Mowing BH / mower question for 2320

[Efreet]

I am all set to buy a JD 2320. I intend to do landscaping work and driveway maintenance, and mow the lawn on about 2 or 3 acres. I also will use a rotary cutter to maintain a field of about 12 acres.

While the 2520 might be better for the field work, I do not have to do that very often, and I liked the slightly smaller and lighter 2320 for the mowing purposes.

My first question is about the mower deck: my dealer specced out a 54D, with an option for a 62D. Since I have some rolling, uneven terrain to mow, he suggested that the 54D might be better, since the narrower width would help avoid scalping. Do people on the board agree with this recommendation?

My second question is regardig the backhoe. I am slightly confused: is it possible to leave backhoe's frame mounting attachment on the tractor while using the MMM? Some of the posts on the board have me believe that I can quickly detach the backhoe when I am mowing, but leave the BH's frame mounting elements on the tractor. Is this correct?

A follow-up question about the backhoe: how necessary is it to have it for the purpose of maintaining ditches and digging shallow trenches? I want to lay small diameter culverts for improving drainage. Is this possible to accomplish with the loader? Ideally I would get the backhoe, but the price is awfully steep.

Thanks for any help and advice!

 

[jdbower]

My first question is about the mower deck: my dealer specced out a 54D, with an option for a 62D. Since I have some rolling, uneven terrain to mow, he suggested that the 54D might be better, since the narrower width would help avoid scalping. Do people on the board agree with this recommendation?

I would read the thread below:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/jd-owning-operating/99022-54-62-mmm.html

I went with the 62D and it does mark up the lawn a little (I can probably fine tune the leveling and modify the wheels like some of the current threads suggest). However the smaller turning radius and faster mowing are worth it for me.

is it possible to leave backhoe's frame mounting attachment on the tractor while using the MMM?

No, the subframe is connected to the backhoe and it must be removed before using the mower. The mower mounting brackets also need to be removed, as well as the three point hitch and the independent lift cylinder. It's only the last one that I haven't had the courage to attempt yet, but the rest aren't bad even for a newbie like me.

how necessary is it to have it for the purpose of maintaining ditches and digging shallow trenches?

You may be able to maintain the ditches with a box blade, depending on trench size you can also look into a trencher (think of a giant chainsaw for cutting into the ground behind the tractor). These two together should be cheaper (and easier) than a backhoe, but a backhoe is much more versatile for things like digging larger holes or removing stumps. Of course, I don't have the same level of experience as some of the members of this board so I wouldn't be surprised to have my thoughts contradicted

 

[Efreet]

Thanks for the reply and the link to the MMM deck size discussion.

Regarding the backhoe choice: I guess an example of what I am trying to do is bury 12' long 10" diameter corrugated pipes. For this I would want to dig 2' deep trenches and cover the pipes with gravel and dirt.

Is it feasible to do this dig job with a loader? Or must I have a backhoe to do this?

 

[Efreet]

No, the subframe is connected to the backhoe and it must be removed before using the mower. The mower mounting brackets also need to be removed, as well as the three point hitch and the independent lift cylinder. It's only the last one that I haven't had the courage to attempt yet, but the rest aren't bad even for a newbie like me.

OK, follow-up question on this. I just noticed in your signature that you have a 2520, but I am planning to buy a 2320, and they are supposed to be different in this respect. From other threads that I have been reading it seems that while you have to remove all of the backhoe subframe for mowing and vice versa for the 2520, this is NOT the case for the 2320.

I am looking for a positive confirmation on this (or a definite denial), but specifically for the 2320.

 

[Cliff_Johns]

OK, follow-up question on this. I just noticed in your signature that you have a 2520, but I am planning to buy a 2320, and they are supposed to be different in this respect. From other threads that I have been reading it seems that while you have to remove all of the backhoe subframe for mowing and vice versa for the 2520, this is NOT the case for the 2320.

I am looking for a positive confirmation on this (or a definite denial), but specifically for the 2320.

The 2320 has the same hoe and the same requirements as the 2520. It's the 2305 that has a different setup.

Cliff

 

[kennyd]

Thanks for the reply and the link to the MMM deck size discussion.

Regarding the backhoe choice: I guess an example of what I am trying to do is bury 12' long 10" diameter corrugated pipes. For this I would want to dig 2' deep trenches and cover the pipes with gravel and dirt.

Is it feasible to do this dig job with a loader? Or must I have a backhoe to do this?

A FEL does not "dig" well at all, it's main job is to move loose materials. For the task's you listed, the backhoe is the absolute best chioce. Also the loader usually only goes about 4" below the front tire.

As far as the mower, get the 62" and don't look back.

 

[Efreet]

The 2320 has the same hoe and the same requirements as the 2520. It's the 2305 that has a different setup.

Cliff

Hmmmm...... this is not what some of the other posts stated. I am copying one for reference from the JD Pricing / Buying forums:

Unfortunately the 2520 / 46BH / MMM combination does have issues. See John Deere's explanation in text and pics below:

46 Backhoe - mid-mount mower interference - 2520, 4115

With a 2520 or 4115 Tractor, the sub-frame for the 46 Backhoe needs to removed if changing from backhoe to mid-mount mower. Depending on which mower deck lifting system is used, the parts are different.

For independent lift system, remove:
1 - (2) Lift arms
2 - Lower rockshaft and adjustable links
3 - (4) Screws and huts
4 - Hydraulic cylinder and hoses
(see drawing "46bh1")

For mechanical lift system, remove:

1 - (2) Lift arms
2 - (2) Adjustable links
3 - (2) Rear draft pivots and 3-point hitch draft arms
(see drawing "46bh2")

Regardless of which lift system, remove:
3-point hitch draft arms
Front draft arm pivot assembly

Note: With 2320 Tractors, this does not apply. The mower deck does need to be taken off the tractor for the 46 Backhoe, but the attaching parts for the mower deck can stay on the tractor.

If the above is true, it should mean that you can use tha backhoe while keeping the attaching parts of the MMM (not the deck itself) on the tractor.

What I am unsure of is if you can use the MMM while keeping the BH subframe assembly (not the BH itself) on the tractor.

 

[Cliff_Johns]

What I am unsure of is if you can use the MMM while keeping the BH subframe assembly (not the BH itself) on the tractor.

That is the question I was answering. You do not separate the BH from the subframe with the 46 BH. They stay together.

Cliff

 

[LBrown59]

Thanks for the reply and the link to the MMM deck size discussion.

1*Regarding the backhoe choice: I guess an example of what I am trying to do is bury 12' long 10" diameter corrugated pipes. For this I would want to dig 2' deep trenches and cover the pipes with gravel and dirt.

Is it feasible to do this dig job with a loader? Or must I have a backhoe to do this?

1*No way would I tackle that with a fel.

 

[LBrown59]

My second question is regardig the backhoe. I am slightly confused: is it possible to leave backhoe's frame mounting attachment on the tractor while using the MMM? Some of the posts on the board have me believe that I can quickly detach the backhoe when I am mowing, but leave the BH's frame mounting elements on the tractor. Is this correct?
and advice!

All I can say is I'm very glad I can mow with the BH on my BX23.

 

[jd2320]

I would also say a backhoe is a must have for that type of digging!!!!
FYI not sure if it's all over the country but I'm on week number 4 of my wait
for my 2320 with the 46BH seems the backhoes are on backorder and my dealer says he's not sure when he can get one I even called John Deere and they told me to check with my dealer go figure!!!

 

[archerynut]

All I can say is I'm very glad I can mow with the BH on my BX23.

All I can say is that I can mow with the BH on my MF GC2310 also and I don't need to take off the 3PH arms to hook up the BH, but that is not what this thread is all about. Plus, people tend to look at you funny when you are mowing with a BH.

Initially when I was shopping for a tractor, I was tried up in all of the discussion between a 2305, 2320, and 2520. It was my understanding at the time that the 46 BH w/subframe had to be removed to have the mower deck on the 2320. However the attaching parts for the mower deck were able to be left on the 2320 vs. the 2520 when the attaching parts for the mower had to be removed. Just my understanding.

About the BH, it's the best tool for the job, other tools can get it done, not as quick and neat however. If you can spring for the BH, get it, you'll find jobs for it.

 

[LBrown59]

All I can say is that I can mow with the BH on my MF GC2310 also and I don't need to take off the 3PH arms to hook up the BH, but that is not what this thread is all about. Plus,
1* people tend to look at you funny when you are mowing with a BH.
About the BH, it's the best tool for the job, other tools can get it done, not as quick and neat however.
2* If you can spring for the BH, get it,
3* you'll find jobs for it.

1*The way i feel about that is if they don't like the way I look when mowing my yard the're welcome to come do it for me and bring their hand push mower I'm not gonna let them suffer being looked at funny mowing with my bx 23.
2*yes
3* So you found that out too!

 

[Cliff_Johns]

All I can say is I'm very glad I can mow with the BH on my BX23.

Since we're talking about a different class of machine, I hardly see how this comment has any relevance. Perhaps you're sugesting that he go for a JD 2305 instead where you can mow with the BH on? Still, I can't imagine why you'd want to do that when the BH is so easy to remove on the 2305. It's a bit more work on the 2320 and the 2520, but then, it's a bigger BH.

And what possible reason could you have to put your comment in all red letters?

Cliff

 

[Efreet]

Thanks for all of the very useful information and suggestions. It seems that the dilemma is getting shifted to money: if I could afford the tractor plus all of the attachments, I would be set. Currently my dealer is quoting me $24K for the 2030 tractor, 200cx loader, 46 bh, 54D MMM, 5' box blade and 4' rotary cutter. That is a whole pile of cash.

A follow-up question on the attaching and removal of the backhoe: how long an operation is this? Since I am planning to use this tractor as the primary mower, but will have frequent dig jobs as well, I would have to do the swap quite often.

 

[jdbower]

A follow-up question on the attaching and removal of the backhoe: how long an operation is this?

It's not horrible, I'm guessing the 2320 is pretty close to my 2520. Removing the 3PH I do at a slow pace in about 10-15 minutes - I could probably do it under 5 if I hurried. Removing the mower deck with the On-Ramp is probably about 5 minutes. Removing the mower deck mounting brackets (if required) is an unknown to me as of now. Mounting the backhoe may be another 15-20 minutes (I've only had to mount it once after I unmounted the dealer install). I'm guessing I can go from lawnmower to backhoe in under an hour once I figure out the cylinder removal. Of course, you may want to set aside a weekend for the first time you do this

If you have to do this frequently you may want to consider evaluating the cost of the mower deck with the cost of a standalone riding mower/ZTR. The MMM is probably the most troublesome attachment since it affects the backhoe and the ground clearance.

 

[Efreet]

My dealer helped me dig up the "official word" on the subject. I am attaching the relevant info from JD for the benefit of all.

Thanks to all who helped me figure this out!

 

[Phunge]

Fantastic, this really clears things up. I am debating 2305 or 2320. I have not had a chance to play with a 2320 / 46BH, but did get to demo a 2305 / 260bh and really liked it. At first I was really excited about the drive-over deck on the 2320, but it sounds like the 2305 will be faster overall for going from dirt machine (FEL, BH) to mowing machine (MMM). Also, I think the 260bh will take up a lot less space in my garage than the 46 bh.

I wish they had an option to mount the 260bh on a 2320.

 

[ducati996]

Fantastic, this really clears things up. I am debating 2305 or 2320. I have not had a chance to play with a 2320 / 46BH, but did get to demo a 2305 / 260bh and really liked it. At first I was really excited about the drive-over deck on the 2320, but it sounds like the 2305 will be faster overall for going from dirt machine (FEL, BH) to mowing machine (MMM). Also, I think the 260bh will take up a lot less space in my garage than the 46 bh.

I wish they had an option to mount the 260bh on a 2320.

Sounds great as long as you understand what you give up in the process by going smaller. Deck gets removed regardless of the machine chosen (2305/2320) when the BH is attached.

 

[LBrown59]

A follow-up question on the attaching and removal of the backhoe: how long an operation is this? Since I am planning to use this tractor as the primary mower, but will have frequent dig jobs as well,
1*I would have to do the swap quite often.

1*That's why i have a S-Cut and a GT.