2305 to 3720 question

[StoneCrab]

Hello! I have a JD 2305 with about 300 hours on it. I bought it new and it is my only tractor. I have the 62 inch mmm, 200CX loader, 60" tiller, and 4' rotary cutter. I finish mow about 2 acres regularly and have another 2 acres that I cut down with the rotary cutter a couple times a year. I'd like to finish mow all the ground though, and that got me thinking about a larger tractor to run a 72inch deck. I have been checking out the 3720 and really like it, but it seems like overkill in some ways. The 2305 is small and there are certainly things I have needed it to do that it can't, but also plenty of times where I have been glad to have a smaller machine. I want one machine to do as much as I can do with it, meaning the best fit. I also have 20+ acres of woods that the 2305 is just too small to do anything with - I have had it stuck more than once. The 2305 runs the 60" tiller but have to go slow or stop to let it catch up, not quite enough power (although it does run it). I've found the 2305 to be basically too small to move much snow too, at least with the loader. I'd also like to run a PTO generator and don't have quite enough power in the 2305 to do it.

So my questions are do you think the 3720 is too big to use as a finish mower on a wooded 4 acres? Can the 3720 maneuver around trees and hills well enough? Does it seem like the right size for what I'd like to do with it?

 

[jenkinsph]

StoneCrab,
Welcome to the forum:welcome:

I use an x749 for my close quarters work, most of it is mowing but it does have the 3ph and 540 pto with several attachments, very manueverable setup. I use a 110tlb, 4520 and an 820 for the larger jobs and I mention this because I find it difficult to have one tractor do everything well. You might consider a larger tractor to add to your stable which is large enough to handle the bigger jobs you have. As an example you may find that a 5045 gear tractor would fit your needs better than a 3720 as long as you have the smaller 2305 for the close work. You may find that buying the gear tractor would be enough of a savings to keep the 2305 with hydro. This may or may not work for you but is something to consider.

Another consideration is buying a good used tractor for your larger jobs, I have the 820 which is a 4000 lb gear tractor 4x2 that is about a $6000 dollar tractor in good shape, wouldn't be worth a dang as a lawn mower but would be fine for some larger projects.

 

[sunnyside360]

Jenkins makes a good point about having two machines, but if you want to have just one, then either the 3520 or 3720 would be a good solution. I have a 3720 and use it for most all of the tasks you mentioned -- great tractor.

 

[xring100]

Welcome
In my opinion when trying to find a tool that is a jack of all trades they are masters of none.

A faster zero turn 10 - 12 mph with a 60" cut will mow that grass about 2 - 3 times faster than what you would be willing to mow it with on the tractor especially with a loader on and loaded tires unless the field is glass smooth. for the other work you mention the 3720 would be good and should have enough power. 300cx loader has a lot more lift capacity. just don't get turf tires unless you want to continue to find yourself stuck. I would opt for ags since i like to pull heavy stuff in the woods or fields and i am on mostly clay but R4s would be fine as well if your going to spend a lot of time on grass or pavement.

Dave

 

[Cigar Face]

i use a 3720 cab with 72 inch mmm and turf tires. It cuts real nice without leaving ruts. If your going to be using it in situations that will get you stuck, get ag tires or get chains for the turf tires.

 

[JD 4520]

I don't think that the 3720 is too big for the work you described. I also think you are tasking your 2305 for the work you described which will wear it out sooner than you will want. Good time to make the move up.

 

[jcmseven]

I currently have a 2320, which is a fair amount bigger than your 2305 but still smaller than a 3000 series, and have had two 3720's. My 2320 cuts a little better than did the 3720 on a finish lawn, but the 3720 is a slick operating tractor and more nimble than one might think. I feel the 3000 series jd tractors combine the best of both worlds. They are small enough to be nimble yet big enough to do real work. The 3720 has a ton of power and is super smooth. I would have no reservation upsizing your machine and I bet you could get by with one. The only reservation is that know that you will be running over your grass when mowing with a machine that weighs more than the average car, so it will indent softer areas.

John

 

[StoneCrab]

Thanks for the all the replies! I've thought about keeping the 2305 and getting a second larger tractor, but I'd like to trade (or sell) the 2305 to help pay for the larger tractor. Also, I should mention I have a small riding mower for the really tight areas that I use now with the 2305. I like the idea of one tractor to keep things simple and reduce maintenance needs. It seems I am always needing to change oil or fluids in some machine or another!

I thought about a ZTR and keep the 2305, but that doesn't solve my needs for larger tractor type work. Plus the ZTRs are expensive, and I'd rather put that money into a more useful tractor.

Sounds like a 3720 is the right sized machine for what I'm thinking. My 2305 has R4s and I'd probably go with R4 on the 3720. Seems like a decent compromise for use on turf and in the woods or gravel.

Has anybody compared the 3720 against the Kubota L3940? Or owned both? 3720 looks to be a bit smaller overall, lighter weight, but that might not be a bad thing for my use.

 

[sunnyside360]

Sounds like a 3720 is the right sized machine for what I'm thinking. My 2305 has R4s and I'd probably go with R4 on the 3720. Seems like a decent compromise for use on turf and in the woods or gravel.

Has anybody compared the 3720 against the Kubota L3940? Or owned both? 3720 looks to be a bit smaller overall, lighter weight, but that might not be a bad thing for my use.

The R4's are a good compromise for all around use. That is why I have them on my 3720. You always have the rear wheel positive lock and front wheel drive if more traction is needed.

I'm not familiar with the Kubota L3940 model but having had a few Kubota tractors over the years I know they are good machines also. I felt the 3720 cab tractor was superior in ergonomics and cab noise when I was buying in 2007. Best thing is to test drive both and decide what is best for you.

 

[mowin]

Thanks for the all the replies! I've thought about keeping the 2305 and getting a second larger tractor, but I'd like to trade (or sell) the 2305 to help pay for the larger tractor. Also, I should mention I have a small riding mower for the really tight areas that I use now with the 2305. I like the idea of one tractor to keep things simple and reduce maintenance needs. It seems I am always needing to change oil or fluids in some machine or another!

I thought about a ZTR and keep the 2305, but that doesn't solve my needs for larger tractor type work. Plus the ZTRs are expensive, and I'd rather put that money into a more useful tractor.

Sounds like a 3720 is the right sized machine for what I'm thinking. My 2305 has R4s and I'd probably go with R4 on the 3720. Seems like a decent compromise for use on turf and in the woods or gravel.

Has anybody compared the 3720 against the Kubota L3940? Or owned both? 3720 looks to be a bit smaller overall, lighter weight, but that might not be a bad thing for my use.

In the fall you can get a great deal on used Z turns.. I have put well over 1500 hrs on my Z's and there still going. You will cut your mowing time in half with the Z. Which will gives you more seat time on the new 3720 you want...