2305 vs X7xx Series

[KB9UDE]

I am looking for a small machine to run a 62c deck with 14 bushel material collection unit and a 47" snowblower. I think I may at sometime need the 3pt and rear pto. I am looking at 2305 or X7xx tractors.

What do you all think?? Does anyone have experience and pics of the 2305 with material collection and snowblower??


John

 

[nmu98]

Here is a long thread that goes into it pretty far.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/jd-buying-pricing/126074-thoughts-john-deere-x749.html

I am not a fan of the 2305. I do not like how the 3 point operates. But I think that you get a little more tractor in the 2305 for the price.

I own a 445, about the same as a X728 and i would not trade it for a 2305. but I would never use it for loader work, or anything on a 3 point.

 

[KB9UDE]

Thanks for the link.


Does anyone have any experience with the JD 14 bushel material collection system??

 

[JiminGa]

seeing as you have bigger/better tractors with loaders and 3 pt hitches, you'd probably be happier with a x7xx series for a dedicated mower. the 2305 is more bang for the buck, but the x7xx are better, more comfortable mowers.

 

[KB9UDE]

I thought it would be nice to use a small box blade at some point in my work. Sometimes bigger is not the answer.

 

[cast_and_blast]

I am looking for a small machine to run a 62c deck with 14 bushel material collection unit and a 47" snowblower. I think I may at sometime need the 3pt and rear pto. I am looking at 2305 or X7xx tractors.

What do you all think?? Does anyone have experience and pics of the 2305 with material collection and snowblower??


John

Hi John -

I have the 2305 with the 62C and the 47" 2-stage blower. I looked at the material collection system for the 2305 and wasn't thrilled by the prospect of emptying the bags by hand - they can get heavy and are unwieldy.

I bought a lightly used MC519 and powerflow unit from a local implement dealer. I had a local machinist weld me up a support hitch for the MC519 and I hooked it up via 3-pt.

This works really, really slick as the MC519 is a lever-dump unit plus I can raise it all the way up and build on the pile of clippings/leaves easily. The cart and powerflow (both used) cost me $700 plus $200 for materials and labor to build the hitch/frame. I believe the powerflow alone is ~$500 new for this unit. Let me know if you want to see some pictures of my setup.

I *am* impressed with the 2305 and would not trade it for a 4xx series or a X7xx series. It mows beautifully, tons of power, 4wd, 3 point, etc. I don't mind the ride one bit - plenty comfortable for me when I compare the the JD 425's I used growing up. 62C deck is the same as used on the lower models - works great and gives a nice, smooth cut.

Given, the 3 point is a limited cat 1; the "limit" is simply due to the lift height available. Not a problem for most folks and most implements made for sub-CUTs.

Snowblower is noisy but works well - I use it here in MN and I can chew through anything - just take the big piles slow and you're fine. I've used it through 2 winters and broke 1 shear pin due to hitting a frozen sunday paper by the neighbor's mailbox. Up and running again 5 minutes later.

If it were my and my dollars being spent, I'd go with the 2305. Good luck with your decision!

Scott

 

[KB9UDE]

I would love to see some pics of your setup if you don't mind. How much will your material collection rig hold??

John

Hi John -

I have the 2305 with the 62C and the 47" 2-stage blower. I looked at the material collection system for the 2305 and wasn't thrilled by the prospect of emptying the bags by hand - they can get heavy and are unwieldy.

I bought a lightly used MC519 and powerflow unit from a local implement dealer. I had a local machinist weld me up a support hitch for the MC519 and I hooked it up via 3-pt.

This works really, really slick as the MC519 is a lever-dump unit plus I can raise it all the way up and build on the pile of clippings/leaves easily. The cart and powerflow (both used) cost me $700 plus $200 for materials and labor to build the hitch/frame. I believe the powerflow alone is ~$500 new for this unit. Let me know if you want to see some pictures of my setup.

I *am* impressed with the 2305 and would not trade it for a 4xx series or a X7xx series. It mows beautifully, tons of power, 4wd, 3 point, etc. I don't mind the ride one bit - plenty comfortable for me when I compare the the JD 425's I used growing up. 62C deck is the same as used on the lower models - works great and gives a nice, smooth cut.

Given, the 3 point is a limited cat 1; the "limit" is simply due to the lift height available. Not a problem for most folks and most implements made for sub-CUTs.

Snowblower is noisy but works well - I use it here in MN and I can chew through anything - just take the big piles slow and you're fine. I've used it through 2 winters and broke 1 shear pin due to hitting a frozen sunday paper by the neighbor's mailbox. Up and running again 5 minutes later.

If it were my and my dollars being spent, I'd go with the 2305. Good luck with your decision!

Scott

 

[etcallhome]

Just my 2 cents
Sorry for not having a 62" deck or the collection attachment. But I have owned a 425 ,front blade and 54 deck , then 2210 fel ,54" deck and front blade and now a 2305,
fel, back hoe,front blade, 54 deck, 48 in tiller, I would hate to go back to non 4x4 and gas

2210 or 2305 More power than you need for what you are wanting to do . Less fuel for the buck, Yes 2305 weights about 500 # more than a 7 series .
I admit you can get 4x4 and diesel engine in the 7 series . Once you mow with the diesel you won't want a gas engine again.

Last I checked into the old 425 445 series and then the one that took it place and now 7 series. You had to pay for 3 pt hitch. your hyd fittings if needed plus no high or low range.
Going with 2305 these things are included and a heavier frame .
and 4-5 yrs ago it was cheaper to buy the 2210 than to get a lawn and garden series.

Best of luck on your choice both are good machines. and either should do everything and more .

 

[orlo]

Hi, I can't compare them, but I can tell you that the 2305 with the 62C is a mowing machine!!! I have a 2305 and a 3720 cab with a 72"MMM and an 84" RFM that I can compare it to.

The deck goes on and off very easily on the 2305 (It's a pain on the 3720, so much so that I gave up and now use a RFM except for material collection). If you left it on the 3720 it wouldn't be bad but frequent mounts/dismounts are a pain. In contrast, on the 2305 you can mount/unmount the mower in probably less than 5 minutes and it's easy to get back to your height setting.

You can mow in high range on the 2305 even in high grass and on mild hills. Not sure what the 3pt complaint is about. I know the height is limited but I've run a 60" rake, a 72" grader blade, a chipper, etc. all on the 2305 with no problems. I also have a woods BH6000 on the 2305 and it works great also. Actually too much power for the 2305 as it can muscle it around easily.

For collection I use a cyclone rake which works great. I did buy the powerflow collection system but there are 2 issues with it: 1. You need to bolt it to the hitch thereby disabling any 3 pt accessories. 2. If you mow any significant area it fills FAST. Up North where I mow maybe 5 acres I was emptying it every 1/2 lap for the first 10 laps. It does empty easy and with 3 bags they mount/unmount easily but I still wouldn't recommend it except for small lawns.

 

[JCB]

KB9,

Don't know about the MMM. The 3PH is limited height and hydraulics power is not a strong point; but your right, bigger is not always better.

The 2210/2305 bets into some tight places and is a monster with a 4' BB. The 47" front blower puts a grin on your face ear to ear, and is perfect for narrow sidewalks or muscling through heavy snows. You'll never want to drop a blade again.

My favorite attachment is usually the one I have on at the moment, but that front blower is the only one I would not part, it is the reason I keep the 2210 and has completely changed winters here in Wisconsin. I guess you can say I really like it

Joe