2305 or 2320, again

unreconstructed · Nov 1, 2006

The 2305 vs 2320 issue I realize is old hat. I have gone back and reread the posts about these two machines, but would like to ask for any more opinions anyone might be kind enough to offer.

I already have a 5203 with FEL so a bigger tractor issue is not necessarily an issue.

I will be using the 2305/2320?? primarily for mowing--not lawn but pasture.
About 15 acres maybe three times a year and parts of 100 acres once a year and will be needing to get into tight spots and under low hanging oak trees.

I might want to use an FEL in place I can't reach with the 5203. Also, I may build a small trailer to haul aggregate--maybe up to a yard, which I will want to pull with the smaller tractor.

I may be doing some clearing with the smaller tractor so I like the extra clearance with the 2320 and do not like where the hydraulic filter is on the 2305. I do like the compactness of the 2305 however and I know I have to make the filter decision along with the clearance decision.

The extra money for the 2320 is not an issue.

I guess my real concern is the ability of one tractor over another to pull and it appears to me the larger tires on the 2320 might withstand more abuse.

Foldable ROPS is definitely an issue and I don't remember seeing on JD website that the 2305 is foldable and I know the 2320 is.

Thanks for any futher insight any of you might be able to offer on these two machines.

cast_and_blast · Nov 1, 2006

For your use I'd go with the 2320 for the extra clearance and better 3 point hitch. It also comes with a foldable ROPS which is not a OEM option for the 2305 (I think they are ~ $200 aftermarket).

I think either would "pull" or "push" just fine - same engine in both.

For the pasture work I'd opt for more clearance and the 2320.

Good Luck!

Scott

ducati996 · Nov 1, 2006

I concur and since you already have a larger machine, you have a good handle of whats needed.....The 2320 is nimble enough for basic lawn mowing in tight areas, and large enough for field mowing. I would think the larger machine would take the bulk of the 15 acre plus mowing jobs, since its faster.

Shawk · Nov 1, 2006

I agree with C & B and Ducati... the 2320 sounds like the machine that fits your needs a bit more....

unreconstructed · Nov 1, 2006

Well, you fellas said pretty well what I was thinking and I thank you for your 2 bits worth. Always nice to get another view.

I am going to get a 54D MMM. There is an option to get a mechanical lift for the 3ph for the mower? Any opinions on that? Thanks much>

Shawk · Nov 1, 2006

unreconstructed said:
Well, you fellas said pretty well what I was thinking and I thank you for your 2 bits worth. Always nice to get another view.

I am going to get a 54D MMM. There is an option to get a mechanical lift for the 3ph for the mower? Any opinions on that? Thanks much>

I would recommend going with the 62" deck over the 54"... At 54" you'll find the the cut will be nearly the same width as your rear tires. The 62" will get out just a bit more which will be handier cutting around some obstacles...

I didn't go with the independent lift on my 2520. For my needs it wasn't practical enough to pay for.... no regrets. Enjoy your new machine

JDFANATIC · Nov 1, 2006

I agree with Shawk (I missed that 54" part). On the 2305, the 62C reduces the uncut circle to 36", gives better overlap over the wheelbase (which vastly improves edging etc), and effectively pushed the ROPS away from trees etc.

Rob-D · Nov 1, 2006

I went with the 2320 over the '05 because I definately wanted the BH option and the full cat 1 hitch which gives you more attachments. For the 2 grand extra it was worth it for me. Even if you don't want the BH now, you might someday and they are sure handy.

Also I went with the 62D deck even though it is a problem with the BH. I'm hoping the hydro deck lift makes it easier to go back and forth from the BH to the deck because the 3 PH is no longer involved. I figured with all the bucks I'm putting out I might as well dump in a couple hundred more for the lift.

johndeere_2210 · Nov 2, 2006

I would certainly take the 2320 over the 2305 in what you are doing. Not to imply running up the flag pole further, but given your task overtime the 2520 might be a better fit in terms of being compact, will handle a 4 to 5' rotary cutter around the trouble areas you describe and have a much more responsive loader.

cast_and_blast · Nov 2, 2006

unreconstructed said:
Well, you fellas said pretty well what I was thinking and I thank you for your 2 bits worth. Always nice to get another view.

I am going to get a 54D MMM. There is an option to get a mechanical lift for the 3ph for the mower? Any opinions on that? Thanks much>

I echo the responses for a 62" deck vs. the 54".

Either tractor comes with the mechanical lift that is "tied" to the 3-pt. On either tractor you can get independent lift as an option (on the 2305 this uses the loader joystick) - it's about $300 on the 2305.

Most folks do not opt for this - I did not either.

Good Luck!

Scott