2320/2520 MMM question

[jenkinsph]

I guess it is hard to decide which way to go, it is likely you need something to mow with as a given but may need something capable of other tasks. I can see any of the 2000 series or X700's could handle your mowing needs. I don't feel the 2000 series have enough tractive effort to do much real work though, for ground engaging tasks you need something at least twice as big to do much good.

I would think you really need to define for yourself what other needs you have beyond mowing and snowblowing and how much of this other work you will be doing.

 

[Runner]

I guess I am the odd man out. I have a 2520 with the 62D, without independent lift. I always mow at the same height (as high as possible) so indexing the cutting height is not important for me.

I do have the limiter chains that JD sells which attach to the rear fender braces. These are used to set the lowest allowable height of the mower when you lower the lift. They are also used to hold the mower in the highest setting when you need to use your three-point hitch for other things.

I also agree, it would be nice to have gearing somewhere between "low" and "high" for mowing, however, my property is rough and steep enough that anything above low gear would usually be too fast for comfort anyway.

All that being said, I also have a 72 inch rear finish mower and between it and the MMM, I find myself using the rear mower most of the time. I feel is delivers a more even cut and like being able to back it under trees, etc.

Best of luck with your decision.

 

[JJKJ]

I appreciate all the replies and info. I'm working on digesting it all now and mulling it over. Have two questions though:

If you have independent lift on the 2320 (which I would do), do you set mower height by the adjustable mower stop or the IL? Does the 2320 adjustable mower stop only work in conjuction with the mechanical lift, IL, or both?

From what I am reading, if I plan to mow the same height each time, setting the mower height with the IL is easy?

Thanks,

John

 

[Runner]

As mentioned, I don't have the independent lift, but I believe they do have a mower height adjustment system available for the 2520 with IL. Here's a picture of the adjustment knob.

 

[orlo]

I cannot speak for the 2320 or 2520 directly but I have a 2305 with Independent lift (I added it only so I could mow with the BH on, the mechanical lift works fine). The lift cylinders for ALL the decks I know of bleed down quickly so they will not hold a consistent height.
(My 3720 and 2305 are all the same and there are lot's of reports on here). You will need some sort of mechanical stop or use a mechanical rear lift. Even when using the rear mechanical lift you want a stop since you won't be able to really accurately reproduce any given height without it.

In my opinion, I'd never get the IL unless I had to/wanted to for a different reason, I thought the mechanical one worked fine. (In my case as mentioned with the BH on I have no 3pt arms to lift the tang/lever on the mechanical lift so I needed to).

 

[tree11]

Actually, the independent lift on my 2520 seems to work opposite compared to what Orlo is saying. I do agree that the bleed down rate is high but that is only when I put the deck in the raised position. So when I put the deck up and park it in the barn, the deck will lower on its own to the cut height that I selected when pressure bleeds off. So when I am cutting, the deck is already down to the selected height and can only up. What am saying is deck height will not change when I am cutting as it is already down to the lowest selected level.

 

[JJKJ]

After looking over everything, the decision may come down to price. I've got quotes from a few dealers. The dealer with the best quote (and in stock) for a 2520 came in just under $1000 more than the best 2320 quote I got. For the $1000 price difference, I think the 2520 is the way to go. I may give up a bit in mowing advantage to the 2320 but I think the other advantages of the 2520 will make up for the difference.

Is there a way to lock the deck up on the 2520 without the optional JD kit (or a copy of it)? Can you turn the independent lift knob to a point it locks the deck up? Mainly asking because I've read the threads of the hyd allowing the deck to bleed down.

Regarding gearing for mowing, does anyone have the 2520 top speed in low? I found the 2320 speed which I believe is 4.5mph. If the 2520's trans is the same, the bigger tires should give it a higher speed in low, correct? To me, I would think anything 5mph or higher would be more than plenty fast for mowing in low range.

John

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

Regarding gearing for mowing, does anyone have the 2520 top speed in low? I found the 2320 speed which I believe is 4.5mph. If the 2520's trans is the same, the bigger tires should give it a higher speed in low, correct? To me, I would think anything 5mph or higher would be more than plenty fast for mowing in low range.

John

Ground Speeds

NOTE: All ground speed calculations shown are with machine equipped with standard tires and operated at 2600 engine rpm.
Forward and Reverse - Range High 0-20.9 km/h (0-13.0 mph)
Forward and Reverse - Range Low 0-7.2 km/h (0-4.5 mph)

 

[JJKJ]

Crap, I must've confused my numbers. I thought 4.5mph top speed in low is for the 2320. The 2520 would have to be higher with it's bigger tires correct? Since I must've had the incorrect number for the 2520, anyone have the top speed in low for the 2320?

Where do you find those specs? I've looked the spec page for both tractors on Deere's website as well as my 2000 series brochure with no luck.

Thanks,

John

 

[ChuckinNH]

Well, the solution is to drive them, and see if they go fast enough for you. 4.5 mph is faster than you can push a walk behind for very long, and a whole lot easier! If you mow much faster than that you will complain about the quality of the seat....... not being rude, just saying that especially with R-4's you will notice more speed pretty quickly.