Both compact · same John Deere lineup

John Deere 2025R vs John Deere 3025E

John Deere 2025R

John Deere

John Deere 2025R

~$21,768

24.2 hp engine · 18 PTO−26% to the shaft
John Deere 3025E

John Deere

John Deere 3025E

~$22,790

24.4 hp engine · 18.5 PTO−24% to the shaft

The John Deere 2025R lists about $1,022 lower; the John Deere 3025E carries 18.5 hp to the PTO against 18; the John Deere 3025E lifts 1,186 lbs on the loader against 1,023; the John Deere 2025R buys more PTO horsepower per dollar, 0.83 per $1,000 against 0.81.

John Deere 2025R and John Deere 3025E compared row by row. A highlighted cell takes that row on the stated rule: more power, lift, capacity or flow, or a lower price.
SpecJohn Deere 2025RJohn Deere 3025E
Price~$21,768~$22,790
What that price isMSRP, base buildMSRP, base build
Size classCompactCompact
TransmissionHydrostaticHydrostatic
Engine hp24.2 hp24.4 hp
PTO hp18 hp18.5 hp
Loader lift1,023 lbsat the pivot pin1,186 lbsat the pivot pin
Three-point lift1,150 lbs24 in behind the lift points1,356 lbs24 in behind the lift points
Hydraulic flow6.4 GPM7.9 GPM
Drive4WD4WD
EngineYanmarYanmar
Weight1,755 lbs2,354 lbs
Fuel tank5.4 gal8.2 gal
4WDYesYes
Front loaderYesYes
Cab availableNoNo
HydrostaticYesYes
Power steeringYesYes
Cruise controlYesNo
Warranty6 yr / 2000 hr powertrain6 yr / 2000 hr powertrain

A highlighted cell wins its row on the rule named above the table: more power, lift, capacity or flow, or a lower price. A lift row is left unwon whenever the two makers measured in different places, or where either of them did not say — a figure quoted at the pivot pin and one quoted 500 mm ahead of it describe the same loader and differ by roughly a third, so ranking them against each other would invent a result. Prices are typical list and move with dealer packages.

From owner discussion and long-term write-ups

What owners of each one say

John Deere 2025R

What they like

  • 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
  • Cruise control standard on the HST makes long mowing sessions much easier on the operator
  • It's a genuine step up in capability while still fitting in a standard garage and trailer easily

What they complain about

  • 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

John Deere 3025E

What they like

  • 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

What they complain about

  • 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
  • You pay a Deere premium versus a comparably specced Kubota L2501 or Kioti CK, which often cost less
  • 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
John Deere 2025R spec sheetJohn Deere 3025E spec sheet