Announced back in August, the new 2017 Deere ‘large chassis’ 2-series (2032r/2038r) tractors are arriving in dealerships as you read this.
In this article, we will look into some of the new features these tractors have to offer.
If you are impatient, and don’t want to read all the way to the end, the changes can be summarized fairly simply. These tractors are:
- Larger overall. (Heavier, Longer, Wider)
- Easier ‘attachability’ (is that a word??)
- More comfortable
- ..and yes, a bit more expensive.
Within the 2-series tractors, there are two frame sizes. The 2025r is the ‘small chassis’ model. The 2032r and the new 2038r are tagged as the ‘large chassis’ 2-series tractors. The larger chassis tractors got this redesign first, and the small frame 2025r redesign is slated to be completed sometime this year.
Edit: We recently caught up with Jared, the Product Manager responsible for the new 2-Series tractors (and all of the other compact utility and small utility tractors). If you haven’t seen our interview, I would suggest you watch it as part of your research
The 2038r is an entirely new tractor in the 2-series lineup. With 37.3 HP, it is the largest tractor we’ve seen in this series. Having said that, other than engine/pto horsepower, the 2038r and 2032r appear to be identical.
Watching the new 2032r/2038r Deere marketing videos, one quickly sees the focus on increasing the overall stability of these tractors. The wheelbase is 4% (~2.5 inches) longer, 17% wider, and 23+% heavier.
The additional length will make the tractor ride better at the expense of a larger turning radius. 2.5 inches might not sound like much, but it increases the turning radius by almost 2 feet!
The additional width should make a meaning difference in side to side stability. As a 1-series owner, it is easy to see the disadvantages of a narrow tractor. Of course, we will need wider attachments to cover the wheel tracks. For instance, a 5 ft bush hog or tiller might not cover the entire width of the tractor.
I’m excited about the additional weight of the tractor. 2436lb vs. the older version’s 1973lbs. The additional weight will be noticed in several ways. 1) Increased stability 2) better ride with less ‘bouncing’ 3) Better handling of ground engaging attachments like plows, disks, blades, etc, and 4) better handling of the FEL. I’m guessing any existing 2-series owner-operator will be able to detect this improvement within a few minutes of operation. The tractor will simply ‘feel stronger’.
Improved Attachability
The ease and flexibility of attachments has improved dramatically in this update. Let’s start at the front of the tractor. The ‘quick attach’ system for front implements like blades, brooms, and snow-blowers system has served Deere lawn and garden tractors well for many years, it just isn’t strong enough for tractors as large as the 2-series. So, Deere has upgraded the 2032r and 2038r to use the category 1N front 3pt hitch currently used in the 3R tractors. Not only does this provide a stronger more reliable connection, it also provides compatibility with these larger 3R compatible attachments like the 59″ snow blower and the 66″ front blade.
Moving to the center of the tractor, the 2-series finally gets Deere’s famous ‘auto-connect’ deck. I LOVE the auto-connect on my 1-series, and from the look of this new setup, it appears to be both stronger, and easier to connect/disconnect than the system on the 1-series. If you were staying away from the 2-series because of no ‘auto-connect’, you no longer have an excuse.
At the rear of the tractor, the new 270B backhoe is much improved over the older 46 (used by the prior 2032r). The top link of the 3 point needs to be removed (easy enough), then just back into the hoe, and pick it up. Connect the power beyond and you are ready to go.
If you’d like to do a little mowing while you have the backhoe attached, no problem. The mower can be attached at the same time.
While some might scoff and say “I would never want to mow with the loader or backhoe attached”, I beg to differ. I wouldn’t want to start in on a 5 acre yard hauling FEL and backhoe, but sometimes one needs to mow a small area and doesn’t want to dismount any other attachments. With these new tractors, you have the flexibility if you need it.
Comfort
There are several changes aimed at improving operator comfort. The seat is much improved. It sits lower (again for better stability). The controls are more easily accessible.
The e-Throttle feature will make managing the engine speed easier by integrating it with the hydro-static foot pedals.
The fuel tank has been moved to the left rear fender, making it much easier to fill the tank with 5 gal cans. Of course, I would recommend anyone using this large of a tractor to find another fuel storage solution. I use a 55 gal drum. Check it out here.
Summary
The new 2032r and 2038r are much more capable than their predecessors. If you are interested in a new 1,2, or 3 series, these new tractors will certainly affect your decision process. Do they make the decision easier or harder? They certainly provide another option.
We’ll continue to look at these new tractors over the next few weeks. I plan to provide in-depth comparisons to the 1-series and 3-series hopefully providing more input to your decision process.
Be careful. The 4WD select is still by the left foot. I sold my older 2032 after several runaways. Bad place for the select lever.
Ok, recognizing that the 4wd select is not optimal, I have to ask….how would it cause a ‘runaway’?
I work on a steep property. Dropping out of 4WD means an uncontrollable skid/slide.
I owned a 2WD mower tractor once for 5 minutes.
The 2017 2032 4WD lever is much better than the 2016.
The 2016 2032 brakes were awful. Standing on the brakes would barely stop it. No idea if the 2017 is improved.
If you’re working on flat land, no issues.
I put steel spacers on the 1025 rear wheels. Very nice; better stability. https://www.motorsport-tech.com/tractor_ss.html
Overall, the 2032 was beautiful. Great fit & finish.
The parking brake is an actual lever with a push button release. Like ones I’ve seen on bigger equipment. This tractor dwarfs the 2016 2032r. Everything on it is better minus turning radius. I just got mine.
There is a ton of electronic equipment on this tractor. The whole dash lights up like a car, Rio switch and cruise are a new design. The mower deck height adjustment is all electric with no linkages. I will post more as I get more time on it
Hello Tim I would like you feelings on a landscape rake. I don”t think you have one yet but if you were in the market for one and since you do a lot of residential work would you go for a 48″ or 60″. Have you looked at any particular brand.
Thanks again Bill
It’s sad that they haven’t developed a Powerflow for bagging materials.
I would like to contact Jared Lowe product marketing mgr, Augusta, Georgia and see if and when that would be available.
Tim Deater, Jared is no longer in that role. He has been promoted to bigger and better things. We really like Jared. Great guy!
Doesn’t it seem extremely odd that Deere would not have a Powerflow to provide power between two implements? Either they are eliminating the bagging system or changing the deck. I don’t want to keep revisiting the issue, but I’ve owned Deere’s all my life. This issue cancelled my purchase of the 2032R and I would like it addressed.
I want a 2018 not a 2017 it’s already a year old
My husband bought a 2017 2032R Tractor last year. It took 6 months to get it. By the end of mowing season to get it. He mowed twice with it season was over. Starts this year. A pin came out. The actuawaiter was burn up. Garden was late. It took 2 weeks to get it back. He is only home the weekend. He works out of town. Since it is very otfen another pin comes out. He has lost another one today. Did we just get a lemon. Or is there some that can be done. He makes the day ruff . I can’t say I blame him. But I don’t want to have anymore bad days. Please help.
Sorry to hear about your experiences Joyce.
Do you know what “pin” is coming out and getting lost?
Is it the same one each time?
Is the dealer being helpful?
Hi Tim,
I am finally taking the plunge and purchasing a 2038R!! The finance committee demanded that the new tractor be used in a similar situation that you and your family use it, not necessarily YouTube mind you. The question I have is: How do you market yourself and services, landscaper, odd tractor-related jobs person, etc.? Obviously, TTWT on YouTube helps, but how else do you advertise? I live in TX, Gulf Coast, and there are folks with lots of property with lots of trees and over grown lots, I was thinking brush hog service. I will be getting a loader, backhoe, post hole digger, 60″ MMM, box blade, and a flail mower. I’m currently in the process of setting up an LLC, to assist in retirement, LOL! But lot’s of folks around here have tractors, it’s TX.
Thanks for all the videos, I’m an avid watcher!
Have 2038r love the tractor but the drive over deck has been broke twice , each year it guites going up and down been a real problem ,takes a long time to get it fixed . Sometimes to much fancy stuff
After binge watching many episodes of TTWT we finally decided to make the jump and buy a small tractor. (wanted to have one for years) and decided on a 2032R, Auger with bit and a boxblade from TSC and the BackHoe Loader and 72″ Mower deck from JD.
What a wonderful tool, thanks Tim and family for all the great video’s.
Next on the wish list, Pallet forks and the Artillian grapple.
Chris.
ps for my music I use Raycon E25 earbuds, listening to our online radio station. 🙂
I just saw your video comparing the 1025R to the 2028R. I’m in the market for a tractor and I am thinking about the 2032R. You didn’t comment much on the 2032R so I’m wondering what you think of the 2025R vs the 2038R. From the research I’ve done the only difference is the engine (one with turbo one without). Is this correct? Am I missing any other differences?
Love your channel.
The 2032r is identical to the 2038r except for horsepower. Everything I said about 2038r applies to 2032r. TOTALLY different tractor than the .2025r.
2025r is a 1025r with larger tires.
Thanks for that info Tim. I’m curious then if you would have any thoughts or concern about the maintenance or reliability of a turbo on this type of engine. Obviously its the only real difference to gaining that extra horsepower, any reason to be hesitant about that architecture? I have a 1025r and considering upgrading, and I am uncertain if I would need/use the extra horsepower of the 2038 over the 2032, but would likely talk myself into it if there isn’t any reason to steer away from the turbo, particularly long term.
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!