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

 

[jcmseven]

Orlo,

Yes, it is much faster. Also, keep in mind the implement flow of the 2520 is, I think, around 5 gpm; where the 2320 is around 3.4 and the 2305 is around 2.9. The lift capacities for the 2320 and 2520 are pretty close, as is the PSI both of which are notably more than the 2305. In using all three, one gets what one expects. The 2520/2720 are the fastest, and notably so; the 2320 is in the middle and the 2305 is the slowest. I have used each of these machines and the 2320 has a notably faster loader speed than does the 2305, and it lifts more.

John M

 

[bruiserx2]

Well I am still waiting to hear back from John Deere. So that gives me more time to complicate this discussion and my decision.

I have decided to go with either the 2305 or the 2320 anything bigger would be wasteful and anything smaller like a 7 series is not up to the task. I agree with some of the posts saying that 90% of the time I will be mowing and that is true once the lawn is in place and the yard is done but that may be a 1 to 3 years from now. In the meantime I do need to pull those stumps, level the backyard, convert some wooded area into the yard, level out the terrain of the front etc. For that I think I do need a FEL with a toothbar either machine will do, however the faster hydraulics and the extra weight of the 2320 should make the job easier. The differences between the MMMs of the 2305 & 2320 seem minimal. Both do a great job. Does one work better than the other, not that I have read but the drive over deck is neat. The BH is still a wide open debate for me. My gut says just pull the trigger but my brain is saying not yet.

I started out looking for the best all around machine that John Deere makes. I want a machine that is a bit of overkill that way it will do everything I need/want it to. When starting this post I thought I found it in the 2305, but as the discussions continue I find myself leaning to the 2320. Where does it stop there always seems to be an upgrade or something better. And as many of you out there have already dealt with, I want to buy the right machine the first time and have no regrets. The 2305 is a huge upgrade for me as I have never owned a tractor. It is able to do everything I need just a little slower than the 2320. Ground clearance is not that much of a concern. A folding ROPS would be great and to get one through JD for the 2305 is $700 bucks. Before I spend $700 on a folding ROPS I would just upgrade. The thought of just taking the ROPS off has run though my mind a number of times but I am sure it is a foolish thought as they are there for a reason. Anyway I appreciate everyone痴 feedback and input.

 

[bruiserx2]

Anyone have side by side pictures of the 2305 and 2320? Or know of a spot on the net I can look thanks.

Also I would be thinking about a box blade. I have never used one are they worth it?

 

[ScottK]

I could not live without my box blade. I have the Frontier 2048. You will need it to smooth things out and move dirt around. With the toothbar on the bucket it will be the only effective way to really smooth things out. The rippers on it help rip roots and rocks out of the ground as well. A triple bonus is the weight of it makes a great counterbalance to the loader. Get the heaviest one you can afford. Nothing less that the 2048 on the 2320 - probably no wider though.

Don't take the ROPS off. Plenty of video links in the safety forum here to show you why. If you get the foldable one then you can put it down when tree clearance is a problem. Just know that you wear the seatbelt when ROPS is up and must NOT wear it when ROPS is down.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Some things can't be done "just slower" with a smaller machine. Here is a link to a video of a 2320 digging a stump with the backhoe. Though the backhoe is about the same price as the one on a 2305, it is just stronger. You would not be breaking roots this size with the 2305 hoe.
YouTube - Removing a Stump with a John Deere Tractor
Here is a picture of a 2305 beside a 2320

 

[castiman]

Anyone have side by side pictures of the 2305 and 2320? Or know of a spot on the net I can look thanks.

Also I would be thinking about a box blade. I have never used one are they worth it?

It sounds like you haven't seen these tractors in person. If you haven't sat on one or tried it out it would be even harder making the right choice. Is there other dealers within a reasonable distant from you where they might have these tractors or have sold them to someone where you might look at them.

 

[bruiserx2]

Funny you mention this as I asked the dealer today if I could stop up next week and look at both. Here's the problem. The dealer has a 2305 but it does not have a FEL or BH on it. They do not have a 2320 on the lot and MIGHT have one this spring but no promises. The other dealer within 25 miles has not returned two phone calls and one email. I even emailed JD and asked them to locate the best dealer who would have both. I only get an email back saying they reached out to a few dealers and I should hear form someone. I have not.
I have sat on a 2305 but I have not driven one as the dealer was closed. I have no real seat time. I am going next Wednesday to drive the 2305, but without the attachments I am afraid I can not get a good feel. Hence the main reason for all my questions.
The dealer told me today that he feels the 2305 would be the best machine for me. The 2320 not only costs more but so does the BH and MMM so the differences in more like $4000 not $2000.

 

[Kamik]

I can appreciate the needs analysis, fact-finding and decisioning process you're going through as I did the same thing last year.

Originally, I was going to buy a 2305 TLB and got a good price quote on it, too, $17500 delivered. But I ended up with a 2520 instead! How did that happen?

The 2305 TLB is a wondrous little ant, that given enough time, can with little bites literally move mountains while retaining the maneuverability of a garden tractor. But it has characteristics that may or may not be issues for you. For example, the low ground clearance and lack of protection around the hydro filter was a show stopper for me because of the work I'm doing in the woods.

The 2520 has more power, hydraulic flow, ground clearance and load bearing capacity. It's heavier, transfers more power to ground and PTO attchments and is more rugged. But depending on the jobs in mind, one may or may not be more versatile or best suited to your needs than the other.

I initially identified landscaping as primary use, i.e., moving earth and bulk other materials, digging post holes, lifting trees and shrubs, and pulling logs and wagons. Later I added moving 500-800 lb. rocks. And since then I've added subsoiling and tilling (method to be determined, plow or rototiller) multiple 4+ acre fields along with small garden plots.

Before making the buying decision I rented a 2520 with FEL and backhoe for a weekend and tested how well it could everything I had in mind. I even dug out the stump of a 60 ft spruce tree, pulled some old fence posts and moved that 10 yard pile of gravel I'd had sitting around for too long. I also visited the dealer and drove around the 2305 and 2320. I found that, ergonomically, the 2305 and 2520 had equivalent operator feel, but with the 2320 my knee kept banging the dual SCV control stick. And although the dealer was willing to sell any or all of the three, he would not sell a 2320 with backhoe as there were too many issues regarding the suitability of a hoe on that model and product returns.

The 2520 cost a LOT more than the 2305, money that could have been spent on more attachments. If I'd bought the 2305, this winter I'd be moving snow with a snowblower rather than the FEL, and in the comfort of an after market heated cab! In restrospect, I realize that for the really heavy or big jobs or jobs that I don't have a lot of time to do, I'll rent a machine designed and sized for it, as in the long run it'll be cheaper and safer to have the right machine and minimize the wear and tear on the 2520.

I now have 45 hours on the beast. Without the hydro oil and coolant heaters it starts and goes when the temperature is well below zero. It does everything I ask it to do. And I enjoy the seat time. I think you will, too, regardless of which model you end up buying.

Kamik

 

[bruiserx2]

Kamik,

Thanks for the response I do appreciate it.

You mentioned that the dealer would not sell a 2320 with a BH because there were too many issues regarding the suitability of a hoe on that model and product returns. Was that the same for the 2305 or would he sell a 2305 with a BH. Afterall the 2305s BH is smaller.

 

[Kamik]

No problem with a hoe on the 2305 and 2520, only on the 2320. Keep in mind that his experience may not be representative of the total population of 2320s with backhoe's - there are probably many out there digging just fine.

The hoe is a standard option for the 2320 and I believe the dealer and/or manufacturer would support any customer experiencing a legitimate issue with the product.

Kamik