2000 series buying

[LBrown59]

diz,

As much as I love my 2520,
*I have to agree with Cast and Blast: If I only had 1 acre to finish mow, a paved drive to blow/plow and a garden to till, I'd have either a 2305 (or maybe a Kubota BX - don't shoot me guys...) so fast it would make your head spin. With the money I saved over the 2520, I'd then get some extra attachments, like pallet forks or a box blade.

I have a little more acreage than you, but the main reason I went with the 2520 over the 2305 was because I wanted to be able to use a 5 foot rotary cutter. I also liked the folding ROPS to be able to get into my garage and shed.

But I really liked the size and maneuverability of the smaller tractor, particularly for finish mowing.

Of course, the 2520 is a hoot to use, so if it pops your pistol and you can afford it, why not?

So do i It was good advice.

 

[Gizmo2]

I agree, 2305.
The 2520 is a lot of tractor for one acre. I use a 2320 on a 10 acre horse (hobby) farm. Get the mower deck with the 2305 and a snow blade.

 

[AKfish]

Background: We have almost an acre in Rochester, NY. Most of that is grass or driveway. Driveway is asphalt, about 300', with an incline that's not too bad, maybe 10% and a wide spot at the garage end that would park about 6 cars (that's really a pain w/ a 27" snowblower).

My main use will be clearing snow. I intend to buy a loader (200cx), and am considering a snowblower. One dealer recommended plowing w/ the loader first, and if that doesn't work as well as I like, then buying a snowblower. That sounds reasonable to me.

Secondary is general loader use. Wife is big into gardening. I spent a few years running an old Ford loader around and know how versatile a loader is, so to me that's a no brainer.

Third may be mowing, but not sure if this will be maneuverable enough for me. I figure I'll try that out in the summer. We have a riding lawnmower that does the job fine.

Probably any 2000 series will be overkill for me, but I'm leaning toward the 2520. I like the better hydraulics, and also the lower engine RPM at rated HP (2600) v. the 2305 and 2320 (3000). The 2720 seems so far overkill for me I don't see the point of going there.

Thanks!

Have you had the opportunity to test out the machines you're considering buying? The control layout and the seat space - ergonomics - of the machines can influence your decision. If a tractor isn't comfortable to you...

As well, the "in-the-seat performance" differences (hydraulics) between the 2305 and the 2520 might be enough to change your mind. After trying them out - you might find that it's not as big a deal as you initially believed.

I'm on board with the other posters - get a front mounted snow blower. If you've ever tried to use a front-end loader on asphalt under differing snow conditions with rain, ice, etc.... well, after a couple of years - I'd venture you'll be having a discussion with a local paving contractor!

Best of luck with your decision.

AKfish

 

[JCB]

Diz,

Another vote for cast.

I've got a 2210 on 20 acres and I run it on all of them. Granted, I'm a bit underpowered and a bigger 3 point, faster hydraulics and couple extra horses would be nice, but if I was on 1 acre I'd get the 2305 and snowblower easy.

Attachments are what makes tractors great.

You'll find that the 2305 is easier on and off, it'll provide all the muscle you need, and it's been my understanding that, 3 point aside, the only real things that ever limit you, lift height and lift capacity, don't change much in the 2000 models.

Attachments are what's makes tractors great, guys that got forks rarely use buckets, without a disk or cutter you're just driving around fields. You can often buy used tractors, but you'll look a lot longer for a used loader or front snowblower. Get the attachments.

Joe

 

[diz]

Stopped by the dealer (ontrac) on my way home from work and tooled around in the snow on a 2305. Nice little machine, and I think the wife will be a little less intimidated with the lower stance. Plus it will fit under the trees a little better while mowing. Ordered up one of them, the 200cx, 53" bucket, 62C, independent lift, 47" blower, and a ballast box all for not much more than I would have paid for the 2520 w/ just the loader.

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the thoughtful advice.

Have a good weekend!

 

[Runner]

diz,

Congratulations!

Be advised, here on TBN, new tractor pix are mandatory!

Now all you need is a tiller for that garden and you'll be good to go.

 

[AKfish]

Stopped by the dealer (ontrac) on my way home from work and tooled around in the snow on a 2305. Nice little machine, and I think the wife will be a little less intimidated with the lower stance. Plus it will fit under the trees a little better while mowing. Ordered up one of them, the 200cx, 53" bucket, 62C, independent lift, 47" blower, and a ballast box all for not much more than I would have paid for the 2520 w/ just the loader.

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the thoughtful advice.

Have a good weekend!

Congratulations on your new tractor! Happy and safe tractorin'. Lookin' forward to your pictures.

AKfish

 

[JiminGa]

diz, congrats on the new family member! as for the independant deck lift, add the diverter valve or cancel the independant deck lift, it's not worth the money in my opinion. I've had mine for about 18 months and I cringe every time I need to take the deck off or put it on. the loader makes it alot easier to roll the deck out or in, but it's a pain to shut the tractor down several times during the process to release pressure, and you'll forget to unlock the lift from transport mode alot to add frustration.

 

[Gizmo2]

YEP! Pictures, need'em!

 

[diz]

Ha thanks all!

Diverter valve - I thought that's what I was buying. Maybe I'm confused. Why does it make installing/removing the deck more of a pain?

I'll ask next week, thanks for the info!