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jcmseven · 11-03-2009, 09:17 AM

I do not like that the X series machines do not get the "cred" they deserve. I have had two of them and have had some compact machines also. Without doubt my 595 (the equivalent of the current 748) one one of the nicest machines I have ever operated. The ONLY issue it really has from doing what we would call "tractor work" is the lack of a solid hydraulic system to operate a loader well and/or two attachments. Otherwise it is a great machine. For mowing and snow removal and light duty ground engagement, it is the equal of a 2305. I sold mine to go larger, but it pulled a 48" box blade up and down my steep drive better than the 2305 I tested later pulling the same attachment under the same conditions--so I do not buy that one cannot do real work with it. For loader work, aside from just basic wheelbarrow type hauling, the 2305 is the better machine as the 45 loader is pretty weak. In addition, the tires on the X series are meant for traction on wet grass, and have very pliable sidewalls. They tended to distort if there was much weight in the bucket, thus the R4's on the 2305 are better. As for the post about the 2520 being somehow more tippy than a smaller 2305 or 700 series, it is not. The 2520 has a long wheelbase and wide stance. It has the lowest COG of any of the JD machines and is frequently used on Christmas tree farms in my area due to its stability advantage over most other conventional compact tractors. It might slide, but it would be really hard to turn over; and that's why you have the ROPS also. I am not a 2305 "hater" but for about $2K more (or less if someone wants mine) one can buy a 2320 which has the same engine, but a larger, heavier frame, bigger tires, higher top speed, stouter and much quicker hydraulics, a folding ROPS, incremental rockshaft control and the ability to run full Cat 1 implements--among other things. Having used it v. the 2305 the 2320 is a lot more machine, but does not take up much more space in the shop or garage. That might be another option for our OP. One also can can the 54d or 62d deck with that machine, which I think is better than the 62c and easier to attach than a 7 iron would be on the X series.

John M

11-03-2009, 09:17 AM	#18 (permalink)
jcmseven Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: western NC Posts: 1,709	Re: John Deere 2305 or X748 I do not like that the X series machines do not get the "cred" they deserve. I have had two of them and have had some compact machines also. Without doubt my 595 (the equivalent of the current 748) one one of the nicest machines I have ever operated. The ONLY issue it really has from doing what we would call "tractor work" is the lack of a solid hydraulic system to operate a loader well and/or two attachments. Otherwise it is a great machine. For mowing and snow removal and light duty ground engagement, it is the equal of a 2305. I sold mine to go larger, but it pulled a 48" box blade up and down my steep drive better than the 2305 I tested later pulling the same attachment under the same conditions--so I do not buy that one cannot do real work with it. For loader work, aside from just basic wheelbarrow type hauling, the 2305 is the better machine as the 45 loader is pretty weak. In addition, the tires on the X series are meant for traction on wet grass, and have very pliable sidewalls. They tended to distort if there was much weight in the bucket, thus the R4's on the 2305 are better. As for the post about the 2520 being somehow more tippy than a smaller 2305 or 700 series, it is not. The 2520 has a long wheelbase and wide stance. It has the lowest COG of any of the JD machines and is frequently used on Christmas tree farms in my area due to its stability advantage over most other conventional compact tractors. It might slide, but it would be really hard to turn over; and that's why you have the ROPS also. I am not a 2305 "hater" but for about $2K more (or less if someone wants mine) one can buy a 2320 which has the same engine, but a larger, heavier frame, bigger tires, higher top speed, stouter and much quicker hydraulics, a folding ROPS, incremental rockshaft control and the ability to run full Cat 1 implements--among other things. Having used it v. the 2305 the 2320 is a lot more machine, but does not take up much more space in the shop or garage. That might be another option for our OP. One also can can the 54d or 62d deck with that machine, which I think is better than the 62c and easier to attach than a 7 iron would be on the X series. John M