790 or 2305

vaj · Jan 4, 2006

I will mow 2-3 acres or so of lawn, no tight turns and plan on using a 60" MMM with either one. Also have a 1000' drive that I'd like to plow. Always figured 790, nice 380A front blade, don't mind the gear, but am nervous it is overkill and expensive for primarily a lawn mower. Have a 2wd 310D backhoe for loader work (which stinks for snowplowing) so this 4wd addition is really a lawn mower with the less frequent winter snow removal. I am thinking now more towards the 2305 but wonder if the 54" blade is worth it and if the tractor is heavy enough to push any snow around. Or am I wasting my time with this machine for snowplowing? It will fit in the garage better, would have the benefit of HST and more affordable.

I appreciate any input and Thanks!

qstott · Jan 5, 2006

I have the very same question! I have a small farm, with serveral acres of trees planted that I need to mow around. I also need something to do "farm maintanence", (100 acres that we rent out) dragging paths, maybe some garden work,etc. I'm using a 445 with hyd dump bagger for grass cuting now on about 5 acres a week. I'm adding up hours fast on the 445, and have been using that to mow about 6 acres of trees about once a month too. Turning radius is important for the trees. HST would be nice, but my gut feeling is that I would get more tractor for the money with the 790. I like the idea of independent rear brakes with the 790, but the HST is really fast for other needs. I might be able to pick up a 755 with HST and independent rear brakes used. (It has a 60" deck too) The 790 does not come standard with a mid mount pto, so it seems a rear mower would be the cheapest way to go. I do prefer a mid mount mower for mowing though. I suspect the 790 would be much better for rear mounted implements tha the 2305. Many post have been made on the satisfaction here on TBY about the 2305. 790, 2305, 755, decisions, decisions, decisions!

johndeere_2210 · Jan 5, 2006

These are two completely different creatures in terms of handling/capabilities. It appears to me you guys will be using it for light duty, i.e., mowing grass, snow, light chores, then I would strongly consider the 2305 over the 790. The 2305 equipped with a MMM will handle much closer to a garden tractor, but still give you the punch (I have never experienced issues running a 4' bushhog {the 2305 does not have a position control value on the 3-point, but is very capable of running the bushhog}, 50" rear tiller, or pushing snow with the 54" front blade) needed to do other chores.

Be aware, Deere is about to release a creature around the 790 size which will be HST, but no mid PTO and will be selling within 2305 price range, perhaps this Spring.

Alternatively, if you are wanting something a touch bigger, say 4110 or 4115, then email me on the side and I will let you know who has one around you, because these are being phased out and the prices are attractive.

unreconstructed · Jan 5, 2006

I have been pondering the same issue. I already have a 5203 but want a smaller tractor for mowing under oak trees. I have about 100 acres but not sure how much acreage is under the oaks but after sitting on the 2305 I decided it was too little. I like the feel of the 790 but the problem is that the ROPS is not foldable and so I don't think that will work either.

vaj · Jan 5, 2006

Thank You, the more I hear the 2305 is good pushing snow, and not a waste of time, the more it confirms it is the right on efor me.

Dutch445 · Jan 5, 2006

The 2305 should be quite a bit less money than the 790, especially by the time you put a mower under it. Take that
extra savings, and buy the front snowblower, and you have a machine that is more than adequate to do what you want, and a more user friendly mower, easier to maneuver, and no clutch. (the 790 has the 2-stage clutch, which means stopping the tractor without stopping the pto is a tad tricky at first)

good luck,
both are fine tractors!
/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Deere_parts · Jan 5, 2006

IMHO I think the 2305 would fit your needs perfectly and would be much more user freindly for what you want to do. The garden tractors use the same 54" blade so I'm sure the heavier MFWD 2305 will work it with ease and be even better when you hang chain and ballest it.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Be aware, Deere is about to release a creature around the 790 size which will be HST, but no mid PTO and will be selling within 2305 price range, perhaps this Spring.
)</font>

Ohhhhhhhhh /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif do tell.....I'd be very interested in hearing more on this. while I try to decide on a new tractor for next spring. I need to be more confused than I am now.

Right now I'm considering the 2305, 2320, (when they come out next spring), and the 2520 /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif decisions, decisions, decisions.

Ledgemere Farm · Jan 6, 2006

The 790 is a really nice tractor, but given your intended uses, I would lean toward the 2305. You will really like the hydrostatic. I don't know how much snow you get, but have you considered a blower over a blade? I think that either way, you need to buy the hitch. My brother has the 2-stage blower on his 2210 and it works extremely well. Either way, get weights and chains.

Joe_in_Madison · Jan 8, 2006

vaj / qstott,

Wisconsin had a lot of snow early-on this winter. I've used a 2210 w/ 6' rear blade and couldn't be happier. With loaded R4's (no chains) the 2210 moves snow easily.

I plow about 350' of driveway, and 2-3 passes has the project done. I leave the loader off most winter so I've got a little more maneuver ability around the cars.

People will debate about the best method for moving snow, but know that without reservations, the 2210/2305's will move all the snow you've got no matter what you use (i.e. front blade, rear blade, loader, snow blower.)