HELP! There all REALLY NICE!!

[sarge rmb]

I started looking for a garden tractor used and cheap. Ive now looked at Kubota 2350, JD 2305, and lastly JD 728 4WD. I need it to mostly cut 2 acres, but also to plow a 250' blacktop driveway. I owend Bobcats to Case 580's but dont know squat about compact machines. Hydro and 3 pt would be a plus, also 4x4 for my steep drive and yard. All machines are close in price but the 728 seems more user friendly for multiple operators ie--me and wife. Oh and one more question. Should I wait until mid to late winter to get the best deal or does pricing stay about the same all year? TY Sorry for such a long post! All Coffied Up!!!

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

I know you can put a 3PT on the 700 Seies but I don't think you would have the lift capacity that you would get with the other models you mentioned. If I am wrong on that I am sure somone will let you know. I really like the 700 Seies but could not justify the cost for my needs and ended up with an X534.
Just my opinion of course but I think you might end up being happier with the 2350 or the 2305. Good luck with your choice, it sure is fun looking and test driving.

 

[ChuckinNH]

You are sure right, they all are nice! I came very close to getting a green one too! I would buy the X7xx series for the 4wheel steer, or if I was really sure that I didn't want a loader....... ever, or hydraulics.........ever. I have a Simplicity Legacy, and it has about the same hydraulic capacity as the X7xx, but I have never used it other than to raise the mower deck.. With mine, as with the JD you have to switch from front to rear hydraulics manually, etc., and the flow, and speed are really, really slow.

For mostly mowing, the 2305 adds much more versatility for other things for about the same price. You do lose some things like the collection system is the same, but harder to mount, and perhaps it isn't quite as comfortable, or manuverable........ especially compared to the 4 wheel steer models. Still, in your case, I would look very hard at this model.

The 2320 is a great small tractor. I still think sometimes that it should have been my choice, but my needs are different than yours. I have woods, and rough ground with rocks, and other hazards, I have a use for pallet forks, etc., and I need the extra lift capacities on both ends. If you don't need those things, or other things that the 2320 offer, then the difference in price would just about buy you a nice snowblower for that driveway, etc. Remember that the tractor is the thing that runs the attachments that do the work!

By the way, some would say that mounting/ removing the mower deck on the 2305 seems to be easier, and quicker than it is on the x7xx series too. That is important to me as I get a bit older...
Have fun shopping!!

 

[msengstock]

I have the x728 - and yes, for cutting the grass and acting like a garden tractor - very nice - roomy, comfortable, the whole 9 yards. I've never plowed with it or used a snow blower with it, but using the 45 loader I've cleared 3 feet of packed slushy snow at the end of my driveway that the town snow plows put there in no time (and my back thanked me).

I bought mine to replace a simplicity regent 15hp hydro that cost me about $300/yr in parts in misc. things breaking and one day the bolts that hold the tranny in its "carrier" came loose while I was going down a hill and the tranny trwisted and the jolt wrecked my back for 3 months - so not only is the X728 WAY better built than what I had, the comfort of the ride is awesome.

 

[LBrown59]

I know you can put a 3PT on the 700 Seies but I don't think you would have the lift capacity that you would get with the other models you mentioned. If I am wrong on that I am sure somone will let you know. I really like the 700 Seies but could not justify the cost for my needs and ended up with an X534.
Just my opinion of course but I think you might end up being happier with the 2350 or the 2305. Good luck with your choice, it sure is fun looking and test driving.

Bet he woulld B

 

[EdC]

Sarge

Make a list of what you want to do besides the mowing and the snow removal. Landscaping in your future...look at units with a front end loader. HST is nice to have especially when using a loader. Then have you and your wife test sit each of the tractors your interested in. Use the controls and see how they feel to both of you. I bet my wife has put 1/3 of the hours on our tractor. We find new uses every time we get on it from putting the garbage can in the bucket to take out the trash in the winter (600 ft driveway) to using the post hole digger to plant trees.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.