JD 2320 Questions

[Mike5252]

I'm looking to pick up a JD 2320 and have a couple questions.

Here's what I'm looking to pick up: 2320, 200cx FEL, 54D MMM, R3 Turf tires.

First, my thought process and needs are as follows:

I have a fairly small yard (1.5 acres), so don't feel I need the 62D deck, nor do I have that many obstacles to justify the longer reach on the sides the larger deck.

I have had a couple tractors in this class over the last 5 years (JD2520 and TYM 273), both with R4 tires. My main purpose will be landscaping work w/ the FEL (hauling mulch, pulling out trees, etc), mowing and snow removal. I have thought the R4's did a little more yard damage than I like, so really wanted to give the R3's a shot.

Now to the questions:
-As I don't really need serious ground engaging capabilities, does anyone think I'll miss the R4 traction? Will the R3's "hook up" reasonably well in snow conditions?
-Different dealers are giving me different information on bucket size. One is pushing me to go w/ a 49" bucket. The other says this won't cover the tracks of the 2320. I can't find any widths on the internet. Can anyone confirm whether a 49" bucket will cover the tracks of a 2320, and comment whether this is a major problem for them (only time this would really be an issue for me is snow removal).
-Does anyone have the 54D deck? I've operated a 62C deck before, and definitely thought it was a nice deck, but it did scalp in a few areas. I'm hoping the 54D reduces that somewhat.
-The wife is very adamant that I am able to bag the grass of the yard. I have a quote for under $2k for a power flow bagger set up. Does anyone have one of those, and can they comment on their effectiveness? After all, if the wife is "insisting" that I bag, do I really care if I have to have an additional toy?

I've been out of the tractor business for the last couple years, but must admit I'm getting excited about the possibility of getting back in the business.

For what its worth, I also priced out a Kubota B2320 (which seems to be pretty comparable in most respects). I went into this thinking I might actually consider going orange if there was a price difference, but found the quotes were comparable at best, if not higher than the JD2320 quotes.

Appreciate the groups' thoughts.

Mike

 

[Dutch445]

I'll chime in with my 2 cents worth,

many folks really like the turf tread in snow,
there are many small crevices to hold the snow,
which in turn grips the snow on the ground for
good traction. for many years it was the only option,
except for R-1 ag tread, so they were used very often
back in the 55 series etc, with good performance.
chains are an option if you need them for snow removal,
and they add more grip than putting chains on the R-4
due the the deep lug of the R-4 that the chains can hide
in.

i would think you would want the 53" bucket, the next size up
is the 61, but that one isn't as handy in digging applications, although
if used for light materials, snow/mulch etc it could save you some
time. but my thought would be go with the 53, which should just
about cover your tracks. (don't think 49 does)

deck size is preference, i prefer a larger deck, feel it rides over the
smaller imperfections of the lawn better. many feel the smaller decks
follow the contour better. with proper gage wheel setup, i think they
all cut pretty well, and i usually base deck size on acreage being cut,
and time allowances to do it!

the powerflow system is nice, it is pricey, but it performs well.
what are your plans for all the grass that gets picked up?
have you considered a mulch kit to leave the clippings in the
lawn? free food for your grass!

good luck with the purchase, great tractor you are looking at,
keep us posted.
:thumbsup:

 

[jcmseven]

I have a 2320, spec'd with R4 tires. The 49" bucket is too small for a 2320, go with the 53". I have found my 54d deck to cut well. As for scalping, it is about the same as most other JD suspended decks. My opinion is that the deck is comparable in cut quality to a 54x or 62x deck, but no better. It does seem heavier-made. The key here is that the 2320 is a heavy tractor for its size, which to me makes as much or more difference for scalping than does the deck. An X 740, for example, with a 62x deck would weigh about 1250-1300#, and even unballasted the 2320 with a 54d would approach 1900#. In my experience, the only time my mower scalps, which is rare, is when the tractor runs over a terrain irregularity that is not stiff enough to lift the machine over the obstacle. In these cases, such as ditches, "lawn humps" etc., the 2320 will plow into them and the deck can scalp but this is no worse than any of the other well-known JD mowers, but perhaps a little worse than a smaller tractor. As for snow removal, I suspect the R3 tires would do better than the R4 tires though neither are very good. If you live where it is flat and not very icy you may do well with just the R3's. Even in four wheel drive, my 2320 would slide everywhere pushing snow. It went OK but was hard to stop to the point of being dangerous. In addition, when it did lose traction it did so abruptly and this made using it in our snows a frustrating endeavor, until I bought chains. With chains on, one can appreciate the true ability of this little tractor to move snow and there is no way I would buy/operate one without them now. I am not a fan of chains, but the measure of safety and increased performance in these type tractors that they offer is worth the trouble. For WIW, since there is a fair amount of tire/fender clearance on these tractors, the 2320 is probably the easiest among the compact line to mount chains. I congratulate you on your purchase. I have had my 2320 about 3 years now and it has been a great little machine. Most of what I have owned/operated has been larger but none have I enjoyed using more than this one.

John M

 

[revitupfaster]

I second, or third the motion to go for the 53" bucket. I have a 2520, and went with the 53". The 53" just covers the track of the 2520, but I'm not sure of the overall width 2320, but I certainly don't think it would be any wider. Personally, I think the 61" to be just too wide. For digging, the 49" would probably be the best choice, but the added 4" for the 53" at least gives you the track coverage.

I went with the R4 tires on my 2520, primarily because of the stiffer sidewall, which is better for loader work. I was a little concerned regarding the traction in snow, as I had read a number of posts that really didn't give the
R4's high marks in that area, and in most instances actually gave the turf tires the nod when it comes to unchained snow performance.

I also read that a loaded ballast box really helps for traction in the snow, so I made sure I ordered one with my 2520. I have the 54" angling blade set-up on my 2520 for winter, and in most cases, the tractor handles a 6"-8" snowfall even without the ballast box, but if we get any heavier snow, once I add that extra weight, WOW....she's a whole different machine. Pushes snow like a bulldozer, even with unchained R4's. I would think you would see a similar improvement in traction with this set up and R3 tires. Absolutely an amazing difference.

Although I have the 62D deck for the 2520, my primary mowing machine is a JD X495, with the 62C deck. I have about 3.5 - 4 acres I finish mow, so the wider deck is a no brainer. I would go for the 62"....hey, any time you can save in the mowing department just adds to the available beer time.

REV

 

[Mike5252]

Pulled the trigger yesterday. Based upon comments received I did go ahead and upgrade the bucket to the 53". They're having to order in the bagger system, so sounds like it may be a couple weeks before I can post pictures of the new toy, er I mean tool.

 

[scrappy isb67]

the 49" bucket covers the tracks of the 2320's just fine. that is what I have on mine and have dug a hole almost deep enough to bury the whole tractor!
for digging th 49 is all I would want, I can stall the hydraulics with a full 49" bucket. it would be worse with the 53", now for light hauling, digging, and snow removal the 53" would be better.

 

[GOBOGIE]

Sounds like we'll have similar systems. You won't be dissapointed!

 

[meburdick]

I bought the 2520 last year and here are my experiences...

- 62D MMM deck with mulching attachment. There is just about NO residual left behind with the stock blades. I'm considering the Gator blades which mulch even more. Why bag and remove all that free fertilizer?

- 61" bucket. True that the 49" is much more ideal for digging. The 61" gives me a tremendous amount of carrying capacity that is well-matched to the size of the tractor. If you simply don't need this capacity, then the 53" would be the next logical choice. However, hauling mulch around on the property would seem to be made more efficient with the larger bucket.

- GET A SET OF FORKS. By far, this is absolutely the most useful implement I have. And, relatively inexpensive (I bought Artillian) compared to everything else.

- Width: 51" for the 2320. See page two of the brochure here: 2000 Tractors Series - Product Catalog

- Turfs and traction. I have turfs on my machine and have ZERO complaints for traction. My lot is mostly level, but I operate in the snow, too. With a Ballast Box and loaded rears, I didn't even use 4WD for snowblowing 2' of snow out of my driveway.

- I have the 62D On Ramp deck and it is excellent. There is ZERO issue with scalping, and the larger cut actually produces an overall smoother cut plane. This results in a completely even cut across the entire lawn. I have 1 full acre, and wouldn't go to a smaller deck after what I've seen with mine.

 

[thatguy]

Pulled the trigger yesterday. Based upon comments received I did go ahead and upgrade the bucket to the 53". They're having to order in the bagger system, so sounds like it may be a couple weeks before I can post pictures of the new toy, er I mean tool.

maybe i am too late.. I would save the $2k on the bagger and just get either a) the mulching kit or b) gator blades.. I have gator blades (without the mulching kit) and the clippings are tiny compared to the regular JD blades..

The clippings also break down and help feed the yard..

Just my thoughts..

Brian

 

[meburdick]

maybe i am too late.. I would save the $2k on the bagger and just get either a) the mulching kit or b) gator blades.. I have gator blades (without the mulching kit) and the clippings are tiny compared to the regular JD blades..

The clippings also break down and help feed the yard..

My sentiments exactly, as listed in the first bullet point I had cited. But, not everyone likes to mulch (for whatever reason).

Think about another point of view: How many commercial companies bag versus mulch? How about golf courses? Then, think about why that is...

- Adds to the time to empty the bagger and dispose of clippings
- Where / how do you get rid of the clippings?
- There's no significant benefit to bagging, except for those clients that "insist" on it (and they'll pay a higher cost to have it done).

I've been a homeowner for over a decade, and have NEVER raked or bagged. And, I've always had a generally healthy lawn. Even though the order has been placed, the dealer could almost certainly modify it still unless the bagger was ordered from a third-party company.