John Deere 330G vs John Deere 331G
Quick take: The John Deere 330G costs $8,000 less; the John Deere 331G has a higher rated operating capacity (3,100 vs 3,000 lbs); the John Deere 330G has more engine power (91 vs 90 hp).
| Spec | John Deere 330G | John Deere 331G |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $68,000 | $76,000 |
| Rating | 4.5★ (380) | 4.5★ (340) |
| Type | Wheeled Skid Steer | Compact Track Loader |
| Lift Path | Vertical Lift | Vertical Lift |
| ROC | 3000 lbs | 3100 lbs |
| Engine HP | 91 hp | 90 hp |
| Operating Weight | 9900 lbs | 11228 lbs |
| Tipping Load | 6000 lbs | 8857 lbs |
| Lift Height | 132 in | 128 in |
| Hydraulic Flow | 23 GPM | 23 GPM |
| Engine | Yanmar | Yanmar |
| Tracks | No | Yes |
| Vertical lift | Yes | Yes |
| High-flow | Yes | Yes |
| Enclosed cab | Yes | Yes |
| Two-speed | Yes | Yes |
| Self-leveling | Yes | Yes |
| A/C & heat | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 yr / 2000 hr | 2 yr / 2000 hr |
Pros & cons
John Deere 330G
- ✓The 330G's 3,000 lb capacity and towering 132-inch lift height make it a truck-loading machine, and operators say it stacks and dumps with room to spare.
- ✓The 91 hp Yanmar engine delivers strong breakout and pushing force, and owners doing heavy dirt and material work praise its muscle.
- ✓Deere's massive dealer and financing network means service and parts are easy to arrange, especially for customers who also run Deere tractors.
- ✓The side-by-side cooling package is easy to clean and resists overheating in dusty conditions, which operators in demanding environments value.
- ✓EH controls with selectable response let operators tune sensitivity, helping both precision grading and heavy production work.
- ✓The large frame and long wheelbase give a stable, planted feel when handling heavy pallets at full reach, reducing tippiness.
- ✓The cab is roomy and comfortable with good visibility, and the pressurized option keeps dust out for all-day comfort.
- ✓Deere skid steers hold resale value well, and brand loyalty in ag markets supports strong trade-in numbers.
- ✗Deere parts and dealer labor pricing is on the higher end, and owners note maintenance costs add up over the machine's life.
- ✗The Yanmar's DPF emissions system can be finicky with regen during light-duty idling, interrupting work.
- ✗At nearly 10,000 lb operating weight, trailering the 330G requires a heavier truck and trailer than smaller frames.
- ✗Standard hydraulic flow is adequate but demanding attachments really want the high-flow option, which adds cost.
- ✗Some operators find the EH controls take a learning curve and feel less direct than pilot or mechanical setups.
- ✗New pricing reflects the Deere premium, and value shoppers note Case and New Holland large frames can undercut it.
- ✗The large frame is overkill for tight residential work, so it's less versatile than a medium frame for varied job sites.
- ✗Fuel consumption under heavy load is higher than smaller machines, which owners factor into running costs.
John Deere 331G
- ✓The 331G's 3,100 lb capacity and vertical lift make it a strong, versatile large-frame CTL that operators use for everything from grading to heavy loading.
- ✓The 90 hp Yanmar engine delivers solid power, and owners praise the G-Series drivetrain for reliability under sustained hard use.
- ✓Deere's huge dealer and financing network makes parts, service, and support easy, especially for customers already running green equipment.
- ✓The side-by-side cooling package resists overheating and cleans out easily in dusty, debris-heavy conditions operators face daily.
- ✓EH controls with selectable response let operators tune sensitivity for both precise grading and heavy production work.
- ✓The cab is roomy and comfortable with good visibility, and the pressurized option keeps dust out for all-day comfort.
- ✓The large frame and heavy operating weight give a planted, stable feel when handling heavy loads at full reach.
- ✓Deere CTLs hold resale value well, supported by strong brand loyalty and the popularity of the G-Series.
- ✗Deere parts and dealer labor are on the higher end, and owners note maintenance costs accumulate over the machine's life.
- ✗The Yanmar's DPF emissions system can be finicky with regen during light-duty idling, interrupting production.
- ✗At over 11,000 lb, the 331G requires a heavy truck and trailer to move, which smaller operators find limiting.
- ✗Standard hydraulic flow is adequate but demanding attachments really want the high-flow option, adding cost.
- ✗Some operators find the EH controls take a learning curve and feel less direct than pilot or mechanical setups.
- ✗New pricing reflects the Deere premium, and value shoppers note Case and New Holland large-frame CTLs undercut it.
- ✗Undercarriage and track costs are significant on a machine this size, especially on abrasive surfaces.
- ✗The large frame is overkill for tight residential work, reducing versatility versus a medium-frame CTL.