I asked this question over at the Kubota thread several months ago. The response was pretty consistent - several times before landing the 'right' machine. Well, I guess I fit that category now as well, as I've just ordered a 2320.
I've spend the last few months debating the upgrade, as I bought a new house lot that's totally undeveloped. My Kubota BX1500 simply couldn't do the work I now needed (grading 1.5 acres of topsoil and chipping lots of brush). I was very happy with Kubota and the dealer, so I put all of my attention into the B7610. Drove it and loved the performance. The size seemed a bit more than what I needed in the long run, but there's no way I'd go back the BX size, even with the 23 hp engine. Just too little ground clearance. The price was expensive, but that's the cost of these machines. The quote for a B7610 with folding ROPS, larger 352 FEL and loaded tires came out to $14,212. List was nearly $16k. A very good deal from everything I read here and elsewhere on the internet.
But, just to be sure, I went to the Deere dealer to check out the ~$12k 2305 tractor. A bit better ground clearance, but was very concerned about the location of the hydraulics. So I sat on the 2320. Drove it. Immediately saw all of the benefits over the Kubota. Beyond the obvious 'position control' (was better than Kubota's 1/4 inching valve for the grading I'll need to do), virtually everything about the tractor was an 'upgrade' over the Kubota. Thicker steel fenders. Way easier FEL disconnecting system (I drover one with the 200cx). Far more comfortable seat. Better FEL control lever location. Split brakes on the left side, so I can still operate the hydro. A hood that lifts both the top and sides with the flip of a lever... So, naturally, I was afraid to ask the price (because, as they say, 'if you have to ask...'). Well, tractor, 200cx loader and loaded tires was quoted at $14,400. All those upgrades for $188?! It's to be delivered tomorrow... attachments to follow in the spring after the piggy bank is replenished a bit.
I've spend the last few months debating the upgrade, as I bought a new house lot that's totally undeveloped. My Kubota BX1500 simply couldn't do the work I now needed (grading 1.5 acres of topsoil and chipping lots of brush). I was very happy with Kubota and the dealer, so I put all of my attention into the B7610. Drove it and loved the performance. The size seemed a bit more than what I needed in the long run, but there's no way I'd go back the BX size, even with the 23 hp engine. Just too little ground clearance. The price was expensive, but that's the cost of these machines. The quote for a B7610 with folding ROPS, larger 352 FEL and loaded tires came out to $14,212. List was nearly $16k. A very good deal from everything I read here and elsewhere on the internet.
But, just to be sure, I went to the Deere dealer to check out the ~$12k 2305 tractor. A bit better ground clearance, but was very concerned about the location of the hydraulics. So I sat on the 2320. Drove it. Immediately saw all of the benefits over the Kubota. Beyond the obvious 'position control' (was better than Kubota's 1/4 inching valve for the grading I'll need to do), virtually everything about the tractor was an 'upgrade' over the Kubota. Thicker steel fenders. Way easier FEL disconnecting system (I drover one with the 200cx). Far more comfortable seat. Better FEL control lever location. Split brakes on the left side, so I can still operate the hydro. A hood that lifts both the top and sides with the flip of a lever... So, naturally, I was afraid to ask the price (because, as they say, 'if you have to ask...'). Well, tractor, 200cx loader and loaded tires was quoted at $14,400. All those upgrades for $188?! It's to be delivered tomorrow... attachments to follow in the spring after the piggy bank is replenished a bit.