John Deere 2305 Reviews
2305 Subcompact Tractor
Model Year: 2010
Good power, easy to attach front end loader. Has lots of other attachments available.I use mine to mow and landscape. The only concern is it will turn over on uneven ground, I have found out it will tip very easy when using front end loader, you have to be very careful.
Pros: Versatile, mowing and lanscaping, grading.
Cons: Unstable on uneven ground, tip over too easy.
Model Year: 2010
Good power, easy to attach front end loader. Has lots of other attachments available.I use mine to mow and landscape. The only concern is it will turn over on uneven ground, I have found out it will tip very easy when using front end loader, you have to be very careful.
Pros: Versatile, mowing and lanscaping, grading.
Cons: Unstable on uneven ground, tip over too easy.
The Little Tractor That Could...
Model Year: 2010
I am pleasantly surprised by what this little tractor can do. I plow a 2500 ft lane in winter with hydraulic angle/lift front blade. It only failed me once, and that was with 2 inches of ice overnight. The MMM purrs. The loader is great - just need to remember to watch my balance, rear ballast and ALWAYS wear my seat belt with loader work.
Pros: power/size ratio.
Cons: I wish the snowblower got better ratings online.
Model Year: 2010
I am pleasantly surprised by what this little tractor can do. I plow a 2500 ft lane in winter with hydraulic angle/lift front blade. It only failed me once, and that was with 2 inches of ice overnight. The MMM purrs. The loader is great - just need to remember to watch my balance, rear ballast and ALWAYS wear my seat belt with loader work.
Pros: power/size ratio.
Cons: I wish the snowblower got better ratings online.
Small Tractor... Lots of Power
Model Year: 2007
I am quite pleased with the power this little tractor has. Excellent choice for the bigger residential yards. Definitely get the FEL... makes the tractor much more useable. Only gripe would be its expense. JD tractors are good build and quality... but you have to pay for them. I bought mine from a individual that was moving out of state. It was still under warranty, although I've never did have to use the warranty. (And still wouldn't have to if it was still under warranty.
Pros: Strong for its size. Love the HST. Love the FEL and rear Rhino tiller.
Cons: Expensive.
Model Year: 2007
I am quite pleased with the power this little tractor has. Excellent choice for the bigger residential yards. Definitely get the FEL... makes the tractor much more useable. Only gripe would be its expense. JD tractors are good build and quality... but you have to pay for them. I bought mine from a individual that was moving out of state. It was still under warranty, although I've never did have to use the warranty. (And still wouldn't have to if it was still under warranty.
Pros: Strong for its size. Love the HST. Love the FEL and rear Rhino tiller.
Cons: Expensive.
2305 Nice Tractor Back Hoe is Great
Model Year: 2008
Digs like a wood chuck removed tree stumps moved trees, attachments come on and off easy the hardest thing is the mower PTO disconnecting the shaft, always starts even when the temps around zero.
Pros: Backhoe is great, cuts grass okay, pushes snow like there is no end, can clear my yard with 4' on it, and hard to get stuck.
Cons: Bucket control is sometimes hard to define, mower deck drops down on its own if you don't lock it. Rops should of been on a hinge. Cutting grass with it on is a treat.
Model Year: 2008
Digs like a wood chuck removed tree stumps moved trees, attachments come on and off easy the hardest thing is the mower PTO disconnecting the shaft, always starts even when the temps around zero.
Pros: Backhoe is great, cuts grass okay, pushes snow like there is no end, can clear my yard with 4' on it, and hard to get stuck.
Cons: Bucket control is sometimes hard to define, mower deck drops down on its own if you don't lock it. Rops should of been on a hinge. Cutting grass with it on is a treat.
One Awesome Little Tractor
Model Year: 0
Bought the 2305 over the winter of 2010/2011 to help plough snow. We had a lot of snow last winter which really made it difficult to move with the old Agco mower I had been using. The 2305 handles a 4 foot rear mount blower with ease and the power of the Diesel moving wet snow was amazing, a night and days difference between the old Gas Agco rider with blower. The R4 tires had great traction and the 4X4 is really nice for snow removal. Tractor is very maneuverable and does a really good job cutting grass as well. The Yanmar Diesel is very fuel efficient and is a dream machine to run. I strongly recommend the 2305 to home owners who are looking at doing a lot of grass cutting, light loader work or snow removal. It is not meant to be used in heavy Landscape work... for that a bigger tractor is better but for me the 2305 is perfect.
Pros: 4X4, 4 -way flashers & ROPS, hydro transmission, very fuel efficient, easy to service.
Cons: No tilt steering wheel but no big deal.
Model Year: 0
Bought the 2305 over the winter of 2010/2011 to help plough snow. We had a lot of snow last winter which really made it difficult to move with the old Agco mower I had been using. The 2305 handles a 4 foot rear mount blower with ease and the power of the Diesel moving wet snow was amazing, a night and days difference between the old Gas Agco rider with blower. The R4 tires had great traction and the 4X4 is really nice for snow removal. Tractor is very maneuverable and does a really good job cutting grass as well. The Yanmar Diesel is very fuel efficient and is a dream machine to run. I strongly recommend the 2305 to home owners who are looking at doing a lot of grass cutting, light loader work or snow removal. It is not meant to be used in heavy Landscape work... for that a bigger tractor is better but for me the 2305 is perfect.
Pros: 4X4, 4 -way flashers & ROPS, hydro transmission, very fuel efficient, easy to service.
Cons: No tilt steering wheel but no big deal.
John Deere 2305
Model Year: 2010
I have a JD 2305 with Loader, 54 mid mower deck, homemade yard roller (400lb) Homemade ballast box (200lb) 4' box blade (TSC) and the PV 18 Protero grass catcher. I purchased the tractor new in Aug 2010 for $13,500. I have 6 acres in Orlando. Having cleared 2 acres with this machine, I can't say enough good things about it. There are however, a couple need to know items. Deck lift = the 3point lift has to be wide enough to for the arm that lifts the mower deck. I welded a 4" strap on the side so know matter how wide, it lifts. Tranny Filter= shoved the mower deck under to quickly and polled a hole in the filter. Costly mistake (dealer only). I welded a guard (JD should make one). Lights= having broke the rear lights twice, I removed them. Borke once backing into a tree, and the other installing the protero grass catcher Loader= Always shut engine off, move hyd. up down left right before disconnecting hyd. lines. If pressure on them, never get connected. I made a stand for the PV 18 out of 4X4's. Can now back in and pick up if anyone wants pic's
Pros: Perfect machine for residential work, small farm.
Cons: Cost, lack of options on many items except dealer.
Model Year: 2010
I have a JD 2305 with Loader, 54 mid mower deck, homemade yard roller (400lb) Homemade ballast box (200lb) 4' box blade (TSC) and the PV 18 Protero grass catcher. I purchased the tractor new in Aug 2010 for $13,500. I have 6 acres in Orlando. Having cleared 2 acres with this machine, I can't say enough good things about it. There are however, a couple need to know items. Deck lift = the 3point lift has to be wide enough to for the arm that lifts the mower deck. I welded a 4" strap on the side so know matter how wide, it lifts. Tranny Filter= shoved the mower deck under to quickly and polled a hole in the filter. Costly mistake (dealer only). I welded a guard (JD should make one). Lights= having broke the rear lights twice, I removed them. Borke once backing into a tree, and the other installing the protero grass catcher Loader= Always shut engine off, move hyd. up down left right before disconnecting hyd. lines. If pressure on them, never get connected. I made a stand for the PV 18 out of 4X4's. Can now back in and pick up if anyone wants pic's
Pros: Perfect machine for residential work, small farm.
Cons: Cost, lack of options on many items except dealer.
Quality
Model Year: 2006
I am on the 2nd transmission housing @ 4,500.00 ea.This transmission is made out of diecast alum. The first housing broke when I put on a rototiller attachment on it. The 2nd broke when I used a 4 foot boxblade.The 2305 is a strong compact tractor if you use the front end loader only.
Pros: Easy to operate.
Cons: Transmission housing is too weak.
Model Year: 2006
I am on the 2nd transmission housing @ 4,500.00 ea.This transmission is made out of diecast alum. The first housing broke when I put on a rototiller attachment on it. The 2nd broke when I used a 4 foot boxblade.The 2305 is a strong compact tractor if you use the front end loader only.
Pros: Easy to operate.
Cons: Transmission housing is too weak.
Very Impressed With This Tractor
Model Year: 2011
I was looking for a larger model (JD 3005), but my dealer didn't have any and I had seen this (JD 2305) and I will say I'm impressed. Even know its small in size it thinks big. It will be around for a while, or at least till the better half lets me get a bigger one.
Pros: Small size but it thinks big!
Cons: Limited liftting capacity.
Model Year: 2011
I was looking for a larger model (JD 3005), but my dealer didn't have any and I had seen this (JD 2305) and I will say I'm impressed. Even know its small in size it thinks big. It will be around for a while, or at least till the better half lets me get a bigger one.
Pros: Small size but it thinks big!
Cons: Limited liftting capacity.
Very Impressed with this Little Tractor!!!
Model Year: 2011
Well to start with I was looking a at JD 3005 and decided it was a little more than I want to spend at the time of purchase. So my dealer showed me this 2305. I was impressed with it. It came with a 200cx FEL and the 62C MMM. It cut my mowing time down by about 40 minutes. I use to mow with a JD Z445 but due to the rough yard I have I decided I need something else, and sold the zero to my mother and stepdad. I'm not crazy about the 3 point hitch and mower deck work together but I have learned to deal with it and when I need the tractor for other reasons then mowing I take the deck off. I really want a bigger model i.e. 2520 2720, but the boss lady said the 2305 would work for a few years. The price I paid was amazing! There is a long story with it but I will make it short. Bought a brand new tractor at a used price - $12900. That sold me there. The only attachments I have is a rear blade. This tractor handles it well. Instead of of buying sub compact attachments I bought one size up. Weights a little more than the sub compact stuff stuff but the tractor handles it with ease. Over all I'm happy with my purchase. Size of the tractor is just right, Hydro controls make using the loader a breeze.
Pros: Ease of use, size of tractor.
Cons: None so far!
Model Year: 2011
Well to start with I was looking a at JD 3005 and decided it was a little more than I want to spend at the time of purchase. So my dealer showed me this 2305. I was impressed with it. It came with a 200cx FEL and the 62C MMM. It cut my mowing time down by about 40 minutes. I use to mow with a JD Z445 but due to the rough yard I have I decided I need something else, and sold the zero to my mother and stepdad. I'm not crazy about the 3 point hitch and mower deck work together but I have learned to deal with it and when I need the tractor for other reasons then mowing I take the deck off. I really want a bigger model i.e. 2520 2720, but the boss lady said the 2305 would work for a few years. The price I paid was amazing! There is a long story with it but I will make it short. Bought a brand new tractor at a used price - $12900. That sold me there. The only attachments I have is a rear blade. This tractor handles it well. Instead of of buying sub compact attachments I bought one size up. Weights a little more than the sub compact stuff stuff but the tractor handles it with ease. Over all I'm happy with my purchase. Size of the tractor is just right, Hydro controls make using the loader a breeze.
Pros: Ease of use, size of tractor.
Cons: None so far!
John Deer 2305 Review
Model Year: 2010
So far I have been satisfied with the tractors performance and the easy front loader hook up. I use mine for mowing and general dirt moving work with the front loader, also have a blade for drive way leveling.The only problem I have encountered so for is it tips on uneven ground when using the front end loader,You have to be real careful to keep it from turning over when on uneven ground.
Pros: Easy attachment hookup.
Cons: Unstable on uneven ground.
Model Year: 2010
So far I have been satisfied with the tractors performance and the easy front loader hook up. I use mine for mowing and general dirt moving work with the front loader, also have a blade for drive way leveling.The only problem I have encountered so for is it tips on uneven ground when using the front end loader,You have to be real careful to keep it from turning over when on uneven ground.
Pros: Easy attachment hookup.
Cons: Unstable on uneven ground.
JD 2305
Model Year: 2009
I bought this one to help out around the acerage. It is the perfect size for my yard. It was a repossession with 132 hours used by a horse farm to move manure. It came with a 62" mower deck I will probably never use. It fits my needs.
Pros: Perfect size, compact but still ag ready.
Cons: None yet.
Model Year: 2009
I bought this one to help out around the acerage. It is the perfect size for my yard. It was a repossession with 132 hours used by a horse farm to move manure. It came with a 62" mower deck I will probably never use. It fits my needs.
Pros: Perfect size, compact but still ag ready.
Cons: None yet.
Go Green!
Model Year: 2010
I looked at this as a utility tractor, one size fits all. It mows with great mobility around the small lawn, It operates with the brush cutter 3pt hitch through my woods like a cat. The FEL has great use, since I put the teeth on it, it removes roots and rocks with ease. Good power. 4 wheel works great, even in my slippery muck back area. I was advised well by the dealer on what to expect this machine to do and it has exceeded my expectations. I would like to see a brush attachment for the FEL. Overall, I am more than happy with this tractor. Take a good look.
Pros: Great Power & manuverability, simple controls design, & easy on fuel.
Cons: 3 pt hitch could use more controlability, more attachments.
Model Year: 2010
I looked at this as a utility tractor, one size fits all. It mows with great mobility around the small lawn, It operates with the brush cutter 3pt hitch through my woods like a cat. The FEL has great use, since I put the teeth on it, it removes roots and rocks with ease. Good power. 4 wheel works great, even in my slippery muck back area. I was advised well by the dealer on what to expect this machine to do and it has exceeded my expectations. I would like to see a brush attachment for the FEL. Overall, I am more than happy with this tractor. Take a good look.
Pros: Great Power & manuverability, simple controls design, & easy on fuel.
Cons: 3 pt hitch could use more controlability, more attachments.
Unhappy w/ Overpriced 2305 Doorstop
Model Year: 2010
Bought to do landscape work and move snow - FEL/54" blade & backblade. At 111.0 hours, radiator perforated in 3 locations, catastrophic loss of coolant and blown motor. JD Corp. blames ice formation on fan blades for perforating radiator. Since ice was the "cause" there was no warranty coverage! Flexible mounting of radiator seems issue #1, as too much play results in fan spindle making contact w/ water pump driving blades into fan. It would seem to make more sense to rigid mount and eliminate rocking issue of radiator, just me and common sense talking. Issue #2 - if the fan is sucking air through why is it designed to allow for ice formation and then leading to FODing of my radiator? Seems a better design is called for.
Pros: Good little workhorse in good weather.
Cons: Not solidly built for cold-weather operation.
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Model Year: 2010
Bought to do landscape work and move snow - FEL/54" blade & backblade. At 111.0 hours, radiator perforated in 3 locations, catastrophic loss of coolant and blown motor. JD Corp. blames ice formation on fan blades for perforating radiator. Since ice was the "cause" there was no warranty coverage! Flexible mounting of radiator seems issue #1, as too much play results in fan spindle making contact w/ water pump driving blades into fan. It would seem to make more sense to rigid mount and eliminate rocking issue of radiator, just me and common sense talking. Issue #2 - if the fan is sucking air through why is it designed to allow for ice formation and then leading to FODing of my radiator? Seems a better design is called for.
Pros: Good little workhorse in good weather.
Cons: Not solidly built for cold-weather operation.
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John Deere 2305 Backhoe
Model Year: 2010
The 2305 is a very capable personal compact. This little tractor will handle most anything a home owner can throw at it and then some!
Pros: Great attachment selection - FEL and BH very easy to attach and unattach.
Cons: I had to start an exercise program now I dont have to manually run a shovel!
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Model Year: 2010
The 2305 is a very capable personal compact. This little tractor will handle most anything a home owner can throw at it and then some!
Pros: Great attachment selection - FEL and BH very easy to attach and unattach.
Cons: I had to start an exercise program now I dont have to manually run a shovel!
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Customer service is what sold me.
Model Year: 2010
Moscow Idaho is an agricultural area so having a JD dealer here made it a contender. A lot of my neighbors have Kubotas, but had a hard time getting service calls until they were "in the area". I've had a JD LT 160 for 3 years to mow my lawn (2 acres with hills) and JD Columbia Tractor in Moscow gave me the same service as a $200,000 combine. When it came time to buy a compact tractor I did plenty of price comps w/ Kubota, Case, Bobcat, and New Holland but JD won hands down. I bought a 2305 w/ a loader & 50" bucket, 54" mid mount mower, Land Pride 60" rear blade, chains, and ballast for my R-4's for $14,000 out the door. Only Kubota came close, but I didn't need a back hoe. JD service is the best in the business and they take pride in that. These days it's hard to have someone call you back once they make the sale. I only have one issue w/ raising the loader and tipping the bucket at the same time, but one call to Columbia tractor and the service guy Gene is coming out in the next day or two to check it out. I have no worries that whatever it is they will make it right. This thing is a great machine with power to spare for the size. I've yet to raise the RPMs above 2000 to push snow with the bucket while dragging the rear blade for clean up at the same time. It is quieter than my gas powered LT 160 and I can keep a beverage in the cup holder for an hour without losing carbonation. That might sound like no big deal, but once you operate a Kubota you'll know what I'm talking about. The HS tranny is smooth as silk. No jerky movements when transferring from forward to reverse like the competitors. If you live in cold climates, an engine block heater is a must, but even when I've forgotten it's started with no problems - just required more warm up. The bottom line is JD has been in business for this long not because of the name but for the solid performance and customer service. I've checked the resale and there is no doubt that if I ever have to sell it I'll lose very little money- not that I ever will.
Pros: Smoothest operation, little vibration, and quiet as any diesel in this category.
Cons: I haven't used the mower deck yet, but unless that suprises me, nothing.
Model Year: 2010
Moscow Idaho is an agricultural area so having a JD dealer here made it a contender. A lot of my neighbors have Kubotas, but had a hard time getting service calls until they were "in the area". I've had a JD LT 160 for 3 years to mow my lawn (2 acres with hills) and JD Columbia Tractor in Moscow gave me the same service as a $200,000 combine. When it came time to buy a compact tractor I did plenty of price comps w/ Kubota, Case, Bobcat, and New Holland but JD won hands down. I bought a 2305 w/ a loader & 50" bucket, 54" mid mount mower, Land Pride 60" rear blade, chains, and ballast for my R-4's for $14,000 out the door. Only Kubota came close, but I didn't need a back hoe. JD service is the best in the business and they take pride in that. These days it's hard to have someone call you back once they make the sale. I only have one issue w/ raising the loader and tipping the bucket at the same time, but one call to Columbia tractor and the service guy Gene is coming out in the next day or two to check it out. I have no worries that whatever it is they will make it right. This thing is a great machine with power to spare for the size. I've yet to raise the RPMs above 2000 to push snow with the bucket while dragging the rear blade for clean up at the same time. It is quieter than my gas powered LT 160 and I can keep a beverage in the cup holder for an hour without losing carbonation. That might sound like no big deal, but once you operate a Kubota you'll know what I'm talking about. The HS tranny is smooth as silk. No jerky movements when transferring from forward to reverse like the competitors. If you live in cold climates, an engine block heater is a must, but even when I've forgotten it's started with no problems - just required more warm up. The bottom line is JD has been in business for this long not because of the name but for the solid performance and customer service. I've checked the resale and there is no doubt that if I ever have to sell it I'll lose very little money- not that I ever will.
Pros: Smoothest operation, little vibration, and quiet as any diesel in this category.
Cons: I haven't used the mower deck yet, but unless that suprises me, nothing.
Unhappy 2305 Owner
Model Year: 2008
Overall I have been very disappointed in this tractor. We bought it with the 62” deck for use on one of our farms for lawn mowing primarily. Upon the dealer’s recommendation, we had the hydraulic independent deck lift kit installed. We had problems from the beginning with three trips to the shop to have it repaired. The deck height control knob also would not hold the deck in position. The final trip to the dealership was one month after the expiration of the warranty and we were charged $1000 to put a new hydraulic cylinder and fix the deck height adjuster. We have ongoing problems with it overheating and must stop regularly while mowing to blow the debris out of the pre-cleaner screen and radiator. The seat is also somewhat uncomfortable and requires a shim in the back to keep the seat from tilting back too far. When it is operating properly, it has plenty of power, gives a very good quality cut and is very stable on slopes. We were contemplating replacing one of our Kubota's with a John Deere, but subsequently bought a new BX2660. We still have the John Deere as we can’t get out from under it for a reasonable price.
Pros: Good power, stable on slopes, & good quality cut.
Cons: Poor deck lift and height control; constant overheating; uncomfortabe seat.
Model Year: 2008
Overall I have been very disappointed in this tractor. We bought it with the 62” deck for use on one of our farms for lawn mowing primarily. Upon the dealer’s recommendation, we had the hydraulic independent deck lift kit installed. We had problems from the beginning with three trips to the shop to have it repaired. The deck height control knob also would not hold the deck in position. The final trip to the dealership was one month after the expiration of the warranty and we were charged $1000 to put a new hydraulic cylinder and fix the deck height adjuster. We have ongoing problems with it overheating and must stop regularly while mowing to blow the debris out of the pre-cleaner screen and radiator. The seat is also somewhat uncomfortable and requires a shim in the back to keep the seat from tilting back too far. When it is operating properly, it has plenty of power, gives a very good quality cut and is very stable on slopes. We were contemplating replacing one of our Kubota's with a John Deere, but subsequently bought a new BX2660. We still have the John Deere as we can’t get out from under it for a reasonable price.
Pros: Good power, stable on slopes, & good quality cut.
Cons: Poor deck lift and height control; constant overheating; uncomfortabe seat.
I had problems of overheating with this tractor
Model Year: 2006
I had recurring problems with this tractor overheating on me while I was cutting grass with the 62c Mid Mount Mower. I had 63 hours on this tractor when I overheated the engine - so much, I think I cracked the head of the engine. I had to spend over $2000 dollars just to get the tractor back to functioning. I am disappointed in my few hours of operation I have gotten out of this tractor. Especially since I have so much money in this an the 200 CX loader also. I don't know if other owners have had grass blow up on the screen to the radiator while running an cutting the grass to make the Yanmar diesel engine. I thought I was purchasing a good solid piece of equipment, but now I know otherwise.
Pros: Resale value, ease of use.
Cons: Overheating of the engine.
Model Year: 2006
I had recurring problems with this tractor overheating on me while I was cutting grass with the 62c Mid Mount Mower. I had 63 hours on this tractor when I overheated the engine - so much, I think I cracked the head of the engine. I had to spend over $2000 dollars just to get the tractor back to functioning. I am disappointed in my few hours of operation I have gotten out of this tractor. Especially since I have so much money in this an the 200 CX loader also. I don't know if other owners have had grass blow up on the screen to the radiator while running an cutting the grass to make the Yanmar diesel engine. I thought I was purchasing a good solid piece of equipment, but now I know otherwise.
Pros: Resale value, ease of use.
Cons: Overheating of the engine.
JD 2305
Model Year: 2007
Bought the tractor used from Farmington Valley Equipment a few month ago. It came with front blade, 54c MMM and Ballast Box. I bought my father a x300 last year and loved the machine. It's comfortable, quite, quality and great cut. I had a 2009 Scag walk behind for my old house, but when I moved into the new house this summer, with 2.5 acres of grass and a 400 foot driveway, I wasn't too hot on the idea of walking that acreage. I was originally looking at a 2011 JD X540 with a snowblower, but stumbled upon this machine instead. It only had 69 hours on it. So to me it was an easy decision: you get a yanmar diesel engine, shaft driven mower deck (with the ability to cut in reverse without holding any levers), three point hitch, loader option, four wheel drive and a much beefier machine for virtually the same price. I haven't tested the machine more than cutting grass, but it is a pleasure to operate! Believe me, if all you want to do is cut grass, look at a commercial mower, but that's all their good for. I had the best cutting machine in the industry, SCAG had the upper hand, but not by much. You can do so much more with this machine, for the same price as a commercial zero turn mower. I sold the SCAG and snowblower and I can use the JD 2305 for everything. I'm looking forward to the winter. The only issue I have is the damn mower deck height control knob is horrible. There has to be a better set-up. My dad's x300 is simple and easy to use. This one doesn't even have the height adjustments on the knob, just hash marks. I have to get off the tractor to turn the knob to change heights because it's so difficult. Also, I can never tell if I am at the install level or travel setting. Countless times I have parked the machine in the garage in what I believe the travel height (mower deck lock position), to have the mower drop to the cement. Lastly, this machine is perfect for my needs and this is only my feeling, but if you need a machine that you will be doing landscaping (with back blade, york rake, tiller, etc), serious gardening or using a loader in uneven terrain, consider the 2320 for ground clearance purposes. I don't need a machine for those applications, but I have noticed and read that that 2305 has a much lower clearance (undercarriage) than the 2320. This is very apparent when you see the machines side by side. For the money, if you need the clearance, get the 2305, but if your like me, just using it to mow, snow plow and small gardening tasks (pulling a cart, plowing/wheel harrowing), the 2305 is perfect. Same size engine as the 2320 and easier to maneuver.
Pros: No levers for reverse when mowing, yanmar engine, & quality of build, quality of cut. This is a powerful machine for homeowner with acreage
Cons: Deck height control knob/system is horrible (my Dad's x300 is simple) and the height of undercarriage (including placement of trans filter) limits some applications.
Model Year: 2007
Bought the tractor used from Farmington Valley Equipment a few month ago. It came with front blade, 54c MMM and Ballast Box. I bought my father a x300 last year and loved the machine. It's comfortable, quite, quality and great cut. I had a 2009 Scag walk behind for my old house, but when I moved into the new house this summer, with 2.5 acres of grass and a 400 foot driveway, I wasn't too hot on the idea of walking that acreage. I was originally looking at a 2011 JD X540 with a snowblower, but stumbled upon this machine instead. It only had 69 hours on it. So to me it was an easy decision: you get a yanmar diesel engine, shaft driven mower deck (with the ability to cut in reverse without holding any levers), three point hitch, loader option, four wheel drive and a much beefier machine for virtually the same price. I haven't tested the machine more than cutting grass, but it is a pleasure to operate! Believe me, if all you want to do is cut grass, look at a commercial mower, but that's all their good for. I had the best cutting machine in the industry, SCAG had the upper hand, but not by much. You can do so much more with this machine, for the same price as a commercial zero turn mower. I sold the SCAG and snowblower and I can use the JD 2305 for everything. I'm looking forward to the winter. The only issue I have is the damn mower deck height control knob is horrible. There has to be a better set-up. My dad's x300 is simple and easy to use. This one doesn't even have the height adjustments on the knob, just hash marks. I have to get off the tractor to turn the knob to change heights because it's so difficult. Also, I can never tell if I am at the install level or travel setting. Countless times I have parked the machine in the garage in what I believe the travel height (mower deck lock position), to have the mower drop to the cement. Lastly, this machine is perfect for my needs and this is only my feeling, but if you need a machine that you will be doing landscaping (with back blade, york rake, tiller, etc), serious gardening or using a loader in uneven terrain, consider the 2320 for ground clearance purposes. I don't need a machine for those applications, but I have noticed and read that that 2305 has a much lower clearance (undercarriage) than the 2320. This is very apparent when you see the machines side by side. For the money, if you need the clearance, get the 2305, but if your like me, just using it to mow, snow plow and small gardening tasks (pulling a cart, plowing/wheel harrowing), the 2305 is perfect. Same size engine as the 2320 and easier to maneuver.
Pros: No levers for reverse when mowing, yanmar engine, & quality of build, quality of cut. This is a powerful machine for homeowner with acreage
Cons: Deck height control knob/system is horrible (my Dad's x300 is simple) and the height of undercarriage (including placement of trans filter) limits some applications.