Here's your chance to convert an Orange guy..

[VABlue]

Correct there, the 2305 is a direct competitor to the BX series. The lack of position control is the only real downer for me since I'm not really concerned with the limited lift hieght of the 3pth. As for mowing, I believe the 2320 will run the same mid-mount decks the 2305 has. Which, coincidentally, are the same decks used on the X500/700 series garden tractors. With that information you should be able to find a lot of reviews on how well they cut. My 54" deck mulches like a dream, but get a 62" with whatever machine you end up with... The turning radius is great, remove the fel and it's like driving a sports car!

Don't get caught up on color, you can find the right machine regardless of paint...

 

[swines]

Chuck, why should anyone "convert" you to a different tractor? Just purchase what will work best for you, and what you want to buy. I wouldn't buy a tractor from the local Kubota dealer only because one bay in my garage is 2x the size of their parts department, and they have to order in nearly every part.

The JD dealer has two dealerships within 15 miles of my house. Both stores have huge parts inventories because between the two stores, they sell over 60% of the tractors in the area where I live. Color by itself had nothing to do with it for me - service did.

 

[ChuckinNH]

I was kidding about the "convert" part, since I spend as much time in this forum as any. I was looking to hear about likes, and dislikes of the models I mentioned. I'm still on the fence, but sure want to make that decision soon! There are no dealers really close to me, but both the closest Kubota, and John Deere dealers are good folks, and have good service departments. Kubota is a little more popular in this area judging by the number of dealers in a 60 mile circle........ hey, I forgot that one sold both, there are the same number of each. Kioti is moving in a bit, Mahindra's are around, and there are a few Massey's.
My trouble is that one has a smoother loader, the other has a better mower, one has larger front implements, and the other has position control, etc........... Oranges, and apples for sure!!

 

[aesanders]

Chuck, I like all those machines you listed. If I had money to burn I'd have one of each. Just about evey make has a model that I really like.

I was looking over the new Kioti DK 35 online. Sweet machine. Dealer here isn't much to brag on though and only has Ck30's on the lot for some reason, so I didn't really consider them. The Mahindra dealer is very good (It's actually a NH and Mahindra dealer), but in my class size I just liked the Deere better for what I wanted. If I moved up a size I could have easily been satisfied with a NH TC 33 (now TC34). That's a powerful machine in a very small size footprint. Great specs all around as well.
I've also always had a soft spot for Massey Fergusen and Allis Chalmer so I could have eaily been swayed by any of the AGCO products. I may have purchaed a Kubota, but the local dealer just didn't seem like they wanted to budge off the list price. As least the sales rep I spoke to. I have since learned that they are pretty good to deal with, but at the time when I was buying the Deere threw out some good offers and the Kubota didn't.

Overall, I'm really satisfied with th 2320. It's done everything and more that I've asked of it. I may have been just as satisfied if I went another color though, just don't know for sure. I know the next time I go looking, I'll have a hard time buying non green though. based on this experience. I guess you could say I've been more than pleased.

 

[ChuckinNH]

aesanders, We had a little Allis Chalmer "C" on the small dairy farm I was raised on, and I sure did a lot of work with that thing. I started using it when I was 12. I've driven, and played in a dirt pile with a 2320 a couple of times so far. The first time, things felt a little left handed since the throttle, brakes, loader joystick, etc. are all quite different than the BX22 I used for 4 years. The more I use it though, the better I like it. I've gotten quotes of $14,500, and $14,700 with 200cx loader, and those are good for this area. I wish that the front blade, and snowblower were wider, but I know the dealers are after JD to address that, and there is a faint rumor that they will. The new Kubota design in this size range will be out in the spring I guess, but we can't always keep waiting for "next year". It didn't take much 3pt work with the BX to point out how useful position control would be, though the new ones do at least have "1/4 inching" for what it's worth. Like you, I think that the 2320 is the sweet spot in the 2000 series lineup though I think the steering geometry, and QC bucket are nicer on the 2305 than the Kubota BX. In the next size up (2520 /B2630) I would choose the Kubota for a much nicer 3pt, and larger, more powerful backhoe......... not as ergonomic, and higher COG though.

 

[Dutch445]

A little more input, and some differences between
the 2305-2320-2520.

No, the 2320 does not share the decks with the
2305. Actually, each tractor has it's own decks,
due to frame differences. The 2305 does
share decks with the X700's, but that's it.

As far as 2320 vs 2520, a couple differences.
The 2320 has the mower deck height of cut
dial like the 2305, but the 2520 does NOT have
that dial. If you wanted to use 3ph implements
while your mower deck is on, it's easier with the 2305
and 2320, because you can dial in the mower to the
lock up position and free your 3ph for another application.
The 2520 would require the mid mower lock up kit, which
I believe is a small set of chains with a turnbuckle that
goes on the back of the tractor to hold up the deck and
allow usage of the 3ph.
All that said, if you go with independant lift (not a fan)
then everything changes.

Another difference 2320 vs 2520, tire size, and frame length.
The 2520 has about a 3 or 4" longer frame and wheelbase,
and larger tires. (yes, even wider than the 47" snowblower)

If comparing to the 2305, remember the 2305 does not
have steering brakes, or a folding ROPS, has a lighter front axle
and 3ph capacity or standard cruise control (optional).
As mentioned, it sports the limited Cat-1 hitch, due to it's
low profile. (although most any implement can be purchased
nowdays to run on these sub compacts)

just some more food for thought.

it sounds like the 2320 may be perfect for you.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Thanks Dutch... So far, the 2320 does sound the best, and I may go drool on one a bit more today. Is the 2320 closer to the width of the snowblower in real life with either r-4's, or r-3's than the 2520? The brochure isn't clear about that. I've seen a big Kubota that had "Z" (kinda) shaped pieces bolted on to the sides of the snowblower to extend the width..... wouldn't be too hard to fab in any case I guess.

 

[hazmat]

Chuck,

Why did you sell the BX22? What are you hoping to accomplish with the new tractor that the BX couldn't handle? These questions should help guide you towards selecting the best fit.

I recently upgraded to the B3030 from a TC18. For me the B3030 was the best fit as I was after more power, 3 range tranny, backhoe & MMM but still somewhat lightweight. I've kind of surprised myself at how much more capable the B3030 is vs. the TC18. The "best solution" would have been a bigger tractor still + nice ZTR mower, but that wasn't happening with the boss. It had to be a multi trick pony.

If you require a backhoe & MMM, the New Holland machines are out. You mention material collection, so I'm assuming you are already going down this path.

The B2630 & B3030 biggest advantage over the Deere 2320 & 2520 is the 3 range transmission. L is too slow, H is too fast, M is just right (I feel like Little Red Riding Hood ). Most other specs are similar or Kubota has a slight advantage - Loader lift, 3 point lift etc. To get a 3 range tranny from Deere, you need to step into the 3X20 series - At 3,000# and significantly more $$$. It would compare better with the smaller L series.

The Deere 2X20 units are "stronger" & have more features than the B7510 / B7610 units

If I were to rank from weaker / less features to stronger / More features It'd look something like this

Kubota BX Deere 2305 NH TZ
Kubota B7X10
NH TC2XD
Deere 2X20
Kubota B2630 /B3030
NH TC29DA / TC34DA
Deere 3X20

Kubota did a good job with this competative comparisions it pretty much covers most of what is available in the small - mid size compact tractors.

Summary (given similar HP / other specs) in my not so humble opinion:

Dealbreakers
position control
quick attach FEL bucket/fork option (prefer skid steer, but others are OK)

Nice to have
backhoe / MMM at same time
Lightweight for a primary lawn machine vs. Heavier for primary dirt work
3 range tranny

If you ever want to head south - you're welcome to try the B3030 next to the TC - I still haven't sold it & I have plenty of projects ongoing...

 

[RoyJackson]

I've been staying away from this post pretty much since I expected it to go "Kubota vs. Deere".

However, I've got the ultimate incentive...

Chuck, if you trade off that Kubota and buy a Deere, I'll give you this way cool hat.
This hat, upon your head when tractoring, will undoubtedly impress your friends, terrorize your enemies and cure any erectile dysfunction problems you may experience.

It'll be a sacrifice, but hey...I'm a Deere guy.

 

[hazmat]

Roy - you need to check your spelling. that's not a deere on your hat it's a steer

I've been staying away from this post pretty much since I expected it to go "Kubota vs. Deere".

However, I've got the ultimate incentive...

Chuck, if you trade off that Kubota and buy a Deere, I'll give you this way cool hat.
This hat, upon your head when tractoring, will undoubtedly impress your friends, terrorize your enemies and cure any erectile dysfunction problems you may experience.

It'll be a sacrifice, but hey...I'm a Deere guy.