2000 series buying

[diz]

The time has come, wife approved the purchase. I'm seeking advice.

I've trolled these boards for about a year now, so have read a lot of posts. I'll stick to things I haven't seen asked/answered already.

Background: We have almost an acre in Rochester, NY. Most of that is grass or driveway. Driveway is asphalt, about 300', with an incline that's not too bad, maybe 10% and a wide spot at the garage end that would park about 6 cars (that's really a pain w/ a 27" snowblower).

I've met two dealers in the area (T. Nelson, and Ontrac (Bob James)). Both were nice folks, and seemed easy to work with. Nelson offered a larger discount (15%) than James (10%) but that's not a show stopper.

My main use will be clearing snow. I intend to buy a loader (200cx), and am considering a snowblower. One dealer recommended plowing w/ the loader first, and if that doesn't work as well as I like, then buying a snowblower. That sounds reasonable to me.

Secondary is general loader use. Wife is big into gardening. I spent a few years running an old Ford loader around and know how versatile a loader is, so to me that's a no brainer.

Third may be mowing, but not sure if this will be maneuverable enough for me. I figure I'll try that out in the summer. We have a riding lawnmower that does the job fine.

Probably any 2000 series will be overkill for me, but I'm leaning toward the 2520. I like the better hydraulics, and also the lower engine RPM at rated HP (2600) v. the 2305 and 2320 (3000). The 2720 seems so far overkill for me I don't see the point of going there.

Questions:
1. Anyone plow w/ loader w/ one of these?
2. Any experience w/ either of these dealers?
3. Any other thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[kennyd]

Welcome to TBN

It sounds to me like you have it all figured out The 2520 is a great machine and will serve you nicely.

I don't think you be happy long term plowing with the FEL, it just pushes the snow ahead so there is a lot of wasted time clearing a path. BUT, finding a front blower this late in the season my be hard, and they are expensive! A good alternative is a rear 3PH blower and/or a front blade.

 

[ChuckinNH]

+1 on what Kennyd said about the loader for moving snow. You are in a real snow belt, and can get dumped on pretty heavily. I use my loader for light snows, and for times when the snow is half water, or half frozen, but it is slower than my walkbehind for deep snow storms, say 10", or more. I don't have a rear blade, and I know that would help some. Still, for a long drive, and deep snow you will be happiest with a snowblower. You sure can make some compost for your wife's gardens with that loader though.... take a look at my avatar

 

[JSR LLS]

Welcome Diz. I'm not too far from you, south of Buffalo in Chautauqua County. I have the 2320 with a blower. My driveway sounds almost identical to yours. I'm very happy with the blower. It has blown some pretty wet snow for me. Ditto what the others have said about using the FEL. Although most of my neighbors use the FEL/back blade combo with success. I am in the process of fabbing wings for the blower (my driveway isn't straight, the blower is just a little too narrow) and a "pusher/puller" for the snow to mount on my ballast box.
BTW I bought at Zahm & Matson in Falconer, excuse me, now known as Z&M Ag & Turf. They own several dealerships including one in Alexander(I have dealt with them as they are near my MIL) and Oakfield. I have nothing but good things to say about them.

 

[diz]

Sounds like the snowblower's also a no brainer. Thanks for the input everyone!

 

[gunmaker]

Sounds like another candidate for a frame mount plow conversion!

 

[tomd999]

Hiya,

I have one with a loader mounted plow and a 3 pt blower. A pushme-pullyou so to speak. I use mine for a 500 foot paved driveway on a mountainside and numerous dirt roads/paths around the property.

It has a 5 foot Curtis quick attach loader plow with a 3rd SCV to control angle and a 5 foot Meteor blower on the back. Both have pros and cons, if you want to discuss at length, PM me.

Tom

PS sorry for the blurry picture, my wife is not the camera buff in the family.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

My main use will be clearing snow. I intend to buy a loader (200cx), and am considering a snowblower. One dealer recommended plowing w/ the loader first, and if that doesn't work as well as I like, then buying a snowblower. That sounds reasonable to me.

Thanks!

I'm north and west of you, but don't know how total snowfall might compare. We get from maybe 1" - 6" most times and major storms on a few occassions. I clear approximately 10,500 Sq Ft. gravel covered area. Previously used front mount power angle blade.

My original plan was to purchase a 78" FEL mounted blade. So far this year I have only used the 60" FEL bucket and unless something comes up to change my mind, I doubt I'll bother with the blade. In retrospect, probably should have bought a 72" bucket. I enjoy the seat time, as long as it is not raining and am not in a rush. For me, the FEL bucket seems to work quite well and it would be very difficult to justify the additional $$$ for any type of blower, just to deal with maybe one really bad storm per season. A lot will depend whether you have room on the sides to push or pile the snow - if not then you may need the blower. My snow area is flat. I run Turf's - no chains - no loaded tires - just leave the BH on and have no traction problems.

The idea to try the FEL, at least for the balance of this season, might be good advice from the dealer.

 

[cast_and_blast]

The time has come, wife approved the purchase. I'm seeking advice.

I've trolled these boards for about a year now, so have read a lot of posts. I'll stick to things I haven't seen asked/answered already.

Background: We have almost an acre in Rochester, NY. Most of that is grass or driveway. Driveway is asphalt, about 300', with an incline that's not too bad, maybe 10% and a wide spot at the garage end that would park about 6 cars (that's really a pain w/ a 27" snowblower).

Sounds similar to my setup, 1.5 acres in MN with driveway, lots of sidewalk and grass.

I've met two dealers in the area (T. Nelson, and Ontrac (Bob James)). Both were nice folks, and seemed easy to work with. Nelson offered a larger discount (15%) than James (10%) but that's not a show stopper.

My main use will be clearing snow. I intend to buy a loader (200cx), and am considering a snowblower. One dealer recommended plowing w/ the loader first, and if that doesn't work as well as I like, then buying a snowblower. That sounds reasonable to me.

If the main use is going to be clearing snow then it would be my very strong suggestion that you get the right tools. In this case, the right tool is a snowblower and I'd recommend a front mount for ease of maneuverability and to save on chiropractor visits.

Secondary is general loader use. Wife is big into gardening. I spent a few years running an old Ford loader around and know how versatile a loader is, so to me that's a no brainer.

Yep, to 200CX is an awesome too for this. My wheelbarrow days came to an end when I purchased mine.

Third may be mowing, but not sure if this will be maneuverable enough for me. I figure I'll try that out in the summer. We have a riding lawnmower that does the job fine.

You'll LOVE this for mowing with the 62C deck. Very tight turing radius (~3 foot circle left uncut when turning) plus the 62C lets you get close to things to mow without dinging up the tractor (ROPS lights, etc.)

Probably any 2000 series will be overkill for me, but I'm leaning toward the 2520. I like the better hydraulics, and also the lower engine RPM at rated HP (2600) v. the 2305 and 2320 (3000). The 2720 seems so far overkill for me I don't see the point of going there.

Questions:
1. Anyone plow w/ loader w/ one of these?
2. Any experience w/ either of these dealers?
3. Any other thoughts?

Thanks!

If any 2000 series is overkill (again, I'm in much the same position) then why are you bumping up to the 2520?

The 2305 sounds like it would more than suit your needs, doesn't sound like you'll be doing any heavy duty loader work that really requires the add'l speed of the hydraulics nor any brush work that requires the add'l clearance.

I don't run my 2305 over ~2500 RPM, that's the rated speed for 2000 RPM at the mid-PTO and 540 RPM at the rear PTO. It has lots of power, I've done some pretty impressive earth moving, stump removal and snow removal with this thing...not to mention mowing the grass 2 times per week during the summer.

I think you would be much better off spending the extra $3,000 on a 47" 2-staged snowblower setup (since you list this as your #1 requirement) and a 2305 than the 2520 and no snowblower. The loader just isn't going to cut it - trust me on this one, we live in similar climates with similar needs for snow removal.

I know it is popular on this forum to go with the "bigger is better" mentality - I fall victim to that myself sometimes. In this case you've got less than 1 acre of land, you need to do some snow removal, you need to do some gardening-level loader work and you might want to mow the grass. The 2305 will excel at all of these tasks and you won't be dropping $20K on the setup.

My recommendation:

- JD2305 with turf tires (mine work great summer and winter - the 4WD is awesome!)
- 47" snowblower with front hitch and required long PTO shaft and front hydraulics
- 200CX loader with 53" bucket ($2850 list)
- 62C MMM is $1700 list in the JD2305, 62D MMM is $2450 list


JD2305 is $10,900 list, JD2520 is $15,700 list.
Both use the same snowblower, so that is a wash. It's about $3200 list for everything.
Both use the same loader, so that is a wash. It's $2850 list.
62C deck is $1700 on the JD2305, 62D deck is $2450 in the JD2520.


If you went with the JD2305 you'd be able to get the snowblower and the 62C MMM for roughly the same as you'd spend on the JD2520 without the snowblower or the MMM.


Both are great machines and the JD2520 is certainly more capable in many ways. Based on your needs I just don't think it is more capable in ways that matter for you.

Good luck with your decision, PM me if you have any questions about my setup.

Scott

 

[Runner]

diz,

As much as I love my 2520, I have to agree with Cast and Blast: If I only had 1 acre to finish mow, a paved drive to blow/plow and a garden to till, I'd have either a 2305 (or maybe a Kubota BX - don't shoot me guys...) so fast it would make your head spin. With the money I saved over the 2520, I'd then get some extra attachments, like pallet forks or a box blade.

I have a little more acreage than you, but the main reason I went with the 2520 over the 2305 was because I wanted to be able to use a 5 foot rotary cutter. I also liked the folding ROPS to be able to get into my garage and shed.

But I really liked the size and maneuverability of the smaller tractor, particularly for finish mowing.

Of course, the 2520 is a hoot to use, so if it pops your pistol and you can afford it, why not?

 

[Gizmo2]

I agree, 2305.
The 2520 is a lot of tractor for one acre. I use a 2320 on a 10 acre horse (hobby) farm. Get the mower deck with the 2305 and a snow blade.

 

[AKfish]

Background: We have almost an acre in Rochester, NY. Most of that is grass or driveway. Driveway is asphalt, about 300', with an incline that's not too bad, maybe 10% and a wide spot at the garage end that would park about 6 cars (that's really a pain w/ a 27" snowblower).

My main use will be clearing snow. I intend to buy a loader (200cx), and am considering a snowblower. One dealer recommended plowing w/ the loader first, and if that doesn't work as well as I like, then buying a snowblower. That sounds reasonable to me.

Secondary is general loader use. Wife is big into gardening. I spent a few years running an old Ford loader around and know how versatile a loader is, so to me that's a no brainer.

Third may be mowing, but not sure if this will be maneuverable enough for me. I figure I'll try that out in the summer. We have a riding lawnmower that does the job fine.

Probably any 2000 series will be overkill for me, but I'm leaning toward the 2520. I like the better hydraulics, and also the lower engine RPM at rated HP (2600) v. the 2305 and 2320 (3000). The 2720 seems so far overkill for me I don't see the point of going there.

Thanks!

Have you had the opportunity to test out the machines you're considering buying? The control layout and the seat space - ergonomics - of the machines can influence your decision. If a tractor isn't comfortable to you...

As well, the "in-the-seat performance" differences (hydraulics) between the 2305 and the 2520 might be enough to change your mind. After trying them out - you might find that it's not as big a deal as you initially believed.

I'm on board with the other posters - get a front mounted snow blower. If you've ever tried to use a front-end loader on asphalt under differing snow conditions with rain, ice, etc.... well, after a couple of years - I'd venture you'll be having a discussion with a local paving contractor!

Best of luck with your decision.

AKfish

 

[JCB]

Diz,

Another vote for cast.

I've got a 2210 on 20 acres and I run it on all of them. Granted, I'm a bit underpowered and a bigger 3 point, faster hydraulics and couple extra horses would be nice, but if I was on 1 acre I'd get the 2305 and snowblower easy.

Attachments are what makes tractors great.

You'll find that the 2305 is easier on and off, it'll provide all the muscle you need, and it's been my understanding that, 3 point aside, the only real things that ever limit you, lift height and lift capacity, don't change much in the 2000 models.

Attachments are what's makes tractors great, guys that got forks rarely use buckets, without a disk or cutter you're just driving around fields. You can often buy used tractors, but you'll look a lot longer for a used loader or front snowblower. Get the attachments.

Joe

 

[diz]

Stopped by the dealer (ontrac) on my way home from work and tooled around in the snow on a 2305. Nice little machine, and I think the wife will be a little less intimidated with the lower stance. Plus it will fit under the trees a little better while mowing. Ordered up one of them, the 200cx, 53" bucket, 62C, independent lift, 47" blower, and a ballast box all for not much more than I would have paid for the 2520 w/ just the loader.

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the thoughtful advice.

Have a good weekend!

 

[Runner]

diz,

Congratulations!

Be advised, here on TBN, new tractor pix are mandatory!

Now all you need is a tiller for that garden and you'll be good to go.

 

[AKfish]

Stopped by the dealer (ontrac) on my way home from work and tooled around in the snow on a 2305. Nice little machine, and I think the wife will be a little less intimidated with the lower stance. Plus it will fit under the trees a little better while mowing. Ordered up one of them, the 200cx, 53" bucket, 62C, independent lift, 47" blower, and a ballast box all for not much more than I would have paid for the 2520 w/ just the loader.

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the thoughtful advice.

Have a good weekend!

Congratulations on your new tractor! Happy and safe tractorin'. Lookin' forward to your pictures.

AKfish

 

[JiminGa]

diz, congrats on the new family member! as for the independant deck lift, add the diverter valve or cancel the independant deck lift, it's not worth the money in my opinion. I've had mine for about 18 months and I cringe every time I need to take the deck off or put it on. the loader makes it alot easier to roll the deck out or in, but it's a pain to shut the tractor down several times during the process to release pressure, and you'll forget to unlock the lift from transport mode alot to add frustration.

 

[Gizmo2]

YEP! Pictures, need'em!

 

[diz]

Ha thanks all!

Diverter valve - I thought that's what I was buying. Maybe I'm confused. Why does it make installing/removing the deck more of a pain?

I'll ask next week, thanks for the info!