Ordered my 2305 today....

[cast_and_blast]

Here is how it broke down price-wise:

• 2305 with Turf Tires
• 200cx & Fluid Filled Tires
• Cruise Control
• 54C Deck
• Independent Mower Lift
• Mulching Kit
• I-Match Quick Hitch
• Forward Light Kit
• Rear Work Light
• Warning Light Brush Kit
• Umbrella (for the wife)
• 5' Frontier Landscape Rake

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If it were me, I'd skip the cruise control, bump up to a 62C deck (gives you clearance to mow closer to things without putting your tractor in harms way) and skip the independent lift (seems it doesn't want to stay up for many). I'd add the ballast box and fill it with concrete.

If you weren't getting the forward light kit I'd siggest moving the ROPS warning lights to the inside of the ROPS, but the foward lights mount on top of the warning light brush kit.

You'll find it's much quicker to just drop the entire 200CX loader than it is to mess with the bucket. Literally, we're talking a couple minutes to mount or unmount the loader.

Looks good - congrats on your decision.

Scott

 

[ChuckinNH]

kvjohndeere has a folding ROPS on his 2305, and tells me that his dealer installed one from a 2320. Though it might cost a bit extra, that would be a nice thing to have too!

 

[BrentP]

You will love this tractor...I am amazed at the things I a have done in only 20 hrs. I would definitely add the JD ballast box. I put a 350 lb Box Blade on the back of mine and it is not as stable as the ballast box filled with cement while hauling rocks around. One trip with a loader full of wet rocks and you will realize how important ballasting is. Plus, the Ballast Box is nice and compact so you don't have to worry as much about swinging the rear end around with bulky attachments.

Also, IMO, cut your grass with the loader OFF. The maneuverability and speed is unbelievable without the loader on. Best thing to do is just try it out yourself with and without and do what you feel comfortable with.

Enjoy...Brent

 

[ragkar]

An amusing sidenote is that you bought that tractor to make things easier. But you're going to have a lot more work now because you will be starting projects that you never considered doing because they were so difficult.
Use this forum a lot to ask for advice. The JD manuals are not very good. For instance in my manual they advise on using the 'float' position on the loader for various operations. But no where do they tell you how to engage it!
Most folks try to keep the tractor as light as possible to avoid digging up the grass. Plan your lawn mowing strategy to avoid sharp turns. For instance, instead of mowing back and forth, adopt a circular path.

 

[chipsndust]

pawnshop:
I have about 150 hours on my 2305. I usually leave the FEL on (bucket off) when I mow. I have a Woods 48" Box Blade, which I find is sufficient ballast for most of what I do. I have moved gravel with the bucket and the box blade was definitely NOT enough ballast. I use the box blade much more than I thought I would.