2305 or 2320 or...?

[unreconstructed]

That's good to know Gary DSC. I am going to get a mulch kit for mine when I get through my current crunch at the saltmine. I bought the 2320 to get around my oaks and mow some of my "pet" clearings when we move to our retirement place in the next year or so. Just hope the JD mechanics got my 2320 back together in good order. What little I have used the little fella, I really liked him (her?). A good a complement to my 5203. As to the original poster, I think you will do well with the 2320. Sounds like the 2305 is a nice piece of equipment also.

 

[croasdale]

Thanks for the replys.
Do you think a 62" mmm on a 2305 or 2320 would be able to make my field look nice if I kept the cut height at max? My GT 262 with 48" deck will eat through the tall grass in the field but it leaves a lot of the tall weeds standing because it knocks them over and they don't get hit by the blades.
The they pop back up leaving the field looking ratty.
I'm going to try to attach a picture of what I'm cutting. The yard is in the foreground with some of the field beyond.
I'd really love to be able to cut the field, them just drop the mower deck a few inches and go right into the yard.

 

[Rookie2320]

Croasdale - I have a 2320 with a 62" deck and I can't begin to tell you how much better it cuts my field than my old JD riding mower (LT130). Its night and day, so yes, I'd say that you can use the 62" deck on your field. I thought I might want/need a bushog/rotary mower, but so far I have no need for it. I tend to cut my field every few weeks, and have never had a problem with the tall grass standing up after I cut - which I definitely had with my old LT.

I'm a big fan of the 2320 over the 2305 for the big tires and the flexibility that a true CAT1 hitch gives you. Good luck with your shopping.

 

[croasdale]

Hmmmm...very interesting. Thank you everyone for your replys.

I have it down to these two choices:

1) get a 2320 with the 62D mmm and keep the field cut every few weeks so it doesn't get out of hand. Then I can drop the deck a little lower and go straight into the yard.

2) get a 2320 with FEL and hook up the old 5' hog for the field, then use the 48" mower for the yard.

Both options are around the same cost. Any opinions on which option makes the most sense?

This is an excellent forum and I hope to be able to contribute something useful myself before too long.

 

[JiminGa]

Get the FEL You'll realize it's value within a week and wish you'd never considered owning a tractor without one.

 

[Gar442]

I absolutely love my 2320, it is a mowing monster. I don't think you'll have any regrets usiing the MMM for your field. The FEL is a must a agree, I'm still amazed how fast I can put it on and remove it. What a great design.
I was considering a 2305 but am so happy I spent the extra $1500. There are just too many reasons not to do it.

Have fun!

 

[2deeskip]

I would not get the 48" deck with the 2320, it is too close to the tread width. I got the 62" and it is great. I've only used it a few times but it is a cutting monster, cut thick grass that had'nt been cut all year & wet to boot, it just spit out great globs grass with no complaints. The wider cut allows easier trimming close to trees or whatever. The only downside is the noise, that high speed deck produces some DB's. I use ear protection when mowing. I also reccomend the loader, so handy. In my case though I have used the BH the most, that is one sweet little tool.

Skip

 

[RalphVa]

Definitely get the 2320. I have much the same as a 2320 in my 4010. However, I'd LOVE to have the 2320 because of the position control. That's the only thing that I've missed in having it. It wasn't available on smaller JDs when I got the 4010, at least not without a big cost penalty. The 2320 also apparently has more setting slots on the 3ph to revise the lift height.

To my mind, the 2305 with its vulnerable fan underneath should only be used as a mowing and FEL machine on smooth ground only. You need the extra ground clearance afforded by the 2320 and it oil cooler in front of the radiator where it belongs to use it in any brush or over any rough ground. Also, the 2305 does not have position control.

One reason I got the 4010 (2210 was same height) was the height of the ROPS was not too high to not fit underneath my garage doors. That's the only thing I wouldn't like about the 2320. However, it has the added option of being able to lower the ROPS to fit underneath trees a little better, but those same ROPS HAVE to be lowered each time it enters the garage.

Ralph