2305 vs 318

[planman8]

Thanks johndeere 2210,
I tried everything but putting the inc. on it.

 

[dmg]

I had a 316 for 7 years and loved it, I now have a 2305 with the 62" deck and mow 5 acres with around 100 trees in about 3 hours. I feel that the
2305 is as good of a cut, but at a greater speed than the 316. You will like it!

 

[cast_and_blast]

No issues here with my 2305 - it provides a superb cut!

About the ROPS...I had some trees that needed to be trimmed so it wouldn't be an issue. I look at it this way - they needed to be trimmed anyway. The ROPS isn't that tall.

I would recommend moving the lights to the inside of the ROPS - I did (even with the guards).

Scott

 

[fgross335_2210]

I got my folding rops directly from Femco two years ago. I think it was $199 and included everything needed for installation.

 

[Shawk]

I am updating from a JD 318 to a JD 2305. It should be in the last of this month. I have loved my 318 and will miss it. While I know that the 2305 is much more versatile, I will miss the 318 and it's ability to cut the yard. Of course, cutting is all I could do with it. I am somewhat concerned that the 2305 won't perform as well as the 318 in cutting. Can any of you guys put my mind at ease? The sellsman said that the 2305 would do as well, but what else would a sellsman say? I guess my main concern is the larger turning radius of the 2305 as well as the ROPS.

It'll take about one mow with your new 2305 and you'll forget all about that 318. The 2000 series tractors are phenominal machines... and terrific mowers. Turning radius is VERY good with the 2305 so I wouldn't worry about it. ENJOY!

 

[jcmseven]

The biggest thing about the 2305 that improves it over the 318 is its diesel engine. It will allow the 2305 to power through deep grass and work on difficult terrain without strain and will do so on very little fuel and for many years. As I stated earlier, as a mowing machine I prefer the X series with the diesel and MFWD, but the 2305 should do a nice job. Although the "C" series decks are not commercial level decks they are quite nice and if maintained well, deliver a very nice cut.

John M

 

[planman8]

Thank's to everyone who responded to my questions about mowing with the 2305. You have put my mind at ease now. Now if my tractor will just hurry up and get here!!!!!
Al

 

[LBrown59]

Just keep the little 318 and run it around the yard for fun!
Own them both

Right on: It's the best of both worlds.

 

[LBrown59]

Over the years I mowed with a 212, 214 and finally a 322 at my dad's place. The 322 with a 50" deck would be very comparable to your 318. Four years ago I got a 2210/62C. There is no comparison. Smoother, faster, more power reserve. The deck sticks out more to get under things and the foot-controlled hydro can be controlled more smoothly and in my opinion faster than any hand hydro. The hydraulics are better and you can actually manuever around stuff like trees at a very fast pace.
I also got the FEMCO folding ROPS. It is the real deal, fits just like OEM but folds quickly. You will still be higher up than the 318,
1*so limbs that you could sneak under on the 318 may stop you on a 2305.
Nevertheless, the folding ROPS is a great addition if you have trees.
If you were happy with your 318 for mowing
2*I think you'll find the 2305 to be as good or better in almost any situation.

1*First thing I did when I got my BX23 was trim off all low hanging branches that would not clear the ROPS.
2*One exception is in areas that are inaccessible to the larger 2305.
That's why I have A CC 2554 Garden Tractor in addition to the Sub Compact.
.

 

[LBrown59]

1*Is it unreasonable to remove the ROPS entirely?
2*the 2305 is only slightly larger than the big X series tractors that don't have ROPS, and they can have a FEL too.
3*Is it really that dangerous if on mostly flat ground?
4*I've got to believe there are many who have.

1*It is to me because I'm not willing to take the risk.
2*Which one would you rather have laying on top of you?Hain't no way you'd get me to operate a fel with out a rops on the tractor.
3*Yep
4*I don't like to gamble on pure luck.