John Deere 2305 4.50 star(s) (98)

Dealers Suck
Model Year: 2009

Great machine but when there is a problem, managers circle the wagons and try to make you think you are the problem. I have many John Deere products and love them all. My latest purchase was a loaded RSX860i side by side. Two weeks later, I received a letter from the dealer stating their store was closing in a week and that I will have to travel over an hour one-way to the nearest store for service. If I had known this, I would never have bought any of this stuff! This shows me that they don't care about the customer base in my area, if any!

Pros: Very functional
Cons: Service sucks

John Deere 2305 Transmission
Model Year: 2007

To all of you replacing transmission fans, I had to replace mine but it was a factory installed fan that was not correct. It was half an inch deeper from the mounting hub to the blade tips than the replacement. Since it is off warranty, they tell me it is my problem. The fuel gauge not working: fix on that is $800. Fan: $30. Mounting hub is wrecked: $150. Very disappointed in John Deere.

Pros: Nice tractor
Cons: Poor customer service

John Deere 2305: Uses so far
Model Year: 0

Bought this John Deere sub-compact to address gardening, lawn care, snow removal, and hobby farming. Came with 200CX loader. Used for many things. Bought mid-mount mower from John Deere. Expensive but excellent. 48" Tiller for 3-point works well on garden Bought cart (10P) and sweeper from John Deere. Both work well, but might go for bigger cart. Bought old sickle mower (Ford 501), old Baler (Case 200), and 2-wheel rake (Enorossi). Was able to use the 2305 to cut, rake, and bale 3rd crop of alfalfa on 4 acres. Required some adjustments to attachments to fit sub-compact.

Pros: Versatility, reliability
Cons: Expense of attachments. Ability to work with standard equipment

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WOW IS ALL I CAN SAY
Model Year: 2008

Again wow, I never had a tractor before and sine I have the 2305, I've never once thought "gee I need a bigger machine", this tractor is amazing. What pisses me off is to even compare this machine to a lawn mower sit on top type of machine, there is no comparing the two, apples and oranges. 24hp, 41 lbs of torque, these are just numbers, I mean compared to a car, my car has 250hp and can't do what this tractor can do, I know, the gearing is completely different, my car can do 240km and hour and top speed of my tractor with gps is 13km. Very capable machine, for hauling wood in a trailer, like 2 tons or more if your trailer can handle it, snow remove all is really fun and easy. I have a 3500lbs winch on the front bumper plate. I added 100w led lights on top of rops, lights up the whole street and then some. ebay has them great deal. 54 inch snow blower on back connected to pto. can clear a track across the lake for fisherman. I'm 6 feet tall and can use it all day long and am super comfortable. hmmm amazing pulling power and torque. i've had to replace a seal on the front wheel and bearings, oh well. i grade the driveway and added trucks worth of gravel with ease. pulled stumps, pulled my 2 ton car uphill with low rpms.....amazing what it can do. a must for all tractors also is a knob for the steering wheel for easy one handed turning. the excellent easy starting engine sips fuel and will last for 8 hours + of heavy work. cheap to run.

Pros: re read my text
Cons: well from a engineering point of view i would relocate the bottom filter for the tranny and the newer machines have addressed this issue. move the front headlights to the rops.

2305 John Deere
Model Year: 2008

I purchased this tractor with a front loader to move thing around the yard and plow snow in the winter. I have had minimal problems with it. The first winter I had an issue with the cooling fan disintegrating and taking out the radiator. This thankfully was covered under warranty. Other than the usual belts and battery I am in the process of replacing the fuel solenoid cut off. The tractor would not start and after using this site I was able to diagnose the problem.

Pros: Comfortable and easy to drive, the mower deck and bucket are relatively easy to install and remove.
Cons: When the front loader is attached, the headlights shine on the bucket instead of the ground.

2305TLB to a 1025R FLIB
Model Year: 2011

These tractors were purchased for use in an urban environment for landscaping and snow removal. Sold the 2305 TLB and 54" SnoBlower, Forks and with a 12 ft. trailer for $19K. Purchased 1025R FLIB with 54" SnoBlower for $23K. 2 link Chains on R4's chewed up the concrete sidewalk surfaces, so this time going with Turfs-no chains. Both are wonderfully maneuverable in tight places. Delivery with Turfs is pushed back to September due to the effect of Deere's published Discount. This time I'm going with a 16' trailer and broom, and Artillian 42" forks. Bro-Tek Thumb is on the way for landscape rock placement. Have to admit that the stories I read about the 2305 PTO housing kept me from using a 12" post hole auger, but I will use it with the 1025R for hedge/shrub rows.

Pros: Better seat in the 1025R; 12-volt receptacle for my Gerbings suit; Adj. steering column.
Cons: Like the visual styling of the 2305 better, and hub extenders, not available for the 1025R.

New to Me 2305
Model Year: 2008

I really can't write too much as I have only put 5 hours on the machine using the FEL for snow removal. I can't wait for the ground to thaw and dry out so I can get started using it more.

Pros: Started all winter in 0 degree temps, everything works as it should. It was easy to service as well.
Cons: None so far.

John Deere 2305
Model Year: 2006

I love the tractor, just despise the dealership and network. Also, don't like the way JD treated the old mom & pap shops about the time I bought my tractor, JD forced the little guys out of business to make way for these box store style dealerships filled with douche bags that really don't know a damn thing about tractors or farming. Really sucks! But, the tractor is great, next purchase I might consider John Deere, but I'm leaning toward Kubota.

Pros: Does what I expect.
Cons: John Deere dealer network SUCKS!

I Love My John Deere, Just Despise JD Dealer Network
Model Year: 2006

My JD is great, but, shortly after I purchased my brand new tractor and a trailer load of attachments, JD changed up the way they conducted their business. Basically closing down the little hometown dealers to move their market presence on the "big box store" scene. Screwed the little guy by forced changes. About the way GM did some of their dealers. Then, Stihl buddies up with JD and their products are almost always offered in these big JD dealerships. So, needless to say, I am done with JD and possibly Stihl. Will be a Kubota or New Holland next time around and will have to paint my implements to match. Overall, a great machine, a few little issues, but I'm a hard tractor user and it really isn't the machines fault. I am strong on maintenance, so this does help counter the effects of my abuse.

Pros: Reliable.
Cons: John Deere dealerships, all the ones I've dealt with SUCK!

2305 John Deere
Model Year: 2009

I have 2 acres of grass plus I mow the road side a ways, also have a small garden. In the winter I use my tractor to move snow. I would give it excellent ratings except for the following problems: I had a small leak from the hydraulic lines to the bucket. Later a leak from the spin on filter that was loose for the hydro drive. I wish it had a temp gauge because I overheated it moving along the road. My fault because the screen got clogged with grass. The temp light came on and saved it though. Recently the battery failed and since I replaced the battery none of the lights work. However, I love this thing for its performance and general reliability. For my jobs it works great. If you have more demands a little bigger tractor might be the ticket.

Pros: Performs very well, very reliable.
Cons: Is a little small for some jobs.

JD 2305 HST Review
Model Year: 2006

The 2305 is used on a 15 acre lot to plow snow/move dirt/rock/logs and mow lawns (3-4AC). It starts without being plugged in -20 to -25 C. I use a King Cutter 48 (RFM-48) finish mover. The mower works well on the flats, but it has barely enough power to mow up an incline, especially in 4X4. So, it is under-powered (-24.1 hp gross, -18 hp to PTO @ 540) and I should have got a 35 hp, but at the time, I do not know any better. I had to add chains to the rear (loaded) tires, as it could not move snow on frozen gravel roads (spun-zero traction). It works great with chains. It does not have a float feature, which I really need for plowing/grading. I will add 2 LED (front/back) lights and a tool box. I have a Superwinch 4500 lbs, hooked to a 2" receiver, to haul cut hardwood logs.

Pros: Starts well in cold, comfortable and easy to use and operate.
Cons: Not enough power-mowing hill/ no float feature/lighting poor.

My Tractor
Model Year: 2004

Nothing runs like a Deere.

Pros: Reliable.
Cons: None.

Great Compact Tractor
Model Year: 2007

I have used this tractor for all kinds of tasks and it has never failed to perform. I have it with the detachable front bucket which is highly recommended. It comes on and off with very little effort. My only complaint is the attachments for the rubberized covers for the hydraulic connectors have all broken. I also use it with a 48" belly mower and really like the mid-PTO which drives this with no belts. Sadly, my dealer did not tell me about the "drive on / drive off" version of the belly mower and I would surely have gotten that. The belly mower I have is a little hard to get on and off so I just leave it on all the time. I don't know if this model comes in 2WD but don't even think about it if it does. 4WD is essential for anything but level lawn mowing (and you don't need this if that's all you do).

Pros: Compact; stores in small shed; extremely versatile.
Cons: I've never figured out how to raise the belly mower without raising the rear 3 point hitch at the same time.

Fabulous Machine with Plenty of Power
Model Year: 2007

I've used my 2305 for 7 years now for mowing, grading, box scraping, mulching, spreading gravel, hauling wood, pulling fence posts, pushing over trees and many more things I can't even think of. It's been a fabulous little workhorse. Guys I let borrow it are frequently amazed at its power for such a small machine. Definitely get the R4 tires and enjoy!

Pros: Small, powerful, and will do about anything.
Cons: There have been times when I've wanted a backhoe attachment but they are hard to come by.

2305 With Curtis Cab
Model Year: 2009

There has been no problems, it has over heated once because of grass clippings being sucked in the radiator screen, but it was probably a lack of maintenance on my part. Used to blow snow during winter on a 22,000 sq ft driveway, and has exceeded my expectations. Also used for pulling a 50 cu ft Peco lawn vac, thatching in spring and cleaning up leaves in fall and has performed very well.

Pros: Has met my expectations as a lawn tractor.
Cons: Cost.

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Great Machine!
Model Year: 2009

I replaced a International 154 with this tractor. I mow 2 acres and the 2305 has cut my mow time in half. I have 229 hours on the tractor as of this date and added wheel weights, wheel spacers, tool box, temp gauge, grill guard and a Cub Cadet/Yanmar CL100 FEL to the tractor.

Pros: Perfectly sized tractor for my needs.
Cons: Keep the grill clean to preclude overheat.

JD 2305
Model Year: 2009

This compact utility tractor has proven to be a very good performer for my use. I mainly bought it to plow snow, but I have used it and some attachments to do more jobs at home and at the Los Alamos sportsmen's club. I have a pulmonary disease so I run out of breath very quickly when I try to shovel. Also, I live on a loop and I plow the sidewalk all the way around it besides my driveways. I used a garden tractor for 10 years, but I still had to do some shoveling and as I said, I cannot do much of that. Also restricting my physical work is the altitude here which is about 7500 ft (New Mexico is not all desert). Maybe I'll get a backhoe attachment one of these days.

Pros: Size-fits on sidewalks, diesel engine.
Cons: Only one hydraulic circuit (FEL).

Great Sub-Compact Tractor
Model Year: 2010

Great used tractor with 62" mower deck and FEL. I was a apprehensive about the rear PTO strength after reading blogs about expensive break downs. Have not purchased a bush-hog mower. The JD owners manual "recommends" a weight box when using the FEL. Luckily I found a 1950's Allis Chalmers 3-point blade (Cat 1). It is 3 times heavier than new Farm Store blades, has thread adjustable blade tilt (side to side, and blade forward/backward), plus horizontal rotation and reversal. The 5' blade body is 1/2" thick steel. Modified blade by lowering and reversing the side arm pins and lowering the top mount pin to allow this subcompact (limited Cat 0) to provide 12" of blade lift height. The 2305 has no problem lifting this blade, just wish I had better hydraulic control. Between the FEL weight and heavy rear blade, this is an great little earth mover. Mower deck is tough and provides a great level cut. - Dan Carolan

Pros: Great compact tractor/mower/loader/earth mover.
Cons: Unsure of rear PTO strength.

Praise For Front-End Loader
Model Year: 2009

I love everything about this tractor, but I am absolutely nuts over the front-end loader. I have used it for everything under the sun: moving rocks, bags of redi-mix, mulch, dirt, lumber--you name it. Other uses: knocking over small trees lifting things in the shop moving generators and lawn mowers and other large tools ETC, ETC, ETC! Hell of a piece of equipment.

Pros: Rigidity of construction, ease of operation, flexibility.
Cons: Absolutely none.

Very Happy
Model Year: 2007

Be this tractor I had a MF1010. The 2305 is a big improvement. I have had good luck so far other than the cooling fan for the transmission. It's a poor design with the fan being open for damage as well the oil filter right at the bottom of the transmission. I had a little issue with over heating with hay chaff in the rad. Overall, a nice heavy yard tractor. I have a tiller, bush mower, hoes, back blade, landscape rake and backhoe attachment. All work behind her great. I'm glad I bought it and would buy it again.

Pros: Great tractor for low acreage.
Cons: Should have larger tires and fan and filter protection.