FAQs

Answers to the Most Common Questions

At Tellus Equipment, we combine John Deere Muscle with Southern Hustle — bringing you the power of John Deere equipment backed by a team that understands the urgency, grit, and pride behind every job. Whether you're managing acres, building communities, or maintaining your land, we’re here to help you get it done.

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Our team is made up of people who live and work in the same communities we serve. That local connection means we understand your needs, your challenges, and what it takes to keep your operation running. You can expect every Tellus team member to act with integrity, respect, and to be committed to your success. No matter the size or scope of your project, from large-scale agriculture to construction, landscaping, or property maintenance, Tellus Equipment stands as your trusted partner, delivering reliability and support every step of the way. Got a question? Browse our FAQs, or contact us directly and a member of our sales team will help you out.

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Related: About Tellus Equipment: Proudly Texas Owned

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Compact Tractors

Should I buy a John Deere 1023E or 1025R?

Both the 1023E and 1025R are great Sub-Compact Tractors, and the right choice ultimately depends on the job. The 1023E is a great fit for mowing, moving mulch or soil, light loader work, landscaping, and routine property maintenance. If you’re looking for additional horsepower to cover larger areas and take on more substantial loader work, the 1025R may be the better option. If pricing is the deciding factor, the 1023E paired with a loader and the right attachments offers great value and versatility to get the job done.

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Related: Tellus Equipment Sub-Compact Tractor Packages 

Compact Tractors

Should I buy a new or used John Deere compact tractor in Texas?

Used compact tractors offer real savings and hold their value well since they've already cleared the steepest depreciation, but they come with limited or no warranty coverage and may lack newer features like TwinTouch controls. New tractors, along with Tellus Equipment's tractor packages, bundle a compact tractor with the implements needed for lawn and garden or small farming tasks, offering more predictable long-term value. The right choice comes down to your budget, timeline, and how much the latest technology matters for your operation.

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Related: Explore New Compact Tractors

Compact Construction

What's the difference between a skid steer and a compact track loader?

Skid steers run on four wheels and are compact, versatile machines suited for material handling and site prep, while compact track loaders use rubber tracks that provide better traction and flotation on soft or uneven ground. John Deere models like the 318G skid steer and 317G compact track loader both offer around 65 horsepower in different footprints. Track loaders tend to perform better on Texas properties with wet or sandy soil, while skid steers are often the better fit on tighter, harder-surfaced job sites.

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Related: The Best Compact Construction Equipment for Texas Property Development

Compact Tractors

How often does a John Deere 3038E compact tractor need maintenance?

The 3038E needs daily fluid and visual checks, a transmission oil and filter change at 50 hours, and a full service every 200 hours or once a year, whichever comes first. At 400 hours, owners should replace fuel filters, inspect the air filter, and change the front axle oil and the hydraulic oil filter. Texas dust and debris tend to clog filters faster than average, so staying on this schedule helps prevent costly, unexpected downtime.

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Related: The Best 3038E Service Schedule

Compact Construction

What size compact excavator do I need for a residential project in Texas?

For tight spaces like backyard pool installations or work near existing structures, a small model like the John Deere 17 P-Tier offers a narrow, variable-width undercarriage that squeezes through gates and fence lines. Larger projects such as foundation work, septic installations, or drainage often call for a mid-size option like the 35G, which uses a zero-tail-swing design to dig right up against property boundaries. Matching excavator size to your project footprint helps you avoid overpaying while still getting the digging power you need.

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Related: The Best Compact Construction Equipment for Texas Property Development

Precision Ag

What precision ag technology comes with the John Deere 9RX tractor?

The 9RX Series integrates directly with John Deere's Operations Center, letting operators track fuel consumption, monitor field conditions, and manage equipment performance across an entire fleet from one platform. Built-in GPS guidance systems reduce operator fatigue and improve accuracy, especially on the irregular field shapes common across Texas Hill Country farms. This connected technology helps large operations make faster, data-driven decisions during planting, spraying, and harvesting.

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Related: Precision Ag Technology

Precision Ag

Can precision ag technology help lower my farm's input costs?

Yes. Features like GPS guidance and variable rate application reduce overlap and waste during planting, spraying, and nutrient application, and missing out on these tools is one of the clearest signs it may be time to upgrade older equipment. Farmers who adopt precision ag technology can see input costs drop by roughly 10 to 20%. Pairing the technology with ongoing service through Tellus Equipment helps ensure the systems keep performing as intended season after season.

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Related: The Hidden Costs of Waiting to Replace Old Farm Equipment

Parts and Service

Why should I schedule tractor service before the Texas planting season?

Pre-season maintenance catches small problems, like a worn belt, before they turn into expensive mid-season breakdowns that can derail a tight Texas planting window. Tellus Equipment recommends completing tasks such as an oil and filter change, hydraulic inspection, and battery test six to eight weeks before heading to the field. Booking service in January or early February also helps you avoid the rush that hits every dealership's service department each spring.

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Related: Schedule Service

Parts and Service

Does Tellus Equipment stock genuine John Deere parts?

Yes, Tellus Equipment stocks genuine John Deere parts across its 25-plus Texas locations, stretching from the Hill Country down to the Rio Grande Valley. Using genuine parts helps you avoid the higher labor costs and longer wait times that often come with sourcing replacements for aging or discontinued equipment models. Parts can also be ordered online through Shop.Deere.com for added convenience.

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Related: Parts

Large Ag

What horsepower range does the John Deere 9RX Series offer?

The 9RX lineup ranges from the 9RX 490 to the 9RX 640, delivering between 490 and 640 horsepower to handle heavy tillage and large-scale planting across thousands of acres. Its track system spreads weight over a larger surface area than traditional wheeled tractors, helping it maintain traction on the steep slopes and rocky terrain common in the Texas Hill Country. The e18 PowerShift Transmission also delivers smooth, precise speed control during seeding and harvesting operations.

Large Ag

When should I consider replacing older large ag equipment instead of repairing it?

It's time to consider replacement when annual repair costs exceed 50% of the machine's current value, downtime during critical planting or harvest windows becomes frequent, or fuel consumption climbs noticeably compared to a few years ago. Aging equipment can also become harder to source parts for and may lack precision ag features that could reduce input costs by 10 to 20%. Tellus Equipment's technicians can inspect your current machine, and its Value My Trade tool can estimate how much a trade-in would put toward a new tractor.

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Related: The Hidden Costs of Waiting to Replace Old Farm Equipment