Buying Advice 2320 or x530

[Rob-D]

Wouldn't the
X530 be more stable on hills than a ZTR?

A guy on stilts is more stable on hills than a ztrac!

 

[bxowner]

Well, I think it's time to introduce a concept that's been touched on a few times, but never laid right out... if you buy the x530 and decide in a year that you should have gotten the CUT, then be prepared for a 50% trade value. There. I said it. That's about $3000 or so. And that sounds like too costly a lesson for your budget. I know it was for me. So, I'm going to make my suggestion based on what you just wrote:

Get a used x585 or x595 (the current x700). I just saw one sell at a pricey area dealer with 150 hours on it in the $8000 range. That's just a tick pricier than the x530 you've tested, I think. Live with it a year. It'll certainly be the most stable thing you can operate on what sound like a big concern of your's - slopes. And longevity-wise, it can't be beat, dare I say even by a CUT.

Then later on, buy a new or used FEL tractor. Maybe a 790 or 990. Or, if used, even an older 850. If you've got mowing covered, then you can probably get by with a gear tractor. Then you've got brushhogging covered and can do some ground engaging tasks.

These suggestions come from my recent experiences. A mid-mount mower on a 2320/2520/2720 is going to be as much of a PITA to change out as on my Kubota B2920. They're drive-over decks, but you still have to align hanging brackets and somehow reach the PTO shaft. I'm a tick over 6' tall and it takes everything I've got to reach the PTO, primarily due to my turf tires, which are pretty thick. I go back and forth between the MMM and a rear brush hog and, simply put, it's pretty time consuming by the time everything's done start-to-finish.

I have discovered that I really like the hydro for mowing - obviously - but also for my application, the woods are very tight, so I'm constantly going back and forth. For me, hydro's a bonus. But, if I had trails to cut, especially over a large area, I'd much prefer a constant speed (gained through either cruise on a hydro or properly selected gear) and position control.

Not sure how much I've added to the conversation, but since there's a million ways to accomplish what you want, I'm trying to introduce my experiences in losing several thousand over 4 years and 2 properties by trading tractors. Since mowing sounds like your primary task, the x700 or a used x585/595 simply cannot be beat on the hills, for durability and overall comfort. And if snow removal's your task, the x700 size isn't going to probably be much different than a 2x20 series tractor, although I can't speak from experience. Since you've lasted 6 years with a shovel and you're only 39, maybe the FEL can wait?

I recently posted a thread about "one machine mentality." I am convinced that the majority of those of us that have learned a costly lesson by trading share the opinion that if it comes down to mowing and FEL work on larger pieces of property, two machines are the answer. One dedicated mower and then one real tractor for FEL work.

 

[arrabil]

If you look at the implements catalog from Deere you will see many things that do not run on the 2320

Really? I only found the Pendular Spreader, Core Aerator, and Rotary Rake are different between the 2320 and 2520. The 2305 is only different from the 2320 by the Pulverizer.

 

[Magilla1]

Thanks, BXowner. Really good insights.

 

[Rob-D]

Really? I only found the Pendular Spreader, Core Aerator, and Rotary Rake are different between the 2320 and 2520. The 2305 is only different from the 2320 by the Pulverizer.

LX5 rotary mower
72" rear discharge mower
RC2060 60" box blade
LP1048 land plane
LP1184 Land plane

ETC.

It's PTO hp is 18 so it won't run anything that takes 20 hp or above. all these run on the 2520 or the 2720. 20 hp (2520 an 23.5 hp (2720)

 

[arrabil]

It's PTO hp is 18 so it won't run anything that takes 20 hp or above.

Right, it runs the smaller versions of the above that are available and suited to its size. Why would you expect a smaller tractor to run bigger attachments?

 

[Rob-D]

Right, it runs the smaller versions of the above that are available and suited to its size. Why would you expect a smaller tractor to run bigger attachments?

You took my statement out of context. I was speaking of the difference between the 2320 and the 2520/2720. The salient point I made was that the 2320 does not run implements those two tractors run. Get it?

 

[arrabil]

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 think this made the most sense...

 

[mjncad]

I recently posted a thread about "one machine mentality." I am convinced that the majority of those of us that have learned a costly lesson by trading share the opinion that if it comes down to mowing and FEL work on larger pieces of property, two machines are the answer. One dedicated mower and then one real tractor for FEL work.

I agree that having two machines is the best way to go, and that's why I have a 100-series for mowing; though I'd much rather have an 'X' series with AWS. I wouldn't mind using a 72" MMM on my 4200 as my 4200 is far more comfortable; but the MMM installation and removal process is more of a PITA than it's worth to me.

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).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?

A belt drive machine is not as efficient as a shaft drive tractor is.

It sounds like you've got yourself 95% convinced that a CUT or SCUT is what you're going to buy; but if the 5% wins out and you get an 'X' series, I think you'll be happier with an 'X7xx.'

 

[Rob-D]

but the MMM installation and removal process is more of a PITA than it's worth to me.

I agree, I have a ztrac445 just for mowing. I was looking at the prices of the x700. They're high cost machines, not that the ztrac was cheap!

Rob