Buying Advice Advice on 2320 purchase for mowing and snow removal

[jcmseven]

Jenkins, although I know you know this, I was comparing the 3038E to the 3320, in case John wanted to consider going into a larger machine. My thought has been that the economy class machines in the JD line are not all that great a deal as JD seems to "rig" the numbers sometimes to make them look more than they are. I think that is why the 3203 has never been a big seller. Once people look at the difference between it and a 3320, for example, they really see that the small percentage in price difference results in a tractor with many more features. I was not comparing a 2320 to a 3038. Two different sized machines. The attachment upgrade point you bring up is one reason why I do not like the 2305 tractor. To me, one should strongly consider getting a full Cat 1 hitch when getting any of these machines. If I were to trade my 2320 on a 3320 tomorrow, I could use all the attachments I have save the loader. Now the 3320 would look a bit silly pulling a 48" box blade, but one could do it. The limited cat one attachments theoretically mount the same, but they don't. They are smaller and the mounting points are more tight. They also are lighter in weight so would not hold up to a full cat one application as well. Thusly, if John were to go with a 2320, which would do the job he needs fine, and then ultimately upgrade one day, he likely would not have to re-buy all his attachments unless he just wanted to. Moreover, a 2520 with its slightly increased power, would run essentially the same sized attachments as a 3000 series, so he again would only have to upgrade his loader essentially. I encourage most folks to stick with the 20 series machines in each of the series ranges if they can financially due to the nifty features they have at really a negligible price upgrade over the long haul.

John M

 

[Dutch445]

John you said that very well, they are what they are,
a low spec tractor. We never used to have many choices
in that area, but now we do, right up into the 5000 and
6000 chassies. you can buy a 5000 series tractor for around
15K now. compare that to any cut, but most buyers of
cuts are not looking for economy tractors, they are looking
for full featured machines to do work around their property,
comfortably and efficiently. versatility is important. the E series
have no mid pto, which means no front blower as you said, nor a
mid mower. they also have no factory backhoe available.
but, for the money, it's a great bush hoggin loader tractor.

anyway, i'm sure we have the OP completely confused and
wondering where this will all stop!

 

[jenkinsph]

Dutch,
My thoughts were #1 choice a 3520 cab tractor for this application #2 was for the 3038E and keeping the lawnmower. Trading in a 2008 X500 would be costly for the property owner, buying a 2320 or 2520 would be fine for the snow and mowing but too small for ground engaging tasks on 8 acres.

My suggestion to consider the 3038E was to be able to buy into a larger tractor (albeit a simple one) without the need for trading. Additionally my suggestion was for a rear mount blower on the 3038E.

I like my combination of separate tlb, cab tractor and lawnmower. My L130 isn't much compared to an X700 series but since my tractors have smoothed and planed the yard so well I will continue to use the mower until it wears out and upgrade then.


By the way that 8000 series looks like it would have a tough time with a MMM, otherwise is great.

 

[jdbnh]

if you look at the 3032E and 3038E they are missing a lot of normal things you would expect to see on a tractor,......they don't come standard with a draw bar, the only gauge on the dash is a tach. you dont even have a fuel or temp gauge., the fuel gauge is like a riding lawn mower, the deck directly under the seat is open so noise, heat, dust and other stuff can come right up under you, the front end loader, if you get one is mounted on the tractor and can not come off, most other brands like New Holland are quick attach, the 3 point lift capacity is pretty light, and the way the differential lock is intertwined with the brake pedals is kind of confusing. The 3000E series is a Yanmar tractor, John Deere doesnt make it. Check out the New HOlland T1510,T1520, or T1530 for a great economy compact with more standard options, power and ease of operation.

 

[Dutch445]

I haven't heard the OP mention a lot of real work
for the FEL, let alone other ground engaging
attachments. I think he's thinking loader for
light work around the property, moving mulch,
etc. It helps justify it if you also want to
use it for snow. from the looks of the picture,
the 8 acres looks mostly cleared, and he hasn't
mentioned large gardens, or tree/log work.

I would bet once he settles on anything, be
it a 2305, 2320, or 2520 he'll be thrilled with
it's performance in snow, and he'll have a 4wd mower,
and a loader for play time and be happy with his
decision.

 

[jenkinsph]

if you look at the 3032E and 3038E they are missing a lot of normal things you would expect to see on a tractor,......they don't come standard with a draw bar, the only gauge on the dash is a tach. you dont even have a fuel or temp gauge., the fuel gauge is like a riding lawn mower, the deck directly under the seat is open so noise, heat, dust and other stuff can come right up under you, the front end loader, if you get one is mounted on the tractor and can not come off, most other brands like New Holland are quick attach, the 3 point lift capacity is pretty light, and the way the differential lock is intertwined with the brake pedals is kind of confusing. The 3000E series is a Yanmar tractor, John Deere doesnt make it. Check out the New HOlland T1510,T1520, or T1530 for a great economy compact with more standard options, power and ease of operation.

I give up,
yes the 3038E is not a feature laden tractor, if you are willing to spend the money then get a 4520 cab that is only about $20,000 more.

 

[JJKJ]

You guys are right, I'm more confused now than ever. Not from this thread specifically but other reading as well. As I read this thread, it fed my already present personality trait to always buy bigger--to the point I was pricing a cabbed 3320.

I brought myself back into check and started reading more on the 2000 series again and came across another big deciding factor: my terrain. As I mentioned in a previous post, my land has two significant hills, one between the drives and one on the NE corner of my house. I am most concerned with the hill between the drives. After reading other threads last night, I'm now a bit worried about mowing with a CUT on my hill. I mowed the hill once with my X500 just after moving in. I mowed straight up and down and the 2wd X500 did slide a couple times on the way down. Going up was fine but did work it a bit. This experience is what got me thinking about a 4wd tractor to begin with. My snow removal experience last week was another big factor for going 4wd.

The threads I read last night discussed the tipping factor of larger CUTs. Those threads almost have me going all the way back to a X748. The 2305's low cg was also mentioned in relation to a 2320 and 2520. I could just mow straight up/down and I think it wouldn't be an issue. However a portion of the bottom of the hill (near the sidewalk in the pic) has a 3' retaining wall. While the slope is much more gradual down low, I would still have to turn around on the hill.

I see Steve's point about two machines. My dealer does have a 3038 in stock and did mention the benefits of that tractor. I just really really wanted to keep things simple and down to one machine. I already have my truck, wife's car, son's car, old Firebird, boat and future tractor to maintain as well as my land. I know I could pay someone to maintain them, but it's just not the way I was raised and it's hard to let someone else take over what I consider to be my duties. Adding another machine is one more task. I'm not saying I won't end up with 2 machines, it's just not my top choice. That being said, my dealer does have a 3038 in stock and a very nice low-hour X728 which may make a nice combo and probably not be anymore money than my 2520 combo.

The tasks I have in order of time spent accomplishing them are:
1. Mowing
2. Snow removal
3. Other ground maintenance

My wife in her infinite wisdom has suggested I look at those tasks with time spent doing them. Then purchase the machine that does best at the jobs I'll spend the most time accomplishing. This obviously makes sense but I don't want to purchase a great mower that won't do the other tasks I need it to do.

Sorry for the long post but here's a recap as I see it:

X728, X748: Best for mowing; best manueverability and lowest cg. Probably do the job for snow removal if equipped properly, but last place in relation to the CUT options. Limited hyd system restricts use for other activities for land maintenance. Although I didn't start shopping for a tractor with a FEL, I now think it is a tool that would see regular use. Limited ground clearance for use on non-improved areas of land. Very spendy; cost will be comparable to similarly equipped CUT.

2305: Probably close second to X728/X748 for mowing. Also 2nd place snow removal to 2320/2520. A more useful FEL and hyd system but 2nd to 2320/2520. Limited ground clearance for use on non-improved areas of land.

2320/2520: Still a good choice for mowing but possibly an issue with feeling tippy on mowing my hill, especially turning around at base of hill. Great option on snow removal, best of the 3 mentioned so far. Good ground clearance for use on non-improved areas. Best hyd system of the 3 mentioned so far, especially 2520. If it weren't for the possible tipping issue, I think the 2320 would still be my first choice.

3038 with 2nd machine for mowing: Perhaps best choice for optimizing tools for jobs at hand. However, more complicated due to maintaining 2 machines. May end up more expensive depending on 2nd machine choice and implements. No matter what, I plan to trade the 2wd X500. I think I really need a 4wd for comfortably mowing on my hill.

I've pretty much ruled out anything bigger than a 2520 due to cost and manueverability while mowing. The only reason the 3038 is in the mix is because it would not be used for mowing, and it's lower cost would allow purchase of a second 4wd machine for mowing.

Sorry again for the really long post. I just have no idea which way to go at this point.

John

 

[jdbnh]

if you dont mind me asking, what is the price for the 3038E you are looking at?

 

[JJKJ]

if you dont mind me asking, what is the price for the 3038E you are looking at?

Sorry guys, I've been looking at too many tractors. I pulled out the flier I was thinking of and it was actually a 3032 with loader the dealer has in stock. I haven't gotten a quote on the 3032 but the salesman was pointing out the cost advantages of that tractor vs a 2320/2520.

As I mentioned, I've looked at a bunch of tractors now and have several good options. Firguring out the best one is making my head hurt. However, my wife of infinite wisdom once again made a valid point: it's good to have problems like these.

 

[jcmseven]

Bear in mind the 2520 is probably the most stable tractor JD makes, with its long wheelbase and wide stance. With loaded tires it is pretty hard to flip and keep in mind it has an ROPS, where the X series machine do not (unless you add one at an additional cost). Many of the X mas tree farmers in our area have 2520's for this reason (or the 4115, its predecessor) and they work hills much steeper than any of us would mowing a lawn. I would say the 2320 is the second most stable compact and feels more stable on hills with loaded tires than did my X595 and again, it has a roll bar. Both these machines are worlds more stable on very steep terrain than the 3000 series, though the E series does have a bit lower stance than the 20 series. Again, not that I have an issue with them, but when one buys a John Deere, he/she buys a John Deere. I am not trying to be an elitist, but John Deere has built its reputation on high quality, somewhat expensive, "Cadillac" level machines with many innovative features and strong resale. Given the number of times they have adjusted and changed the names and numbers of their economy machines it is pretty apparent to me that JD is not that comfortable with their advantage or economy lines these days--because they keep changing them. I, for one, feel this adventure is not in JD or the consumers best interest. What??? A compact UTILITY tractor with no stock drawbar. Oh, lets get an idea of drawbar HP?? Oh, but we can't there is not a drawbar!!! This is one of the very basic aspects of a compact tractor. These economy machines do not sell well here, nor do they trade well here. We do not have the data on the 3032 and 3038, but I would suspect they would be no different. I am not dissuading John from looking at one, but he will need to keep in mind first, that they really lack features which one generally associates with JD; second, they are not that great a deal v. the much more highly-featured 2020 or 3020 machines, and third, they might not resale at the same level because people looking at a price point tractor do not frequently come calling at the John Deere dealership.

John M