Mowing BH / mower question for 2320

[Efreet]

I am all set to buy a JD 2320. I intend to do landscaping work and driveway maintenance, and mow the lawn on about 2 or 3 acres. I also will use a rotary cutter to maintain a field of about 12 acres.

While the 2520 might be better for the field work, I do not have to do that very often, and I liked the slightly smaller and lighter 2320 for the mowing purposes.

My first question is about the mower deck: my dealer specced out a 54D, with an option for a 62D. Since I have some rolling, uneven terrain to mow, he suggested that the 54D might be better, since the narrower width would help avoid scalping. Do people on the board agree with this recommendation?

My second question is regardig the backhoe. I am slightly confused: is it possible to leave backhoe's frame mounting attachment on the tractor while using the MMM? Some of the posts on the board have me believe that I can quickly detach the backhoe when I am mowing, but leave the BH's frame mounting elements on the tractor. Is this correct?

A follow-up question about the backhoe: how necessary is it to have it for the purpose of maintaining ditches and digging shallow trenches? I want to lay small diameter culverts for improving drainage. Is this possible to accomplish with the loader? Ideally I would get the backhoe, but the price is awfully steep.

Thanks for any help and advice!

 

[jdbower]

My first question is about the mower deck: my dealer specced out a 54D, with an option for a 62D. Since I have some rolling, uneven terrain to mow, he suggested that the 54D might be better, since the narrower width would help avoid scalping. Do people on the board agree with this recommendation?

I would read the thread below:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/jd-owning-operating/99022-54-62-mmm.html

I went with the 62D and it does mark up the lawn a little (I can probably fine tune the leveling and modify the wheels like some of the current threads suggest). However the smaller turning radius and faster mowing are worth it for me.

is it possible to leave backhoe's frame mounting attachment on the tractor while using the MMM?

No, the subframe is connected to the backhoe and it must be removed before using the mower. The mower mounting brackets also need to be removed, as well as the three point hitch and the independent lift cylinder. It's only the last one that I haven't had the courage to attempt yet, but the rest aren't bad even for a newbie like me.

how necessary is it to have it for the purpose of maintaining ditches and digging shallow trenches?

You may be able to maintain the ditches with a box blade, depending on trench size you can also look into a trencher (think of a giant chainsaw for cutting into the ground behind the tractor). These two together should be cheaper (and easier) than a backhoe, but a backhoe is much more versatile for things like digging larger holes or removing stumps. Of course, I don't have the same level of experience as some of the members of this board so I wouldn't be surprised to have my thoughts contradicted

 

[Efreet]

Thanks for the reply and the link to the MMM deck size discussion.

Regarding the backhoe choice: I guess an example of what I am trying to do is bury 12' long 10" diameter corrugated pipes. For this I would want to dig 2' deep trenches and cover the pipes with gravel and dirt.

Is it feasible to do this dig job with a loader? Or must I have a backhoe to do this?

 

[Efreet]

No, the subframe is connected to the backhoe and it must be removed before using the mower. The mower mounting brackets also need to be removed, as well as the three point hitch and the independent lift cylinder. It's only the last one that I haven't had the courage to attempt yet, but the rest aren't bad even for a newbie like me.

OK, follow-up question on this. I just noticed in your signature that you have a 2520, but I am planning to buy a 2320, and they are supposed to be different in this respect. From other threads that I have been reading it seems that while you have to remove all of the backhoe subframe for mowing and vice versa for the 2520, this is NOT the case for the 2320.

I am looking for a positive confirmation on this (or a definite denial), but specifically for the 2320.

 

[Cliff_Johns]

OK, follow-up question on this. I just noticed in your signature that you have a 2520, but I am planning to buy a 2320, and they are supposed to be different in this respect. From other threads that I have been reading it seems that while you have to remove all of the backhoe subframe for mowing and vice versa for the 2520, this is NOT the case for the 2320.

I am looking for a positive confirmation on this (or a definite denial), but specifically for the 2320.

The 2320 has the same hoe and the same requirements as the 2520. It's the 2305 that has a different setup.

Cliff

 

[kennyd]

Thanks for the reply and the link to the MMM deck size discussion.

Regarding the backhoe choice: I guess an example of what I am trying to do is bury 12' long 10" diameter corrugated pipes. For this I would want to dig 2' deep trenches and cover the pipes with gravel and dirt.

Is it feasible to do this dig job with a loader? Or must I have a backhoe to do this?

A FEL does not "dig" well at all, it's main job is to move loose materials. For the task's you listed, the backhoe is the absolute best chioce. Also the loader usually only goes about 4" below the front tire.

As far as the mower, get the 62" and don't look back.

 

[Efreet]

The 2320 has the same hoe and the same requirements as the 2520. It's the 2305 that has a different setup.

Cliff

Hmmmm...... this is not what some of the other posts stated. I am copying one for reference from the JD Pricing / Buying forums:

Unfortunately the 2520 / 46BH / MMM combination does have issues. See John Deere's explanation in text and pics below:

46 Backhoe - mid-mount mower interference - 2520, 4115

With a 2520 or 4115 Tractor, the sub-frame for the 46 Backhoe needs to removed if changing from backhoe to mid-mount mower. Depending on which mower deck lifting system is used, the parts are different.

For independent lift system, remove:
1 - (2) Lift arms
2 - Lower rockshaft and adjustable links
3 - (4) Screws and huts
4 - Hydraulic cylinder and hoses
(see drawing "46bh1")

For mechanical lift system, remove:

1 - (2) Lift arms
2 - (2) Adjustable links
3 - (2) Rear draft pivots and 3-point hitch draft arms
(see drawing "46bh2")

Regardless of which lift system, remove:
3-point hitch draft arms
Front draft arm pivot assembly

Note: With 2320 Tractors, this does not apply. The mower deck does need to be taken off the tractor for the 46 Backhoe, but the attaching parts for the mower deck can stay on the tractor.

If the above is true, it should mean that you can use tha backhoe while keeping the attaching parts of the MMM (not the deck itself) on the tractor.

What I am unsure of is if you can use the MMM while keeping the BH subframe assembly (not the BH itself) on the tractor.

 

[Cliff_Johns]

What I am unsure of is if you can use the MMM while keeping the BH subframe assembly (not the BH itself) on the tractor.

That is the question I was answering. You do not separate the BH from the subframe with the 46 BH. They stay together.

Cliff

 

[LBrown59]

Thanks for the reply and the link to the MMM deck size discussion.

1*Regarding the backhoe choice: I guess an example of what I am trying to do is bury 12' long 10" diameter corrugated pipes. For this I would want to dig 2' deep trenches and cover the pipes with gravel and dirt.

Is it feasible to do this dig job with a loader? Or must I have a backhoe to do this?

1*No way would I tackle that with a fel.

 

[LBrown59]

My second question is regardig the backhoe. I am slightly confused: is it possible to leave backhoe's frame mounting attachment on the tractor while using the MMM? Some of the posts on the board have me believe that I can quickly detach the backhoe when I am mowing, but leave the BH's frame mounting elements on the tractor. Is this correct?
and advice!

All I can say is I'm very glad I can mow with the BH on my BX23.