2305 with bachhoe/swivel seat

Robert F. · Apr 29, 2010

In case some of you don't know, Deere has a replacement seat swivel for the 2305 with backhoe. I had it installed last week and it is great. The dealer told me that Deere does not notify anyone about it. It is up to your dealer to remember who they sold 2305s with backhoe to and get in touch with them. I just happened to walk in to my dealer and the salesman I dealt with saw me walking in and that is how I got my new seat swivel. Just wanted to give all 2305 owners who don't know about the free replacement to contact their dealer to get it done. So far, this improved swivel is worth having done, what used to be an excercise in frustration is now a one handed operation. It really works great. If you still have the old one, call your dealer.:thumbsup:

etcallhome · Apr 29, 2010

Thanks will have to give dealer a call because the old one is a pain in the _ _ _

C-Range · Apr 30, 2010

I highly doubt it is free for everyone, maybe if you are under warranty, maybe. My dealer surely wouldn't be doing anything for free.

Robert F. · Apr 30, 2010

ensoll said:
I highly doubt it is free for everyone, maybe if you are under warranty, maybe. My dealer surely wouldn't be doing anything for free.

My tractor is three years old, why don't you give it a try.

etcallhome · Apr 30, 2010

Contacted dealer today and service dept manager is going to check on this info. He had not heard anything , just waiting for his reply.

C-Range · Apr 30, 2010

I didn't mean to seem combative, Robert. I guess I was subconsciously venting a little frustration. I've heard other situations where people get coddled by their dealers and my experience has been more like getting licked with a cat's tongue.

I even brought my machine in for some flaws and dysfunctions while still under warranty whereupon they told me "it's just the way the machine is" and slapped me with a $50 bill for bothering them.

Getting a replacement seat for free gives me visions of Alice in Wonderland.

Robert F. · May 2, 2010

ensoll said:
I didn't mean to seem combative, Robert.

I didn't take it that way Chris. I have posted this on two other tractor forums and am surprised at the response of some of the dealers. Some claim that they have not heard of a replacement seat base. I have never heard of anyone with a 2305 TLB who thinks the seat is fine. It is a nightmare for most folks. I tend to by very gentle with my equipment and for the most part did not have a terrible time with the old seat BUT it did lock up completely on me while out a fair distance from the tools. Was not a happy camper. Plus, the metal backing for the seat was getting beat up from hitting the swivel frame. I did complain about this seat to my salesman a few times but I was not the one to initiate this replacement. My salesman saw me in the dealership and a little light went on in his memory. He told me that he would order the parts and let me know when they came in. The service department called me when they had the parts, told me to bring in the tractor anytime and they would put it on. no need for an appointment.
Strange that some dealers are so accommodating and others totally opposite. Hope you are able to get this replacement, it is really worth it.

wagonguy · May 3, 2010

I'd LOVE for this to be the case. the seat is my biggest complaint(and only one) so far. I knew of the new swivel but was told it costs 500+ for one-warranty or no. My 2305 is almost 1 year old with 2 yr left on warranty. Would another dealer do a warranty replacement on a tractor they didnt sell? Im guessing no but never hurts to ask.

mred · May 5, 2010

I like my 2305 and this would have solved an annoyance for me. I looked into it by asking my local Service Manager. The Service Manager was nice enough to check with the appropriate John Deer folks and here is what came back. Deere will not replace any seat kit at no charge. They have done a special allowance for customers that have had their tractors in the shop on numerous occasions with documentation to back it up. The dealer along with Deere, have to agree on this special allowance. I knew it was a too good to be true thing, now all I have to do is wait until I have a spare $600.00 (yes the price is $600.00 for the kit) laying around or someone in the family asks what I want for a special occasion.

wagonguy · May 5, 2010

Yeah place I bought mine said about same-'should have waited till the new one came out' - course who knew a "new one " was coming with a swivel seat that actually swivels? have to start looking at some other seat swivel mechs.-maybe under a orange or blue tractor seat or a boat seat. hmmmmm....