Help On Choosing Options On JD 2320

[GOBOGIE]

I've finally decided on the 2320 over the 2520 (this site is great and full of great reviews BTW). Now I need to decide on the options/add-ons and would like some feed back. Here are the attachments I'm getting:

1) 200cx loader
2) 47" 2 stage snow blower
3) the grass/leaf bagger system (mostly to use for leaf clean up in the fall)
4) 54" mower deck

Questions:
1) Is there any obvious downsides to getting a 54" deck verses a 62" other than loosing 8''???
2) Will I need the additional lights that can be added to the roll bar above the seats for night time snow blowing during the winter? It looks like the snow blower could block the front lights. Anybody know for sure if they do? My dealer gave me the "I'm not sure" response! I live in SW Michigan about 20 mins from Lake Michigan and we typically get hammer'd during the winter so this is an important point for me!
3) By far the largest use of the tractor will be cutting grass, so I have a 2 part question here a) can the mower deck be turned into a mulcher? b) do I need the turf tires or will the more rugged tires do better yet most importantly not tear up my nice lawn?
4) This is a miner point but important if the wife needs to fill the tank with fuel... is there an easier way of putting diesel in the tank vs. having to hold your fuel container over the tractor. Is there some type of relatively cheap siphoning system that works?

Thanks In Advance,
Cory

 

[ORCM]

1) 200cx loader
2) 47" 2 stage snow blower
3) the grass/leaf bagger system (mostly to use for leaf clean up in the fall)
4) 54" mower deck

Questions:
1) Is there any obvious downsides to getting a 54" deck verses a 62" other than loosing 8''???
2) Will I need the additional lights that can be added to the roll bar above the seats for night time snow blowing during the winter? It looks like the snow blower could block the front lights. Anybody know for sure if they do? My dealer gave me the "I'm not sure" response! I live in SW Michigan about 20 mins from Lake Michigan and we typically get hammer'd during the winter so this is an important point for me!
3) By far the largest use of the tractor will be cutting grass, so I have a 2 part question here a) can the mower deck be turned into a mulcher? b) do I need the turf tires or will the more rugged tires do better yet most importantly not tear up my nice lawn?
4) This is a miner point but important if the wife needs to fill the tank with fuel... is there an easier way of putting diesel in the tank vs. having to hold your fuel container over the tractor. Is there some type of relatively cheap siphoning system that works?

Thanks In Advance,
Cory

-Get the 62, it makes mowing much easier, because don't have to get the tractor so close to the edge of your lawn. Makes it much faster, not only because its bigger, but you have less maneuvering to do..

-Get the JD rear light. I found the best, is to mount some extra lights on the upper part of the ROPS. You don't need to get them from JD, just go down to your local farm store and pick some up at half price..

-I think you can get a mulcher plate for the 62, with new blades. However, unless you live in really dry country, I have yet to see a mulcher work that well.

-I run R4's, and don't have a problem on my lawn, unless its really wet..

-For fuel, I have a 30gal transfer tank with a 12volt pump. I mounted the tank on a palet. I use my forks on the tractor to load it in my truck when it needs to be filled.

 

[miserymule]

Regarding fueling, a friend gave me a 300 gallon tank. I installed a manual pump (about $90 I think) and water and particulate filters. The local oil company comes out and fills it whenever I call. I usually buy 50 gallons at a time so it doesn't sit more than a season. If you have to buy a new tank, they are a bit expensive (probably $500 or more for a 300 gallon one). Some people mount tanks on a rack and use gravity for fueling, but to me that sounds like a big leak waiting to happen.

 

[jenkinsph]

I would go with the 62" deck for a smaller uncut radius. Buy add on lighting locally if you need more of them but be careful not to overload the electrical system.

About the refueling, I can't see where your wife would need to refuel the tractor if you keep up with it but just in case you can have a 2.5 gallon can on standby that she should be able to lift. A 2320 just doesn't use enough fuel to be an issue in a days time.
I might add that having two or three small cans of fuel (their cheap) with fresh fuel is far simpler than storing diesel in a large tank with algae trying to grow in it. Keep it simple.

Steve

 

[ChuckinNH]

Because of the front steering geometry, your JD will tear up the yard less than my Kubota with the R-4 tires, but I would try one on the dealer's grass to see how you like it. I have a battery powered pump that fits in a standard 5 gallon fuel can to fill my kerosene tank for my workshop heater. It works very well, and you should be able to find a version of that with a hose long enough to work with your tractor, especially if you can set the fuel container on the operator's deck. My Kubota is low enough to be easy to fuel, especially since I can rest the fuel can on the loader arms, and just wait for it to fill. Getting the can up there in the first place is the problem for your wife, of course.

 

[ragkar]

I'm told that the R1's are easier on the lawn than R4's.

Is the JD bagger a caboose? If so, check out the 33cu.ft. ones that TSC sells.

Regarding diesel fuel, I just put my five gallon 40 pounds tank on the seat and use an electric kerosene pump. You wife might want you to get the two gallon size.

 

[6dog]

If I may ask, what made you choose the 2320 over the 2520? I've been considering both as well.

 

[JeffinNE]

Should you ever want to sell, the 62D will be more marketable than the 54D.

 

[TripleR]

I have had both a 54" deck and now a 62"; no question that the 62" is the way to go unless you can't get through a gate or other such insurmountable obstacle precludes its use.

I use kids or grand kids to fill mine, but do have a battery powered pump in case they are hiding.

 

[WH401]

Get the 62D mower, you'll get more area cut per swipe and able to cut closer to obstacles. Definitely don't get R1's if your even remotely concerned with tearing the turf up, no single type of tire will do it faster. You don't have to have turf tires either though, IMO. I have R4's and even in 4 wheel I don't have an issue with them tearing up the turf, but I wouldn't suggested riding around in 4WD all the time unless you need it. For fuel I just use 3 5-gallon cans, it's simple and gets the job done. Eventually I'll work up a system with an electric pump and a 35 gallon drum.