Upgrade 2320 to 2720?

[Phunge]

Hello all.

After much reading and research, and with the kind assistance of this forum, I purchased a 2320 in 2007. I have a 62d MMM, 200CX loader, Ballast Box, 54" front blade and a spreader (used mainly for spreading sand/salt in the winter on my hilly drive)

I've been mostly happy with my purchase, but I do find that the loader operation is a bit slow, and that high-range is mostly useless on my hilly lot.

I'm now contemplating the purchase of a backhoe, and have been tempted to trade up to a 2720 at the same time. I would keep most of my attachments, but require a new 62d MMM deck as the deck for the 2320 is not compatible with the 2720.

Can anyone with a 2720 and MMM confirm if mowing in high-range is possible? What about manouvering up steep inclines in high-range?

There was a thread quite some time ago around compatibility between the 62d Mid Mount Mower and the 46 backhoe on the 2320/2520, and this was one of the reasons I decided on the 2320 over the 2520:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...564-bh-mower-question-2320-a.html#post1132975

The issue was that with the 2520, when switching from MMM to BH, the attaching parts for the mid-mount-mower had to be removed (requiring tools). The 2320 used different attaching parts and did not require that they be removed -- the switchover could be done quicker, and without tools.

Here is some deere documentation (originally posed by Efreet) describing the issue:

Does anyone know if this incompatibility still exists? Does anyone have a 2720 with MMM (mechanical lift) and BH and can describe the changeover process?

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

Hello all.
Can anyone with a 2720 and MMM confirm if mowing in high-range is possible? What about manouvering up steep inclines in high-range?

The JD 3320 is rated 32.5 hp - has a top speed in high range of 18mph. I can easily mow with 72" MMM in high range, although rarely go over 5 - 6 mph considering bumps and turning etc.

The JD 2720 is rated 31.4 hp - basically same engine - has top speed of 13.5 mph, so strictly from a gearing point of view I see no reason why mowing in high range would not be possible.

As for "steep inclines in high range" My 3320 will not do it. Same HP and smaller tractor and lower gearing on 2720 - might go up some "steep inclines", but at some point low range will be necessary.

Why do you want to / need to go up "steep inclines" in high range?

 

[Phunge]

Thanks for the feedback.

It's not that I 'need' to go up my hills in high-range -- I've been getting by with the 2320 which I generally keep in low range all the time. I just find that low range is really slow, especially for plowing snow, cutting grass, and transporting things around my property. I'm more just curious if the 2720 is usable on hills in high-range. I'm not really sure how steep my hills are, but the 2320 will only make it about half-way up in low with no attachments.

 

[dmay]

I'm not really sure how steep my hills are, but the 2320 will only make it about half-way up in low with no attachments.

Did you mean half-way up in high? If you can't get up in low, that must be REALLY steep!

I'd suggest you test drive a few tractors on your property. Maybe even a manufacturer challenge between John Deere and Kubota. Kubota 3 speed HST might be your answer.

 

[Deadman]

High range isn't really designed for work.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Personally, I don't think you will be happy doing chores in high range with a 2720 much more than you are with your 2320. In most tractors, high range is designed mostly as a transport gear, and is not suitable for doing chores as others have mentioned. For the money involved in moving up, I would strongly consider either a JD 3x20 series, or a Kubota with a three range hydro if you are not happy with low range in yours. Perhaps there is only a mile per hour, or two difference in what you can do with a mid range, but it might feel all together different. I do use the mid range most of the time on my Kubota, but I think that my low range is noticably slower than yours too. It is nice to be able to load dirt, and transport it in the same range.

 

[Johndeere3720]

Im not sure on the 2x20 series but i am able to mow some pretty steep hills on my Dad's 3720 in B range. The 3120 or 3320 might be the way to go because the B range offers some speed and torque. I use B range quite often and it doesnt seem to slow for me (IMO) Also, the 3x20 seriers will have more hydraulic power over the 2720 and be able to power a larger backhoe.

 

[AKfish]

If you're considering a backhoe and you're already dissatisfied with only having 2-ranges with your 2320 - a 2720 won't "get you where you want to go" - IMO.

See if your dealer has a used 3000 series machine that he'd be willing to drop off at your place for the weekend.

If it seems too big for your purposes - check out the Kubota's with a 3 range HST tranny.

AKfish

 

[Rob-D]

I've had both tractors, the power in the 2720 is a big improvement BUT it depends on how steep a slope you want to go up. I've gone up about a 10 to 15 degree slope with a BH and a loader, the 2320 would just sit there.

I'd take the 2720 over the 2320 but that doesn't mean you'll be happy with it. The other thing is the BH cramps you. You can't run with a MMM, you have to remove it. Sure, no one wants to run with the BH and a MMM but I wasn't crazy about going back and forth in the summer. If I could have simply just unhooked the BH when I didn't need it and left the MMM on all summer it might have been better but you can't do that. You get to have one on or the other.

The other thing is, regardless which tractor you go with, you don't gain any FEL or BH power, they're both the same but use different under fame mounts so if you get a 2320 and decide you want a 2720 you also have to shell out another 900 bucks for a new sub frame and the MMM isn't switchable either. Te 46 BH won't move mountains either, hard pan will make a religious experience out of digging a hole!

Too bad JD doesn't make the 3 speed hydro like Kubota does for that size tractor.
Rob

 

[Phunge]

Did you mean half-way up in high? If you can't get up in low, that must be REALLY steep!

I'd suggest you test drive a few tractors on your property. Maybe even a manufacturer challenge between John Deere and Kubota. Kubota 3 speed HST might be your answer.

oops -- I mean will only make it half-way up in high.

I started out looking at kubota, but the dealer experience was not great. My deere dealer, on the other hand, is great.

 

[Phunge]

For the money involved in moving up, I would strongly consider either a JD 3x20 series, or a Kubota with a three range hydro if you are not happy with low range in yours.

I have seriously looked at the 3320, but rejected it for a couple of reasons:
1. Cost. The cost of the tractor, loader, backhoe and mower deck is quite a bit more than going the 2720 route.
2. Size. While I have quite a few landscaping projects that I need to accomplish, my primary use for the tractor is mowing and plowing snow. The size of the 2320 seems just about right to me, and I worry that a heavier tractor will be hard on my lawn.

The 2320 has served me well, I just would like a little more oomph.

 

[Phunge]

I've had both tractors, the power in the 2720 is a big improvement BUT it depends on how steep a slope you want to go up. I've gone up about a 10 to 15 degree slope with a BH and a loader, the 2320 would just sit there.

I'd take the 2720 over the 2320 but that doesn't mean you'll be happy with it. The other thing is the BH cramps you. You can't run with a MMM, you have to remove it. Sure, no one wants to run with the BH and a MMM but I wasn't crazy about going back and forth in the summer. If I could have simply just unhooked the BH when I didn't need it and left the MMM on all summer it might have been better but you can't do that. You get to have one on or the other.

The other thing is, regardless which tractor you go with, you don't gain any FEL or BH power, they're both the same but use different under fame mounts so if you get a 2320 and decide you want a 2720 you also have to shell out another 900 bucks for a new sub frame and the MMM isn't switchable either. Te 46 BH won't move mountains either, hard pan will make a religious experience out of digging a hole!

Too bad JD doesn't make the 3 speed hydro like Kubota does for that size tractor.
Rob

Thanks for the feedback Rob. I'm not so worried about having to take the mower deck off -- I only put it on when it's time to mow, and then remove it and pressure-wash it afterwards and put it away.

I did wonder about the FEL and BH power. I figured that since the operating PSI of the tractors are the same, the power would be the same, but I've heard reports that this is not the case, and the 2520 can lift more with it's loader than a 2320 despite JDs ratings.

The limitations of the BH also worry me. I've seen some pretty impressive work that's been done with this setup (or even a smaller kubota BX), but I also realize that it's a pretty small backhoe compared to a commercial unit, and from the videos i've seen on youtube it looks a tad underpowered.

Do you still own the 2720?

 

[Rob-D]

Thanks for the feedback Rob. I'm not so worried about having to take the mower deck off -- I only put it on when it's time to mow, and then remove it and pressure-wash it afterwards and put it away.

I did wonder about the FEL and BH power. I figured that since the operating PSI of the tractors are the same, the power would be the same, but I've heard reports that this is not the case, and the 2520 can lift more with it's loader than a 2320 despite JDs ratings.

The limitations of the BH also worry me. I've seen some pretty impressive work that's been done with this setup (or even a smaller kubota BX), but I also realize that it's a pretty small backhoe compared to a commercial unit, and from the videos i've seen on youtube it looks a tad underpowered.

Do you still own the 2720?

Phunge,
Sounds like the 2720 may be for you. The tires are a little bigger, I think about 31" for the R4's as opposed to 24" for the 2320. There is a little more umph in the loader but if I remember nothing to write home about. If you're happy with the 2320 and just want more mowing power the 2720 will give it to you and like I said, it's much better on hills, see if you can find one to test.

I just switched up to the 3320 and am waiting for it to get here. I'm doing some stumps and heavier rocks and grading for my orchards and trails through the woods so it is worth it for me. I gave up the MMM for an EZtrac two years ago. My friend got a 990 which is about the same power as the 3320 in the 3PH and a little less in the loader and this is what changed my mind. Using the 73" HD bucket was night and day and the pallet forks actually did some good work too. They were anemic with the 2 series.
The only complaint I had with the 2720 is the diesel smell. I'm on and off the tractor a lot and it was killing me. It's much worse than the 2320 and on the 3320 I got a stack to vent it above me. There have been talks about it, some people mind it and some don't. As far as the tractor itself, it was fine and I appreciated the extra power.
The back hoe won't be any different but there's talk around here that Deere may go with a 265 hoe for the 2x20 series. I wouldn't jump into the 46 hoe until I found about it if I was you though. If you take your time and you're not digging deep holes in hard pan you may be OK with the 46. It was fine for planting my fruit trees but when it can to moving some 10' spruce it became tedious. It's great for running pipe and water lines though and was a real help when I ran in my solar lines from the front field.