BH for 2305

[archerynut]

I am currently in the market for a SCUT and I have narrowed the field to a JD 2305 or a BX24. I was wondering if anyone had any information about the backhoe that was just introduced for the 2305. Has anyone gotten a price from their dealer for one? I was quoted one price and just want to know if it is reasonable. Has anyone seen it of had the opportunity to use it?

 

[Shawk]

I am currently in the market for a SCUT and I have narrowed the field to a JD 2305 or a BX24. I was wondering if anyone had any information about the backhoe that was just introduced for the 2305. Has anyone gotten a price from their dealer for one? I was quoted one price and just want to know if it is reasonable. Has anyone seen it of had the opportunity to use it?

Would you happen to be talking about this one ?? Looks like JD just listed it on the web site... John Deere commercial products: Features for Attachment 260 Backhoe

 

[archerynut]

Yep, that would be the one. I have some trees to plant, some retaining walls to put in, and some other landscaping duties that would make it a very useful toy(tool).

 

[JDFANATIC]

archerynut,

My dealer called and left a message yesterday saying a 260 BH is on its way to the dealership. I'll be stopping by to look at it and will get a price then.

 

[archerynut]

I just called the local JD dealership, he has two 260 BH in, and said that he was going to try to get one hooked up for me to see. Going to take a look tomorrow morning.

 

[BleedGreen]

archerynut,

I was able to use both the JD 2305 w/260 Backhoe and the Kub BX24 w/BT601 Backhoe back in November. Obviously I am biased, but I do give credit where it is due, and Kubota does make very good equipment... Is it the "right" equipment for everyone? Absolutely not, nor is the John Deere, for that matter! On that note, I will share with you a few specs, and what I found in usability.

Swing Degree - JD 260 = 150 deg / Kub BT601 = 140 deg
Maximum Depth - JD 260 = 80" / Kub BT601 = 73"
Max Depth w/2' Flat Bottom - JD 260 = 75" / Kub BT601 = 71"
Loading Height - JD 260 = 5 ft / Kub BT601 = 4.5 ft

As far as specifications go, obviously the Deere has greater swing, digs deeper and loads higher. The difference in those specs may not mean anything to you, depending on exactly what you are using the Backhoe for. In terms of usability, I found that the Deere felt quicker, and slightly stronger than the Kubota.

Let me say again - this was my experience, using both units back to back. I strongly encourage you to demo BOTH machines, preferably on the same day - see how they feel to YOU! Now a Kubota dealer may respond and say that Deere plays with thier specifications, is a dedicated TLB from the factory which somehow makes it stronger, (the Deere is sub-frame mounted, not just hung off the back - and will be available as a factory TLB later this year, which will have no bearing on how it has been designed and is manufactured) etc, etc. After you read that , remember that I said you should demo both units yourself, to see which one will work better for you! I hope this does not sound harsh, I have nothing against Kubota, and I truly feel that they make a good product. I know I have not been on TBN for long, but I guess I am just about to the end of my rope with some of the Deere bashing that seems to always come from one particular person. Anyway, I will get off my soapbox and let you make your own decision!

By the way, we also did a test on both units. We hooked up a pressure gauge to both units, at the swing cylinder, and had some interesting results. The Deere was at 500 psi at idle, while the Kubota was only 300 psi at full throttle. In fact, at idle, the Kubota will not even move the dipperstick! Just an interesting side note. It may be tough to hook up a pressure gauge yourself, at either dealership, but you can certainly see what response you get from the Kubota at idle.

Thanks for reading, and good luck with your purchase, I don't think you can go wrong with either unit.

 

[cast_and_blast]

Good info - thanks BleedGreen!

I have some projects that this would be MIGHTY handy for - just not sure I'm ready to plunk down the additional cash. It's tempting!

Scott

 

[archerynut]

Went to the local Jd dealership today to test out a new 2305 and to take a look at the 260 BH. The dealer hadn't finished the installation yet, but I did get to check the unit over. Look pretty heavy duty and just right for what I hve planned for it. Going back to check it out and try it out after I get back from some well deserved vacation time. Price seemed pretty reasonable.

Dealer seems to believe that independent mower deck lift kit will be very helpful due to the fact that the 3PH arms ahve to come off to attach BH.

 

[NewHollandDLR]

archerynut,

I was able to use both the JD 2305 w/260 Backhoe and the Kub BX24 w/BT601 Backhoe back in November. Obviously I am biased, but I do give credit where it is due, and Kubota does make very good equipment... Is it the "right" equipment for everyone? Absolutely not, nor is the John Deere, for that matter! On that note, I will share with you a few specs, and what I found in usability.

Swing Degree - JD 260 = 150 deg / Kub BT601 = 140 deg
Maximum Depth - JD 260 = 80" / Kub BT601 = 73"
Max Depth w/2' Flat Bottom - JD 260 = 75" / Kub BT601 = 71"
Loading Height - JD 260 = 5 ft / Kub BT601 = 4.5 ft

As far as specifications go, obviously the Deere has greater swing, digs deeper and loads higher. The difference in those specs may not mean anything to you, depending on exactly what you are using the Backhoe for. In terms of usability, I found that the Deere felt quicker, and slightly stronger than the Kubota.

Let me say again - this was my experience, using both units back to back. I strongly encourage you to demo BOTH machines, preferably on the same day - see how they feel to YOU! Now a Kubota dealer may respond and say that Deere plays with thier specifications, is a dedicated TLB from the factory which somehow makes it stronger, (the Deere is sub-frame mounted, not just hung off the back - and will be available as a factory TLB later this year, which will have no bearing on how it has been designed and is manufactured) etc, etc. After you read that , remember that I said you should demo both units yourself, to see which one will work better for you! I hope this does not sound harsh, I have nothing against Kubota, and I truly feel that they make a good product. I know I have not been on TBN for long, but I guess I am just about to the end of my rope with some of the Deere bashing that seems to always come from one particular person. Anyway, I will get off my soapbox and let you make your own decision!

By the way, we also did a test on both units. We hooked up a pressure gauge to both units, at the swing cylinder, and had some interesting results. The Deere was at 500 psi at idle, while the Kubota was only 300 psi at full throttle. In fact, at idle, the Kubota will not even move the dipperstick! Just an interesting side note. It may be tough to hook up a pressure gauge yourself, at either dealership, but you can certainly see what response you get from the Kubota at idle.

Thanks for reading, and good luck with your purchase, I don't think you can go wrong with either unit.

Great info Bleed.

I am fortunate to be a JD and a Kubota dlr on the same lot (with several other brands). We just got a 260 hoe in on friday and will be setting it up next week to park directly across from the BX24.

Today I sold a BX24 over the 2305/260 simply because of price. I will be selling the 2305/260 @ $18,355 where I sell the BX24 @ $15,975. With that much difference in price I don't know how well received the JD will be with the people who buy in that class at my dealership. So far from what I have seen the Deere looks very nice but so does the BX at the price it is at.

Quite frankly either way you will be very pleased with either tractor.

JD Dlr

 

[archerynut]

I actually was getting a better price from the JD dealer for a similarly equipped 2305 w/BH vs. the BX24. Truthfully it was only a couple of hundred dollars. Here are some rough quotes form what I can remember

Tractor w/ turf tires
Filled rear tires(one beet juice, one calcium chloride)
MMM (60 and 62")
FEL
BH
Quick attach snowplow

JD 20,122
Kub 20,500

If the difference was greater, I would have a much easier time making a decision. If the ROPS on the JD was a folding unit like the Kubota I think the comparison would be even closer.

JDDealer - did you get the 260 BH hooked up yet? If so, how does the 3PH reattach, do wheels need to be removed?

 

[BleedGreen]

archerynut,

You can get folding ROPS for the 2305 for about 200 - 250... They bolt right up the same way the factory ones do...

 

[lgcivttu]

I am currently in the market for a SCUT and I have narrowed the field to a JD 2305 or a BX24. I was wondering if anyone had any information about the backhoe that was just introduced for the 2305. Has anyone gotten a price from their dealer for one? I was quoted one price and just want to know if it is reasonable. Has anyone seen it of had the opportunity to use it?

eBay: JOHN DEERE 2305 COMPACT TRACTOR LOADER BACKHOE PACKAGE (item 110084502490 end time Feb-25-07 10:14:28 PST)

 

[JDFANATIC]

Played with a 2305/260 BH today. I think Deere really got it right, so the wait was well worth it. The hydraulics were responsive (almost surprisingly so) and can be operated at idle. This means a first-timer to a backhoe can learn to operate the hoe at idle with slightly-less responsiveness while he learns. When you crank the revs up, the hoe really responds. The seat was a little Mickey Mouse, though it does have to do a lot to turn in that small space. The 3PH arms have to come off for the BH to go on, but the tires DO NOT have to come off to get the 3PH arm shaft off. The BH is compatible with the MMM, which can be left on while using it. The BH is quick-tach.

Very nice Deere, you got it right with this one!

 

[aesanders]

Played with a 2305/260 BH today. I think Deere really got it right, so the wait was well worth it. The hydraulics were responsive (almost surprisingly so) and can be operated at idle. This means a first-timer to a backhoe can learn to operate the hoe at idle with slightly-less responsiveness while he learns. When you crank the revs up, the hoe really responds. The seat was a little Mickey Mouse, though it does have to do a lot to turn in that small space. The 3PH arms have to come off for the BH to go on, but the tires DO NOT have to come off to get the 3PH arm shaft off. The BH is compatible with the MMM, which can be left on while using it. The BH is quick-tach.

Very nice Deere, you got it right with this one!

So did you get one on order yet?????

 

[JDFANATIC]

So did you get one on order yet?????

I'm seriously considering it. I do need to address storage first though.

 

[archerynut]

Now I am thinking a little bit bigger, well maybe. How does the 2320/2520 w/46 BH compare to the 2305 w/260 backhoe? Is the increased hydraulic flow on the 2520 a great advantage?

 

[JDFANATIC]

Now I am thinking a little bit bigger, well maybe. How does the 2320/2520 w/46 BH compare to the 2305 w/260 backhoe? Is the increased hydraulic flow on the 2520 a great advantage?

archerynut,

Test drive a 2320 and 2520 with the 200CX loader on both. The responsiveness of hydraulics with the loader will approximate the BH differences.

 

[2520tlh]

Just went over to the dealer. He quoted me 16500 for a 2305 with 200CX loader and 260BH with 12" bucket, R4s. I think the price is right for me to finally buy a tractor!
TLH

 

[FortClatsop]

I was driving by my Green dealer yesterday and I looked over to gawk (mostly at the 2320 and 2520, that I didn't get) when I spied a 2305 with a 260 BH on the back. Of course I stopped, and the owner and I went out so I could look lewdly at it. I didn't actually fondle it though.

I've told myself since the beginning that I would never do a BH. I just could never pencil it out. But I am surprised at how utterly fascinating it is to just stand and stare at. I don't dare actually sit on it, or fire it up and play with it. I can think of at least 10 things that I need to spend money on and a BH just isn't one of them.

He wants $5100 for it. I'm not sure where that is compared to other areas. His 2305, loader and mower prices last year were spot on the other NW dealers (which I don't think is any bargain compared to other parts of the country).

So what is it about something like this that seems so impractical to me but yet so enticing?

 

[archerynut]

The BH does seem like something impractical but yet so inticing I agree. I think that it is one of those things like a loader that once you have, you can't imagine being without. The price that you are getting is pretty average for what I have been quoted so far. I think that the lowest that I have seen it was $4860. I didn't think that I needed one and then I imagined all of the projects that I could do, now I NEED ONE BAD.

I was up at the local JD dealer today and I tried the 2305, 2320, and 2520. I liked all, but the 2305 and 2320 were more what I was after. Didn't have that much time to play with the implements, just drove the tractors around. Here is the interesting note, this past Thursday corporate JD sent an order to all dealers not to demonstrate the 260 BH and to recall all that werew sold due to some kind of interferecne with a pedal of some sort. All the details were fuzzy to the JD salesman that I was wtih, he also said that the problem has a fix but it won;t be available until mid-March. Anyone have any other info?