Both compact · same John Deere lineup

John Deere 2032R vs John Deere 3043D

John Deere 2032R

John Deere

John Deere 2032R

~$28,866

30.7 hp engine · 24.2 PTO−21% to the shaft
John Deere 3043D

John Deere

John Deere 3043D

~$29,644

41.6 hp engine · 36.3 PTO−13% to the shaft

The John Deere 2032R lists about $778 lower; the John Deere 3043D carries 36.3 hp to the PTO against 24.2; the John Deere 3043D lifts 1,186 lbs on the loader against 1,120; the John Deere 3043D buys more PTO horsepower per dollar, 1.22 per $1,000 against 0.84.

John Deere 2032R and John Deere 3043D 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 2032RJohn Deere 3043D
Price~$28,866~$29,644
What that price isMSRP, base buildMSRP, base build
Size classCompactCompact
TransmissionHydrostaticShuttle
Engine hp30.7 hp41.6 hp
PTO hp24.2 hp36.3 hp
Loader lift1,120 lbsat the pivot pin1,186 lbsat the pivot pin
Three-point lift1,356 lbs24 in behind the lift points2,081 lbs24 in behind the lift points
Hydraulic flow9.3 GPM10.3 GPM
Drive4WD4WD
EngineYanmarYanmar
Weight2,879 lbs2,840 lbs
Fuel tank8.5 gal9.7 gal
4WDYesYes
Front loaderYesYes
Cab availableNoNo
HydrostaticYesNo
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 2032R

What they like

  • Electronic cruise control is standard equipment, not an option, which is the thing 3E owners most often wish they had on long mowing passes
  • The step-through platform, tilt steering wheel, fender-mounted controls and high-back seat are a genuine grade above the 3E station
  • CommandCut deck lift sets mowing height by dial and keeps the hydraulics free for other work
  • 2,879 lb makes it heavier than a 3032E, which steadies it with a loaded bucket
  • Two-range hydrostatic with Twin Touch pedals and a matched Sauer-Danfoss pump and motor
  • Six years or 2,000 hours of powertrain coverage

What they complain about

  • The 220R lifts only 1,120 lb at the pivot pin and 803 lb measured 500 mm ahead of it - less than the 300E on the cheaper 3E models
  • Deere's published base list is around $28,866, roughly $3,100 above a 3032E that makes the same power and lifts more up front
  • 8.5 gal of fuel is the smallest tank of any 3- or 2-Series machine here
  • No factory cab - the heated cab sold for this model is a dealer-installed accessory, and Deere's own spec table lists the cab row as not applicable
  • 24.2 PTO hp limits you to a 5 ft rotary cutter
  • The aftertreatment includes a diesel particulate filter with passive, active and parked cleaning cycles

John Deere 3043D

What they like

  • 36.3 PTO hp is more than the hydrostatic 3046R delivers at 33.9, for roughly $9,500 less on Deere's published base list
  • Turbocharging pulls 41.6 hp from 1.57 L, a smaller engine than the naturally aspirated 3035D's 1.642 L makes 34.2 from
  • 2,081 lb at 24 in. behind the link arms and two rear SCVs as published, enough for a 6 ft cutter or a rear blade with hydraulic angle
  • Same 9.7 gal tank and 2,840 lb chassis as the rest of the D line, so the price step over the 3035D is almost entirely engine
  • Gear drive keeps more of that engine at the PTO than a hydrostatic would

What they complain about

  • The turbo and the diesel particulate filter together are the most complex emissions plumbing in the D line, on the model with no hydrostatic option to show for it
  • No cab and no cruise control on any 3D model
  • 10.3 gpm total flow is unchanged from the 3035D despite 7 more horsepower, so implements do not move any faster
  • Still the 300E loader at 1,186 lb at the pivot pin, unchanged from the 24 hp 3025D - the price step buys no loader capacity at all
  • 845 lb at 500 mm ahead of the pivot pin is modest for a 41 hp machine, and it is the forward figure that governs pallet forks