2nd tractor opinions please

Beartrap · Jan 19, 2009

I currently own a '08 2320, 46 backhoe, 60" Frontier rotary mower, 48" 2048 Frontier box blade, LB 7200 post hole digger, and a 72" hd landscape blade.
It's been used on my small (1.25) acre property until now. I'm seriously considering doing part or maybe even full time tractor work around town and have the opportunity to purchase another tractor from an individual who is "downsizing". I can have my choice of: (1) a 2305 for $9K or (2) a 2520 for $12K Both are 2006 models with just under 100 hours and come with loader and box blade. Should I buy one and if so, which and why? Thanks!

AKfish · Jan 20, 2009

Welcome to TBN, Beartrap! What kinds of work do you think you'll be doing with either of the tractors - the 2305, 2320 or the 2520?

In terms of capabilities; I'd have to place your 2320 right in the middle of the machines you're considering. Your current tractor is a better FEL and hoe, 3pt machine than the 2305 but less capable than the 2520. So, realistically your current tractor will do anything that either of your "downsizing" friends machines - IMO.

A little faster than the 2305 in the dirt (maybe not finish mowing..) and a little slower than the 2520 workin' the FEL and the hoe, 3pt.

If you're seriously considering a more "commercial" approach to your tractor work - you might even look a little higher up the food chain... maybe a 3000 series machine.

Best of luck.

AKfish

Beartrap · Jan 20, 2009

Most of the work would consist of light grading, digging post holes for fences, digging holes for tree planting, trenching, lot clearing (1/2 to 3 acres), spreading gravel, etc. No "big" jobs, just the kind of stuff nobody wants to do by hand.

ChuckinNH · Jan 20, 2009

It sounds to me like the 2520 is priced better than the 2305, and would be much better to run a post hole digger on. If mowing, or really tight space requirements, or tire type isn't a consideration I think I would go with the larger tractor. I would like a 2305, but mowing is a consideration for me.

jcmseven · Jan 20, 2009

I am going through testing these same machines right now, as I am looking for a similar machine. Your current 2320 (and I know this statement to be true) will do every bit the ground engagement type work of a 2520 and is a much more capable machine than a 2305 for that type of work. Where the 2305 and your current 2320 would fall short is in hydraulic work. The 2520 has a much faster loader and quicker hydraulics. It is also more expensive secondary to its direct injected diesel engine. In reality though, I cannot say that the direct injected diesel makes any day-to-day difference in performance, especially when the horsepower rating and engine sizes are so closely matched. My opinion having run a 2305 and seriously looking at one for myself is that when one compares THAT machine to a 2520, which essentially you are, it falls a bit short. It is a great machine, but if you are planning legitimate work locally, it would slow you down. The 2320 you currently own is quite a bit more capable in my opinion having tried both than the 2305, and I cannot imagine that you might be a bit disappointed with adding a smaller machine than you already have. The 2520 has a full Cat 1 hitch, quick hydraulics to power multiple implements, larger tires and better ground clearance and about 400 pounds of additional chassis weight. There are other important differences as well, which would take some time to list. To me, I would go with the 2520 unless the price in your mind is prohibitive, or unless mowing is your primary use. One thing to keep in mind, though. I have been disappointed in the past in the 2520's cost/benefit ratio, when purchased NEW. JD has consistently priced this machine close to the price of the lower horsepower 3000 series tractors. This might not affect your purchase, but others reading this post who might be looking at a 2520 v. a 3000 series machine new might consider buying up as the cost difference is pretty small. I would certainly pay $3000 more for a 2520 over a 2305 for myself.

John M

LBrown59 · Jan 20, 2009

He already has the right tractor for doing what he wants to do.

JiminGa · Jan 20, 2009

If you're sold on buying a second 2000 series I say get the 2520 and put the fel and hoe on it. use the 2320 for the 3 pt hitch implements and the 2520 as a dedicated tlb.

ooops, didn't see it already has a fel...that simplifies that part of it, still make it a dedicated tlb and have a fel on the 2320.

ddivinia · Jan 20, 2009

Maybe you should try using your current equipment and see how things go before you buy more equipment. There will be plenty of equipment available.

D.

cast_and_blast · Jan 22, 2009

Beartrap -

Haven't seen it mentioned yet...make sure you have a discussion with your insurance agent to make sure you have the right coverages before venturing off your own property to do work with your equipment. One incident without coverage could wipe you out.

Other than that - try it with the 2320 first - I think you already have what you need to do the work.

Scott

JiminGa · Jan 22, 2009

cast_and_blast said:
Beartrap -

Haven't seen it mentioned yet...make sure you have a discussion with your insurance agent to make sure you have the right coverages before venturing off your own property to do work with your equipment. One incident without coverage could wipe you out.

Other than that - try it with the 2320 first - I think you already have what you need to do the work.

Scott

good point on the insurance....I carry a $1 million with $2 million aggregate and inland marine on the equipment and it runs about $1500 a year. also, check licensing requirements for soil disturbance and erosion control....the cost of doing business is a bear!