JD 2210/2305... review

[Shawk]

Having gone from my 2210 to a 2520 and then back to a 2305... I thought I'd post some of my thoughts on the machines.... I sold my 2520 about a month ago. For those who followed my ad's, I sold it for $16,250... if curious ( I would be

)

I also attached a few pics which can be found here... http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d...wk00/?start=all

2210/2305 Negatives
Poor front factory lighting (I believe the 2210 headlights may have been better than the 2305's).
No 3 point position control.
No 4wd light (silly but but a nice little feature to have).
No temp gauge, light only.
NO folding ROPS even offered... silly IMO on JD's part.

2210/2305 Positives
Plenty of power for the size.
Composite foot platform is better than the 2520's.
Easy on fuel.
Loader is super easy to attach & detach.
62c MMM is easy to attach & detach.
Unit matched with 62c provides a really nice finish (62c is an absolutely perfect match IMO).
Nice tight turning radius.
MFWD (4wd).
Ergonomics.... kudos to the JD people here.... this is what they're really good at...


2520 Negatives
Floor platform design is ok at best... I was disappointed...
Should/could be a 3 speed hydro.
Front quick hitch needs toooo many extra parts (to purchase and attach/detach) to be a "quick hitch"....
Front "quick hitch" parts need to be removed before loader can be reinstalled every time (unless I missed something here. I don't believe I did... 2305 is MUCH better here... easy on/easy off...).
As most already know... the 62d deck has issues with "scalping" the turf. Apparently there may now be a "fix" for this.
Deck is a good deck but the drive over feature isn't as easy as it appears (tractor wants to push the deck more than drive up and over. Better to take off on the lawn where it is less prone to slide). I like the 62c deck on the smaller 2210/2305 better...
No temp gauge, light only.


2520 Positives
After posting the negs... I will say that I did love the tractor.
Loader is super easy to attach & detach (same 200cx loader as 2305).
The deck provides a pretty good cut though I think the 62c might produce a slightly better finish (both are nice).
Nice 3 pt hook up feature built onto the deck so it can easily be hauled if you have a quick hitch.
Excellent front factory lighting.
4wd dash light is nice.
MFWD (4wd).
FAST hydraulics.
Easy on fuel.
Surprisingly nimble and nice turning radius.
A good number of standard features (folding ROPS, cruise, 4wd light, among other little things).
Good ground clearance.
Very stable machine... big tractor feel in a smaller tractor size
Ergonomics....

Both machines are phenomenal machines and I wouldn't think twice about purchasing either... these are simply the things that stick out in my mind about both. The positives certainly out weigh the negs.... Keep in mind that these are simply my thoughts and the only way to find the best machine for you is to check them out thoroughly yourself .... Happy hunting

One additional note is adding a quick hitch to your machine (whatever the brand)... It's one of the better small purchases I've made...

 

[gary_dsc]

Just curious. Did you sell the 2520 because of the size or was it something else that made you go back to the 2305. Just asking because I just went through the process of deciding whether to buy a 2305, 2320 or 2520. I finally decided that for my primary needs - mowing, light lifting, snow removal, etc. that the 2305 was a better fit. I have an old 2040 for the occasional heavy lifting and it just didn't seem right to spend the extra money when I wouldn't be needing that capability very often. The lighter machine should be easier on the grass as well.

 

[prosperity]

Thanks for taking the time to share you opinions -

I still have my 2210, but of course drool once in a while for a 2320/2520.

But, for what I do, the 'ol 2210 fits my needs nicely - 4 acres mowing, some light loader lifting - fixing gravel driveway etc - and snow removal.

I recently bought a 727A Z-Trak for my business - took me a long time to convince myself that the Z would be faster than my 2210 w/62C - I can really mow with my 2210!

Going to do some time trials in the near future with the 2210 vs. 727A......

 

[Shawk]

Just curious. Did you sell the 2520 because of the size or was it something else that made you go back to the 2305. Just asking because I just went through the process of deciding whether to buy a 2305, 2320 or 2520. I finally decided that for my primary needs - mowing, light lifting, snow removal, etc. that the 2305 was a better fit. I have an old 2040 for the occasional heavy lifting and it just didn't seem right to spend the extra money when I wouldn't be needing that capability very often. The lighter machine should be easier on the grass as well.

Greetings Gary... there's a little of a lot involved in my decision to let it go. The main reason was that if I could get out of it in what I had invested... then I would let it go. I had anticipated more land to take care of with it that didn't evolve as well. For my little 1.5 acres, my 2305 is still more machine than I need.... but I won't go any smaller . The 2520 was very tender on the turf and wasn't to big.... But since the main purpose of my machine is mowing, there was no need to keep the larger machine.

 

[Shawk]

Thanks for taking the time to share you opinions -

I still have my 2210, but of course drool once in a while for a 2320/2520.

But, for what I do, the 'ol 2210 fits my needs nicely - 4 acres mowing, some light loader lifting - fixing gravel driveway etc - and snow removal.

I recently bought a 727A Z-Trak for my business - took me a long time to convince myself that the Z would be faster than my 2210 w/62C - I can really mow with my 2210!

Going to do some time trials in the near future with the 2210 vs. 727A......

Thanks Prosperity.... sounds like the 2210 is a perfect fit for you as well. Those Z-Traks sure look sweet as well.... Looking forward to your comparisons... see ya around...

 

[FortClatsop]

I've really enjoyed what both Shawk and JD2210/2320 have had to say about the 2210,2305,2320, and 2520. It's easy for me to lust after the next size bigger. Both of you have provided a nice reality check for some of us.

 

[Shawk]

I've really enjoyed what both Shawk and JD2210/2320 have had to say about the 2210,2305,2320, and 2520. It's easy for me to lust after the next size bigger. Both of you have provided a nice reality check for some of us.

Hope it was a little helpful.... It's hard not to like the bigger tractors...