2305 VS 2320

[Roadkill95]

Ok I think I like these 2 tractors over the kubota,BX and B series. Now the big question what one.
I have about 3 ac and mow about 1/2 to 3/4 ac will be more later maybe a acre.
I am reclaiming some wooded area for more grass, mulch work snow removal loader work.
I will need a backhoe either now or in the future. I think I need or want the 2320 but when I get out to see them side by side I think I like the 2305
What is the big differance between these 2 tractors?
Do both cut grass the same?
Is the drive line that much stronger in the 2320?Even if I don t need the lifting capacities of the 2320,am I better off with it. Not a huge price differance between the 2. A 2520 is just too big. Would someone ever upgrade to a 2320 from a 2305. Is the hoe that much better and stronger than the 2305 hoe?
I know there is someone else on here in the same boat as I am.

 

[VABlue]

Well, I have the 2305 for 5 acres of wooded land. The house and septic fields are only ~1 acre, which I mow with the 54" deck. Lots of landscaping, mulch, some crushed stone work, and general fun, er, utility work. I plan on clearing out some of the woods and turning it into lawn, and creating walking paths through some of it, as well. For my uses, the 2305 is plenty capable and more than I really need for most of it. It can't lift as much as the 2320, but a 53" bucket of mulch is still a 53" bucket of mulch on the bigger tractor. Unless you're lifting pallets, you probably won't notice a difference in lift capacity. Lift speed is another story. I don't know how fast a 2320 FEL moves, but I don't really care, either. What's a couple of seconds over several hours worth of project? For mowing, go with a bigger deck, but the two machines will both cut well. The 2305 probably handles a bit better due to its smaller size (it's really amazing to turn!)

The biggest difference between the two is position control on the 3pth, hyd flow, and ground clearance. Position control is easier to use, but if you adjust the hyd control properly you can easily move the 2305 hitch up and down. Just more arm movement involved! FEL lift and movement is where the hyd flow is noticed(same FEL on both machines). When clearing the woods extra ground clearance would be nice. But it's not a show stopper, either.

Overall, if you can afford the 2320 then get it. But if you could use that extra money on implements (rake, blade, snowblower, etc) go with the 2305 and don't regret it. On three acres, either machine will work wonders for you.

 

[cast_and_blast]

Roadkill -

Either the 2305 or the 2320 will do a fine job with mowing and snow removal. I believe the 2320 will have slightly faster hydraulics for loader work, but from what I've read the bigger increase comes with the 2520

The 2305 uses wither the 54C or 62C deck (I recommend the 62C for getting closer to obstacles without dinging the tractor and lessening the uncut circle on a turn). The 2320 used the drive-over deck. I know my 62C deck cuts beautifully; I've seen folks reporting issues with the D decks especially with the gauge wheels leaving divots in their yards.

One area that the 2320 outshines the 2305 is in ground clearance. I'm not sure that there would be an advantage for the backhoe for the 2320 or the 2305 - I defer to others that have that experience. I think if I were to be really serious about the backhoe I would look at the 2520.

Good Luck! I'm sure others will chime in -

Scott

 

[23TWENTY]

ROADKILL,

I HAVE NOT PUT A 2305 TO WORK BUT I WOULD NOT HESITATE TO BUY ONE!!
THE TRACTOR IS VERY STRONG ESPECIALY FOR ITS SIZE!! I OWN A 2320 FOR TWO WEEKS NOW AND IT TO IS AN AMAZING TRACTOR TO WORK WITH. TRY THEM BOTH @ THE DEALERSHIP OR ON YOUR PROPERTY. MAYOR AND JDFANATIC WILL BE THE BEST TO TALK TO ON THE 2305 THEY SWEAR BY THEM AND WITH GOOD REASON!!
I WILL BE INSTALLING THE 54D MMM DECK TONIGHT SO I CAN LET YOU KNOW IN A DAY OR SO HOW THE 2320 CUTS. HOWEVER AS FAR AS BOX BLADE WORK AND LANDSCAPE RAKE WORK THIS TRACTOR IS VERY STRONG.
EVERYDAY I AM READY TO TAKE ON ANOTHER TASK !!!

 

[JDCAN]

If you plan on adding a backhoe the 2320 hands down, I would even suggest looking at the 2520.

For the difference of a few hundred dollars on the backhoe option for a 2305 vs 2320, the better buy is the better backhoe for the 2320.

In the end you will be happy.

 

[orlo]

Roadkill:

The hydraulic flow on the 2305 and 2320 are nearly identical. You really need to go to a 2520 to get the faster (GPM) flow (The 2520 is almost double the 2305).

The 2320 will lift more due to 400+PSI more of hydraulic pressure - Same loader with 25%+ more pressure will lift proportionally more.

You'll also get a folding Rops, cruise control and the mentioned position control on the 3pt hitch. Not to mention more 3 point lift capacity. The Frame is beefier, etc. You also get independent (Right/left) brakes. Nice if your doing snow removal or loader work and like to skid steer.

Minuses: It won't handle quite as nice as the 2305 on Hills. It's got the same engine but is geared higher (and weighs more) so won't seem as 'zippy' in either range. Some folks on this board have suggested that if your lot is even slightly hilly that mowing in high range on the 2320 is not very practical. You can mow with the 2305 in either range. It'll mow full out in high range (9mph) if you have an extremely smooth lot.

If you are mostly mowing I don't think you can do much better than the 2305.
I have a 3720 with a 72"MMM (Used to be a 3320) AND a 2305 with the 62 and I can mow much faster (Ground speed) with the 2305 than I can with the 3720 due to bouncing. Not sure if the extra 10" on the 72" deck makes up for the slower speed.

If I were to look to buy 2305 again or a 2320 I think I'd buy the 2320. But, already owning a 2305 I'd probably want to trade for a 2520 due to more of a difference if I ever did trade. They both have the quick mow height adjustment knob (The 2520 does not, it has a side mounted adjuster like my 3720). If you change your mow height as you are mowing (I do on my 2305) you can change it without leaving the seat.

I used to mow 5-6 acres with the 2305 and it flew through it without a hiccup. (Now I mow this with the 3720).

Given your uses I don't think you can go wrong with either. If you have a ton of hills or want the maximum stability (at the expense of ground clearance) go with the 2305. If a position control, independent brakes, and a beefier frame is more important then get the 2320.

;O)

Are you sure I can't talk you into a 3000 series? :O)

 

[JDFANATIC]

roadkill,

Your finalists are two really nice tractors! Some really good advice has been posted above by orlo, JDCAN, 2320, cast and blast, and VA Blue. A few more differences: the 2320 has a hydraulic system cooler instead of a fan and the tranny filter is less exposed than on the 2305. You also get the bigger tires and larger chassis. Because of the slightly greater weight and taller tires being pulled by the same powerplant, the 2320 may require low range to mow on slopes (high really scoots along much faster than the 2305) and this may be too slow for your liking. Position control on the 3PH is a big plus, although you can use the setup on the 2305 just fine. Comparing a 2305 with loaded tires to a 2320 with loaded tires, the 2320 felt more stable (just a seat of the pants appraisal).

I've not used a BH on the 2320, but believe it is the old-style 46 which looks funny (square construction as opposed to the 2320s sloping hood and curved 200CX loader). The 260 BH for the 2305 is really a nice unit. It looks modern and is really responsive (but can be run at idle for someone not used to running a backhoe).

To me the 2305 is a great little tractor that is good at everything but excels at mowing. The 2520 is more substantial in size, hydraulic speed, capabilities, but wouldn't be my first choice to mow, especially if you have any tight areas. The 2320 fits nicely in-between these two.

 

[Chris2520]

Buy a 2520, Dont be Scared.....
And after you do. be sure to post pictures...

Chris......

 

[RalphVa]

Biggest two differences between these two in my mind are: 1) position control on the 3 ph; 2) that cooling fan and hydraulic filter both down below. The 2320 has #1; the 2305 has #2.

If you need to know where your 3 ph implement is, the position control is very desirable. This is the case on most implements.

If your land is very uneven or there's a possibility of getting brush poking at that fan and filter underneath, go with the 2320. I wouldn't be able to use any subCUTS on my land. On my Gravely, I even had some brush remove the oil dip stick. Have had brush remove the steel cover over the mid PTO on the 4010, but that's no big issue. Managed to find the cover in both cases so far. Even if I lose it, it's not a big issue; if it were a hydraulic filter that it looks a lot alike, it would be an issue.

Ralph

 

[jcmseven]

As I have stated in other posts before the 2320's full Cat One three point hitch makes it worth the additional money, and it does not cost that much more $$$.

John M