New Member Introduction

Runner · May 14, 2007

Hi all. New member from Missouri here making an introduction. I have recently moved to six acres of rolling hills that need to be finish mowed (2 acres) and rough cut (4 acres). Slopes in some areas are fairly steep (up to 17 degrees) but for the most part, it is just lawn and pasture grass on fairly gentle slopes. Some of the ground is a little rough, but no stumps or rocks to speak of.

I'm on the verge of making a decision on a compact utility (or maybe even sub compact?), however, I'm somewhat torn. As you can see from my avatar, I'm doing the whole thing now with a 1989 JD185 (38 inch mower deck). It is a tough little lawn mower for sure, but won't last much longer under this pressure.

To the point, I'm thinking of a 2520, but have some reservations that lead me to also considering the 2305. I really like the idea of staying small for the maneuverability and finish mowing ability, but am aware that it would take forever to mow the 4 acres with a 4 foot cutter. I will also be buying a 200CX, rear blade, box blade, 60 inch rotary cutter and snow blade. Maybe pallet forks and snow blower just for fun in the future.

Questions:

1. The stories of the 62D mower wheels have turned me off on that deck (maybe unnecessarily?) so I'm considering going with a RFM. However, the dealer pointed out that running the wheels wide side out(necessary for the side slopes?) would not leave much trimming ability with a 60 RFM. Does anyone here run a 72 inch RFM on a 2520 and does it handle it OK? (I'm thinking of a Frontier GM2072R).

2. On the slopes I mentioned, does everyone agree that the rear wheels must be run wide side out? I would rather stay away from weighted tires if possible.

If it works, I tried to attach pics showing the front yard and the 17 degree side slope (to the left of the driveway in the snow picture).

I really enjoy reading what the group has to say and have been lurking for quite some time, trying to gather information.

Thanks to all.

EdC · May 14, 2007

Wow pretty place. Welcome there are sure a lot of smart people that can teach you a lot here...wish I was one of them but I'm pretty new myself. My two cents; look at the 2305 or 2320 they are really stable on hills. I have loaded tires on mine but it has no problem going up or down a hill at the back of my place that is pretty steep. No side hilling though

Best bet is to see if a dealer will bring one out for you to drive on your place and let you try the tractor mower combo. That will get rid of a lot of your "dicker room" if you find what you want though. Don't limit yourself yo green either. I shopped around and the best dealer/tractor combo I could find was a John Deere dealer. You may find another combo that fits you better. Don't get me wrong I am perfectly happy with my tractor, except it needs a toothbar, and a box scraper, and a rear mower, and a backhoe and a.....

JDFANATIC · May 15, 2007

runner,

First, welcome to the forum!

Nice piece of property you have there. That's a lot of cutting for a JD185 (I used to have one of these with the 46" deck and they are nice little tractors). As for some of your questions, I believe the 62D wheel problem has been addressed (the newer decks come with wider wheels and grease fittings). I do think your tractor would handle a 72" RFM though as a buddy of mine uses an 84" RFM on his 770 and you have a few more ponies on the 2520. As for the 2305 or 2320 question; I would like the 2320 better with a rear cutter do to the position control on the 3PH, but with your slopes, you probably would find you would me cutting in the low-range. While the low-range on the 2320 is faster than the low-range on the 2305, it is much slower than the high-range on the 2305. You might find if you drove each on your property that the 2305 might be the more productive choice.

I'm thinking a test drive on your property might be wise.

Happy hunting!

JerryG · May 15, 2007

The width of the wheels make a world of difference and with slopes up to 17*, you do need them set out. As far as weights go, there are ways to get around them being semi-permanent. Here is how I did it.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/65/sort/1/cat/500/page/1
As EdC said don't limit yourself to one color. I don't know what part of Missouri you are in but I wouldn't never have believed how many customers that my dealer has from there. He sells a lot of tractors and equipment in Missouri and I see tractors in for service from there pretty often.

RollTideRam · May 15, 2007

I saw a pic yesterday where Deere had installed the grease fitting on the 62d. That fixed mine. A 72" mmm is listed for the 2520 so a 72' rfm should work. Always try to mow up and down the hills instead of side hilling. I do mow some steep ditches with my 2520 (side hill) with no problems though. JC

Runner · May 15, 2007

Thanks for the responses guys. Good information as always. I really think I have settled on the 2520 because I need the 60 inch rotary cutter for my pasture.

My wife reminded me that I once said I was glad I "overbought" when I got my lawn tractor and she thinks I should go for the 2520 over the 2305. So, who am I to argue with her?

I'm hoping that the combination of a rear finish mower hanging on the back and some suitcase weights on the front, along with setting the wheels on the wide setting, will provide the hill stability I need. Seems like mowing up and down on some of them isn't an option due to obstructions located at the top.

I guess if it feels scary, I can always keep using the lawn tractor on the real steep areas and the big machine on everything else.

I'll be sure and post pics when the BIG DAY finally arrives.

Thanks again to all.

Chris2520 · May 16, 2007

You will be so pleased. I love mine....

ducati996 · May 16, 2007

Runner said:
Thanks for the responses guys. Good information as always. I really think I have settled on the 2520 because I need the 60 inch rotary cutter for my pasture.

My wife reminded me that I once said I was glad I "overbought" when I got my lawn tractor and she thinks I should go for the 2520 over the 2305. So, who am I to argue with her?

I'm hoping that the combination of a rear finish mower hanging on the back and some suitcase weights on the front, along with setting the wheels on the wide setting, will provide the hill stability I need. Seems like mowing up and down on some of them isn't an option due to obstructions located at the top.

I guess if it feels scary, I can always keep using the lawn tractor on the real steep areas and the big machine on everything else.

I'll be sure and post pics when the BIG DAY finally arrives.

Thanks again to all.

Any Loader asperations? probably buying now will save you (part of the package) compared to later -

I think having the value stems inside, and loading the tires (no corrosive type like RimGuard) with liquid will do wonders for stability - I dont think you mentioned the type of tires but the choice of R3 (turfs) or R4 (industry) are all thats offered for the 2520. I find R4 do not damaged lawns under normal conditions. Dont turn tight radius while in 4wd however....

Good luck either way

Runner · May 18, 2007

Ducati,

Yes, a 200CX loader will definitely be part of the package, along with a 61inch bucket. I do have some grading projects in my future, as well as gravel drive maintenance.

From what I've read, it sounds like the R4's are a good way to go, although the turfs do look cool.

I'm really concerned about the stability aspect of things because there seem to be a number of areas where the only practial way to mow is side hill, not up and down. I'm just afraid that trial and error may not be the best way to find out the limits of the 2520. I know that I can mow these hills all day long with the lawn tractor, even lean to the outside and the thing doesn't even start to tip, but, having no experience with a bigger tractor, I just don't have a feel for where the limits are.

RE: the 62D wheel issue - it's kind of interesting that the wheels are doing just what everyone's complaining about on the video on the JD web site when they show the unit operating with the 62D. They don't show them taking out divots though...

Runner

ducati996 · May 20, 2007

Runner said:
Ducati,

Yes, a 200CX loader will definitely be part of the package, along with a 61inch bucket. I do have some grading projects in my future, as well as gravel drive maintenance.

From what I've read, it sounds like the R4's are a good way to go, although the turfs do look cool.

I'm really concerned about the stability aspect of things because there seem to be a number of areas where the only practial way to mow is side hill, not up and down. I'm just afraid that trial and error may not be the best way to find out the limits of the 2520. I know that I can mow these hills all day long with the lawn tractor, even lean to the outside and the thing doesn't even start to tip, but, having no experience with a bigger tractor, I just don't have a feel for where the limits are.

RE: the 62D wheel issue - it's kind of interesting that the wheels are doing just what everyone's complaining about on the video on the JD web site when they show the unit operating with the 62D. They don't show them taking out divots though...

Runner

I’m pretty sure they fixed the 62D issue - see other threads on that subject. I do know adding liquid to the rear tires, along with placing them in the widest position (valve stem inside) adds significantly to stability. Wither or not that will help you with your needs based on your description I don’t know. Either the dealer can help you make that decision or maybe just leave it to the Lawn tractor to handle those areas. That’s a difficult thing to answer without seeing the location.

Have fun either way - and show pictures when you get it home

Duc