Keep my 2320 or upgrade to 3320 ??

[Nitro-Fish]

How long has your friend owned the tractor; did he put most of the hours on it? If so, then you may know more about how it was treated than you think. I'm sure when you get a look at it you will be able to tell if it has been well taken care of. I guess there may be some members here that can give you a decent idea of what kind of lifetime (hours wise) you can expect before you have to service the major components like the power & drive train (hydro units or reverser). I sure am hoping I get well over 1600 hours out of my 3320 before having to undertake any major repairs. I would venture to say you will likely pay about twice what your friend is asking for his for a new one assuming it has a 300CX loader (you didn't mention the loader model) & MMM. I'm not sure, but I think the 300CX has a higher (height wise) lift than the 300X, and it definately has more weight capacity. I would also consider the amount of hours per year you anticipate using the tractor (approximately 350hrs based on your current machine) and then look at the life expectancy before any major repairs when doing your cost comparison. I don't know why everyone thinks these compact tractors don't have a decent life expectancy.

 

[jenkinsph]

I think I would be inclined to keep the 2320 you purchased new since you need the small footprint size to get in tight spots. When I could swing it and if I felt the need for the larger size I would look at a 3520 to 4520 cab tractor new. I much prefer to buy new and keep them for a long time and think this is the lowest cost per year. Trading and upgrading is very costly.

 

[bill1369]

Thanks for all the feedback guys.

How crazy / ironic is this: While I was dragging the riding ring tonight (VERY low stress on the tractor) I heard this weird sound underneath the machine. Turned it off and looked underneath....saw nothing weird. Started it back up and BANG....I shut it down immediately and looked underneath again. And the drive shaft spline is laying on the ground....completely sheared off. OMG! Plus I am 6 months out of warranty

When my friend called me the other day about his 3320 he said I should buy the 3320 and keep the 2320 because you'll never know when one breaks down.

I pulled the tractor out of the riding ring with my truck and now it sits waiting for my tractor mechanic friend to come and look at it......but I have a bad feeling about this

 

[Gizmo2]

Thanks for all the feedback guys.

How crazy / ironic is this: While I was dragging the riding ring tonight (VERY low stress on the tractor) I heard this weird sound underneath the machine. Turned it off and looked underneath....saw nothing weird. Started it back up and BANG....I shut it down immediately and looked underneath again. And the drive shaft spline is laying on the ground....completely sheared off. OMG! Plus I am 6 months out of warranty

When my friend called me the other day about his 3320 he said I should buy the 3320 and keep the 2320 because you'll never know when one breaks down.

I pulled the tractor out of the riding ring with my truck and now it sits waiting for my tractor mechanic friend to come and look at it......but I have a bad feeling about this

Sure would like to see some pictures. When I first got under my 2320 the first thing I said to my self was "boy that drive shaft doesn't look all that strong" I just figured JD knew more than me and forgot about it until just now.

 

[bill1369]

I'll take some pics tomorrow.

 

[nwltruck]

Hate to hear about the brake down. I own a 3320 and love it. If you are worried about mowing with a larger machine I would get a 3pt Mower, works well at getting under trees. The price is very good for my area haven't found one for less then 20000 and at that with no cab. Good luck with the repair

 

[Hammsman]

I would buy the 3320 but keep the 2320 and use each for situations best suited for them. You probably won't be able to sell your 2230 for what it is worth, plus you know its a good tractor.

 

[dmay]

And the drive shaft spline is laying on the ground....completely sheared off. OMG! Plus I am 6 months out of warranty (

If it happened to my tractor 6 months out of warranty I would certainly let my dealer know. If my dealer did not find a way to resolve this premature failure for me I'd next contact John Deere directly. I would exepct a letter from a loyal customer outlining your premature drive shaft failure might get very positive results.

 

[bill1369]

Pics can be found in a new thread I started in the Owning/Operating forum on the drive shaft failure:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ating/199396-2320-hydro-drive-shaft-just.html

 

[Gizmo2]

Pics can be found in a new thread I started in the Owning/Operating forum on the drive shaft failure:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ating/199396-2320-hydro-drive-shaft-just.html

Talk about forum etiquette!:thumbsup: Thanks much.