Buying Advice JD 2320, 2520 OR BOBCAT CT225

[tmk]

I am looking at my first and only real tractor for my house. I have 5 acres. Will be mowing, tilling, snowblowing and maintaining lane mostly. i need some advise on what the better tractor for my needs and price would be. Here are my purchase options i have narrowed it down to. All are used, as new is not in my price range.

1- 2007 2320, fel. 140hrs
2-2009 2520 fel. 40hrs
3-2008 bobcat ct225 fel. 160 hrs

My question would be, those that have experience with these units, what would be the better buy for my uses. The 2320 is the best price, but i dont want to buy to small. I have a 48" tiller, 66" finish mower, 60" snowblower and various harrows etc that the unit would have to run. 3.5 acres to mow, 400 feet of lane to blow, and tree lines to till would be the primary use. As well as light FEL work to landscape etc.

Please give me some advise, as I plan on buying one and keeping it for a long time to come.

Thanks

 

[Artesia Aggie]

I don't know much about the Bobcat. I bought the 2520 and looked at the 2320. I thought both were good choices for me. I have 11 acres, 48" bush hog and 48" tiller and have been very happy with my choice.

Of the 3, the 2520 has the lowest hours so it would be appealing if it has been well cared. Also, it has horsepower and other advantages over the 2320. Not knowing the pricing or seeing the units, I would look hard at the 2520.

The other big consideration is dealer support. I would check out the Deere and Bobcat dealers in your area and see which one you would prefer to do business with for parts, service etc.

Good Luck

 

[Fred Barbour]

I have a Bobcat CT 235. Purchased this unit after reading numerous threads on power issues with the CT 225. Don't get me wrong, the Bobcat is a substantial machine, well built etc. Some owners have had issues with size of the engine in the tractor. In particular if you are using the 3 pt hitch alot you might find this machine a bit underpowered for its size.

Do you have any hills, a lot of CT 225 owners have said they have to use low range for most chores when hill are involved and this would be slow going when mowing etc. My CT 235 does not have any power issues.

I see your looking at used and that being the case you are stuck looking at these 3 existing machines. Good luck in your search and subsequent decision.

Fred

 

[dmay]

I have a 48" tiller, 66" finish mower, 60" snowblower

Specs for most 60" blowers want a min of 25 PTO HP and I dont think any of the tractors you list meet that.

 

[94BULLITT]

I looked at a 2320 jd before I got my 235 bobcat. I did not like how small the john deere was. I would say the 225 bobcat is way more tractor in many ways than the 2320 or 2520 jd.

 

[Gittyup]

The 2320 is not in the same league as the BC. Between the 2520 and the BC, it would depend on primary uses. For mowing, I'd go with the JD. For loader, backhoe, digging chores, the BC is far superior.

I've been considering "down sizing" from my CK25 to a 2520 because I've finished most of my heavy work and I can use the 2520 for mowing. But, I just can't bring myself to do it. Seems like a step down to me. So, I just keep mowing with my JD425 and the CK is there when I need a real tractor.