The engine uses the latest technologies to optimize fuel economy, improve control and accuracy, and reduce environmental impact.

The common rail system (CRS) optimizes fuel economy and reduces operating costs. High-pressure injection atomizes fuel into finer particles which burn more completely. It results in improved fuel economy and a lower cost of operation.

The electronic control unit (ECU) provides optimum fuel control and accuracy. ECU monitors and controls the engine. It continuously monitors engine conditions and adjusts the fuel delivery accordingly to ensure optimum performance and emissions.

The engine comes with an aftertreatment system.  The system operates automatically. The exhaust filter consists of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) which captures particulate matter (PM) contained in the exhaust gas. Using a natural cleaning process, most of the PM trapped in the exhaust filter is eliminated by the heat of the exhaust stream generated by normal use. In situations of low temperature, engine speed or load factor, an active cleaning cycle is initiated.  In this cleaning cycle, the exhaust gas temperature is raised by injecting additional fuel during the exhaust stroke of normal vehicle operation to the diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC).

After many hours of use, the exhaust filter may require an ash removal service.

The 2038R Tractor is equipped with a two-range hydrostatic transmission (HST) incorporated in a die-cast aluminum transmission case. Fluid under pressure transmits engine power to the drive wheels via a closed-loop pump and motor arrangement. Infinite ground speeds allow the operator to match the speed of the tractor to the job.

• No clutching for fast and easy direction changes
• Twin Touch™ foot pedals for quick and easy forward/reverse operation
• Transmission oil cooler cools transmission oil for longer transmission life

The operator station has been designed to allow for greater operator comfort and increased visibility. The ergonomic layout and convenient color-coded controls allow for easy identification and operation. The design of the operator station allows operators to sit “in” as opposed to “on” which provides comfort and increased stability.

Below are other key features of the 2038R Tractor operator’s station:

• Sloping hood design provides improved visibility
• Plenty of room for comfortable operation
• Cup holder, multiple storage compartments and a 12V outlet ensures an organized operator station
• Rubberised floor mat design to reduce vibration and noise
• Step-through operator platform makes getting on and off the tractor easy
• Fender-mounted handrails, large and easy to grab, assist the operator when getting on and off the tractor
• Controls have been raised and integrated into the fender for operator comfort and ease of use
• Large, easy to read decals provide clear instructions for experienced and even non experienced operators
• Front horizontal exhaust for increased operator visibility
• If the operator leaves the tractor seat when the transmission, mid PTO, or rear PTO is engaged, the engine will shut down
  • For applications where out-of-seat PTO operation is required, the following criteria must be met: transmission in neutral, park brake engaged, and PTO selector set to rear only. See operator’s manual for specific instructions.

One of the greatest operator concerns involves difficulty in attaching tractor implements. John Deere has addressed this issue with the iMatch Quick-Hitch.

The iMatch Quick-Hitch provides easy hookup and a guaranteed fit for all Category 1 implements that are designed to meet the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) Category 1 Standard S278.6 for quick-attach hitches.

• All implements require a set of bushings for the attachment to fit and work properly with the iMatch Quick-Hitch. One set of bushings comes with the iMatch Quick-Hitch.

NOTE: The bushing set can be seen in the picture above. These bushings allow the hooks on the iMatch and the pins on the implement to fit together properly. All other implements (box blades, tillers, rear blades, etc.) will require a set of bushings to enlarge the pin to fit with the iMatch hooks. Bushings of different lengths can be found in the parts system or through a bushing supplier (see dimensions below).

• Upper bushing
  • Inside diameter: 1.93-1.95 cm (0.76-0.77 in.)
  • Outside diameter: 3.15-3.18 cm (1.24-1.25 in.)
• Lower bushings
  • Inside diameter: 2.24-2.26 cm (0.88 to 0.89 in.)
  • Outside diameter: 3.63-3.66 cm (1.43 to 1.44 in.)

The 2038R tractor features the CommandCut™ mower deck lift system, which allows quick and accurate adjustments of the mower deck with the turn of a dial and the bump of a lever. Control callouts make operation simple and repeatable. The height of cut setting dial and raise/lower lever are conveniently located on the right-hand console and easily accessible by the operator. Some of the key benefits of this system are:

• Installing CommandCut™ only requires a simple calibration after installation. It is a true “plug-and-play” system as no controller programming is required.
• Inhibits PTO operation when mower deck is in the install position to prevent PTO driveling and mower deck blade damage
• Eliminates the need for hydraulic power and components, thus dedicating all hydraulic capacity to other implements or tract functions
  • Fewer hydraulic components means fewer hydraulic leaks, especially when working on sensitive turf
• Precise height of cut with no drift or leakdown
  • System can be calibrated to different tyre sizes to maintain precision
• Minimum effort required to set height of cut and to raise/lower the mower deck which reduces operator fatigue
• Easy to read graphical interface on the instrument panel allows operator to glance at the desired height of cut while staying focused on mowing
• Built in transport lock can be activated from the seat by turning the height of cut dial to position 6 and raising the deck to the highest position

• Easy access to regular service points minimises service time
• Daily service checks, such as checking the engine oil or water separator, can be done without opening the hood or removing the tractor side panels
• Tractors are equipped with an electronic air filter restriction indicator that alerts the operator when the air filter needs to be cleaned or changed