opinions on a used 2320/2520

[Neandertaler]

Well, I thought that a 2520 is of sufficient size for handling my Tasks, taking it slow and bite by bite. Of course a pro with bigger Equipment will be more efficient, faster and the result will probably way be better. But the DIY aspekt is part of the fun for me ;-). I assumed I could use a 250 -250 Kg box blade or a land plane scraper and just go over my driveway like once a month and it will look way better than what I have now. And although the CX200 lifts only 400 Kg, It shurely will come in Handy taking care of everything, hauling small stuff around and so forth.

 

[KennyG]

So you think a 2520 will pull a box blade well enough without the rear tires filled? Good luck with it, I make my living doing this work and only use a small box blade to work under low branches and close quarters work.

My 2320 does ok with a 5 foot box blade without the tires filled. I know it wouldn't be the best choice for a professional, but we're only talking about a couple of acres here.

 

[kwbretired]

The concern I would have with the 2320 being stored in a salty environment would be the electrical connections & electronics. If the paint was eaten away, imagine the condition of the wiring. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Neandertaler]

Thanks for the Input. I have not yet thought of the electrics. As I will be Close to the dealer at the Weekend, I will take a look anyway, but will probably drop out of the "salty" 2320 anyway as there are too many risks for a non-mechanics like me with too much Money involved. If I spend that much Money, I want a tractor i do not have to think about or have any fear of breaking down in the close future. I will also take a look at a Kubota B2530 which is a EU-only model. It has the same D1105 engine as the US B2630 but with a smaller Frame (even smaller than the Standard B). The B2630 has a wheelbase of 65 inches, the standard B of 61 inches and the european B2530 only has 59 inches. It is actually very close to a B2620 with the luxury features of the 30 series exept the telescoping lower links and stabilizers. This might be a very good mowing Maschine as it is 250 Pounds lighter than the B2630 but still has a very high Lifting capacity at the 3-point.

 

[jenkinsph]

Most compact tractors today can lift twice what they can work well with in actual use. My tractor can lift 2500 lbs on the rear hitch but a 1250 lb. brush mower is a lot to handle without plenty of front weight. For that reason I feel you really need to think what the issues might be with your focus on light tractors. I would recommend you try to get a demo with the tractor you select to see if it will perform to your expectations before committing the money for it.

I much prefer to have a light mower with low pressure tires and a separate ballasted tractor for the higher draft work work. Short of that rent or hire a larger machine for the big jobs.

 

[Neandertaler]

Well after so many advice and also "warnings" of getting rid of my X495, I will rent a Deere 2520 from the Deere dealer nearby and see for myself. I will check for quality of cut, tearing up the lawn and power in high gear for mowing up a hill. As the 2520 is the biggest and heaviest of all tractors I am interested in, that will be a good test. If the 2520 can only mow in low and low is too slow, the 2520 is out of the question anyway. But if manueverbility and everything else is ok, I can proceed going with the bigger tractor route and look at the Kubotas with the 3 range hydro. If not, I will Keep my X495 for the rest of my life ;-) Thanks for all the good advice you guys and I will give an update after the test.

 

[varmint]

In a sense, I have dealt with some of your potential issues, although I do not mow with my tractor. I plow snow, drill post holes, and use the loader for moving stuff from mulch to gravel. At the same time, I have to drive over lawn areas, so while our L3130 Kubota, which weighted over 5000 lbs (loaded rear tires) was ideal for plowing snow and moving heavy loader stuff, it's R-4s left divots in anything wetter than a dry lawn. The present L3400 is about 2000 lbs lighter, with turf tires, and more acceptable. If I am lifting something heavy or plowing, I use a weight box on the rear to balance- the point is, I can control weight somewhat. Using rear spacers and chains almost makes up for the missing ton when pushing snow. Physical size was an issue, as well, and the smaller L3400 is more maneuverable around trees and shrubs. For various uses, probably no single tractor is perfect for all purposes, but you can do pretty well if you get the right mix. By the way, I really like Kubotas, and would recommend you give them a good look. Renting and testing is a great idea!

 

[jenkinsph]

Well after so many advice and also "warnings" of getting rid of my X495, I will rent a Deere 2520 from the Deere dealer nearby and see for myself. I will check for quality of cut, tearing up the lawn and power in high gear for mowing up a hill. As the 2520 is the biggest and heaviest of all tractors I am interested in, that will be a good test. If the 2520 can only mow in low and low is too slow, the 2520 is out of the question anyway. But if manueverbility and everything else is ok, I can proceed going with the bigger tractor route and look at the Kubotas with the 3 range hydro. If not, I will Keep my X495 for the rest of my life ;-) Thanks for all the good advice you guys and I will give an update after the test.

I think you will find you can mow with the 2520. Question is how well you can box blade with a light 2520.

 

[Neandertaler]

Unfortunately, the Deere dealer does not have the 2520 any more for rent and although they do have a 2032R, they do not rent out anything with a belly mower. Furthermore, it seems that currently I do not get any viable Feedback/interest from anybody wanting to buy my X495, which I have put up to some used sales sites. So I will back off a little and wait what happens with my current Maschine. Thanks for all the help and Input anyway......