John Deere 3039R vs LS Tractor MT240E
Both sit in the Compact class with similar engine horsepower (38.2 vs 40 HP). Below: catalog Facts for engine horsepower, weight, and rear lift; PTO and hitch only when verified. The decision points call out who leads on each Fact — engine HP is not a substitute for PTO HP.
Engine horsepower is not PTO horsepower. Missing Facts show as — — we never invent shaft ratings.
John Deere 3039R Profile →LS Tractor MT240E Profile →Fit checker →
How to choose
- LS Tractor MT240E lists higher engine horsepower (40 vs 38.2 HP). That is not a PTO advantage — confirm shaft power separately before buying cutters or tillers.
- The gap vs John Deere 3039R is small (~1.8 HP) — rear lift or hitch class often matter more day to day.
- John Deere 3039R is heavier (3,005 vs 2,881 lb operating weight) — usually more stability and traction; LS Tractor MT240E stays easier to maneuver in tight yards.
- John Deere 3039R has more rear lift (2,194 vs 1,808 lb @ 24″) — more headroom for heavier three-point tools. LS Tractor MT240E needs lighter implements or stricter ballast discipline.
- Both list Category I — hitch class alone does not settle the matchup; lift and PTO still decide implement fit.
- LS Tractor MT240E has the higher verified PTO rating (34 vs 29.8 PTO HP) — that is the Fact for cutters, tillers, and snow blowers, not engine HP.
- Next step: open the Fit checker with the tractor that wins on your heaviest implement, and screen hitch, PTO, and lift against that attachment.
When to pick each
Choose John Deere 3039R when you need more rear lift (2,194 vs 1,808 lb @ 24″) for heavier three-point tools, or more frame mass (3,005 vs 2,881 lb) for traction and stability.
Choose LS Tractor MT240E when you need higher verified PTO (34 vs 29.8 PTO HP) for cutters, tillers, or snow blowers, or lower operating weight (2,881 vs 3,005 lb) for tight yards.
Spec comparison
| Spec | John Deere 3039R | LS Tractor MT240E |
|---|---|---|
| Size class | Compact | Compact |
| Engine horsepower | 38.2 HP | 40 HP |
| Operating weight | 3,005 lbs | 2,881 lbs |
| Rear hitch lift @ 24″ | 2,194 lbs @ 24″ | 1,808 lbs @ 24″ |
| Hitch category | Category I | Category I |
| PTO horsepower | 29.8 PTO HP | 34 PTO HP |
| PTO RPM | 540 RPM | 540 RPM |
Sources
FAQ
- Which is better — John Deere 3039R or LS Tractor MT240E?
- LS Tractor MT240E lists higher engine horsepower (40 vs 38.2 HP). That is not a PTO advantage — confirm shaft power separately before buying cutters or tillers. The gap vs John Deere 3039R is small (~1.8 HP) — rear lift or hitch class often matter more day to day. Choose John Deere 3039R when you need more rear lift (2,194 vs 1,808 lb @ 24″) for heavier three-point tools, or more frame mass (3,005 vs 2,881 lb) for traction and stability. Choose LS Tractor MT240E when you need higher verified PTO (34 vs 29.8 PTO HP) for cutters, tillers, or snow blowers, or lower operating weight (2,881 vs 3,005 lb) for tight yards. Use the Fit checker for your heaviest attachment instead of comparing engine HP alone.
- Are these numbers invented?
- No. Engine HP, weight, and rear lift come from catalog Facts; PTO/hitch only from verified overlays. Missing Facts show as — — we never invent shaft ratings.
- How do I check attachments?
- Open the Fit checker with John Deere 3039R or LS Tractor MT240E, pick an attachment type and model, and read Pass/Fail/Partial on hitch, PTO, and lift.