Comparison 2305 vs 2520 Need Help

[Olympus]

I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons between these two. The 2305 is a 2011 model with 385 hrs and has a FEL and belly mower. In good shape and stored inside. Price is $10k.

The 2520 I'm not certain of the year, has 900 hrs, a FEL, and a JD 44 backhoe attachment. Not too sure about condition, but photo looks pretty good. Price is $10k also.

Now both tractors are the size I need and the FEL is the most important thing to me. The belly mower or the backhoe are just bonuses. The belly mower would be nice for a backup when my Grasshopper is in the shop (twice last summer). The backhoe would be nice for the occasional job, but would not really see much use either. So between the two choices, what would you recommend?

 

[bigtiller]

With the FEL being the most important to you, the 2520 would be the one to buy. It is faster and lifts more weight higher than the 2305.

 

[Bota4me]

With the FEL being the most important to you, the 2520 would be the one to buy. It is faster and lifts more weight higher than the 2305.

he is right, also the 2305 has had some issues with pro housing breaking not sure of the years tho. I would look at the 2520 as it is more machine for the $$ if its in good shape

 

[Olympus]

Another thing I didn't think about is how hard the backhoe world be to take off and on. I use a brush hog and grader blade a lot in the summer.

 

[chevy]

Another thing to consider is the 3 point hitches on each. The 2520 has a cat 1 3 point hitch with position control. The 2305 has a limited cat 1 3 point & I believe does not have position control.

I have owned a 2210, the model before the 2305, and currently a 2720. The 2520 is much more of a tractor than the 2305.

You could buy the 2520, then sell the backhoe & have a much nicer tractor & be many dollars ahead.

 

[Olympus]

Now what does limited cat 1 mean? And what is position control?

I currently have a 1986 JD 750.

 

[chevy]

Now what does limited cat 1 mean? And what is position control?

I currently have a 1986 JD 750.

A limited cat 1 3 point hitch means the the hitch will not lift as high or as much weight as a standard cat 1 hitch.

I believe your 750 has position control for the 3 point hitch. The hitch moves up & down in relation to position of the adjustment handle.
There is also an adjustable position stop. The 2520 has the same type adjustment for the 3 point hitch.

The 2305 3 point lever works like the loader SCV. Pull back on the lever & the hitch raises, push forward & the hitch lowers. Let go of the lever & it returns to the center. Height is set by sight.

 

[ovrszd]

As Chevy said, lot of difference. I'd buy a 2750 with more hours versus a 2305 with less hours if the condition of the equipment is comparable.

 

[pkav32]

I have a 2520 and my neighbor has a 2305. We share some attachments so I need to move his once in a while. I can't believe the difference between them. 2305 seems like a lawn tractor when I am in the operators seat. He has even said he wished he never bought the 2305 now that he knows better. Get the 2520 over the 2305. you will be happy you did

 

[johnwilldo]

As a later model 2305, owner I am quite satisfied with it's functions mowing, brush hogging, and snow plowing using the FEL. It is like a lawn tractor on steroids, but as a previous poster has suggested, it is still a small tractor and the reach for the FEL is limited. I recently had to remove some pallets from a delivery truck and the height extension was barely enough to remove the pallet. The 2305 is low to the ground and is exactly what I need on my very hilly farm. It is very good at mowing and is the closest thing to a zero turn mower that I have seen. The three point hitch is a challenge to adjust to a specific level when using the brush hog or the rock rake. I have about 500 hours on the tractor and am not about to trade up, but knowing what I know now, thanks in part to Tractor by Net, I would suggest going with a slightly larger tractor.