“I bought too big of a tractor” is like saying “I built too big of a pole barn.” Great video, thank you for making these videos.

I’ve owned all three.... 1022, 2025r, and now 2038r. I agree with your assessments. I finally grew into the 2038r because I wanted increased lift height and capacity. Btw , I recently added spacers to my rear wheels. What a positive difference! While only 2.5 inches on each side my tractor feels incredibly more stable when on angled turf or in the woods. The bigger frame on the 2038 gives it that “ real tractor” feel. And, yes it needs a real toolbox. Love my JD!

Always good to see videos like this. At the very least we are well informed when it would come time to make a decision on buying a tractor. You do a great job doing these comparisons Tim.

As I have said before, I like your reviews. you bring up pros and cons that many salesman do not even know. Thank you, Great Video!

Great videos Tim. I bought mine in 2017 and love it. I originally wanted a 2032r, but the Dealer didn't have any in stock and made me a great deal on the 2038r. Thanks again for all the information you and your family provide for us DIYers God Bless

Great video. I didn't know a few of the details you've talked about. I've been contemplating purchasing either a 20r or 10r for my self and inlays to take care of their property. While I like the maneuverability of the 10r the things you shared in this video made me contemplate getting a 2038r. Thank you!

Always great to get your take Tim as well as the comments from all the followers.

Great comparison video Tim, love having my morning coffee and watching your video :-)

Thanks for the great video. I've been using my 2038R for the last 2 weeks and love it.

Wow, what a great objective comparison. Certainly appreciate your willingness to share your opinions and thoughts. I have a Massey Ferguson 1740M that is quite similar to the 2038R. My favorite features are auto throttle and cruise control. Cruise control comes in handy when using the rotary mower in larger fields.

Many thanks for the shout out Tim, I logged in to more notifications than I've ever had. I think I said the "end user" in my video, I honestly think they're all really great tractors, just depends on what each individual needs. Until watching you video I guess I didn't realize the JD's thought process was for the glove box to be a toolbox LOL

I love the information you put out. I have a smallish yard surrounded by woods and overgrown fields. When my cub cadet has made its last pass/project in my yard, we will be getting a Johnny.

A thorough and fair comparison. I just ordered a 2038R and am looking forward to using it. Your channel has helped me a lot. I spent months comparing the pros and cons. All these are good tractors.

I was once in that position of deciding between 1025r vs. 2032/8r. Like Tim said, I think the big thing with 1025r is access to tight spots, which I didn't' have a need for. Therefore, I decided to go with 2038r, prefer to have a little too much tractor than wishing I had a little more. I absolutely love that tractor, we use it all the time.

All good points Tim. I bought a 1025R in order to access gated backyards for clean-up jobs and other tasks. The maneuverability of the 1 series is incredible.

Thanks Tim! I'm looking to buy a compact tractor right now. I have some older "farm" tractors that are not equipped like I need and are too big for what I want to do. I have a loader on a 1954 JD 60 but with no power steering and a hand clutch it's very hard to do much with it. I am very glad to see the 1025 and the 2038 side by side. it's hard to get a size comparison from a picture on line. Great video and very helpful. Thanks' again.

Great comparison video. I just settled with a kubota L2501. I love it

Tim, great video, The reason I went with the 1025R was maneuverability, need to get into a lot of tight spots when landscaping, plus space on the trailer. Also your comment on not disconnecting the rear PTO warning switch was well done. That switch is on there for a reason. I have read a letter where a person backed over a child while mowing. Never disconnect that safety switch. Thanks again.

I bought a 1025r thinking I'd be using it to cut grass 90% of the time ( a step up from my lawn tractor). I love my 1025r but I use it for so much more than cutting grass. So if I had to do it over again I'd consider the 2038r more, and consider a zero turn for grass cutting instead of the pricey mowing deck. That being said, I'm very happy with my 1025r.

I gotta throw some love to the 2025r, I love mine, got the 260b backhoe with it and use it more than I ever thought I would. Ive done box blade work with it, dug post holes with an auger, my wife even uses it for her garden work and it has impressed me every time..Tried the 1025r also but it just felt to small. No regrets with the 2025r. It will never do the work of the big boys but it was never meant to either. Small size and no stupid emissions equipment are other great perks of the 2025r. Thanks TTWT for introducing me to these great little tractors.

You know you sold me on the 1025r and I upgraded to the 2038r. I love the Tractor hated the service went to a 60 horse orange tractor with a cab. Guess which one I still till with and bushhog small areas? The 2038r of course lol. I remember a certain you tube guy telling me to get the three series but I am glad I didn’t listen. I pull a six foot tiller with ease and a five foot mx5 and destroy anything that gets in my way. I am glad to see you like the 2038 r. Thanks for all your help those few years ago to get me started.

Another great comparison video. Your channel should be required viewing for anyone looking to purchase a JD. It's been fun watching your channel grow and I've learned a ton along the way.

Excellent video as always. They are both great tractors. Love my 1025r!! Like you said maneuverability👊

I did the same thing. 1025r to 2025r to 2038r. Hands down I love my 2038r. I have to admit I sometimes miss my 1025r.

Hi Tim, I would love to see a maintenance video on the 2038r like you did for the 1025r. Also, a troubleshooting video, lifting issues on loaders etc. Thanks for the great content so far... Very helpful stuff!

The 1025R is incredible for it’s versatility and for the home owner with, say 2,4,10 acres or maybe more it can be an all around machine, but there will be a time when a larger tractor is necessary it’s no more complicated than that. I’ve said before the JD has made the “gentlemen’s tractor” you’ve shown over and over the ability of the 1025R it’s incredible what it can accomplish for it’s size and power rating., but, again, sometimes bigger is better.

Hello Tim, you hit it right on the head, I have the same opinion that you do on the two models , you did a great job on the breakdown on the two,

Good videos, Tim. Thanks. Your cat knows John Deere is the best!

Hey Tim Thanks for your input and views. You have actually helped us make the right choice for our purchase here in Australia. We have just ordered our new 3039R with mid and front pto, 4in1 loader.

Loving your videos Tim. Your my inspiration for starting my own channel which I launched today. Can’t wait to get one of your hats!!! Keep up the great work!

Is there a more informative compact/subcompact tractor source anywhere else on the net? I think not! Great information as always and I personally believe you are as unbiased as a person can be when it comes to your experience and opinions.

I liked this video a lot. I like the 2038R better after watching this video. Maneuverability is important sometimes, but most people can find away to work around that unless you are in a very small yard.

Tim as I always say you do a good job selling the dealers are mostly looking more dollars wish we were aware of what a tractor can do and ehat we needed God Bless All PaK

I have both 1025r and 2038r and love both good job Tim

A lot of people don't have little kids around to back over. The ability to mow in reverse is important to them.

Great video Tim. I myself had the dilemma of a 1025r vs a 2025r. I found the 2025r was just a glorified 1025r and not worth the extra money.

Tim, I’m just now upgrading my 2025 to a2038 based on the power and size great video thanks

thanks Tim. I will be getting the 2038r. I went to my dealer the other day and took the 1025r for a test ride in the parking lot and manage to find some nice pot holes. Then I took the 2038r for a ride and you are 100% correct when you say there is a different feel between the two. It is worth the price increase to go to the 2038r. What a great site you have. Going to get the shorter forks also. I almost ordered the longer ones till I watched your fork episode. Thanks Tim.

I grew up with independent brakes on all our tractors and they made a big difference when turning. You could lock one rear wheel and turn in a much tighter radius, almost spinning on that wheel like a skid steer.

Your content is very informative. Thank you for this video.

Great video Tim very informative i had a 3203 sold it and am back in the market for a tractor i think the 2038r will be a good fit for me but i have to have a cab and a loader and front mount snow blower more important than any thing Mn winter can be tough i plow for a county highway dept here and the last thing i want to do is come home and deal with snow you helped me out big time thanks have a great day be safe.

Enjoyed this video Tim

Tim, I have a new 2038R with just 11 hours on it. I researched tractors for over 2-years. I looked closely at the Deere series 1, 2, & 3 for my 10-acre lot. Almost purchased the 2025, but the specs told a story of slightly diminished output as compared to the 1025R. In other words, not enough power. The online reviews of the 2038 are excellent, plus no one ever complains of too much power. I would add that one should consider adding rear wheel extensions, which contributes greatly to the stability/safety of the tractor. I also had the rear tires filled with RimGuard (beet juice), which adds about 500 lbs to the rear. Attachments from Artillian, Heavy Hitch, Mudds Customs, and Deere are quality items.

That mower deck electronic lift feature is a great one.. About time JD offered two remotes on the back besides the 'power behind' feature.. IMHO, that's relatively worthless - and I've added enough items to actually make that a second remote... ('15 3039R). Good video, Tim...

Wish this video was available when I bought mine 2 years ago. I was waffling between the 2025r and the 2038r. Glad I went with the 2038r. I didnt even realize the frame size was different. My reason for the choice? You never regret getting more horsepower lol.

I just bought a new 1025R for my daughter they have 80 acres. Its $10.000 cheaper than the 2038 and thats big. Not everyone wants a lot of debt. Love your shows Tim

Good review..Thank you for the video..Have a blessed day

Great video and comparisons. Thanks

Very useful comparison. Thank you.

For me 1025R handles everything I do around my house plow, cut grass, backhoe work, loader work thanks again Tim I enjoy your videos keep them coming..

Great video, liked the comparison.

elk creek acres is a great channel and i will say he done his research when buying 2038r and asking questions on my channel when i bought mine a watched ttwt and watched his interviews with john deere but my opinion is go atleast one size bigger than you think you need my 2038 has went through some tough test and has continued to impress me thanks for the info tim and helping everyone with your channel

Tim, thanks for the most comprehensive review/comparison of an JD tractors. I’m torn between the 1025R vice the 2025R.I like the idea of the larger 2025R but your 1025R points are virtually impossible to beat…lm guessing the 1025R is my best option. Thanks for your time

Really good comparison. I’ve been torn on what tractor to buy and wasn’t sure about the 2 series. I thing the smaller tractor would be just a little too small for my farm even though I think it would work. Great video really like the features you mentioned.

Your videos are great and have probably watched them all. Would love to see you do a comparison between the 2038R and 3046R. Also would love to see you do videos on the usability of the 1-4 series when using these tractors with and without cabs. Thanks for all you do.

Great video, thanks for making these!

I think both has it's own purpose and the 1025R is good for small farms and good sized home sites, but anything bigger, I would go with the 2038R.

Before I purchased the Deere, I was looking at Kubota, Bobcat (their new sub-compact tractor line, LS and New Holland. Bobcat and Deere were the only ones who came to my property with their tractors...Deere was the only one who took their tractor off the ramp, drove down the hill in my backyard to my land and drove back out. So yeah. Easy Sell.

the picture that came up with the gray mower, i have the 16hp version of it.

I have not researched this because I don’t need the option but I believe the rear dual SCVs provides the power beyond function with the switch by the PTO engage button for 3 point attachments like a backhoe. I believe it is SCV 1 to use it.

enjoyed the video looking to tractor and this help me to pick the one that work for me ,thank you!

Tim, love the video and the proverb. May the Lord richly bless you and your family.

man if i could get a 2038r with a loader and brush hog, for the same price as a 1025r TLB i might jump....but i do want that backhoe!!!

My first tractor a John Deere 4310 my second is a 4066r cab tractor I love it

Thanks for taking the time to make this video.

I have a small farm and went with the 2032R. The 1025 was just too small for what I need to do. The 1025 is perfect for a homeowner.

Thanks for the comparison

Great info for me Tim, thank you.

Awesome video thanks for what you do

I have a 2038R and love it. I agree with everything you say about it. The only thing I would add is "load & go" for the mower is needed for the 2038R. 2nd Bigger front tires. I live in sand soils and it sinks like a rock. Without the loader it does just OK with these tiny front tires. I would love to try a set of the new R14 tires.

It would be nice if Deere would offer a cab with air on the 2038R. Several competitors do on this size of tractor. Maybe in the future it will be an option. Thanks for all your great videos!

I mow with my JD X738, very maneuverable with the full time proportioned 4x4. I use my 2025R a lot in the sand. I think bigger tires help. I wish I had bought a large 2 series. Dealer didn't think I needed a large 2 with the regen cost. At that time Pat was very happy with his 2025R.

Great video 👍 thanks Tim !!! Larry

That was a wonderful and informative video. Thanks,

Brake pedal usage is HIGH here when back dragging Snow on a icy driveway and bucket edge is down and tires are up for maximum scraping the driveway. IF the drive is sloped or crowned you MUST use the brakes to steer the tractor or you will end up off the side and maybe in a ditch.

Bough 2025r well woth extra mony to me. Bigger tires the main reason. It's taller dosen't sink the front tires when pushing snow or on soft ground. Loving it!

I value your opinions Tim. No need to equivocate.

Tim; I have a 5085 M that I use in my poultry operation and my dad purchased a 5075E to use on the farm for the purpose of a three point hitch water furrower implement. The M series (like the R series in the compacts) are far more desirable, with a multitude of refinements not offered in the E (economy) series. I joked with my dad that his E series was a Mahindra painted green. Nice tractors, just cheaply made.

I currently have an X585 with a three point hitch and rear PTO and am looking to upgrade to something larger. Your videos have been extremely helpful and after looking at both the 1025R and the 2032R/2038R at the dealership I think I am going to go with the large frame 2 series as I dont want to purchase another unit that is too small for my needs. Keep up the great content.

Thank you for another great video, sir. I’ve watched this a few times over the past few months, and I can really see now why are you made this comparison. As it turns out this is the question I’m asking myself. I do like the better maneuverability of the 1025R, and I’m sure it would be plenty of tractor for me. However, I do like everything else about the 2038R. Ergonomics are also draw for me to the larger tractor (and the R models in general) to help navigate chronic injuries as well. Choices, choices. These are what I call first world problems, haha. Life is good!

Great video as always. I think in those last few minutes of eliminating the 2025 and the 3e, a brief mention of the 2032 may have been helpful to some.

Another great comparison Tim. For me 10K to set up a 2038R like my 1025R. The maneuverability in our wooded lot is one strong reason I went 1025R.

Great job.

Enjoyed the discussion. Have been looking a the 3 series and 2 series to solve my biggest issue: loader lift capacity. The new MSL loader may be an inexpensive upgrade with multiple benefits. Just waiting for you to look at it too.

back when i was looking last year and i spent over a year deciding it came down to lift on FEL I wanted to support 5acres and my woodworking with pallets of lumber. For everything else i liked the 1025 (especially cost). I even considered just going lighter on wood as in smaller stacks. But with getting older & since i'm plopping down a huge amount of $$ anyway get what I wanted. One thing to consider as well is amortization over time. Sorry MBA coming out in me. I did a side by side comparison, and found that the incremental amount extra to jump to the 2038r was not that significant(at least in my view). Having used it now for 8 months, glad i did make the jump. However one area while not significant is if you use the belly mower or even pull behind mower, the impact on the yard after a rain is visible. Since I did do remguard in the tires and just with weight of the machine, on occasion i left marks in the yard. Now i know that and avoid by waiting more but it is something that the 1025 would be better. I just lifted a big pallet of lumber up on to a deck with 16' lumber and it did not grunt. I'm sure i could not have done that with the 1025. Thanks for the advise last year. BTW, my dealer when we were talking indicated the few 2025's he sells usually get brought back and traded in on 2032's or 38r's. He had two used on the lot when i ordered mine. Not bashing them, but he indicated that was just the case. Cheers and thanks again for the advice it did work out for me.

Thanks so much Tim for what you and your family do! This is exactly what I was looking for. I’m deciding between a 2025R and a 2032R. And you make a lot of relevant comparisons. I think the lift capacity and lift height of both the loader and PTO are going to be the deciding factor for me.

Awesome review I now have a better understanding.

You know that’s the same route i went what you said you read my mind.

I have a 1025r a 2017 model I love it I absolutely love it but after using it on many different projects I really wished at the time that they had the 2038r like they do now I probably would have went with it I do plan on upgrading at some point when I feel it's worth the extra expense but for now I'm Still Loving my 1025r and I don't know what I would do without it

oh how i wished when i bought my 2520 in 06, that it would of had all them ideas on it back then. still happy with it, but boy i would be happier now-ha!! great video oh. hey u working out some lately? looking like ur getting some better guns on ya! OR u got a tighter shirt in that short sleeved shirt u was wearing-hehe

My first tractor is the 2038R, I base this selection on viewing TRACTOR Time with Tim. John Deere Green 2038R is an awesome machine. Price? You get what you pay for, in this case an excellent value

My 2038R is being delivered this Wednesday. I had ordered the 3039R in July to be delivered in October which was pushed back to late January 2022 and with the strike probably later. Just found out today the dealer had a new 2038R on the lot today so made the purchase -- looking forward to getting it. This will be my first tractor. I blame you for putting that desire there :) my finance committee gave me permission :)

Love the kitty co-star! 🐱😁😁

I care for four and a half acres in rural upstate NY and own a 1023e with a loader, 54"deck, 4' brush cutter, 5' rake and back blade, and 54" snow blower. I have had a 2038r with a loader and 72" deck as a loaner for about 2 weeks. Lemme tell you... It is impressive. Comfortable, stable, powerful, smooth, and the ergos are great. I don't farm... I just do typical things like mow, move big rocks around, cut brush, and rake out my gravel driveway. I liken the 2038R to owning a Ferrari or a Bugatti.... This thing is awesome to use,(TURBO!!!), but I wouldn't want to pay for parts, tires, and maintenance. I say that as a homeowner with a relatively small piece of property. All the things like larger tires, fancier lift, systems, pollution control devices turbocharger, will eventually cost money to fix or maintain. If I farmed at all or had a larger piece of land the 2038R would be an incredible machine for me. I was very fortunate to be able to test drive this one for so long...I've got a hundred hours on my 1023e and have already put about 8 hours on this 2038R ...To be honest I can't wait to get my 1023e back. For me, on my property and with the way I use it, the 2038R feels like I'm trying to shave my face with a weed eater instead of an electric razor. Don't get me wrong that 2038R is well worth the extra 12 grand or so it would cost.... If I had a need for its size and extra features. OH...The e-throttle I love.... Every tractor should have that!... Thanks for the great videos Tim!!! ( Tim did nail this... Dead on accurate comparo )

Thank you Tim and Christy. Very informative. I hope you will consider also doing a comparison between your 2 and 3 series. I am very interested in stepping up to a larger tractor. However I don't think my wife will let me keep my 1025r and buy another. The problem is I only have 1 acre, but am really wanting to do odd jobs and a lot of church work. This is where I believe having the larger tractor is needed. Oh and I would love to see some info on how the 2 and 3 fit inside your ultimate dump. We now have a dealer in Texas and I have just about sold my wife on buying a trailer that costs twice as much as the BigTex I specified.

love your videos tim, you are my favorite john deere you tuber.

Agree on the 2025R - It's essentially a larger frame 1025R & for some that must be an advantage. The 2032R & 2038R as far as I can tell are almost identical exc. the HP. Is is worth the cost difference to get the higher HP? I visited the dealer for the first time last week and at least got to sit on & drive a 1025R (BTW, salesman mentioned "Tractor Time w/Tim") - Felt very comfortable on it and I'd never been on a subcompact. They didn't have a 2032 or 2038 - He said deliveries are running behind & lead times are stretching out pretty far right now but they have them due in so I'll be going back.

Congrat's nice demo ' ' ' wishin ya many years of use . . .

Great video!

Hi from England. I’ve been following your videos Tim and Christy since October for research and ideas into which compact I get for our 3acre garden. The timing of this comparison is perfect as I had a demo 1026R a month ago and my dealer just dropped off for another trial the last remaining 2036R in UK before they move to 2038r with diesel particulate (and a 9% price increase). I’ve been round our site with it and it’s still able to get along our paths and spaces the 1026R did. I think you’ve clinched it for me with this video and helped me justify that extra cost with the additional benefits and future proofing. Gonna catch up on a few more of your videos now. If you’re ever in the UK it would be great to meet you. Matthew.