A guy on stilts is more stable on hills than a ztrac!
Buying Advice 2320 or x530
- Thread starter Magilla1
- Start date
- Views: 12832
-
- Tags
- john deere x530
A guy on stilts is more stable on hills than a ztrac!
Well, I think it's time to introduce a concept that's been touched on a few times, but never laid right out... if you buy the x530 and decide in a year that you should have gotten the CUT, then be prepared for a 50% trade value. There. I said it. That's about $3000 or so. And that sounds like too costly a lesson for your budget. I know it was for me. So, I'm going to make my suggestion based on what you just wrote:
Get a used x585 or x595 (the current x700). I just saw one sell at a pricey area dealer with 150 hours on it in the $8000 range. That's just a tick pricier than the x530 you've tested, I think. Live with it a year. It'll certainly be the most stable thing you can operate on what sound like a big concern of your's - slopes. And longevity-wise, it can't be beat, dare I say even by a CUT.
Then later on, buy a new or used FEL tractor. Maybe a 790 or 990. Or, if used, even an older 850. If you've got mowing covered, then you can probably get by with a gear tractor. Then you've got brushhogging covered and can do some ground engaging tasks.
These suggestions come from my recent experiences. A mid-mount mower on a 2320/2520/2720 is going to be as much of a PITA to change out as on my Kubota B2920. They're drive-over decks, but you still have to align hanging brackets and somehow reach the PTO shaft. I'm a tick over 6' tall and it takes everything I've got to reach the PTO, primarily due to my turf tires, which are pretty thick. I go back and forth between the MMM and a rear brush hog and, simply put, it's pretty time consuming by the time everything's done start-to-finish.
I have discovered that I really like the hydro for mowing - obviously - but also for my application, the woods are very tight, so I'm constantly going back and forth. For me, hydro's a bonus. But, if I had trails to cut, especially over a large area, I'd much prefer a constant speed (gained through either cruise on a hydro or properly selected gear) and position control.
Not sure how much I've added to the conversation, but since there's a million ways to accomplish what you want, I'm trying to introduce my experiences in losing several thousand over 4 years and 2 properties by trading tractors. Since mowing sounds like your primary task, the x700 or a used x585/595 simply cannot be beat on the hills, for durability and overall comfort. And if snow removal's your task, the x700 size isn't going to probably be much different than a 2x20 series tractor, although I can't speak from experience. Since you've lasted 6 years with a shovel and you're only 39, maybe the FEL can wait?
I recently posted a thread about "one machine mentality." I am convinced that the majority of those of us that have learned a costly lesson by trading share the opinion that if it comes down to mowing and FEL work on larger pieces of property, two machines are the answer. One dedicated mower and then one real tractor for FEL work.
Get a used x585 or x595 (the current x700). I just saw one sell at a pricey area dealer with 150 hours on it in the $8000 range. That's just a tick pricier than the x530 you've tested, I think. Live with it a year. It'll certainly be the most stable thing you can operate on what sound like a big concern of your's - slopes. And longevity-wise, it can't be beat, dare I say even by a CUT.
Then later on, buy a new or used FEL tractor. Maybe a 790 or 990. Or, if used, even an older 850. If you've got mowing covered, then you can probably get by with a gear tractor. Then you've got brushhogging covered and can do some ground engaging tasks.
These suggestions come from my recent experiences. A mid-mount mower on a 2320/2520/2720 is going to be as much of a PITA to change out as on my Kubota B2920. They're drive-over decks, but you still have to align hanging brackets and somehow reach the PTO shaft. I'm a tick over 6' tall and it takes everything I've got to reach the PTO, primarily due to my turf tires, which are pretty thick. I go back and forth between the MMM and a rear brush hog and, simply put, it's pretty time consuming by the time everything's done start-to-finish.
I have discovered that I really like the hydro for mowing - obviously - but also for my application, the woods are very tight, so I'm constantly going back and forth. For me, hydro's a bonus. But, if I had trails to cut, especially over a large area, I'd much prefer a constant speed (gained through either cruise on a hydro or properly selected gear) and position control.
Not sure how much I've added to the conversation, but since there's a million ways to accomplish what you want, I'm trying to introduce my experiences in losing several thousand over 4 years and 2 properties by trading tractors. Since mowing sounds like your primary task, the x700 or a used x585/595 simply cannot be beat on the hills, for durability and overall comfort. And if snow removal's your task, the x700 size isn't going to probably be much different than a 2x20 series tractor, although I can't speak from experience. Since you've lasted 6 years with a shovel and you're only 39, maybe the FEL can wait?
I recently posted a thread about "one machine mentality." I am convinced that the majority of those of us that have learned a costly lesson by trading share the opinion that if it comes down to mowing and FEL work on larger pieces of property, two machines are the answer. One dedicated mower and then one real tractor for FEL work.
arrabil
Veteran Member
Really? I only found the Pendular Spreader, Core Aerator, and Rotary Rake are different between the 2320 and 2520. The 2305 is only different from the 2320 by the Pulverizer.
LX5 rotary mower
72" rear discharge mower
RC2060 60" box blade
LP1048 land plane
LP1184 Land plane
ETC.
It's PTO hp is 18 so it won't run anything that takes 20 hp or above. all these run on the 2520 or the 2720. 20 hp (2520 an 23.5 hp (2720)
arrabil
Veteran Member
Right, it runs the smaller versions of the above that are available and suited to its size. Why would you expect a smaller tractor to run bigger attachments?
You took my statement out of context. I was speaking of the difference between the 2320 and the 2520/2720. The salient point I made was that the 2320 does not run implements those two tractors run. Get it?
arrabil
Veteran Member
I think this made the most sense...
mjncad
Super Member
I agree that having two machines is the best way to go, and that's why I have a 100-series for mowing; though I'd much rather have an 'X' series with AWS. I wouldn't mind using a 72" MMM on my 4200 as my 4200 is far more comfortable; but the MMM installation and removal process is more of a PITA than it's worth to me.
A belt drive machine is not as efficient as a shaft drive tractor is.
It sounds like you've got yourself 95% convinced that a CUT or SCUT is what you're going to buy; but if the 5% wins out and you get an 'X' series, I think you'll be happier with an 'X7xx.'
I agree, I have a ztrac445 just for mowing. I was looking at the prices of the x700. They're high cost machines, not that the ztrac was cheap!
Rob
ddivinia
Elite Member
What is your budget?
D.
D.
ChuckinNH
Elite Member, R.I.P.
- Joined
- Jun 23, 2003
- Messages
- 3,081
- Location
- NH
- Tractor
- (B2620, had BX22) Simplicity Legacy w/48" mmm
It seems that the main use for this tractor will be mowing, and the main use outside of that is for trail work in the woods, and perhaps some firewood cutting, etc. The amount of acreage has little to do with tractor size in this case, and though 21 acres sounds like a lot to many, much of it might not be really accessable. My woods are full of places I don't care to take any tractor, and boils down to having something large enough to drive over "stuff" ( rocks, bogs, tree stumps, etc) or small enough to drive around it. I know logging skidders have been in there a couple of times, and I have been there with my BX.... didn't work so well because of clearance issues, and my B2620. I've used my 4' box blade in there (might have been able to use a 5'), my 4' rotary cutter (don't want anything larger than that!) my forks (work just great, but have to be raised, and curled back to turn around in places), and my chipper ( with forks, or loader bucket make the unit as long as I care to have it, and I have to choose my turn around spots carefully) In my yard which is over three acres of obstacles I wouldn't want anything larger than my B except for backhoe projects. The B is very nimble, but is rough on the turf when you try to use all the nimbleness that it has. The outside of the front tires does a number on the turf in tight turns. I think the JD's are better in this regard though.
I take my mmm off my garden tractor every 25-50 hours depending mostly on how well I'm feeling. It is only a 48" deck but it is commercial construction, and is heavy with a full width rear roller. That is about as often as I really care to be messing with it. I use that tractor for mowing, collecting grass, and leaves, aerating, dethatching, and pulling a trailer, especially when I'm chipping brush, and fallen branches around the yard. For me having that second small garden tractor is almost a necessity, and so a Z-Turn wouldn't work. Having both is perfect! Had I known that I probably woudn't mow with my "tractor" I might have bought one size larger (B3200, B2630, JD 2520,JD2720), especially if I decided to buy a backhoe (which I miss sometimes, and is usefull in trail building / improving work, but I sure don't need them for the larger attachments. If I were to move up a size now, I would just keep the implements I have. It's true that with something large enough, one can just overpower many tasks, and get them done now. I have an engineer friend that has 50 acres, or so of woods, and he likes much larger tractors. For me, my 13 acres is a hobby, and playground, and I don't mind a few more trips back, and forth to the gravel pile when I'm puttering in my woods. The difference is that my engineer friend needs a "road" to move his industrial backhoe around, and I enjoy my trails. Frame of mind, you see, has more to do with it than anything else.
So, choices? Well for mowing: easy to maintain, heavy enough to be stable, and rugged (850-1100 lbs perhaps) easy to attach, and efficient material collection) snowblowing option, and comfortable to operate. Ideal......... JD X700 series, or possibly Simplicity Legacy XL. Acceptable........ JD X500 series, Simplicity Prestige, or equivalant Cub Cadet, etc.
Tractor duties: Simple, tough underbelly, and comfortable to use. Tossup on brands here since the JD's have better steering brakes than Kubotas, and Kubotas have 3 speed hydros, and tougher underbellies. I like the Masseys, Mahindras, and to some extent the Kioti / BobCats too, but most come with less options, are not as nimble, and around here are the same price, or more than the JD, or Kubota with lower resale values. In larger sizes they have much merit, and better price points.
I take my mmm off my garden tractor every 25-50 hours depending mostly on how well I'm feeling. It is only a 48" deck but it is commercial construction, and is heavy with a full width rear roller. That is about as often as I really care to be messing with it. I use that tractor for mowing, collecting grass, and leaves, aerating, dethatching, and pulling a trailer, especially when I'm chipping brush, and fallen branches around the yard. For me having that second small garden tractor is almost a necessity, and so a Z-Turn wouldn't work. Having both is perfect! Had I known that I probably woudn't mow with my "tractor" I might have bought one size larger (B3200, B2630, JD 2520,JD2720), especially if I decided to buy a backhoe (which I miss sometimes, and is usefull in trail building / improving work, but I sure don't need them for the larger attachments. If I were to move up a size now, I would just keep the implements I have. It's true that with something large enough, one can just overpower many tasks, and get them done now. I have an engineer friend that has 50 acres, or so of woods, and he likes much larger tractors. For me, my 13 acres is a hobby, and playground, and I don't mind a few more trips back, and forth to the gravel pile when I'm puttering in my woods. The difference is that my engineer friend needs a "road" to move his industrial backhoe around, and I enjoy my trails. Frame of mind, you see, has more to do with it than anything else.
So, choices? Well for mowing: easy to maintain, heavy enough to be stable, and rugged (850-1100 lbs perhaps) easy to attach, and efficient material collection) snowblowing option, and comfortable to operate. Ideal......... JD X700 series, or possibly Simplicity Legacy XL. Acceptable........ JD X500 series, Simplicity Prestige, or equivalant Cub Cadet, etc.
Tractor duties: Simple, tough underbelly, and comfortable to use. Tossup on brands here since the JD's have better steering brakes than Kubotas, and Kubotas have 3 speed hydros, and tougher underbellies. I like the Masseys, Mahindras, and to some extent the Kioti / BobCats too, but most come with less options, are not as nimble, and around here are the same price, or more than the JD, or Kubota with lower resale values. In larger sizes they have much merit, and better price points.
jenkinsph
Super Star Member
For most of us we can't afford to go out and buy everything we need all at one time. Having used tractors and mowers for many years I recomend a separate mower and separate tractor. I would skip the 8 in 1 tractors since mowing is your prime concern.
I would get the mower that best fits your mowing wants and needs. Would consider an X748 or X749 equipped to meet all of your mowing needs.
I would get a used tractor or as you mentioned hire that out. I have an older 820 tractor in good shape which is about 35 hp and weighs in just over 4000 lbs. Something like this or a newer 4x4 compact would handle the other tasks at a low cost but you have to weigh the costs versus amount of use to make the decision.
I would get the mower that best fits your mowing wants and needs. Would consider an X748 or X749 equipped to meet all of your mowing needs.
I would get a used tractor or as you mentioned hire that out. I have an older 820 tractor in good shape which is about 35 hp and weighs in just over 4000 lbs. Something like this or a newer 4x4 compact would handle the other tasks at a low cost but you have to weigh the costs versus amount of use to make the decision.
RollTideRam
Veteran Member
If you have been mowing with a Craftman mower for six years, You don't need the 4 wheel drive version of the x700 series. I mowed with a 2520 for 1.5 years. I did a few commercial jobs with it. It was a pain to mow and remove the loader/deck weekly. I started with a x475 and then went to a 2520. I now mow with a x744, and tractor with a 3320. I had two gators and a x495 in between. Wasted alot of money. I like having a tractor, but need the mower. Buy a good mower, and get a tractor when you can. Or mow with a tractor and bigger deck if you don't have to swap deck and loader often. JC
jcmseven
Veteran Member
I can attest, if there is any way one can afford the upfront cost difference, going with the Ultimate 700 series tractor is the way to go. The 530 is nice; the 700 is a whole lot nicer, for not all that much money.
John M
John M
Thanks for the thoughts on the x700 series. I think I saw that you live in western NC, which is in the mountains and is a lot like my land in central/western Va. How does the x700 do mowing on hills? I'm not so worried about stability (well, I am, but I feel sure the x700 like the x530 would be pretty stable). I'm thinking about longevity. I'll be cruising up and down some reasonably steep (20-30 degree) slopes. Probably have to go up and down them 20-30 times each time I mow. I weigh 200 lbs. Will the x700 last doing that?
Reason I ask is that I am still very seriously considering the 2320, which I think will go up and down the hills without all that much strain on the system. It's just a well-built piece of machinery. But I could go completely in the opposite direction insofar as mowing goes, and get a Craftsman to mow. That's what I did five summers ago (and the answer to the question there is that a Craftsman GT 4000 lasts five years on my hills, even with pretty darned good maintenance, though I admit that I sure didn't baby it.) One of my fears about the x530 is that it costs $6-$6,500, and while it cuts real well, it might give me just 6 or 7 good years. A big part of me would rather spend $10,000 more and get a 2320, which may last me the rest of my life and will in any event have some decent trade value even more than a decade from now. That worry about longevity vs. cost gets worse for the x700 series, which (I agree) are really super mowers but which cost more and which accordingly would hurt worse if it really isn't built heavily enough to deal with my hills for many good years.
So, what do you all say? Realistically, what kind of longevity can one expect on mowing slopes with JD select series ride-on mowers?
Reason I ask is that I am still very seriously considering the 2320, which I think will go up and down the hills without all that much strain on the system. It's just a well-built piece of machinery. But I could go completely in the opposite direction insofar as mowing goes, and get a Craftsman to mow. That's what I did five summers ago (and the answer to the question there is that a Craftsman GT 4000 lasts five years on my hills, even with pretty darned good maintenance, though I admit that I sure didn't baby it.) One of my fears about the x530 is that it costs $6-$6,500, and while it cuts real well, it might give me just 6 or 7 good years. A big part of me would rather spend $10,000 more and get a 2320, which may last me the rest of my life and will in any event have some decent trade value even more than a decade from now. That worry about longevity vs. cost gets worse for the x700 series, which (I agree) are really super mowers but which cost more and which accordingly would hurt worse if it really isn't built heavily enough to deal with my hills for many good years.
So, what do you all say? Realistically, what kind of longevity can one expect on mowing slopes with JD select series ride-on mowers?
Hi,
20 to 30 degrees is a lot for a tractor, hit a woodchuck hole and you could easily dump it. There's a guy around here selling tilt gauges for tractors, I got one and put it on my two series. When things started approaching 20 to 22 degrees I started to be very careful. Maybe its just me but the thought of rolling over an embankment with 15 or 20 thousand dollars and a ton of metal doesn't appeal to me all that much! They don't put those ROPS on there for good looks.
As far as lasting 6 or 7 seasons I'd say the class of mower you're looking into will do that easily.
Rob
20 to 30 degrees is a lot for a tractor, hit a woodchuck hole and you could easily dump it. There's a guy around here selling tilt gauges for tractors, I got one and put it on my two series. When things started approaching 20 to 22 degrees I started to be very careful. Maybe its just me but the thought of rolling over an embankment with 15 or 20 thousand dollars and a ton of metal doesn't appeal to me all that much! They don't put those ROPS on there for good looks.
As far as lasting 6 or 7 seasons I'd say the class of mower you're looking into will do that easily.
Rob
mjncad
Super Member
The X7xx is shaft driven, while the X3xx and X5xx are belt drive. The shaft drive is better suited for slopes and durability than belt drive. I just wish the X7xx offered a ROPS. Supposedly the Curtis cab for the X7xx is advertised as a ROPS cab. I doubt very much that it is.
I think an X7xx and a 2320 will last you a long time given proper care, with the 2320 having the edge on longevity due to its heavier components. In any case, get four-wheel-drive with whatever you buy as those slopes you're talking about are steep.
jcmseven
Veteran Member
As far as mowing, the X 700 series tractors, even the two wheel drive ones, will climb hills one would be uncomfortable being on. I have never had any trouble on any of my hills with any of the X series machines, but bear in mind I have many super steep sections that I do not mow and that nothing motorized really belongs on. The 2320 I have is also really stable on hills. I have the rear tires loaded with RimGuard and the COG is very low on that machine as a result. I am not sure that it is any more stable than a 2520 or 2720 but definitely is more stable than any of the 3000 series machines. One concern I have about the X series is that they lack a factory ROPS but believe me when I say the average sensible user would back off long before these machines would get tippy. One can also load their tires (I recommend this) and/or place wheel weights on them for added stability. They do not need them for traction, but the added weight down low really plants them to the ground.
With regard to longevity, take your pick. Either the 700 series machines or the 2320 would run a LONG LONG time in your case. The heavier components of these respective machines are a marked upgrade from an X500, and the 2320 is a true compact tractor, so you know it is built heavy. I would say as an addendum that there has been some talk of the "lack of power" of the 2320 in high range climbing hills. I dispute this. My 2320 will climb my driveway, which is greater than 20% in two spots, in high range. It will not pull my box blade up it in high range without bogging, but neither would the 2720 I tested prior to buying. The reality is that anyone buying a 2000 series machine will be doing 90% of his/her mowing and tasks in A range and that is really fairly fast. A 2320 in A range and WOT will leave behind an X500 tractor at maximum speed in its only range, and really is running almost too fast for most finish mowers to cut and do a nice job. Thusly, A range, in which the machine will climb a tree and not bog, is fine for finish mowing. With only two ranges the 2000 series JD compacts are really meant to do their work in A range. Maybe with the 2720 and low power applications on flat ground one might sneak into B range but those occurrences would be rare and would not happen on my property. Thusly, a 2320 would move pretty quickly for work in A range and can handle hills fine in that range. With any of these machines the B range is really meant for transport.
John M
With regard to longevity, take your pick. Either the 700 series machines or the 2320 would run a LONG LONG time in your case. The heavier components of these respective machines are a marked upgrade from an X500, and the 2320 is a true compact tractor, so you know it is built heavy. I would say as an addendum that there has been some talk of the "lack of power" of the 2320 in high range climbing hills. I dispute this. My 2320 will climb my driveway, which is greater than 20% in two spots, in high range. It will not pull my box blade up it in high range without bogging, but neither would the 2720 I tested prior to buying. The reality is that anyone buying a 2000 series machine will be doing 90% of his/her mowing and tasks in A range and that is really fairly fast. A 2320 in A range and WOT will leave behind an X500 tractor at maximum speed in its only range, and really is running almost too fast for most finish mowers to cut and do a nice job. Thusly, A range, in which the machine will climb a tree and not bog, is fine for finish mowing. With only two ranges the 2000 series JD compacts are really meant to do their work in A range. Maybe with the 2720 and low power applications on flat ground one might sneak into B range but those occurrences would be rare and would not happen on my property. Thusly, a 2320 would move pretty quickly for work in A range and can handle hills fine in that range. With any of these machines the B range is really meant for transport.
John M
ddivinia
Elite Member
Will your dealer bring you out some demo equipment?
My dealer will do it.
Get them to bring out the various options and then I bet it will clear which direction makes sense.
D.
My dealer will do it.
Get them to bring out the various options and then I bet it will clear which direction makes sense.
D.
Here are some similar links:
