John Deere 331G vs John Deere 325G
Quick take: The John Deere 325G costs $4,000 less; the John Deere 331G has a higher rated operating capacity (3,100 vs 2,590 lbs); the John Deere 331G has more engine power (90 vs 74 hp).
| Spec | John Deere 331G | John Deere 325G |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $76,000 | $72,000 |
| Rating | 4.5★ (340) | 4.6★ (520) |
| Type | Compact Track Loader | Compact Track Loader |
| Lift Path | Vertical Lift | Vertical Lift |
| ROC | 3100 lbs | 2590 lbs |
| Engine HP | 90 hp | 74 hp |
| Operating Weight | 11228 lbs | 9500 lbs |
| Tipping Load | 8857 lbs | 7400 lbs |
| Lift Height | 128 in | 126 in |
| Hydraulic Flow | 23 GPM | 21 GPM |
| Engine | Yanmar | Yanmar |
| Tracks | Yes | 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 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.
John Deere 325G
- ✓The 325G hits the sweet spot of the G-Series lineup, and owners say the 2,590 lb capacity and 9,500 lb operating weight handle real production work while still trailering behind a one-ton pickup.
- ✓The vertical-lift boom with a 126-inch hinge-pin height loads tandem-axle dump trucks with room to spare, which loading-focused buyers specifically call out over radial rivals.
- ✓The Yanmar engine and simple, proven G-Series drivetrain have a reputation for racking up thousands of trouble-free hours, and the used market is full of high-hour examples still working daily.
- ✓Deere's massive dealer and financing network makes parts and service easy almost anywhere, especially for farm customers who already run green equipment.
- ✓The side-by-side cooling package cleans out easily and resists overheating in dusty, debris-heavy conditions that plague stacked coolers on other brands.
- ✓EH joystick controls with selectable response settings let operators tune the machine from smooth finish grading to fast production cycles.
- ✓The sealed and pressurized cab option is roomy and comfortable with a big swing-out door, and operators rate visibility to the bucket corners among the best in class.
- ✓Resale value is excellent because the 325G is one of the most in-demand used CTLs in the country, protecting owners at trade-in time.
- ✗The 21 GPM standard flow is on the low side for the class, so hungry attachments like mulchers effectively require the 32 GPM high-flow option.
- ✗The Yanmar's DPF emissions system draws recurring complaints about regen cycles interrupting work during light-duty idling.
- ✗Deere parts and dealer labor pricing is on the higher end, and owners note maintenance costs creep up over the machine's life.
- ✗Some operators find the EH controls take a learning curve and initially feel less direct than the pilot controls on older machines.
- ✗At 2,590 lb rated capacity it gives up some muscle to the Kubota SVL75-3 and Bobcat T76 in the same price bracket, which spec-shoppers notice.
- ✗The 325G has been superseded by the newer 325 P-tier naming, so buyers should confirm which generation they're being quoted.
- ✗New pricing reflects the Deere premium, and value shoppers note Case and Kubota often undercut it on sticker.
- ✗Undercarriage and track wear costs are typical of the class but still significant, especially when run on abrasive or paved surfaces.