JD 2320, 2520, or 2720???

[IFlyEm]

Here's the scoop. My dad is looking for a new tractor. This is most likely going to be the last one he buys. So he wants to get something special, even a bit overkill. The primary function is going to be mowing (2-3 acres, flat), basic landscaping, and snow removal on a 400 ft driveway.

We started out looking at the 2320. But really liked the looks of the 2520. So we were leaning in that direction. But then the dealer said that the 2520 and 2720 aren't good finish mowers with the 62D because of the height adjustment. Said the entire deck is held up with an 1/8 inch cable. He then went on to say that he won't even stock the 2520 because it's not worth the price when for just a bit more you can get into a 2720 which in his opinion was a much better tractor.

So in a nutshell he's recommending the 2320 over the others because it produces a better cut. The attachments my Dad will be using are the 62D, 54" blower, and 200 CX loader. He doesn't want to have to use wheel weights or chains. That was another reason we were leaning towards the 2520 or 2720.

What do you guys thinks? Is the height adjustment on the 2520 and 2720 that bad? Is the cut quality worse than the 2320?

Thanks!

 

[XSKIER]

I've been eyeing the 2000 series for a few months now. For me, there are just too many nuances that I'm not excited about. For mowing and light grounds maintenance, I strongly feel that the 1026r is the best machine available at this time. Now when the more refined 2000 series comes to market, I'll likely be a buyer.

 

[Martian]

I'm with XSKIER,

I really think you'd be more satisfied with a 1 series (specifically the 1026r). Just seems to be an overall more comfortable tractor and much more maneuverable than a 2x20. If he doesn't have any big projects, the 1026r is a much better choice.

Good luck!

 

[thatguy]

I love my 2320 and it for its size does everything I need - which is about the same needs/wants as your dad..

The biggest issues (if thats what you call them) for ME by going a step down in size from the 2320 to a (1026/1023/2215/??) for me was the a) limited cat 1 hitch, b) less ground clearance (especially with a rough cutter), c) the 'infamous' transmission fan

I used my 2320 to push three 12" snows 3 winters ago and never had an issue.. I mow about 2 acres with a 62D mower and it does a good job..

just my thoughts

brian

 

[shortthrow50]

I love my 2320 and it for its size does everything I need - which is about the same needs/wants as your dad..

The biggest issues (if thats what you call them) for ME by going a step down in size from the 2320 to a (1026/1023/2215/??) for me was the a) limited cat 1 hitch, b) less ground clearance (especially with a rough cutter), c) the 'infamous' transmission fan

I used my 2320 to push three 12" snows 3 winters ago and never had an issue.. I mow about 2 acres with a 62D mower and it does a good job..

just my thoughts

brian

I'm with you on this one. If given the option between the two, I would go with the 2320 for the reasons you explained. 1026 just seems like a small upgrade to x700. Please no one take offense. Just a opinion

 

[Gittyup]

There are other makes besides Deere. And, as you are finding out, the 2000 series isn't so special. the 1026r is OK, but not a real tractor. I suggest giving a look at a Mahindra Max or Bobcat CT122.

If not for loader work, the best mower/snowblower is the X749.

If you don't want wheel weights and expect to do some heavy loader work, you should consider loading the tires. Not substitute for weight.

 

[jenkinsph]

Here's the scoop. My dad is looking for a new tractor. This is most likely going to be the last one he buys. So he wants to get something special, even a bit overkill. The primary function is going to be mowing (2-3 acres, flat), basic landscaping, and snow removal on a 400 ft driveway.

We started out looking at the 2320. But really liked the looks of the 2520. So we were leaning in that direction. But then the dealer said that the 2520 and 2720 aren't good finish mowers with the 62D because of the height adjustment. Said the entire deck is held up with an 1/8 inch cable. He then went on to say that he won't even stock the 2520 because it's not worth the price when for just a bit more you can get into a 2720 which in his opinion was a much better tractor.

So in a nutshell he's recommending the 2320 over the others because it produces a better cut. The attachments my Dad will be using are the 62D, 54" blower, and 200 CX loader. He doesn't want to have to use wheel weights or chains. That was another reason we were leaning towards the 2520 or 2720.

What do you guys thinks? Is the height adjustment on the 2520 and 2720 that bad? Is the cut quality worse than the 2320?

Thanks!

Here's my two cents, the problem with the small tractor fel combination is the ballast weight needed for safe operation. If you have enough weight to use the fel you then have more weight than you want to use as a mower. I remember well considering all of this before buying the x749 last year. I did consider getting a 2x20 series with the 200cx fel but decided in favor of the all wheel steer and overall lower weight of an unballasted garden tractor.

You and your dad should really give this some thought "Do you really need the fel?" for the lawn work as combining these operations is a big compromise. It seems that everyone else on the forum will recommend getting the fel and I agree they can be very handy but on the flip side I can easily maintain my own lawn (three acres) without it. I have found that having the 3PH is handy and allows me to use the small implements without the large amounts of ballast associated with having a fel.

 

[Gittyup]

Steve is right on. I struggle with this. A tractor well suited to loader work isn't the best for mowing and vis versa. I use a JD425 AWS for mowing. It's hard to beat. I have a heavy Kioti CK25 for loader and dirt work. it's also hard to beat. Would really like to get to one machine. But, then I have to compromise on both ends. So, I'm staying with two. Someting the OP might even consider: a used 400 series (or x series if you can afford it) for the mowing and a more serious tractor for the other stuff. But, if I had to compromise right now, I'd probably be leaning toward the Mahindra Max. as this would yield real tractor capabilities and could still mow the lawn albeit with more trimming.

 

[B E Lewis Farms]

I have a 2520 that I bought last year when Deere had the strong rebates and I absolutely love the machine. I have the 62D MMM which in my opinion is the best cutting deck that I have owned. One bit of advise take the loader off when mowing because the weight of the loader shifts extra weight to the front causing the mower to be unlevel front to rear. As long as everything is set up properly you will be happy. If you decide to get a loader go with the 25 or 2720 the extra hydraulic power is well worth the little extra money. Just my $.02

 

[Dale1995]

I have owned a 2320 for the last 3 years. I have the 54" blower and I love it. I have multiple driveways to do and it does them very well. I do not need chains. I live in northern maine, where we have had up to 180" of snow. It sips fuel, Starts very well and is small enough to get around buildings easily. I also have the 62 D mower and it does a great job, I replaced the blades with some gator blades and it is a super cut. I also have a 48" frontier rotary cutter, it maintain 3 acres of property that I will be building a home on. I love the 200cx loader with the 53" bucket, plus I have the ballast box. I could not be happier with the tractor overall. It is very easy to maintain and service. I also have a Curtis Cab that is heated and has a radio. There is no shortage of heat when I am snow blowing at -20 below. I do wish that there was a tilt wheel on the tractor, but that is something I can live with out. I find that the 24 hp is well suited for this machine. Would I like to have a model with more Horsepower? I might be able to do some chores a little faster, but you can only blow snow so fast and cut the grass so fast. Plus taking my time gives me a little more seat time! Although I do like the mower and how easily it is to put on and off, I did invest in a new 930z-turn with mulch on demand, since I had so much land to mow. I really love that mower, it cut my mowing time by at least 50%. My overall decision would be to buy the 2320, it a little more heavy duty than the new 1026 in my opinion.