What do you recommend?

[aesanders]

I went over to a local JD dealer today and sat on all three models of tractor. The 2305 was the most comfortable, followed by the 2520, and had the best forward visibility. Surprisingly, the 2320 was least comfortable - although the platform overall is flat there is a raised middle section so wide that my legs are awkwardly spread apart, placing my feet at an uncomfortable angle of engagement to the hydro pedals and brakes. And instead of getting narrower toward the seat it actually gets wider, leaving very little room for my foot to move around. Do folks with 2320s get charlie-horses in their legs after driving the tractor for a while?

I think you are getting the 2320 mixed up with the 2520. The 2520 has the large center hump. The 2320 and 2305 have the same plastic platform. No hump really at all. The 2320 has a little more tummy room to boot. I'm the complete opposite of you, i.e found the 2320 to be most comfortable of all three (although they were all nice and fairly close.)

 

[Kamik]

Well, I took a look at the parts catalogs for the 2320 and 2520 and found that both have a 15x10 wheel option, which on the 2320 is used for the 31x13.50 R3 rear tire. Both also have a 12x7JA wheel which on the 2320 is used with the 23x8.50-12 R3 tire.

Interestingly, the 15x10 wheel on the 2520 is part number LVA13904 and on the 2320 is LVA13903. Are they really the same wheel, does the 31x13.50 R3 fit the 2520? One would think that part numbers are consistent across catalogs so I guess I'll visit the dealer and ask. The front wheel for both models has the same part number, LVA13905.

And while I'm at the dealer I think I'll go for a drive and try them both!

Kamik

 

[DixieExpat]

I think you are getting the 2320 mixed up with the 2520. The 2520 has the large center hump. The 2320 and 2305 have the same plastic platform. No hump really at all. The 2320 has a little more tummy room to boot. I'm the complete opposite of you, i.e found the 2320 to be most comfortable of all three (although they were all nice and fairly close.)

Not to hijack the thread, but since the topic has come up...

That was my impression as well. I've sat on a 2520 two times, and both times my knee was against the throttle and my thigh was pushing on the loader joystick (yes, the seat was all the way back). I sat on a 2320 once, and it seemed fairly comfortable without interfering with any controls.

Problem is that these tractors are at different dealerships, and not side-by-side. In fact the 2320 was in the shop being rigged for delivery, and is probably not available anymore.

I'm in a similar boat as the OP. I want a small frame tractor for small tractor work. My problem is finding a good one that fits MY frame. If anyone else has any experience in small tractors for big men (6'5", 300 lbs.) I would appreciate the input.

 

[aesanders]

If anyone else has any experience in small tractors for big men (6'5", 300 lbs.) I would appreciate the input.

Deere's are about as roomy a small tractor as you will find. I sat aand operated on just about all small tractors a couple years back when I was looking and they were the most comfortable. I'm a big guy and need all the room I can get, so a roomy platform is one of my highet priorities. Also, all of my prior machines were much larger with nice layouts so I paid particular attention to where everything was placed ke the loader and hydro pedals. Now recently, their have been a couple new models out that I haven't had the pleasure to see. Massey has the GC2400 and GC2600 series subcompacts that look really nice (and roomy), and Kubota has some new small frame tractors also.

I'd be really interested in that Massey GC2610 with Backhoe if I were shopping today.

 

[ChuckinNH]

The operator area, and seat adjustment on the new Kubota B2x20 series is much more roomy than the old ones were. There is a difference in seat travel though between those that have a backhoe mounted, and those that don't. I can't remember which has more. Of the 2000 series JD's, I like the 2320, and 2305 the best for comfort. I'm 6'2" and 220lbs

 

[aesanders]

The operator area, and seat adjustment on the new Kubota B2x20 series is much more roomy than the old ones were.

Chuck, what's your opinion of the new Bota's?

I haven't had time to go look at them, but they do look good online.. How would you compare to the Deere's of the same size? You seem to be very unbiased in your opinions, and I always appreciate hearing your thoughts..

 

[DixieExpat]

Thanks for the input. I'm going to have to find both models side by side for a complete fit test and test drive.

 

[DixieExpat]

I had to drive 2 and a half hours to find them, but I finally got a side by side comparison of the 2520 and 2320. The 2320 has more operator room, no question. I would have liked to have been able to consider the 2520, but the fact that my knee rides the throttle and my thigh presses on the loader joystick pretty much rules it out.

It's not all bad, though. Since I'm looking for an all-in-one for a 10 acre property the 2320 seems to be a good tractor/mower compromise.

 

[Birdmayon]

As far as the legroom/joystick etc, when I got my 2520, the joystick adjustment was out of whack and i had the same issue. I adjusted it (joystick position) and it's good to go now. I'm 6'4" and have no legroom issues, and my knee doesn't crowd the throttle at all.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Chuck, what's your opinion of the new Bota's?

I haven't had time to go look at them, but they do look good online.. How would you compare to the Deere's of the same size? You seem to be very unbiased in your opinions, and I always appreciate hearing your thoughts..

I somehow missed this thread lately, so I'm sorry about being slow getting back to you.

I have no real experience with either the Deere, or Kubota tractors this size. With that said, I do have some observations.
The quotes that I received brought the Deere 2320 in at $1700 more than the Kubota B2320.
There are differences in the tractors that can be important to some people. The bare tractors are very comparable, advantage to the Kubota for the 3 speed hydro I suppose. There is somewhat more seat travel on the Kubota, but the loader control is positioned better on the deere. Power is similar as are weights, and capabilities. The main differences in my eyes start showing up when you add things to the bare tractor. The new Kubota loader is more streamlined, but sacrifices visibility. The arms are close to the tractor, and there are hoses restricting the view of the bucket. Not bad, but not as nice as it could be. Quick change bucket is standard on the Deere, and only available 3rd party on the Kubota. $700-$1000 of the price difference right there if you want to use forks, or a larger bucket for mulch, or snow, etc. Certainly ( I'm assuming here that the same attachments available for the B7x10 series will be available for the B2x20 series) the front mounted attachments for the Kubota are much better mathed size wise than the ones available currently for the Deere. Backhoes for both have identical capacities. The Kubota hoe is more tightly intergrated, and takes up less storage space. Some would argue that it also is easier to install, and remove. It does have only 150 degrees of boom swing though as opposed to the full 180 on the Deere hoe, and that can make a big difference in how easy it is to position the tractor for both digging, and placing the spoils. I find the new three speed hydro on the Kubota to be much quieter, and smoother than the one it replaces, and like that though I am not one that sees the three speeds as a big deal. My land is too rough to mow faster than the low range on a Deere.
To sumarize:
Kubota
loader speed / dual functioning (lift/curl, etc)
nice hydro
intergrated backhoe
price
front mounted attachments

Deere
QC loader buckets, etc.
position control
steering brakes
loader visibility

Equal
ergonomics
mmm ( though too early to be sure)
comfort
nimbleness ( though Deere is less likely to cut turf on turns)
power
reliability
capabilities

I tend to like the larger B Kubota's over the Deere 2520, but that could change with the upcoming 2720