Almost ready to sign . .is the 2320 the right choice?

[mx125]

I went through all the reviews and test rode (just parking lot stuff) the 2305, 2320, and 2520.

My uses will be primarily 5' brush cutting (really just grass) meadow 5-10 acres, a little 60" tilling in light soil, and some frequent but low weight loader work. Accuracy and visibility of the loader is more important than the power.

I really wanted to like the 2305 . . such a tidy little package, but I decided it was just pushing it if I wanted to get past 4' implements . . .and the size of the meadow is too big for 4' cutter. I then bounced to the 2320/2520. Arguably, I don't see any negatives to the 2520 other than cost. Which is an issue. A lot more torque and twice the hydrolics. Although it is a little more of a "tractor" and less of a sub-compact. I didn't expect the difference to be noticable, so perhaps it is a touch less maneuverable and nimble?

But, once the quotes came back . .the 2320 was a minor jump from the 2305 and the 2520 was a bigger jump from there. Really more than I can justify.

So I "decided" that the 2320 was a good compromise and was the right path.

Before I finalize, does anyone want to rock the boat and tell me the 2305 will do everything the 2320 will?? . . . .or alternately tell me the 2320 is just a lardy 2305 and that unless I'm going to the 2520 I'm throwing money away . .and wll regret it?

Thanks.

 

[Mike5252]

If you're mowing actually closer to 10 acres, I think a 2520 would definitely be a better fit for you. On the other hand if you're mowing closer to 5 acres, either would probably work. I personally think you will like the extra clearance provided by the 2320/2520 over the 2305. As for the 2320 versus the 2520, the 2520 is a little heavier and does have stronger hydraulics, and more hp/torque, but I know there are a lot of people out there who swear by their 2320's.

You mention you definitely want to run a 5' rotary cutter, however from the John Deere web site it appears to me the 2320 is only recommended to run the LX4. Does anyone out there run a LX5 with a 2320?

Happy shopping,

 

[RollTideRam]

I thought that the 2305 and 2320 had the same hp and the 2320 was just taller? So that would mean they would use the size implements? JC

 

[MrJimi]

When it comes to tractors, trailers, barns,boats and all that other man stuff.. Of course BIGGER is better and it could always have been a little bigger

Jim

 

[mx125]

I thought that the 2305 and 2320 had the same hp and the 2320 was just taller? So that would mean they would use the size implements? JC

They do have the same engines. But possibly(?) due to frame size and the full 3pt hitch (limited 3pt hithch on 2305) the hitch is rated for over 1100lbs vs. 600+ w/ the 2305. Also hydrolic PSI higher 2320 vs. 2305. GPM roughtly the same.

Some say the pto power on all can handle similar stuff . . but that the bigger implements are just too clumsy or overwhelming for the chassis of the 2305. JD site shows different reccomendations for the 2320 vs. the 2305. Lists 5' brush cutter and 55" tiller as OK with 2320 . . .but only 48"/48" with 2305.

I don't know (obviously) . . .I'm just spouting some of the info I'm uncovering . . and don't have any real world knowledge.

 

[Nuru]

2520, all the way.

 

[mx125]

2520, all the way.

So you're saying that the 2520 is just better . . or that the 2320 will do no better with my needs than a 2305? (And that 2305 is definitely not up to the task?)

 

[Jksnvly]

I had the same thoughts as you. Bought a 2305 and soon upgraded to a 2320. Our uses sound very similar. While I'm certainly no authority, the 2320 sounds like a good fit. It's always easy to spend more money, where do you draw the line? When I was looking btwn 2320's and 2520's, I found myself peeking at the 3000 series...

 

[RalphVa]

I'd say go with the 2320 unless the 2520 can take a 6' cutter. (Don't think it has the weight to handle it though; hp isn't a problem; think the 2320 could do 6' cuz my 18.5 hp 4010 handles 4' cutter with grass/weeds up to the hood; weight of a bigger cutter would be too much for it except on level land though.)

If your land isn't completely level, you'll need the extra clearance on the 2320 vs. 2305. Also, even level but with brush, not having that cooling fan and hydraulic filter down low and exposed like they are on the 2305 is a plus for the 2320. You'd be surprised where brush and tree pieces get poked. Have had them remove the dipstick from my Gravely engine when I had it. Just today, brush knocked the steel protector for the mid PTO off my 4010 for the 2nd time in 2 1/2 years. If that were a hydraulic filter, it could have gotten poked.

I'd LOVE to have the position control on the 2320. BIG plus for it over the 2305. On the 2305, you'd be dropping the 3ph and forever looking back and down to GUESS where the front of the cutter is relative to the ground. On the 2320, you'll KNOW from the position you put it in.

Ralph

 

[JDFANATIC]

mx,

If your property has any slope conditions, I would want to test drive the three choices on your property. The reason I suggest this, is that the 2320 MIGHT be a bit underpowered. I say this because the high range on it really zips along, but probably not with the power you might want to mow. If this is the case, then the low range is probably too slow for the same tasks. The 2305 has a better hp to weight ratio and smaller tires to turn. The 2520 may be the choice for this reason alone.