Whether you’re managing property, hobby farming or running a business, a compact utility tractor (CUT) can be a reliable companion for a variety of tasks.
Choosing the perfect model for your needs can be a bit trickier, especially if you haven’t owned a compact tractor previously. John Deere has a deep CUT lineup, including more than 20 models across four series.
If you’re new to John Deere, it can be confusing to figure out the real difference between these CUT series, tiers and models. In the end, you’re looking for a machine with the capabilities you need at a price you feel comfortable with.
At RDO Equipment Co., we’ll help you find this.
When working with customers in the exploration phase of their research, it’s helpful to define what each series provides and go from there.
This article outlines John Deere’s 1 and 2 Series compact tractors and explains what you should consider when choosing your model.
Key Takeaways:
- The difference between John Deere’s 1 and 2 Series comes down to size, power and workload.
- The 1 Series is ideal for 1–5 acres and everyday versatility. It’s compact, affordable and well‑suited for mowing, snow removal and light loader work.
- The 2 Series is the right step up for larger properties or heavier tasks. More frame size, lift capacity and horsepower make it a better fit for frequent loader work, snow removal and commercial use.
What Compact Utility Tractor Models Are in John Deere’s 1 Series?
John Deere’s 1 Series compact utility tractors offers two distinct models, the 1023E and the 1025R. As the entry point into John Deere’s CUTs range, these models are the smallest-frame compact tractors John Deere makes.
If you’re looking at a 1 Series CUT, expect to pay $16,000-$20,000+ for a new model and slightly less (condition depending) for a used version.
It’s not uncommon for someone to come to us for their first compact tractor, after years of using a machine like a riding lawn tractor. Depending on the types of tasks they need to do, the 1 Series may be our first suggestion.
Available models: 1023E and 1025R (New 1R, 1M and 1E)
Series position: Entry-level tractors in John Deere’s Compact Utility Tractor (CUT) lineup
Frame size: Smallest-frame compact tractors John Deere offers
Pricing: New models typically range from $16,000–$20,000+, with used models priced lower depending on condition
John Deere 1023E
This is the most entry-level tractor John Deere makes. The 1023E is a very capable machine, offering 23 horsepower on its 57-inch frame. Perfect for tasks like mowing lawns, pulling cargo and scooping materials, a 1023E comes equipped with twin touch foot controls, four-wheel drive and power steering.
Who typically buys a 1023E?
Over the past 10 years, we’ve sold hundreds of 1023Es across the U.S. — from Prescott, AZ to Bismarck, ND. These machines are a good fit for a variety of environments, whether it’s plowing snow or moving brush. Individual property owners, small farms and businesses like masonry and construction companies are our typical customers.
John Deere 1025R
John Deere’s 1025R is one of its most popular CUT models. It has the same size frame as the 1023E but offers a slightly higher 25 horsepower on it’s slightly heavier body. Though you’ll get a similar performance from your 1025R as you would from the 1023 — both have a great power-to-weight ratio — its premium upgrades are the biggest difference.
Here you’ll find LED lights standard, a premium operator station (including an optional cab) and standard cruise control.
Who typically buys a 1025R?
Many people consider the 1025R a great balance of price and value. Out of all compact tractor models, we’ve sold the most of these over the past 10 years. Like the 1023E, demand exists for this model around the country, although we sell them most in the upper Midwest, their cab, LED lights, power and frame size make them perfect for snow removal.
The typical 1025R customer is a property owner with 1-3 acres to manage. Businesses focused on lawncare, snow removal, construction and farming also buy these, as do government entities like schools and park districts.
Who is a Good Fit for a 1 Series Compact Tractor Model?
A 1 Series John Deere CUT is a great fit if you’re looking for a machine that works hard and has a compact frame. If your land, projects and priorities require versatility, this series is often the sweet spot.
Generally, we say that the 1 Series is good for people who own one to five acres and want a tractor that can handle a wide mix of everyday jobs.
If you’re maintaining a larger residential property, helping out on a small farm or managing rural acreage where mowing, material handling and snow removal are part of life.
Choose the 1 Series if you don’t need oversized implements like a seven‑foot mower, and you’d rather run a 54" or 60" deck, a smaller snow blower or a light-duty bucket that gets the job done. These machines are approachable, easy to maneuver and incredibly versatile, which is why so many owners start here.
What Compact Utility Tractor Models Are in John Deere’s 2 Series?
After you’ve examined the 1 Series, your next step is to look at John Deere’s 2 Series CUTs. This lineup consists of three models, the 2025R, 2032R and the 2038R.
Where in the previous series you have to decide between the E and R product tiers, John Deere only offers R-Tier CUTs in its 2 Series. These are slightly larger in frame, weight and power than the 1 Series, offering a wheelbase starting at 63 inches.
Pricing in the 2 Series ranges from approximately $22,000 for the smaller 2025R to $30,000+ for the 2038R.
Available models: 2025R, 2032R, 2038R
Series position: Premium, larger tractors in John Deere’s CUT lineup
Frame size: Larger-frame compact tractors than the 1 Series John Deere offers
Pricing: New models typically range from $22,000–$30,000+, with used models priced lower depending on condition
John Deere 2025R
The first model in the 2 Series, the 2025R, is the most common alternative to the 1025R. For people who like the premium features and versatility of the 1025R, but need a slightly larger frame and more power, this is the route we often recommend.
Like other R-Tier models, this tractor comes standard with cruise control, a limited category 1 hitch and 18.2 hp PTO. You’ll also get power steering, four-wheel drive, wet-disk brakes and an optional cab.
Who typically buys a 2025R?
When it comes to customers, we see a variety of people using the 2025R. From individuals managing wide driveways and small fields/brush areas to school districts, lawn care companies, landscapers and construction businesses, the market is big for this tractor.
John Deere 2032R
The John Deere 2 Series has two frame sizes. The 2032R is the first time we see the larger 67.8-inch frame. You’ll get the same features as the 2025R, in a larger package, aimed at providing more power for individuals who frequently use attachments like snow blowers, blades and large, 72-inch mower decks.
Who typically buys a 2032R?
Our customers for 2032Rs are still a mix of individuals and businesses, but lean more commercial than smaller models. In California, for example, these machines are very popular with tree farms, and in the upper Midwest we commonly sell them to landscaping companies. In the residential use case, we recommend looking toward the 2032R if you have more than 3 acres.
John Deere 2038R
The largest 2 Series CUT is the 2038R. This tractor offers 38 horsepower and 1,356 pounds of lift capacity in its behind-link arms. Like other R Series tractors, the 2038R offers standard LED headlights, four-wheel drive and up to a 72-inch mower deck. This tractor doesn’t have an optional cab, making it less common for winter applications.
Who typically buys a 2038R?
2038Rs are a great fit for a variety of scenarios. Compared to 2025Rs, we’ve sold roughly half as many of these tractors over the past 10 years, so they’re not necessarily the right fit for everyone.
Price point and size are a couple of the factors at play here. Unless you need the extra horsepower to run certain implements or do specific tasks, the 2038R is often passed up for less expensive alternatives.
Like the 2032R, this model leans more toward commercial applications as it can feel like too much for routine property maintenance.
Who is a Good Fit for a 2 Series Compact Tractor Model?
If your property, or your workload, stretches beyond “light duty,” (3-10 acres, with heavy attachment use), a 2 Series compact tractor may be the right next step.
This series is built for someone who needs more durability, stability and power, without jumping all the way into a much larger series.
Maybe you’re moving more material, stacking heavier pallets or pushing heavy snow more frequently in the winter. These are the moments where extra frame size and lifting capacity start to matter.
The 2 Series appeals strongly to owners who expect their tractor to do real work, not just maintenance. It’s also a popular choice for commercial users, especially those in landscaping or snow removal, because of the ability to run front-mounted and rear-mounted attachments efficiently.
Within the 2 Series itself, model-selection decisions comes down to horsepower and attachment requirements. If your implements demand more power to perform at their best, the higher horsepower options ensure your tractor runs them well.
The Next Step Toward Finding Your Compact Utility Tractor
Shopping for a compact utility tractor has a lot of considerations. Within its first two CUT series, John Deere offers five very capable models. From the small, economical 1023E to the larger 2038R, if you have 1-5+ acres and a variety of tasks to perform, there’s a CUT in this lineup for you. We just need to help you find it.
Your next step toward purchase is to decide whether you want a new or used version. If you feel like you need the size of the 2025R but like the 1025R price, look for a used model.
Jake Halstensgaard
As an account manager in Breckenridge, Jake is passionate about helping customers around the region (from individual property owners to farmers) find the perfect machine solution for their needs, whether that's a new riding lawn tractor, a used combine, or something in between.
