2305 v. 2720

[rtm038]

I have a 2520 and for the most part I've been very pleased with it's performance. Good power for its size; doesn't weight too much (relatively speaking) and its big enought to handle decent size jobs, but small enough to get into tight places. The only thing I don't like is the 2-range hydro trans. While "Low" is a great all-around range, "High" is too "high" for things like climbing steep hills (engine starts to bog), etc. A nice "mid" range setting would a great improvement. Also, a cab would awesome.

Ryan

 

[bandit67]

I think you might find the 2x20 size machines a nice compromise - small enough to get into tighter spaces, but big enough to handle chores better than a subcompact can.

One question is: why not consider a similar sized machine from a different mfr that has a 3 range hydro? In my opinion, JD really missed the boat with the 2 range hydro on the 2720. That pretty much sealed the deal for me when I chose my machine, and JD took itself right out of the running when comparing to similar machines.

I've had well built JD's in years past, but I am very happy with my 3 range 30hp Kubota compact. I know that 2 range hydro would have been cursed on a regular basis. I even had wished for a 3 range on my subcompact at times.

 

[jcmseven]

bandit,

You make a good point. In fact, I posted something last year about my displeasure JD did not offer a 3 speed in its line in this size--especially for the price. I like the Kubota and have looked at one as a dealer is less than two miles from my parents' mountain place. In the end though, I suppose it goes back to my dealer relationship. I have known my dealer since way before he was a dealer and I know it would hurt him knowing I went to another brand. Working with him has gotten me some "perks" also I doubt I could duplicate with another brand. This is the main reason I am likely to stick with green here.

John M

 

[thendricks]

bandit,

In fact, I posted something last year about my displeasure JD did not offer a 3 speed in its line in this size--especially for the price.
John M

See if you can get a demo on your property. It may not be a factor. Its not for me.

If it is and will always bother you, get the kubota. There is nothing worse than putting up with something you dont have to.

 

[rtm038]

I think you might find the 2x20 size machines a nice compromise - small enough to get into tighter spaces, but big enough to handle chores better than a subcompact can.

One question is: why not consider a similar sized machine from a different mfr that has a 3 range hydro? In my opinion, JD really missed the boat with the 2 range hydro on the 2720. That pretty much sealed the deal for me when I chose my machine, and JD took itself right out of the running when comparing to similar machines.

I've had well built JD's in years past, but I am very happy with my 3 range 30hp Kubota compact. I know that 2 range hydro would have been cursed on a regular basis. I even had wished for a 3 range on my subcompact at times.

Although I really like my 2520, if I was in the market for another machine and didn't need a backhoe attachment, I'd probably opt for a B3030 cab model.

 

[jcmseven]

thendricks,

I appreciate your suggestion. In fact, my dealer now has a 2320 JD for me to try out next. If that machine is not able to handle the hills, he is going to procure a 2720 for me to try. I do not know if I can get a Kubota to try but I might if I am not satisfied with my JD options. I am really trying this time not to make the mistake of buying a machine that does not fit my needs. I have enjoyed every JD tractor I have had, but having overbought in the past I am trying to be practical, while getting a machine with which I would be happy. For me, three ranges is not essential, provided I have a machine that can climb my hills without having to constantly resort to the lowest gearing. This is why the 2720 seems appealing due to its high power to weight ratio, but it is on the verge of what I would like to spend for a machine mainly to box blade my driveway and do some mowing for mom and dad. With my Gator, I do not do as much transport work with my tractor anymore, so I do not need something that will go 18+mph, just something that can hold its speed well running over some pretty steep areas.

John M

 

[AKfish]

John, it'll be interesting to hear how the 2720 handles your hills. Got lot's of hp packed into that small frame...

Like to hear your thoughts after a trial run. Thanks.

AKfish

 

[skidoo]

I have had a 2520 for 3 years now and over 200 hours. I can tell you that it struggles going up my drive in high range, especially with a load in the bucket. Now, keep in mind that I also have the extra weight of filled tires. No problem in low range. I can use high range effectively going down the drive,

Overall, I do like this machine as it is easy to jump on and go. I upgraded to a 110 for heavier jobs and kept the 2520 for lighter duties. I would think that the extra power in the 2720 would help some, but I think high range is still out for attempting up hill at speed unless there is no extra weight. But, no weight may mean less stability on the hills. I think even the 110 needs to stay out of high going up hill, although I haven't used it enough to say for sure....

 

[jcaledon]

John,

I went through the same thing in the spring. I was really intent on buying a JD2320. The JD dealer in my area is just down the road, and was always excellent to deal with. First rate all the way. My problem was a large hill that I mow in my yard. Because the principle use of the tractor was going to be mowing, I needed a tractor that would mow the hill. The two speed hydro on the JD was a real problem as the tractor could not mow any sort of incline in high gear. Low gear was actually slower than my old Craftsman garden tractor! I wasn't prepared to spend all that money, only to have to spend more time mowing. That's why I decided to go with the Kubota B2620. The three range hydro was the reason I went with the Kubota. The mid range speed is perfect for just about everything, including mowing a very steep hill. The Kubota has been excellent. The JD has some premium features that the base Kubota does not, but nothing that I can't live without - plus the Kubota was a lot less expensive. All in all, I'm very pleased that I went with the Kubota.

JD would have gotten my business had it decided to put a three speed hydro on the 2720. It's essential for me.

 

[Runner]

John,

I have a 2520, and agree with the general consensus that high range isn't very useful. In my opinion, even if it had the power for running the mower on the hills in high range, I wouldn't use it because it's too fast. I realize that you can feather the hydro, but I would hate to have to keep doing that all the time.

For my purposes, I just wish the high range was geared lower, like starting about halfway up the low range. Don't really need a lot of top speed, but a little more usable speed for loader activities would be good. As it is, I find myself having to shift to low range to have enough power to get a load in the bucket, then, having to shift to high range for the trip to whereever I'm moving the load to (if it's any significant distance).

As for mowing, my property is rough and hilly, so mowing any faster than what I can get out of low range would be very uncomfortable. For this reason, the gearing works OK for me, but as mentioned, I'd like to see the high range geared lower to overlap the low range more.

Best of luck with your decision.