thinking of upgrade to 2305

[jcmseven]

None of these tractors will mow REALLY well at 7+ MPH. They will mow at that speed and they will do a decent, but not perfect, job. They really mow best a 5-6 MPH, for the smoothest cut quality. The 2320 is ratioed to run about 13 mph in high range, so it is lugging a bit at 6 mph. But, although I do not know what the low range top speed is, on mine it seems to run about 6 mph, which would be fine for mowing. Perhaps the 2305 is a smidge better mower than the 2320, but not enough to offset the liabilities it has v. the 2320 otherwise. I really put these two machines through their paces before deciding and though the 2305 is a solid machine and I would have been happy with one, the 2320 seems to be a step above, which it should be based on its JD position as a "20 series" machine.

John M

 

[bruiserx2]

What is the speed for low range in the 2320? Do most people mow at 5-7 MPH? It makes sense to mow at that speed, I think most of the JD mowers go that.

 

[Phineas7]

I don't own either of the machines your looking at, but just reading your posts, mowing is by far your primary need and all the rest is "projects". Project end, but the grass keeps going. If your like me it's easier to get it to start with than add it later. I think I'd get the less expensive tractor (2305) and spring for the BH. I'd bet you could sell it later if you really decided you didn't want it. As far as slower hydralics go and using the FEL being better on bigger tractors, you just need to consider how much of that you'll be doing.
I have a 790 which is not considered great for lots of loader work because of the old style gear transmission. The first year I owned it I did a huge grading project, and yes, changing from forward to reverse became a pain. Now that that project is done I only use the FEL on occasion, it's still great to have, but it's not the tractors primary use any more. However, the features that I wanted for the long term made it a good choice for me. I need to bush-hog in the woods, so I needed ground clearance, PTO power, good handling on the sides of hills (filled R4's) and the ability to climb steep teraces and go thru ditches. 2305 was too small and the 3000 series were too big, but either would have been easier to dig with.

 

[castiman]

I have started thinking the same way. Go with the 2320, FEL, Toothbar, MMM and get the backhoe at a later date if I really want it/need it. The main reason I have been focused on the 2305 is the mowing. What I have read is the 2305 you can just go and mow in either high or low. The 2320 is not really geared that well for mowing and on hills you may need to switch from high to low and vice versa. Any thoughts or experience from you guys/gals out there mowing with the 2320 would be great.

I also like the faster hydraulics on the 2320. I am so torn, this decision is tough. I am trying to not let price play a huge role in it but is hard. I want the best base tractor that meets my needs now and will be enough for the future. I think the 2305 may be that tractor by the ground clearance, better 3 point hitch and faster hydraulics of the 2320 is appealing.

I had a jd216 for 20 years and finally upgraded in 07 for the 2305.Think ahead on what your really going to mainly use the tractor for. My main needs are for mowing and snow removal,I did a lot of research and I could not justify the extra cash on the base tractor between the 2305 and 2320 considering the little difference between the two.I put that extra money into attachments.Money is an important issue with alot of us or we wouldn't be trying to decide what to get ,you we would just get it.I would of loved the 2520.Just wasn't practical. I hope this kind of helps, good luck.

 

[ScottK]

I have a JD LT180 mower and it is no faster than the 2320 in low gear. Plus the deck is narrower than the 2320, so it doesn't mow as much at once. If your terrain is rough, you will want the clearance of the 2320. It is the 2520 that has faster hydraulics though. If you really intend to clear all those stumps, bigger is better (and pricier of course). Stability decreases as you go up the line due to the increasing bottom clearance. If I was going to go bigger than 2320 I would go to the wider 3xxx series because of that - I have hills.

 

[jcmseven]

Jim,

There actually is a pretty large difference between the 2305 and the 2320. When I was looking at a new tractor I tried to decide what gave me the most for the money I was spending. The 2320 offers much faster loader dynamics, larger tires and a heavier chassis. It has a larger transaxle, more top speed and a full Cat One 3 point hitch. It has adjustable rockshaft control, a one-piece hood, folding ROPS, and better lights, etc. All this (plus I am sure some things I could not think of) were less than $2K difference in price--and with JD 0%/48 financing, it makes sense to think about going into a larger machine, no better time. My opinion of the 2520 and 2720 v. the 2320 do not offer that much more. They have more weight and direct injected diesels, but offer no more ground clearance. The loaders are faster and they have more hydraulic flow, but most of this is steering delinineated. Hitches and lift capacities are the same or very close for all three, but the higher numbered 2000 series machines quickly approach the price of the 3000 series machines, making this decision more difficult. As has been said, not everyone, including me really needs a 3000 series sized machine (I didn't) but with the deals out there it would be reason enough to consider upbuying from a 2305 to a 2320 or from a 2520/2720 to a 3120 or 3320.

John M

 

[VABlue]

Bruiser, you have 2 acres and time to work on projects - be careful not to get too large a machine. I have a 2305 for 5 acres, only 2 of which are cleared (the rest is still forest) and it's overkill 90% of the time I use it. It is fun, though! Mowing and mulching are most of what I do. However, I have dropped over 20 tree's and used the FEL to help cut and remove them (carrying and dragging with the 3ph). I've also moved several tons of dirt, sand, and stone for various projects, including tilling, disking, and leveling the yard. The bush hog is used in a power line easement that is rough, and I've never had an issue with the tranny filter or fan blades. If you're careful, you can avoid problems with them. That said, I wish someone would fabricate a skid plate that connects to the MMM lifters and was therefore as easy to use as the mower. My fabrication skills are fantastic when I'm dreaming, but not too good otherwise!

The 'limited' part of the cat 1 hitch is hieght - it won't lift as high. That means you need a smaller auger attachment, but that's about it. It won't carry as much weight and does move slower. But that's where the 'time' part comes in... If you can take the time, the machine will do it right. I say save the money and take the time.

 

[LBrown59]

Bruiser, you have 2 acres and time to work on projects -
be careful not to get too large a machine. I have a 2305 for 5 acres, only 2 of which are cleared (the rest is still forest) and it's overkill 90% of the time I use it. It is fun, though! Mowing and mulching are most of what I do. However, I have dropped over 20 tree's and used the FEL to help cut and remove them (carrying and dragging with the 3ph). I've also moved several tons of dirt, sand, and stone for various projects, including tilling, disking, and leveling the yard. The bush hog is used in a power line easement that is rough, and I've never had an issue with the tranny filter or fan blades. If you're careful, you can avoid problems with them. That said, I wish someone would fabricate a skid plate that connects to the MMM lifters and was therefore as easy to use as the mower. My fabrication skills are fantastic when I'm dreaming, but not too good otherwise!

The 'limited' part of the cat 1 hitch is hieght - it won't lift as high. That means you need a smaller auger attachment, but that's about it. It won't carry as much weight and does move slower. But that's where the 'time' part comes in... If you can take the time, the machine will do it right. I say save the money and take the time.

Yeah or he could find himself in the situation of having to hire out the tractor to keep it busy when he suddenly and unexpectedly finds himself caught up on all his projects.
I know cause I'm at this stage presently.

 

[orlo]

More of a question than a statement. I haven't driven a 2320, but specwise it's hydraulics are just a tiny bit more than the 2305 (With the exception of pressure so the 2320 will lift more with 400+psi more in the lines). The 2520 on the other hand just about doubles the pump volume compared to the 2305.

Is the 2320 that much faster (hydraulic wise) than the 2305?

 

[jenkinsph]

Reading through this thread it is obvious to me that you need a larger machine to use for about three or four days and the mower you currently have should be fine if everything is fixed right. I would rent a 110 tlb or a 310 backhoe to remove stumps and grade and fill or hire it done. Then use a mower to cut the grass. Way more cost effective.

That said some guys have motorcycles, sportscars and ski boats for recreation I like tractors and have alot of fun using them. I don't even try to justify my purchases based on my 3.5 acres of yard. Depending on where you are in life and your circumstances I say buy whatever tractor you wan't.



Steve