msengstock
Bronze Member
FWIW, I have an x728 - had no need for 4ws and wanted the ability to add a loader. Mainly a lawn mowing machine on some pretty rocky, bumpy, root infested NE land - about 2.5 acres. I bought mine with the 45 loader - and use it all the time. Beats using a wheel barrow.
I debated the 2305 when I bought it, but had no need for a backhoe (and still don't) - BUT - due to some of the operational peculiarities on the X728 (3ph and loader curl simulataneaous operation, having to remove the loader to remove the mowing deck, the 3ph depth control requires getting off and turning a screw about 50 times to lock it in the up position, etc) and some restrictions of the loader - lift height mainly - can't dump mulch over my 6 foot fence by the pool ... sure I can lift it that high, but not when you uncurl the bucket to dump it (I think the 2305 is basically the same in this regard) I would consider the 2520/2720 for the lift height and the ability (at extra cost) easily switch from loader to 3ph work with out them moving at the same time. But then you are officially out of the ballpark in regards to the x7XX price range.
Oh, and the Deere dealership here won't sell me an imatch because it's "not recommended" on the X series - so attaching and removing heavy implements can be a bear - or at the very least a knuckle busting, bloody profanity laced experience.
Anyway, just my novice 2 cents.
Mike
I debated the 2305 when I bought it, but had no need for a backhoe (and still don't) - BUT - due to some of the operational peculiarities on the X728 (3ph and loader curl simulataneaous operation, having to remove the loader to remove the mowing deck, the 3ph depth control requires getting off and turning a screw about 50 times to lock it in the up position, etc) and some restrictions of the loader - lift height mainly - can't dump mulch over my 6 foot fence by the pool ... sure I can lift it that high, but not when you uncurl the bucket to dump it (I think the 2305 is basically the same in this regard) I would consider the 2520/2720 for the lift height and the ability (at extra cost) easily switch from loader to 3ph work with out them moving at the same time. But then you are officially out of the ballpark in regards to the x7XX price range.
Oh, and the Deere dealership here won't sell me an imatch because it's "not recommended" on the X series - so attaching and removing heavy implements can be a bear - or at the very least a knuckle busting, bloody profanity laced experience.
Anyway, just my novice 2 cents.
Mike