2320/2520 Performance Comparison

[JJKJ]

Sorry to beat this to death but I'm confused regarding 2320/2520 performance. I've read through many threads now and here's what I come up with:

While the 2320 and 2520 are only a couple hp apart, the torque difference is more significant. From what I've read the 2520 has a 10-11 ft/lb advantage.

Both tractors use the same trans so the 2520 with its bigger tires has a gearing disadvantage to the 2320.

Some have said the 2320 may possibly be a little underpowered. I find no comments of that for the 2520, in fact, most have commented that the 2520 has plenty of power.

The kicker here is that I see posts commenting that the 2520 has an issue mowing in high gear. This is very confusing to me because the impression I get is that the 2320 with its gearing advantage and lighter weight (about 200lbs) does not have issues mowing in high. However, the 2520 has had complaints.

So which machine is underpowered?

I understand issues of gearing and weight; I've spent many years working with race cars. However, to me a vehicle that can't use high gear on anything but flat ground is just plain underpowered.

Why is the tractor that has some thinking it's underpowered, had no complaints about mowing speeds?

Why does the tractor that most think is adequately powered have complaints about inability to mow in high gear? To me, this means the tractor is underpowered.

As I said, not trying to beat this to death. The dealers are not much help. The dealer that has a 2320 in stock is obviously telling me how much better a 2320 is. He says he only stocks 2320s and 2720s because the 2520 does not provide enough of a performance advantage over the 2320 to warrant the cost. The dealer that has a 2520 in stock says the 2520 is a much superior tractor, and does not stock 2320s because he says it does not provide enough of a performance advantage over a 2305.

The 2320 has fewer threads/posts with complaints or issues. Oddly though, I found no threads where people have bought a 2520 and wished they had bought a 2320. On the flip side, even though the 2520 has a couple issues (gearing/tire rub) I read some threads where people have bought a 2320 and either wished they had bought a 2520 or actually traded the 2320 for a 2520.

I am familiar with the 2520's hyd system advantages. I am mainly looking at each tractors ability to mow, tow, move snow and transport loads (bucket). I want a tractor that has adequate power to do these tasks and not feel like I got an underpowered tractor.

Just driving these tractors around the dealership gives no real feel for what they'll be like working.

Should I only be considering what work can be done with these tractors in low gear? Is that where the comparison is coming from? I understand this is where a majority of the work is done, but as mentioned, I worry about getting an underpowered tractor.

As a person who is new to tractors, where will I notice a lack of power (ability) the most, and which tractor will exhibit this the most?

Thanks,

John

 

[glc24]

Hi JJKJ
I opted for the 2520 (still waiting for it though)
The cost difference wasn't enough to outweigh the +'s.
I just made up my mind it was going to be the 2520..........period
Did you compare the specs on the two? There are more than a few differences.
I know what you mean about the high gear thing. I've been reading this everywhere. Frankly,it doesn't bother me. Ten owners will give you ten different stories. I will find out for myself. When its stated it (2520) can't cut in high gear.........How steep is the hill?....How fast are we trying to go anyway?
Are we trying to break a land speed record for cutting grass?
How tall is the grass?...Is the grass super wet?
Hopefully some of the 2520 owners will chime in for you.

Greg

 

[Paystar]

Funny, because I've read many posts saying the 2320 is also geared too high to use high range when mowing. I think it all depends on who you talk to. A lot of people here would have you mowing one acre with a 3000 series.
No doubt the 2520 has better hydraulic response, but I think it is a little heavy for mowing a lawn.
Myself, if I were needing anything bigger than a 2320, I would buy a seperate lawn tractor for mowing.

 

[billb3]

No mower on my 2520.


I wish my trans had a middle gear.
Hi speed is often too fast for bumpy terrain.
I've spilled a load or two of firewood or gravel out of the bucket. My fault.
I think a lot of complaints about high speed is actually a wish for a middle speed.
If I were mowing, I'd want a whole range of speeds to meet cutting conditions. If I were only mowing I don't think I'd even consider a 2000 series, I'd look at mowers.

I'm ripping up old foundations, moving gravel fill, digging up and moving boulders and digging trenches .
Once all my digging projects are done, I'll probably sell and get a quad and a trailer. Maybe a plow blade along with the walk behind self-propelled snow-blower.

We don't get enough snow often enough to justify a plow or blower and keep the 2520.

I have never seen a 2320. I tested a 2305 and a 2520.
I also had quite a few 3000 series owners suggesting the 2520 would be too small for my projects.
It's been fine.


from what I've read here from 2320 owners, a 2320 may have sufficed. To know that I'd have to compare the hydraulic speeds.
From what I've read here from those that have tested both the 2520 was probably my best bet. I only get Sundays off. Seat time is nice, getting things done (faster) is nicer.

 

[JJKJ]

Maybe part of this is my misunderstanding how the HST works. The way I understand the operation is similar my X500. For instance, with mowing, you set the engine RPM at rated PTO. You place the HST in either high or low depending on desired top speed. If you place it in high, you can fluctuate your speed from 0 to 13mph with use of the fwd pedal. So lets say I want to mow at a speed slightly higher than low's top speed of 4.5mph. What/where does the problem occur with trying to mow at say 5mph in high gear on a slope? Is the tractor unable to climb even a slight slope at that speed in high? Does the engine begin to bog down or does the hydro just whine a lot?

My X500 would climb the hill I need to mow with the mower engaged. Engine rpm did not bog down but the HST did whine a good bit. If this is the only issue I'd have with the 2520, I'm not really concerned. This hill I'd obviously mow in low with the 2520, but the remainder of my land does have a slight slope. Will the 2520 be fine on a slight slope with a 62" MMM if I were to want to mow slightly faster than the low gear range?

Back to my original question--it seems to me if this is the case, then I would interpret that as the 2520 being underpowered.

I am just trying to understand the short-comings and strengths of each tractor.

Greg, you bring up some good points. It's almost as though you have to buy the thing and use it for a few months in different scenarios hoping you made the right choice. I just hate making a costly mistake.

Thanks,

John

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

A lot of people here would have you mowing one acre with a 3000 series.

Well ya What's the question

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

I am just trying to understand the short-comings and strengths of each tractor.


John

I wondering if you shared with us your vision of what the tractor will be required to do, which are most important and how large an area you plan to mow, if that would assist in members providing input.

For example, if the tractor will only go 4.5 MPH in low range and you only mow 1 acre the time difference may well be minimal. I rarely go faster than 5.5 - 6.0 MPH at the best of times.

What's the heaviest load you anticipate having to lift? Will the hydraulics handle the load? How high does the FEL need to lift? Will you ever want a snow blower? a Back Hoe? Ground engaging 3pth attachments?

Not to be silly - but is this going to be a giant yard toy for a big boy - if yes and $$$ are not a big problem & you like that size tractor - buy a 2720 - then underpowered mowing will not be a problem.

 

[turbo36]

Not to be silly - but is this going to be a giant yard toy for a big boy - if yes and $$$ are not a big problem & you like that size tractor - buy a 2720 - then underpowered mowing will not be a problem.

I agree, it really boils down to how much do you want to spend. The 2305 will get the job done but it has slow hydraulics and no true 3ph position control. Move up to the 2320 and you get 3 ph position control and a pretty good mid-mount position control but not any better improvement in hydraulic speed. Move up to the 2520 and now you have something; good power and good hydraulics. Move up to the 2720 and you have all the power you could ever need in a tractor this size, I guarantee you will hardly miss the 3rd range.

I have a 2520 and will probably move to the 2720 this summer just for the extra power. I like having just two ranges for loader, it seems I'm always mis-shifting on my 3 range 3720.

 

[jenkinsph]

As I understand the OP has a new 2305 right now, his prior tractor was a 2320, he is now considering going back to a 2320 or 2520. His main use from looking at an overhead view is mowing. Maybe some small jobs on the open 8 acres.

I suggested as others have to look at a 748 and 749 mower, and suggest that the 748 may be the better choice if the 3 pt hitch is useful to him. It has one gear range in the middle of the low and high ranges and has a speed range between 0 and 8.5 mph. Still think this would be a good choice if you do anything. If it were me and had the 2305 I would make do for awhile to make dead certain what I wanted.

If were starting from scratch and already knew for sure that a 2000 series tractor was the perfect size for my jobs then I would get the 2720 and not look back. Rarely if ever do I hear complaints from owners who buy just a lttle more power in a given frame size.

8 in 1 tools are never as good as dedicated tools, the same thing goes for tractors and mowers. When you buy a tractor small enough to mow the lawn then it isn't big enough for heavy work. You have to decide which is more important for the present, maybe an older larger tractor later for other jobs would suffice too.

 

[Deadman]

I couldn't see buying a 2320 when the 2520 has so much faster hydraulics.
Also 2 more HP, and a TON more torque. The 2520 is direct injected, and I'm not sure if the 2320 is, but I don't "think" it is.

 

[glc24]

The 2520 is direct injected, and I'm not sure if the 2320 is, but I don't "think" it is.

Its not. The 2320 is indirect,and I'm pretty sure it uses a prechamber,maybe not. The way indirect and direct work in relation to combustion,I think the 2520 would use a gallon of fuel more efficiently,thus getting more hours out of a tank of fuel.

 

[JJKJ]

Steve I think you confused me with another thread going where the OP regretted trading his 2320 for a 2305. I have an '08 X500 that I bought when I lived on a 3/4 acre lot. Now with 8 acres, I'm looking for a good all-purpose tractor.

I'd love to have a nice 748 for mowing and another tractor for other chores. However, for simplicity and cost savings, I'm looking for one all-purpose tractor. I understand it won't be the best at all activities but good at the tasks required. I'm looking for a tractor for mowing, snow plowing, some ground engaging activities and moving trailers/equipment around the barn.

I just want to ensure the tractor I purchase has adequate power to do the tasks I'm looking to accomplish.

 

[Paystar]

Anybody know what the difference in turning circles are between the 2320 and 2520? Will the 2520 go and fit everywhere the 2320 will or do you notice the difference in size?
My main use is mowing, so I'm sticking with the 2305, but I wondered if the bigger 2000 series are as maneuverable?

 

[chevyman29]

well i cant speak directly on that my 2520 was plenty maneuverable for mowing i never wished for more on that front

 

[bxowner]

I'm the one looking to get back into the 2320/2520/2720 range tractors, having traded my 2320 down for a 2305. "Penny wise and pound foolish" couldn't be a more appropriate statement for my mistake. And to be clear, I'm quite aware that I'm considering the upgrade more out of "want" than "need." I'm simply not satisfied with the tractor I now have and its limitations have only become apparent over the course of 6 months of ownership. It's the perfect tractor for a lot of people - I'm now aware (too late) that the 2320-2720 range tractors are perfect for me.

JJKJ -

As you say, you don't want to do as I've done. i.e. take a 30 day test drive and realize the tractor you've chosen isn't right for your property. So let me chime in about my actual experience with my 2320. My ONLY complaint of consequence with that tractor was the 2-range hydro. High was too high. Low too low. But in many ways that was my impression, rather than necessarily reality - if I stomped on the hydro when in high, the tractor eventually moved along just fine. But boy did it make a whining racket! On a slope in high range, the tractor SOUNDED like it was straining and yes, it took a lot of effort to get moving. But, it did move. Sounds to me like you've had this experience with your X500, but perhaps to a lesser degree.

So, my guess is the 2520 is better and the 2720 is best with regard to straining. I think for you it probably comes down to trying each one out or the two that you are looking at - which may necessitate a trip to a distant dealership that actually has both in stock. And a hill to try them on. I would suggest spending some time on them, too, using your ears - and don't let a salesperson make you feel rushed.

The 2320 does not have direct injection, but I never had trouble starting it in severe cold weather with the glow plugs. i.e. -15 degrees. It would spit black smoke for a while and sound god-awful (loud! and pingy) compared to staring in the warm summer months. But it would start and settle into itself (same is true of the 2305 I have now) just fine. So, for me the direct injection is more gravy than necessity.

As it stands, I'm still in the contemplation mode. I'm waiting for a day that will allow me to compare several tractors on the same day - which means a weekday, as many local dealers are only open for a few hours on Saturdays. Rarely do I have a weekday off. So, I'm a ways out from doing anything. My point in mentioning this is, I'm not adhered to any one brand. I am intrigued by the Kubota B2620 and B2920 models, as they have a couple of features I think are valuable - the 3-range hydro, hydraulic couplings that don't leave lines hanging just off the ground and are easier to access and a retractable seatbelt to mention a few. Not that the 2320/2520/2720 don't have their own benefits - i.e. position control, one-piece engine cover, etc. It's just a matter of getting on them and trying them out back-to-back so there's actual comparison, rather than just looking at specs on a page.

Good luck. Thanks for posting this thread, as my mind's hung-up just like your's with regard to the hydro comparison of 2320 and 2520. Hopefully someone has an anecdote that clears it up for you.

 

[Birdmayon]

I'm looking for one all-purpose tractor. I understand it won't be the best at all activities but good at the tasks required. I'm looking for a tractor for mowing, snow plowing, some ground engaging activities and moving trailers/equipment around the barn.

I just want to ensure the tractor I purchase has adequate power to do the tasks I'm looking to accomplish.

JJKJ, I use my 2520 for everything you mentioned above. It will mow on slight slopes in high gear with some whining, but unless you roll your lawn often and it is super smooth, that's almost too fast for a tractor of this weight. I mow in low and it is fine for me. 1 1/3 acres.

Ground engaging tasks, the tractor works great. My only complaint is the tractor is a bit light for this kind of work. Traction will be your limitation, not power. Just size your implements correctly and you'll be fine.

Snow removal, again, does well. Could use some extra weight but if you match your implements correctly and use it smartly it'll work fine for you.

I think the 2320 will do all of these tasks just as well, from what I've read. The hydraulics will be slower, which I wouldn't be happy with, thus the 2520. Also, any PTO implements....the few extra HP of the 2520 may help depending on what implement you are using.

Overall, the 2520 is a great little tractor, very maneuverable (I mow around alot of trees, take it through my woods, etc) with good hydraulics speed and decent power. If hydraulic speed and a few extra ponies isn't important to you, I think you'd do just fine with a 2320. I recommend filling the tires with fluid for extra weight and stability with either one.

 

[Runner]

I don't think it's a case of the 2520 being underpowered. The problem is, it's over-geared in high range. The only time I've been able to bog it down was when I was doing something that was operating at the upper limit of what it was designed to do (like running a 4.5 inch piece of hardwood through the chipper or running through a ditch and grounding out the 60 inch rotary cutter in the dirt).

Actually, I think a test drive a dealer, even without using the mower, would be fairly revealing. Get on one, put it in low range and see what the top speed looks like. That will be about as fast as you can reasonably expect to mow. Just for comparison, put it in high range and see what it acts like. BXOWNER's description is right on the money, i.e., the thing feels like it's straining its guts out to move in high range and it's hard to modulate the speed control through the pedal.

All that being said, if I were doing it again, I'd buy a 2720 (it wasn't available when I bought my 2520 or I'd have bought it then too).

Also, if I owned a nice mowing tractor like the 748 free and clear, I'd keep it and buy a 2720 for the "chores".

 

[jenkinsph]

Steve I think you confused me with another thread going where the OP regretted trading his 2320 for a 2305. I have an '08 X500 that I bought when I lived on a 3/4 acre lot. Now with 8 acres, I'm looking for a good all-purpose tractor.

I'd love to have a nice 748 for mowing and another tractor for other chores. However, for simplicity and cost savings, I'm looking for one all-purpose tractor. I understand it won't be the best at all activities but good at the tasks required. I'm looking for a tractor for mowing, snow plowing, some ground engaging activities and moving trailers/equipment around the barn.

I just want to ensure the tractor I purchase has adequate power to do the tasks I'm looking to accomplish.

You are correct about the confusion mixing threads, sorry about that. I have mentioned having the separate mower and tractor which is what I do and you come back with the simplicity and cost savings rebuttle. I have thought alot about this the last few weeks, I am sitting here with three tractors and a small riding mower. Right now I have a decent assortment of tractors and implements to use. It wasn't long ago (about 12 years) that I had two Murray push mowers, Deere 820, boxblade and phd. This made yard work a chore to say the least, crappy mowers and a tractor with no implements. I digress, but the one thing that did make a difference was that having the older 820 (which is about the same size as the 4x20) meant that the implements I purchased over time would still work with the newer tractor.

From a cost savings standpoint a good simple used tractor that will handle 6' heavy implements to light 8' implements would seem to fit your space well. There are plenty of older gear tractors to choose from in the $5,000 to $8,000 range that will handle the larger tasks you have and maintenance costs are minimal. The point I am trying to make is that you need one tractor to develop the property and prepare the lawns, smooth everything out and then a mower to maintain the grass afterwards. The one saving grace of tractors seems to be that you can buy a good used one and use it for ten years and then sell it for close to what you have in it. Can't say that about most things I have purchased.

I know you feel that having one tractor to do it all is more simplistic but I don't. I think that what you would wind up with is one that is too big and heavy to mow with and is too small and light to handle the initial landscape work. I would keep the existing mower for now, add a good used tractor and implements and work the place over getting it as smooth as possible. Then at a later date when the vast majority of the work is mowing I would consider moving up to a larger faster mower.

 

[glc24]

Anybody know what the difference in turning circles are between the 2320 and 2520? Will the 2520 go and fit everywhere the 2320 will or do you notice the difference in size?
My main use is mowing, so I'm sticking with the 2305, but I wondered if the bigger 2000 series are as maneuverable?

2305 Turning Radius w/o Brakes,ft. (m)...........7.4 (2.25)

2320 Turning Radius w/o Brakes,ft. (m)...........7.7 (2.34)
2320 Turning Radius w/ Brakes,ft. (m).............6.7 (2.04)

2520 Turning Radius w/o Brakes,ft. (m)...........8.2 (2.5)
2520 Turning Radius w/ Brakes,ft. (m).............7.5 (2.3)

Greg

 

[JJKJ]

Did a bunch more reading over the last couple days. I hope I get to spend as many hours on my tractor as I did researching it.

Prior to this latest research I hadn't found much discussion about the 2320's high/low range performance. I ran some additional searches and found posts stating that the 2320 has the same issue using high gear. It shares the same problem with the 2520 in that high gear can only be used on pretty much flat ground while mowing or hauling. As bxowners states, use of high results in lots of whine and if steep enough, the tractor will just not move.

In low gear, users have said that both the 2320 and 2520 have an abundance of power.

The 2305 and possibly 2720 (haven't found any posts complaining about the 2720's high gear usefulness) have enough power to use high gear for mowing and other tasks. After reading, the 2305 actually had appeal to me again (I began this quest by looking at a 2305), but the downsides are low ground clearance, lack of position control on 3ph, limited Cat I 3ph, and its lower capacity hyd system. While I think the 2305 would make a great mower, I think I would need an additional machine to accomplish other larger tasks. I would be in the same position as buying a 748/749.

I'd like to step up the 2720, but I'm pushing things as it is with the 2520. I could look at a used 2720, however I like buying new so I can have warranty as long as possible and the financing offers.

At this point I'm set on the 2520. The cost difference on the quotes I received make it an attractive choice. I think I've alleviated my fears about not having the power I need. The 2720 would be extra insurance but after my reading, I'm 99% certain I'll be happy with the 2520.

Thanks for the responses. I talked with the dealer and am anticipating delivery of my 2520 next week. He has the tractor in stock but has to collect some of the additional equipment. Essentially I've ordered:

2520
R4's (wanted R3's and use chains but clearance issues swayed me towards R4's)
200CX loader with 61" bucket and ballast box
54" front blade
62D MMM with independent lift
Front and rear work light kits
block heater
3pt 2" receiver

Looking forward to working with my new tractor.

John