2305 Capabilities with FEL, Box Scraper?

Seezer · Jul 9, 2008

I test drove a used 2305 with FEL and 48" JD tiller based on many of the good comments regarding this tractor in this forum. Use is landscaping - moving rock mulch/compost/topsoil, grading (box scraper/FEL), tilling compost, building paver sidewalk/patio and retaining walls, and moving boulders. I do not plan to mow since my yard is small (<1 acre). I feel the best tractor for my needs is the 2520, but there is a great local deal on the 2305 - 1 yr old, remaining warranty, with 50 hrs and includes 200CX FEL and JD 647 tiller. I noticed during my 2305 test drive that I was able to stall the hydraulics when dragging the front blade on hard packed dirt, and driving into a dirt pile to lift with the FEL. I test drove a Kubota 7800 and know a full box scraper can also really drag a tractor. Has anyone had experience with a 2305 in many of these applications that can comment on capability - especially loader work and box scraping? My thought is I can rent or borrow (friends larger JD 790) to move very large boulders, but I don't want to be dissatisfied when moving basic dirt and rock piles. The 2305 is very maneuverable for my small property, fits in the garage better, loses on ground clearance, and is a little slower than the 2520. It is, however, like new and $7K cheaper. Budget vs capability... Deep down I think the 2305 will get the job done, albeit slower. Any thoughts?

ChuckinNH · Jul 10, 2008

The 2305 is a good little tractor for the uses you describe if you are willing to take your time. The hydraulics are smooth, but slower than other tractors, and there have been a couple of threads here that mentioned transmission overheating with extended box blade work as in doing long driveways, etc. If you will be putting in full days of this kind of work you might want to look at a Kubota B2320 for not much more money, or another option. If you can do the work in shorter spells I think the 2305 would work for you.

JiminGa · Jul 10, 2008

I use my 2305 to do many of those tasks and it has never failed me. with that said, you have to know it's limits. as far as stalling going into a pile, you just have to learn to scoop up the dirt, not just straight in. I've never had overheating problems, but if I had it to do over again I'd probably go with the 2320 to get hydro cooling and 3ph control.

VABlue · Jul 10, 2008

I've moved plenty of dirt, rock, and crushed stone with my 2305 already, and have had no troubles whatsoever with it. Like others have said, it moves a little slower, but then on 1 acre, how fast do you really need to go? Over the course of a days work, you won't see much of a difference on such a small scale. The 2305 will work well for your application and leave you with more money for the projects you want to finish.

Skipholiday · Jul 10, 2008

Save 7k and work the 2305.
it will do everything you need, it's an excellent machine.

Seezer · Jul 10, 2008

Great feedback. I expect the 2305 is enough tractor for what I want to do and your comments confirm that. Even with a 4' box scraper, I should be able to grade my property in a couple of hours and don't feel I'll be overworking the tractor. I will need to use more finesse when using the loader but I do not expect problems unless I'm picking up large stone - like 6"+ cobble. The larger tractors I'm looking at would be more forgiving but would take up more space and will definitely cost more over the long run. If I had a few acres I'd definitely be looking to scale up. Also, I'd have an easier time justifying the 2305 in my garage for the long haul - I could use it as a mower though it is overkill, and in Colorado I've been looking for a reason to buy a snowblower - this will give me one.

mkulikow · Aug 4, 2008

I was on the same boat 4 months ago when I bought a 2305/200CX/260, I only have 0.8 acre but have a TON of landscaping, drainage and other work to do. I do my mowing with one of my 2x 214's and have put 50hrs on my 2305 since April. To date I have moved or dug:

40+ yds of clay fill
30+ yds of screened topsoil
30+ yds of crusher run
600sq ft of slate walkway dug and filled with 10" of crusher run and 3" of sand
Installed well over 200' of 4" solid and perf'd SDR35 covered in crusher and buried under topsoil

I would not of been able to get into 1/4 of the places I needed to be if I had a larger frame tractor. As mentioned before, know its limits, take your time, BE SAFE and enjoy the view...

megotatractor · Aug 6, 2008

I have used my 2210 (mechanically identical to the 2305) for what you describe. I have dug a large hole 3 feet deep through black soil- it will not dig clay. I have moved 6"+ size rocks easily. Dirt work must be done in low gear and some practice is required with the loader to keep those front wheels on the ground and working. The only time I ever stalled the hydro was trying to pull a tree that was too big for her. I used a back blade to doze in reverse and it will push a lot of dirt for its size. I can spread a dumptruck load of loose material in no time flat.