Comparison 2320 Independent Lift

[Jriffe108]

The independent lift allows you to lift the MMM independent of the 3 pt hitch. Without it, on some units, such as the 2305 and 2320, you have to lower the 3 pt hitch to lower the MMM. The independent lift utilizes a single hydraulic cylinder in place of the mechanical lift link from the 3 pt hitch. The cylinder is attached to the FEL hydraulic fitting and uses the curl/dump function to raise and lower the MMM.

You have to switch Hyd hoses from the FEL to the Ind lift to allow function. For
Most this option allows you to have the MMM installed and have an implement on the 3 pt hitch and control both independently. Such as when mowing with the deck and utilizing a grass catch simultaneously. The deck height is controlled by a cam locking knob on the floorboard. You can raise the deck with Hyd, set the knob to proper cut height, then bleed down Hyd to lock MMM to control height. When mowing you may want to raise deck while mobile such as when crossing an area you don't want to cut or a gravel driveway. Instead of idling down, disengaging pto, crossing area, reengage pto, idle up, you can simply grab Hyd control lever, curl
Bucket to raise deck, cross driveway, activate dump
Control to lower deck, keep mowing.


As with all hydraulic rams, it will bleed down. You have to lock the MMM after you raise it to prevent it from bleeding down and causing ground clearance issues.

The diverter valve allows you to have both the FEL and the ind lift MMM hoses connected simultaneously. It consists of a small t handle mounted below the right side of the operator station easily accessible while seated on the unit. You pull the knob to allow the FEL action lever to control the dump/curl function and push the knob in to use the dump/curl function to raise/lower the MMM. All without removing or switching Hyd hoses.

Most people want this option to prevent having to remove and switching hoses. Also allows to have both FEL and MMM attached with full control of both depending on knob position.

Most people, like me, have probably removed the FEL, 200cx model, and mow without anything but the MMM mounted. Also, remove the MMM when doing dirt work to prevent damage to MMM from ground clearance issues. With the 200cx and drive over decks being so easy to remove, the ind lift and div valve may not be worth the $500-$600 tag. You can get a nice box blade or rear blade or landscape rake with the saved cash. However, if you don't have the 200cx FEL or you want the flexibility of having the option, it is in my opinion, a well designed option which I have not had any issues with.

 

[TripleR]

There seems to be a lot of confusion over these lift kits (and I may be the one that is confused.) My dealer seemed to think the lift kit would control the deck height while in use, but it really doesn't. It will definitely leak down. That's why you have the lock position on the deck height setting knob. When you aren't using the deck, you lock it up and it doesn't move.

Mowing height is set with the knob and you only use the lift while mowing to pull up over rough spots or when transporting a short distance.

Although the mowing height setting knob doesn't quite give you the 2" to 6" range advertised, when the lift links are properly adjusted it gives you an adequate range. Once I got mine adjusted correctly, I've been very happy with deck.

The problem we had for quite some time was that not only did our lift not work properly, it leaked down really fast, so you could not go more than a few feet without constantly bumping it up AND our deck height adjustment did not work, so we had a ground contact deck.

It took three trips to the dealer and the warranty ran out before we had to replace the ram and they got the deck height adjuster to work. On the two previous times, the deck height adjuster fix lasted only briefly. (There is an old thread on modifications to improve the design)

I am not bashing John Deere, but I was use to our BX on which you could raise the MMM and go for quite a ways without locking the deck up. This was handy as our mowing spots are separated by some distances and locking the deck up was/is an aggravation.

I can accept a non position control 3-point leaking down, but not a hydraulic lift, but that's just me.

 

[Runner]

"I can accept a non position control 3-point leaking down, but not a hydraulic lift, but that's just me."


This is one reason why I passed on the independent lift. The standard lift is done by the three-point arms and won't leak down. It is also easier to remove the mower mounting brackets (in order to attach the backhoe) without the independent lift option.

I still would like to have the diverter valve and extra ports though....

 

[Castle47d]

Gentlemen,
I am looking at getting a 72" mid mower for my 2520 compact. The question I have after a year or so of research is I want the independent lift because I have a Hydralic MCS and want to ability to mount it on the 3 point hitch. I was able to find the independent lift for it about 6 months ago on the Deere web site "build your own" and now cannot find it. It is available for the 62D still. Does the one for the 62D have the same hookups as the 72" mower? The reasons I am looking at the 72" is because I found a nice one for a good price and I want a wider cutting width and increased reach on the left side while mowing. I have used the 6' rear finish mower and have no issue with it power or quality of cut but I want more manueverability around my property. And at some point when my off duty superviser will allow me I will get a 3000 series with the 72" auto connect. Thank you for your time.

Bill

 

[gonegreen]

I also have the 2320 with the Independent lift and the Diverter valve. It was installed by the dealer when I bought the tractor. It has worked great for me and Im glad I got it. We moved to our new property four years ago and we are still fixing and making the new yard, so not having to jump off and switch hoses whenever I need to make an "adjustment" is nice. I don't think its a must have but I like it more and more every time I use it. :thumbsup: