Buying Advice 2320 or x530

[Rob-D]

Hi John,
I have some experience here as I've had the 2320 and the 2720. First, the 2320 does not have the PTO hp of the 2520 or the 2720. If you look at the implements catalog from Deere you will see many things that do not run on the 2320:

Implements & Accessories - Product Catalog

Besides PTO hp it is lighter and like you say shorter, which means a more stable front end when pulling.

The 2720 FEL will run faster than the 2320 but with the same power, although it did seem like my 2720 did have more FEL power but I can't tell you why. I remember lifting rocks that the 2320 could not.

Also the 2720 is an easier machine to run, for one, it easily pulls uphills in top gear which the 2320 can't do especially if you have a BH attached, and the bigger tires are much better. Snow plowing is much better with the 2720, it doesn't bog down like the 2320 does.

I don't want to diminish the 2320, it's a great little tractor but with 21 acres to care for I'll bet even the 2720 will be less than he needs.

I'm just going to a 3320 for the extra power in the FEL and BH but you learn these things over time and I didn't know them 6 years ago. I wanted to go to the 3320 from the 2320 but my dealer talked me out of it.. he didn't this time. After running these guys for several years I know them pretty well.

Rob

 

[jcmseven]

Rob I agree with you in part. My experience with the 2720 was not the same as yours. In my testing of the machines on my property prior to buying, I found the 2720 to not have any real benefit pulling ground engagement attachments (which was my main task when buying). Using exactly the same box blade, LR, land plane, etc., I found the 2320 to actually pull them better, as it did not seem to lose traction and buck as much as the 2720. It is true the 2720 operates the loader faster given its higher hydraulic flow and dedicated pump, but the speed difference for me did not merit the additional cost. It also will not lift any more than a 2320. I do not operate any PTO attachments currently, thus I cannot attest to that, but feel there would be an advantage for a 2520 or 2720 in that instance. My conclusions therefore (and I have mentioned this in the past):

1. In the 2000 series machines, the 2320 offers the same ground engagement ability as a 2520 or 2720, provided it does not involve repetitive loader work, or the operation of a backhoe or other hydraulic implement. PTO work would favor the 2520 slightly and the 2720 moderately-likely aside from finish mowing.

2. The 2320 has a shorter wheelbase, which hurts stability slightly but improves ability to access tight areas.

3. JD has priced the 2520 and certainly the 2720 at price point which place the consumer tightly between consideration of a 3000 series machine. Given the price discrepancy I have counseled those that can to go into a 3120 or 3320 for a bit more money, or if they need a true small frame machine to look at the 2320 or perhaps spring for the 2520 if they need faster loader performance but not more lift capacity.

I certainly am not "anti-2520 or 2720" and realize that sometimes people make comments about products they secretly may want and might not be able to afford, etc. I am not in that group. I think highly of the 2520 and 2720 machines but it is my view that many of the features they offer and for which the consumer gets charged have limited utility on such a light machine. Direct injection, though nice, offers torque levels that need more chassis weight to appreciate and perhaps an additional speed range; dual pumps for the hydraulics are nice but cannot offer more lift capacity in these sized machines. One area where there seems clear benefit is in the operation of PTO powered implements. Running a 72" RFM, or a 60" RC is a good upgrade, but in the Frontier line, these attachments are typically much heavier and thusly would require more care when using.

My point overall to our OP is that the 2320 is a bargain for what one gets. No other machine is the 2000 series offers this type performance for the price in my opinion. Once we begin working into the 2520 and 2720 I feel not only does much of the value go away but the cost benefit ratio begins to favor looking into the 3000 series machines. There is always a niche for the 2720's but I think there is a reason dealers in my area do not order them or they sit for long spells on the lots while 2320's and 3320's roll out pretty well.

John M

 

[mjncad]

Welcome Magailla1.

Based on what I'm reading, most of your acreage is woods that I'm assuming will stay pretty much as is. If all your going to do is mow 3-acres, then the X5xx might be all you need; but I'm inclined to second everyone else's suggestion about getting a 2520 as a minimum since you have a driveway to plow, etc.

You could look into a X7xx for its shaft drive transmission, hydraulics, and small loader; but the price of such a combo will put you in the 2000 series territory.

If you go the 2000 series, I'd get the one that has the drive-on/drive-off MMM deck. The reason I suggest that is the MMM could become a PITA when using the loader or other attachments since it sits low to the ground. Being able to attach/detach the MMM quickly and easily in my opinion makes the difference between having a machine that's a pleasure to use versus one you cuss at.

 

[ChuckinNH]

I think it might be easier to convince the wife that you need something heavier for the "tractor" tasks later than to try to convince her that you need a smaller mower after you have spent several thousand on a larger tractor. I know my late wife sure would have thought that way!

 

[Rob-D]

John,
You make some good points about the 2320 and for the price it's hard to beat. One thing, it's very likely the 2720 you tested wasn't ballasted correctly. Due to the increased HP the tires will slip without a full ballast box on the back (700 lbs at least). With a box the tractor really shows its power. Of course, at the price you're starting to get into 3000 series but the 2520 and 2720 do have a nitch although it might not be as big as the one the 2320 fills.
The problem is when you have backhoes and implements that fit a 2000 series it's a big jump to go to the 3000 on trade and even though the 2720 approaches the 3000 tractors in price when you start to add implements like BHs, snow blowers and MMM decks costs start to get substantially higher.
I pulled a Woods HC60 5 foot rotary cutter with the 2720, I don't think the 2320 had the length, PTO hp or the weight for the 640 lb. implement. In fact it used to bog down with my 47" blower while the 2720 walked away with it.

Rob

 

[ddivinia]

Do you have a lot of obstacles?

How wet does your place get?

How long have you owned the place without a tractor and front end loader?

I would be tempted to get a ZTR mower of types and keep researching the tractor stuff.

ZTR will probably cut your mowing time down. I bought a JD 757 years ago and I never get to use it now because my wife likes it so much. What a great problem to have... She would almost never mow with the JD 2210.

D.

 

[JeffinNE]

I would want to test a 2320 on your property given your hills. Don't think full speed in low range will be too slow for you.

D makes a good point about obstacles--if too many or lots of low hanging trees you may want to go with the X530 and also look for a good used tractor with loader and whatever implements you may need. Wouldn't the
X530 be more stable on hills than a ZTR?

 

[ddivinia]

21 Acres is a good chunk of dirt.

Depending on what else you want to do - you might want/need a much bigger tractor. Like a 50hp or so, etc.

These smaller tractors look cool, but like everything else they have their limitations.

I had a 2210 and it would barely spin a 4' shredder. I ended up using the MMM for pastures. 2320 and 2530 are better, but are they enough.

One size fits all might be too big a compromise on both ends of the spectrum.

D.

 

[arrabil]

I completely agree with ddivinia. I couldn't imagine less tractor than a current 3000 series or a slightly older 4x00/4x10 series. And mowing with an X series is just pure joy (particularly the X700).

If I were buying a dedicated mower with FEL I'd be looking at an X748 with the 45 loader and not a 2000 series. The X700/45 combo compares very favorably with the low end 2000 series and makes for a better mower while losing some overall tractor ability (though not as much as you'd think). You can see which route I chose for 2.5 acres in my sig....

You may also want to consider buying used and getting both ends of the spectrum for the same price as a new 2320.

 

[Magilla1]

Thanks for all the helpful insights.

Yes, of my 21 acres, 18 are woods. I use them for hunting in season and just walking through the trails otherwise. I don't know what the future may hold, but for now, I have 3 acres of grass and 18 acres of hardwoods. All are hilly (I live about 6 miles from the Blue Ridge in central Virginia).

To answer another poster's question, I've lived in the country my whole life but lived on this particular piece of land for 6 years, and I'll probably live here the rest of my life or until someone drags me out (I'm 39 now). The six years I've been here, I've done any FEL work either by backbreaking hand labor -- wheelbarrows and shovels -- or by occasionally hiring someone out, like when I had my original trails put in. In all honesty, it's kind of a PITA, but not being a gazillionairre, I can't have everything I want.

Despite all the good insights, I'm still torn, but I've narrowed down my considerations/concerns. To summarize:

1. I mow three somewhat hilly acres. I go up and down the slopes. They're not ridiculous but they're real (maybe 1 foot rise for 4 feet run). I am worried about any belt-driven machine lasting over time doing that kind of work, even a pretty good machine like the x530. I'd think a CUT would last much longer. Thoughts?

2. I know I can kinda push a little snow with the x530 and maybe even spread a little gravel with it. But again, I think I'd just be stealing hours out of life for it. Again, a CUT of almost any kind would last much longer if I was going to do anything other than mowing with the x530.

3. The 2320 looks great, but I'm increasingly persuaded by the posters who suggest more power. On the other hand, at some point, the weight of a CUT eventually makes it unsuitable as a mower. I'm thinking the 2520 and 2720 and certainly 3000 series are all starting to push it too much. Thoughts?