2305 or 2320?

[HunterWare]

Hello, I'm looking for some advice regarding what CUT to choose. I'm newly in possession of a country home in a wooded area in central Virginia and I would like to figure out what CUT would best suit my needs.

I have a 2.5 acre lot of which about 1.75 acres is grass. The lot varies from flat to 25 degree inclines and I'll need to mow it with normal Virginia regularity. I might buy another surrounding 12 acres, but that will all stay wooded area. Some woods clearing and maintenance, as well as firewood hauling, will need doing (for both the original and planned land).

I have a 1800 ft driveway that is gravel/dirt that I will need to maintain and probably upgrade to a nicer gravel. Additionally I'm going to have to install a couple small culverts to divert water that is currently cutting ruts in the driveway. The driveway (like the lawn) varies several times from flat up to about 20 degrees incline.

Before this year I would have listed snow removal on the drive at a pretty infrequent problem. Now I'm figuring that while I don't think I want to focus on moving snow today, I might well want to revisit that next year if this keeps up.

Besides the above woods, lawn, and driveway maintenance I will be building a garage on the property and figured I could dig the foundation if I had an FEL. There will most likely be other small construction projects too (expansion, patio, etc). I'm not, however, overly worried about the speed with which I can do these jobs, as I don't plan to do this work often. I also would like to build and maintain a slightly terraced garden (say... 250ish sq ft?).

I have a JD dealer 10 minutes away and a Kubota dealer 20 minutes in the other direction, but have been leaning (in blissful ignorance, admittedly) towards the 2305 and 2320 with FEL and the 62" belly mower.

A couple specific questions first and then I would like to point out that if I'm way off track I'd happily consider other options.

1) Does the drive-on mower of the 2320 justify any increased 2320 cost, or is the mower on the 2305 easy enough to add/remove that it's merely icing on the cake?

2) Should I seriously consider a Backhoe? (culverts, Tree/Shrug removal, etc)

3) Any advice on whether or not the 2305 would be fine for my usage?

Thanks for you time,

Hunter

 

[JCB]

Hunter,

I've got a 2210 (simiar to a 2305). It's a great tractor. Probably the only reason you wouldn't like (even prefer) that tractor over the 2320 is the limited three point hitch on the 2305.

Tires aside, the tractors are basically the same except for the 3ph. If you plan on having many implements on back you might want to upgrade to the 2320 (i.e. position control and lift height)

If you don't plan to use the 3ph heavily, you might really like the easy on/easy off of the 2305 better. The smaller tires will give a rougher ride if you're lawn is bumpy, but they also make high gear more useful.

Regarding the backhoe? Some guys like them (heck I'd like one). These machines are pretty light. They might work good for planting, but I think the consensus is that you'd be disappointed using if for stump removal.

Joe

 

[BGT]

Hey Hunter,

I've been pricing/researching the 2320 myself. I can't offer much advice due to my being a newbie at this, but I think I would be right in telling you this much:

1. The 2305 has a limited cat 1 hitch. The 2320 I believe has a full cat 1 hitch.

2. The 2305 has a transmission cooling fan, apparently located on the belly of the tractor. Easy to damage the fan. The 2320's transmission is cooled by rods at the radiator, hence, no fan to damage.

3. The ROPS on the 2305 are not folding. The 2320's are.

I'm sure the more knowledgeable will be along shortly to give more indepth advice.

Good luck!

BGT

 

[Moore7681]

I myself was debating the 2305 vs the 2320, I decided on the 2320 due to ground clearance is higher, the oil cooler fan was a negative on the 2305, the full cat 1 3 point and the 2320 has a drive over deck which makes taking on and off alot more eaiser although the drive over decks are a little pricy, I believe there was a 1500.00 difference in price on the tractor it self.

 

[Dirtysailor]

I bought a used 2210 in the fall and had no trouble at all removing the mower deck. I think the biggest difference between the 2305 and 2320 is the three point. I would use that as my deciding point.

 

[texas42]

I have a 2320. It's a great machine and works well for me.
I find the 62D drive over MMM to be a plus. Fairly easy to hook up - un hook and the deck itself is very sturdy and well made.
I suggest you consider the independent lift for the mower which is what I have. Many on here don't like the standard lift that works off the 3PH and I can see why.
Also, I would think a lot about the $$ for a backhoe vs hiring that work done. A backhoe is a very expensive attachment and if you have a few one time jobs hire them done as needed and use your $$ for other attachments/implements that you would use year after year.
A FEL on this machine is very useful and if you add a set of forks its even more useful (Hauling firewood, piling brush etc.)

 

[kennyd]

Welcome to TBN

For all the reasons listed above, the 2320 is the better choice for your-mainly because of the terrain you mentioned. Just a summary:

-More ground clearance
-Real hydraulic cooler vs. the fan
-Faster hydraulics
-Full CAT1 3PH WITH position control
-Split rear brakes
-Drive over deck compatibility
-Folding ROPS

As for the backhoe-that's a tough call. They are pricey at $6k or so...My personal preference is to rent a mini-excavator for a weekend when you get a few projects saved up, a mini-ex and tractor can get a lot of work done in a short time!

 

[billb3]

Digging the foundation with a FEl - maybe in Va. Gotta have a skinny 4 foot deep trench here in Ma.
The drive on / off mower will come in handy - because you won't want to be going in the woods with it on.

For the 2.5 acres the 2305 will probably suit your needs.
Add the 12 acres of woods in and you're gonna be dreaming of a bigger tractor.

I bought the BH for my 2520, but I use it. I have tons of rocks to pull out and stumps, too. In fact , I haven't removed it in two years since I bought it. I just use it too often. When all my digging and trenching projects are done a smaller tractor or even maybe a Quad will suit my needs. I got a ways to go before I get there, though.

 

[thatguy]

this is the reason I got the 2320 over the 2305.. Also with your hills the 2320 has a tad wider stance (length and width)

Where in VA do you live?

Brian

I myself was debating the 2305 vs the 2320, I decided on the 2320 due to ground clearance is higher, the oil cooler fan was a negative on the 2305, the full cat 1 3 point and the 2320 has a drive over deck which makes taking on and off alot more eaiser although the drive over decks are a little pricy, I believe there was a 1500.00 difference in price on the tractor it self.

 

[buccaneer65]

No question, 2320. For all the reasons Kenny mentioned.