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.

 

[RalphVa]

Kenny summarized in favor of the 2320, and I agree with all he says.

I faced the same thing in looking at the 2210 vs. 4010 (or 4110) back in 2004 for our mini farm on very hilly terrain just west of Charlottesville. I also looked at the BX and B Kubotas.

I would NEVER EVER get a tractor with under neath hydraulic cooling fan with the terrain that we have here. Brush is forever getting into places it shouldn't. You need some height and no fan beneath to stay away from brush damage. When I had a Gravely, I even had brush rip out the engine oil dipstick. On the 4010, I've had the cover on the mid PTO ripped off 3 times. Fortunately, I've found it each time and have put Goop around it now to try to hold it on better.

The 4010 also has a full cat. 1 3ph. What the 2320 has is a much wider set point on the 3 ph to be able to put it more exactly where you want it. The 4010 was a beast this winter handling our 56 inches of snow. With a 2210, I'd probably have ripped something out underneath in going up over snow banks and stuff.

By the way, I'd never mow more than 1/2 acre regularly. Just bush hog any other acreage every year or two to knock down any unwanted sprouts, etc. Let nature do some of your work. Just mow any areas you want for play, e.g. volleyball, softball, etc. or around some shubbery for vehicle access. In my mind, grass should only be used as vehicle access space or play area. Don't need the play areas? Just mow some trails.

Ralph

 

[mred]

I have 6 acres, a relatively small lawn and 400 feet of gravel driveway. I have a 2305 and it is amazing what it can do for its size but I have the 2305 because I don't have room for more than one piece of equipment and the price allowed me to get the backhoe. Have you considered something to mow with and a tractor. That is the best piece of advice I have received but unfortunately I could not follow it. The "limited 3 point" has not been a problem for me I have a full sized rake and a three point snow blower. The belly mower is easy to remove and replace and I stand it on its side to store it for the winter so being able to move it around by hand is important. Space again. If I had the space and money I would buy the larger machine and a dedicated mower. The plastic fan worries me but I had no problems.

 

[jcmseven]

I will say without doubt the 2320 is much more machine than the 2305. This is in no way to diminish the astuteness of those that have 2305's as they are excellent machines, but the 2320 is a much more capable machine. When one looks at the two on paper, the 2320 and 2305 appear to have more similarities than differences but I spent significant quality time on both before buying the 2320. I used them both on my property. One does not realize just how much larger a 2320 is physically until one sees them side by side. The reasons already mentioned outline the objective reasoning for a 2320 but in my case the subjective reason was detailed when box blading my driveway when testing both. My dealer provided me a 2048 Frontier box blade to use when trying both out. I first tested the 2305. My drive is about 400ish feet and very steep (greater than 20% gradient in parts). Pulling a box blade up the drive filled with gravel is a real challenge. The 2048 BB is only 48" wide but weighs over 400 pounds; it is the real thing. The 2305 could only pull this combination about 50 ft. before losing traction. It would only pull the blade to the top of my hill with judicious lifting and lowering to keep only a slight amount of gravel in the box (this was challenging because the 2305 lacks position control for the rockshaft). The 2320 I tested the following week pulling the exact same box blade up my drive with gravel flowing out the top and without need for adjustment of the rockshaft when pulling. It handled this box blade without even a grunt--hardly noticed it was back there. Interestingly, a 2720 I also testing (with the same box blade) seemed to pull it no better (and even lost traction once) than did the 2320. That sealed it for me. It became very clear that the 2320, despite having the same engine HP had much more drawbar pull, which was and is what I needed. If this does not matter as much to our OP he might choose the smaller machine.

John M

 

[C-Range]

I own a 2305 and I also agree with the advice from kennyd. It would have cost me another $2000 for the 2320 with the equivalent attachments and I suspected I might regret not getting the 2320 but I went with the smaller/lighter machine so I would be more comfortable driving it up the rear ramp and into the loft of my barn (indoor storage for all my attachments).

I also have steep grassy hills and tons of trees so I figured the smaller machine would be better getting around them all. In retrospect, I doubt it would have made all that much difference as the R4 tires have done a number on my grass at times anyway.

All that said, I thank Buddha/God/Allah/George Carlin every day that I have the 2305.

 

[HunterWare]

I see I have a couple neighbors. I'm located just west of Charlottesville in the Crozet area.

I was leaning towards the 2320, but $7.2k (2305 vs 2320 w/ FEL, BH, 62MM) is nothing to sneeze at and the dealer here has a very nice 2305 (FEL + BH) just sitting on the lot calling to me when I drive by.

I understand that 10-20% below the online build price is a good deal and what I should shoot for, and that the 48 months free financing is baseline. Am I correct in assuming that people mean that I should look for both, and can do better than one or the other?

Is it worth waiting until the low point in the JD sales cycle to order? If so when would that be?

I'm pricing in earnest and unless I'm missing something that the 2305 w/ BH option is an amazing deal (relatively speaking at least). It looks like 2305 + FEL + BH is at least $19239 bought straight piece at a time, but all together it's $16808?

Thanks,
Hunter

 

[sxs191]

2320 FTW.

 

[diz]

I actually went to the dealer prepared to buy a 2520. Ran that, 2320, and 2305, and came home w/ the 2305.

What you want to do with it is key. For me the fan underneath is simply not an issue. My use for a tractor is not banging through the woods, it's mowing, snowblowing, and loader stuff generally on lawn or driveway. In a year and a half I've run over plenty-a-branch on the lawn and not gotten anything stuck in that fan.

I ran some bigger, older tractors back when in college, and do miss the positional control on the 3ph. But I don't have anything I hang on there that needs much precision either. If you do/would, that should be a consideration.

I preferred the lower ride height, lower speed in high 'gear,' and maneuverability. Sure there are times I wish I had a bigger one, but who doesn't. Tractor I mean.

 

[HunterWare]

Thank you everyone. I've lurked for a bit and watched the experience passed on to all comers, and I must say I appreciate it very much in my turn...

Regarding the 2305 with BH: The dealer says that I have to remove the BH and BH subframe to run the mower, but what I'm reading here has me doubting that. Can you run the 60 MMM with the BH subframe? (either 3PH lift or independent)

 

[C-Range]

There absolutely must be some misunderstanding. The backhoe subframe is mounted with about 20 or more bolts and screws, tied directly to the tractor frame and the tranny casing. It is not meant to be removed. I own the 2305 with the 54" MMM and the 260 backhoe. The mower fits fine.

 

[TripleR]

Has anyone experienced problems with their MMM? I have and there was a couple of threads on here with a post by an individual for a fix on the deck height mechanism. Mine is a 2305, but I think the mechanisms are similar. Thanks