2320/2520 Reviews

[archerynut]

Went up to the local JD dealer today and took a quick look at the 2320 and hte 2520. I think that BleedGreen is right on the money as to why there is the 205 pound weight difference, tires, additional frame length, etc. Really took a liking to both models, however time was running late and the 2320 was still covered in this weeks snow. There was a 2520 inside all nice and warm and dry and got to look that over really well. Was able to look at a 2320 and 2305 side by side outside and can really appreciate the ground clearance differences. Seat feel is good for all, but the 2520 seemed to be the roomiest. the dealer is going to have a 2320 inside and a 2520 inside for me to try out on Monday morning.

Here's the kicker, the dealer said that the subframe mounts for the BH interfere with the mounts for the MMM. Therefore inn order to use the BH you have to remove the MMM mounts and reattach the mounts for the BH. When you want to mow again you have to remove the BH mounts and reinstall the MMM mounts and then make sure everything is level and what not. I am not that familar with the mounting and removal of these parts, bu the dealer said that it would involve a couple of hours of work. Is this right? It seems like JD would have a better system than that.

Does anyone know the price difference between the 53" and 61" bucket for the FEL. I would imagine the 53 would be best for the 2320 and the 61" for the 2520 b/c of the additional width.

 

[archerynut]

Just found some info on cycle times between the 2320 and the 2520. There does seem to be a substanital difference, but I don't know if it would be a significant difference. Here goes:

2320 2520 2305
Loader raising/lowering 4.73/2.88 3.19/1.95 5.56/3.39
Bucket dump time/regen 4.73/1.85 3.19/1.25 5.56/2.17
Bucket rollback time 2.88 1.95 3.39

 

[gunmaker]

The 61 inch bucket was only $50.- more than the 53 inch, on my 200cx.
I can take off the 46bh in about 10 minutes easily, and install 3pt hardware in another 10. Bout the same in reverse. Don't know about the mmm.

 

[ducati996]

Just found some info on cycle times between the 2320 and the 2520. There does seem to be a substanital difference, but I don't know if it would be a significant difference. Here goes:

2320 2520 2305
Loader raising/lowering 4.73/2.88 3.19/1.95 5.56/3.39
Bucket dump time/regen 4.73/1.85 3.19/1.25 5.56/2.17
Bucket rollback time 2.88 1.95 3.39

When I was looking at the 2320 originally I was comparing the hydrolic response to my then 4100 series machine. At that time I didnt actually test out the 2320 until I already owned it, and there was a noticeable difference in comparision to speed against my older 4100 (traded in at sale). This dosent mean the 2320 is slow, I just had already certain benchmarks for where I needed to be at. I called the dealer basically right away, and asked him to lock in a 2520 for me right away. What I do know is the 2520 is both faster and stronger in the hydrolic area (fel and BH) compared to the 2320. Owning both for a time, gave me that ability to see it first hand. The difference for me was to be able to use the machine all day long at lower rev's for either loader, or BH work and I find the sweet spot on the 2520 at around 1,600 -1,800 rpm. There is something to be said with direct injection as well, which typically I dont pay much notice for, but the machine fired in a quarter turn in some of the coldest weather around here. I had glow plugs on the 4100, and with the procedure of cycling with the PTO engaged (but this isnt documented) worked very well in all conditions. Heck I got glow plugs in mt Ford F550, and it works very well in the same weather.
I do believe there is a conflict whem having the MM or BH attached - and Im not sure what the work around is if any mainly because I dont mow with this machine (maybe later using the 3pt). maybe someone who uses the MMM & BH can add to this.

Switching gears and brands for a second and definitly a very strong competitor to these models would be the 2630 & 3030 series from Kubota. At the time of purchase I did not have a local dealer that I could even consider Kubota, but that has now changed (but still too late). I have found the pricing on the 3030 with FEL and BH is close enough to the same on the 2520 with the same. While I dont believe the differences between performance between these machines ( I feel they are closer in spec's then printed -Hydrolic wise) they do offer a BH with a 1ft advantage in digging depth, and no conflict in having MMM & BH mounted. Also the 3030 has a higher center of gravity - which can be an issue. Otherwise if the timing was different for me, I might be riding orange today....

Good luck eitherway

Duc

 

[ducati996]

The 61 inch bucket was only $50.- more than the 53 inch, on my 200cx.
I can take off the 46bh in about 10 minutes easily, and install 3pt hardware in another 10. Bout the same in reverse. Don't know about the mmm.

I use the 61" bucket as well - with no worries...

Ever try re-attaching the backhoe on smooth concrete? LOL I spent a good hour chasing the backhoe around in my gagrage. Everytime to got close, I would bump it and it would slide away - I now also remove in the grass, so the teeth on the pads dig in....

 

[BleedGreen]

Unfortunately the 2520 / 46BH / MMM combination does have issues. See John Deere's explanation in text and pics below:

46 Backhoe - mid-mount mower interference - 2520, 4115

With a 2520 or 4115 Tractor, the sub-frame for the 46 Backhoe needs to removed if changing from backhoe to mid-mount mower. Depending on which mower deck lifting system is used, the parts are different.

For independent lift system, remove:
1 - (2) Lift arms
2 - Lower rockshaft and adjustable links
3 - (4) Screws and huts
4 - Hydraulic cylinder and hoses
(see drawing "46bh1")

For mechanical lift system, remove:

1 - (2) Lift arms
2 - (2) Adjustable links
3 - (2) Rear draft pivots and 3-point hitch draft arms
(see drawing "46bh2")

Regardless of which lift system, remove:
3-point hitch draft arms
Front draft arm pivot assembly

Note: With 2320 Tractors, this does not apply. The mower deck does need to be taken off the tractor for the 46 Backhoe, but the attaching parts for the mower deck can stay on the tractor.

 

[Deadman]

I just bought a 2520 and traded in our 2210. I'll never say that the 2520 is "underpowered", but I'll guarentee that the 2320 would be Underpowered. I use the tractor for hauling, pulling, carrying wood, FEL work, and the 2520 has tremdous TORQUE, but it works pretty hard sometimes. I know out like 2210 motor (same as 2320 I assume) would be revving to beat all **** to get up to where it makes good power. The 2520 idles 500 RPM lower and also max RPM is like 600-800 RPM lower. That just makes it quieter because of the lack of RPM's needed for the same size jobs.

I love this 2520, but FOR ME a 2320 just wouldn't cut it, because the Hydros are so **** fast on this machine.

 

[Deadman]

oh as far as starting in Cold (-10F) this 2520 starts 10 times faster than the 2210 motor did. I never cycled the glo plugs on the 2520 and on the 2210 I usually cycled them 3-4 times . The 2210 would start and shake and smoke for a minute. The 2520 starts just like if it was 40 degrees. It clatters a tad louder, but runs just as if it was warmed up.

 

[Hard]

Went up to the local JD dealer today and took a quick look at the 2320 and hte 2520. I think that BleedGreen is right on the money as to why there is the 205 pound weight difference, tires, additional frame length, etc. Really took a liking to both models, however time was running late and the 2320 was still covered in this weeks snow. There was a 2520 inside all nice and warm and dry and got to look that over really well. Was able to look at a 2320 and 2305 side by side outside and can really appreciate the ground clearance differences. Seat feel is good for all, but the 2520 seemed to be the roomiest. the dealer is going to have a 2320 inside and a 2520 inside for me to try out on Monday morning.

Here's the kicker, the dealer said that the subframe mounts for the BH interfere with the mounts for the MMM. Therefore inn order to use the BH you have to remove the MMM mounts and reattach the mounts for the BH. When you want to mow again you have to remove the BH mounts and reinstall the MMM mounts and then make sure everything is level and what not. I am not that familar with the mounting and removal of these parts, bu the dealer said that it would involve a couple of hours of work. Is this right? It seems like JD would have a better system than that.

Does anyone know the price difference between the 53" and 61" bucket for the FEL. I would imagine the 53 would be best for the 2320 and the 61" for the 2520 b/c of the additional width.

I have had no problem with the 61" bucket on my 2320. Plenty of power. I have used the bucket with gravel, topsoil, clay/rocky soil, mulch and a lot of very heavy, wet snow recently. The hydraulics will be faster on the 2520 but I have not experienced a lack of power with this tractor. I love it

 

[ducati996]

I never cycled the glo plugs on the 2520 and on the 2210 I usually cycled them 3-4 times .

You couldnt cycle the glo plugs even if you wanted to - it dosent have them because of the direct injection