Got my 2305 yesterday

[newbomb_turk]

2305 CX FEL, 54" MMM. Very happy, this thing mows like a beast. Have not done much loader work, as I need to get some ballast.

Now, a couple question/comments.

- No less than 10 people tried to convince me that I needed the 62" deck. I did not give in, and am very happy with the 54". I can see a reason for the 62, but my lawn has some rolling terrain, and I could see scalping as a problem with the 62. The 54 sticks out plenty far, and I am able to get as close as I need to everything.

- Dealer said I was getting the 49" bucket. Sure enough, it comes with the 53". I don't want that large bucket -- or do I? I won't be doing a whole lot of loader work (bark dust, mulch, dirt, gravel etc). It seems to me that the 53" bucket is awful big for that tractor.

- How much ballast should I get? I am going to get a 42" bush hog (SQ142). Will that be enough? The manual states a ridiculous amount (filled tires AND at least one wheel weight AND 750 lbs on the TPH).

- Independent lift works quite well. I would recommend it for the reason of convenience in moving the deck with the loader arm. Can't say there is an advantage in freeing up the TPH. I can't think of a time I will be mowing AND have an attachment on back. Who knows though

 

[kvjohndeere]

I love my 2305 I also have a 54" deck with mulching kit & the independent lift for my Deck ! It comes in Handy I use A Trac Vac 3pt hitch Core aerator 48" It is awesome it will hold 400lb of weight ! The independent lift very good Choice ! I have 11 hours on my tractor Plus I have the Foldable Rops off of a 2320 ! & Work Lights Congratulations great choice !

 

[rcooper]

My 2305 has the 54"MMM and independent lift and I love it. I often use a three point implement without taking off the mower or locking it in raised position; very convenient.

 

[kvjohndeere]

Yes they are very handy !

 

[JDFANATIC]

Congrats on your new purchase!

 

[Grizz]

Good luck with your new tractor

 

[prosperity]

Congratulations on the new machine!
Sounds like you did your homework on what you wanted.

- Dealer said I was getting the 49" bucket. Sure enough, it comes with the 53". I don't want that large bucket -- or do I? I won't be doing a whole lot of loader work (bark dust, mulch, dirt, gravel etc). It seems to me that the 53" bucket is awful big for that tractor.

My opinion on this is usually different from most folks here it seems.

I've heard of folks with 61" buckets on 2305's and 2320/2520's.

I had a 2210 (same size as the 2305) with the 49" bucket, and it felt like a very good fit for the size machine. With a larger bucket, you can quickly get yourself in trouble with too much weight with a full bucket of heavy material on any kind of slope.

I now have a 2520, and went with the 53" bucket. Again, I feel it is a very good fit for the size of tractor.

Unless you would be loading light materials all the time, I feel the larger buckets are just a little much.

Buckets are easy to exchange - ask your dealer to swap your bucket for the 49" - since you have tried the 53" now, you will be able to see the difference for yourself - then make your final decision.

 

[VABlue]

Agree with Prosperity - get the 49" bucket if you want it. That's what I have (thought I had 53" until I measured it!) and it works fine. The ~700# of ballast also seems a bit much to me, I have ~400# and things work fine. I've moved full buckets of crushed stone down a short, steep slope w/out loss of stability (albeit moving very slowly). Moving 49" of mulch doesn't require a lot of ballast!

I was one of them pushing you towards the 62" cutting deck. I can live with my 54" deck well enough to not want the hassle of trading it in. But if doing it over, I'd get the 62...

Enjoy your new machine, you'll love it!!!

 

[crzysnake137]

any pics

 

[megotatractor]

I wish I had independent lift on my 2210. I do have a 53" bucket on my 210 loader. I often use the 330 pound 50" roto tiller on the back for ballast and in most cases this is enough weight. For snow however I'd love to have a much larger bucket just for the light stuff.