Coming clean

[bxowner]

I'm finally ready to admit something that's embarrassing... I made a mistake selling my 2320. I did it because I couldn't justify spending so much money to but the mid-mount mower. On the one hand, I spend $14k+ on the tractor and loader. But it was manageable, because the monthly payment was only about $160. To get the mid-mount mower later meant shelling out over $2000+ dollars that couldn't be financed over time for a very low rate (like the tractor). And I couldn't justify owning such an expensive piece of equipment only for the loader. So, I took the equity I had and traded the 2320 for a 2305 with a loader and mid-mount mower. Not a day has passed that I haven't regretted that decision...

This week, I admitted my mistake and made the decision to get back into the 2320. The problem is, I'm really - really - concerned about making another costly mistake. So, I'm trying to look at the decision from every angle. Should I get a higher-horsepower tractor like a 3005 that will be about the same price, but last forever and be much more capable of running implements like a generator at lower RPMs? Or having a loader mounted snow plow blade? Or, should I pony up for a 2520? That would solve my complaint with the speed of the 2320's loader speed... and the fact that I felt like it was straining to go up minor slopes in high range.

It's not that I "don't know what to do." I'm not made of money. Quite the opposite. I have to keep this under $200 to stay in budget - that's not something a rich guy is worried about. I'm just not happy with the 2305 for so many of my OWN reasons... I don't like the lack of position control on the 3-pt. hitch. I don't like the way you have to glow the plugs compared to the simplicity of the 2320. The 4WD indicator light was handy. The seat's not as comfortable. I miss split brakes.

My point in writing this thread is... I feel guilty on the one hand for owning such a nice piece of equipment as the 2305 (a tractor that the vast majority of Americans, if not the world, would be perfectly happy - and then some - about owning), while on the other hand not liking it enough to be satisfied. Just the same, I'm ready to take a bit of a hit on it and trade back to the tractor I really liked - a 2320. I just can't afford it - either financially or for the principle of it - to be getting into another tractor a year or two from now.

Any thoughts that might help me? I mean real-world experiences? Not just flaming a guy that's vulnerable for admitting his mistake on the internet?

 

[beenthere]

Hang in there. You will drift toward the right decision and the right tractor in the long haul.
Go slow and steady.

 

[ChuckinNH]

I agree, just take it easy over the winter maybe, and you will do the right thing. If mowing is the primary concern, I really wouldn't go larger than the 2320 myself. If things like the loader being slow to you really were an irritation, give that some careful thought. Sometimes we all make mistakes, or do things we wish we had done differently so don't feel alone! Drive them all again, use the loaders, and see which one brings the biggest smile.......

 

[Runner]

A few thoughts:

First, if you don't like the fact that the 2305 seems to struggle up hills in high gear, you REALLY won't like it when you see that the 2520 does exactly the same thing. High gear on the 2520 is really not very useful, except for transport.

Second, if you want to use a loader-mounted plow, reports from people that have tried them on the 2520 have not sounded very positive to me. I think the consensus was that the front end was just too light to handle it. Also, JD doesn't recommend loader mounted plows for the 200-series loaders.

I've never used a 2305 or 2320, however, based on my experience with the 2520, I wouldn't want ANY less hydraulic ability than what the 2520 has.

I also wouldn't want to give up the split brakes and position control.

I'm curious as to what type of uses you have for the machine, i.e., how many acres do you need to mow and what will you be using the loader for, etc.?

 

[jenkinsph]

I agree with the posts above, I wouldn't get in a hurry to make a change just yet. I used my old 820 for many years before buying the new 4520, I thought about what I needed and thought again and again. I likely made a mistake buying a box store lawnmower, the L130 is okay but surely isn't in the league of the real mowers. That is a cheap fix though compared to buying the wrong larger equipment.

I was fortunate enough to know that the 2000 and 3000 series tractors weren't big enough to start with though. I would say the 4000 series is about as small a tractor as I wan't. I would have preferred to have a 5000 if the ehydro was offered but since it was not, I matched the new tractor to the existing 110 and 820 which can all share most implements.

When this mower wears out I will buy a better model next time, possibly an X748 or 749. I think these are better for lawn work than the 2000 series are and none of these will work well for the heavy jobs. That is not meant to say that you can not mow and do some light maintenance with these but their abilities are limited.

My point to all of this is individually all of us need to determine the uses for our equipment and think about which tasks will be ongoing and which ones will be over in a season or two. Makes a big difference in what you should buy. You may find (after some thought) that with most loader work completed that the 2305 will work for you or you may find that a deluxe riding mower is all you need.

Just my thoughts which aren't worth much.

 

[JDGreenGrass]

When you are ready to look give the 3005 a chance.

I believe the base price is less than a 2320. But, standard shift and I don't think it has a mid-pto. It may be an option.

Maybe not the right tractor for you but, there are soo many models it's easy to miss a good one.

 

[rtm038]

A few thoughts:

First, if you don't like the fact that the 2305 seems to struggle up hills in high gear, you REALLY won't like it when you see that the 2520 does exactly the same thing. High gear on the 2520 is really not very useful, except for transport.

Second, if you want to use a loader-mounted plow, reports from people that have tried them on the 2520 have not sounded very positive to me. I think the consensus was that the front end was just too light to handle it. Also, JD doesn't recommend loader mounted plows for the 200-series loaders.

I've never used a 2305 or 2320, however, based on my experience with the 2520, I wouldn't want ANY less hydraulic ability than what the 2520 has.

I also wouldn't want to give up the split brakes and position control.

I'm curious as to what type of uses you have for the machine, i.e., how many acres do you need to mow and what will you be using the loader for, etc.?

My thoughts exactly. The 2520 really needs a medium range. Although I love my 2520, I've thought about downsizing to a 2305 once my larger landscaping projects are done, but I know I won't because I know I'll regret it. Hang in there. The right decision to make will come to you in time.

 

[Deadman]

Make sure you buy what you really need now, because all this buying and selling has most likely cost you twice as much as it should have if you would have just kept your 2320 in the first place.
Don't look at it as payments, look at the price and if you can't afford it, then simply don't buy it. Save your money and then buy it when you have the money.

 

[JDGreenGrass]

I'm not sure I would go with a 3005 as it's a different animal than the 2000 series. You're dealing with a manual sliding gear transmission.... not really great for loader work or grass cutting unless you have long constat speed runs. The mid PTO and 4WD (wP/S) are both options as is the loader. Hills equal more shifting. It's a tough machine, but think twice about getting one. A used 870 with a synchromesh transmission would be a better choice.

I use my JD455 for cutting grass, pushing snow and all the little jobs. My JD790 is only for the bigger jobs. Once I dig out some stumps next summer, my 790 will probably be history at this location.

Spend the winter doing your homework on the various options and do a lot of looking too. You're gut feeling will eventually give you the right answer.

I was thinking in terms of price. The 3005 is a lot of tractor for not a lot of money. Small enough for use around the house and tight spots.

Base price $10,700 as compared to the 2000 series starting up around 13 or 14 thousand dollars.

 

[Nuru]

Maybe, you might also take a look at a used 3x20 series. Knowing money is a concern, but you may find one a bit cheaper than expected.