | Yanmar |
| Weight | 1755 lbs | 2354 lbs |
| Fuel Tank | 5.4 gal | 8.2 gal |
| 4WD | Yes | Yes |
| Loader | Yes | Yes |
| Cab | No | No |
| Hydrostatic | Yes | Yes |
| Power steering | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise control | Yes | No |
| 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 3025E
- ✓You get a full-size 3-series frame, axles, and lift capacity at a price barely above the sub-compact 2025R - it's the value sweet spot in the Deere lineup
- ✓The 1,356 lb 3-point lift and 300E loader make it far more capable with real implements than any sub-compact
- ✓The bigger frame and heavier weight make it stable and confident on slopes and with a loaded bucket
- ✓Yanmar diesel power with Deere's massive dealer network and outstanding resale value
- ✓Standard Category 1 3-point hitch and larger PTO make it compatible with a huge range of full-size implements
- ✓The larger 8.2-gallon fuel tank means far fewer refuels than the 1 and 2 series
- ✓It's frequently the most-recommended first tractor for someone with 5-20 acres on the forums
- ✓Simple, durable eHydro transmission and controls that are easy for beginners to master
- ✗It's the stripped-down E model, so it lacks the deluxe features, hydraulic outlets, and refinement of the pricier 3R models
- ✗Only 24.4 HP - the same power band as a sub-compact - so it's not fast and can bog in heavy tillage or a big rotary cutter
- ✗No mid-PTO or drive-over mower deck option, so it's not the tractor for finish mowing large lawns
- ✗The open-station-only E model has a basic seat and no creature comforts owners of the R models enjoy
- ✗You pay a Deere premium versus a comparably specced Kubota L2501 or Kioti CK, which often cost less
- ✗Loader detach and reattach is more involved than the quick-park systems on the 4-series
- ✗Some owners wish they'd stepped up to the 3038E for the extra 13 HP that costs relatively little more
- ✗Base tires and lack of a loader self-leveling feature are common upgrade complaints