Coming clean

bxowner · Dec 25, 2009

I'm finally ready to admit something that's embarrassing... I made a mistake selling my 2320. I did it because I couldn't justify spending so much money to but the mid-mount mower. On the one hand, I spend $14k+ on the tractor and loader. But it was manageable, because the monthly payment was only about $160. To get the mid-mount mower later meant shelling out over $2000+ dollars that couldn't be financed over time for a very low rate (like the tractor). And I couldn't justify owning such an expensive piece of equipment only for the loader. So, I took the equity I had and traded the 2320 for a 2305 with a loader and mid-mount mower. Not a day has passed that I haven't regretted that decision...

This week, I admitted my mistake and made the decision to get back into the 2320. The problem is, I'm really - really - concerned about making another costly mistake. So, I'm trying to look at the decision from every angle. Should I get a higher-horsepower tractor like a 3005 that will be about the same price, but last forever and be much more capable of running implements like a generator at lower RPMs? Or having a loader mounted snow plow blade? Or, should I pony up for a 2520? That would solve my complaint with the speed of the 2320's loader speed... and the fact that I felt like it was straining to go up minor slopes in high range.

It's not that I "don't know what to do." I'm not made of money. Quite the opposite. I have to keep this under $200 to stay in budget - that's not something a rich guy is worried about. I'm just not happy with the 2305 for so many of my OWN reasons... I don't like the lack of position control on the 3-pt. hitch. I don't like the way you have to glow the plugs compared to the simplicity of the 2320. The 4WD indicator light was handy. The seat's not as comfortable. I miss split brakes.

My point in writing this thread is... I feel guilty on the one hand for owning such a nice piece of equipment as the 2305 (a tractor that the vast majority of Americans, if not the world, would be perfectly happy - and then some - about owning), while on the other hand not liking it enough to be satisfied. Just the same, I'm ready to take a bit of a hit on it and trade back to the tractor I really liked - a 2320. I just can't afford it - either financially or for the principle of it - to be getting into another tractor a year or two from now.

Any thoughts that might help me? I mean real-world experiences? Not just flaming a guy that's vulnerable for admitting his mistake on the internet?

beenthere · Dec 25, 2009

Hang in there. You will drift toward the right decision and the right tractor in the long haul.

Go slow and steady.

ChuckinNH · Dec 25, 2009

I agree, just take it easy over the winter maybe, and you will do the right thing. If mowing is the primary concern, I really wouldn't go larger than the 2320 myself. If things like the loader being slow to you really were an irritation, give that some careful thought. Sometimes we all make mistakes, or do things we wish we had done differently so don't feel alone! Drive them all again, use the loaders, and see which one brings the biggest smile.......

Runner · Dec 25, 2009

A few thoughts:

First, if you don't like the fact that the 2305 seems to struggle up hills in high gear, you REALLY won't like it when you see that the 2520 does exactly the same thing. High gear on the 2520 is really not very useful, except for transport.

Second, if you want to use a loader-mounted plow, reports from people that have tried them on the 2520 have not sounded very positive to me. I think the consensus was that the front end was just too light to handle it. Also, JD doesn't recommend loader mounted plows for the 200-series loaders.

I've never used a 2305 or 2320, however, based on my experience with the 2520, I wouldn't want ANY less hydraulic ability than what the 2520 has.

I also wouldn't want to give up the split brakes and position control.

I'm curious as to what type of uses you have for the machine, i.e., how many acres do you need to mow and what will you be using the loader for, etc.?

jenkinsph · Dec 25, 2009

I agree with the posts above, I wouldn't get in a hurry to make a change just yet. I used my old 820 for many years before buying the new 4520, I thought about what I needed and thought again and again. I likely made a mistake buying a box store lawnmower, the L130 is okay but surely isn't in the league of the real mowers. That is a cheap fix though compared to buying the wrong larger equipment.

I was fortunate enough to know that the 2000 and 3000 series tractors weren't big enough to start with though. I would say the 4000 series is about as small a tractor as I wan't. I would have preferred to have a 5000 if the ehydro was offered but since it was not, I matched the new tractor to the existing 110 and 820 which can all share most implements.

When this mower wears out I will buy a better model next time, possibly an X748 or 749. I think these are better for lawn work than the 2000 series are and none of these will work well for the heavy jobs. That is not meant to say that you can not mow and do some light maintenance with these but their abilities are limited.

My point to all of this is individually all of us need to determine the uses for our equipment and think about which tasks will be ongoing and which ones will be over in a season or two. Makes a big difference in what you should buy. You may find (after some thought) that with most loader work completed that the 2305 will work for you or you may find that a deluxe riding mower is all you need.

Just my thoughts which aren't worth much.

JDGreenGrass · Dec 26, 2009

When you are ready to look give the 3005 a chance.

I believe the base price is less than a 2320. But, standard shift and I don't think it has a mid-pto. It may be an option.

Maybe not the right tractor for you but, there are soo many models it's easy to miss a good one.

rtm038 · Dec 27, 2009

Runner said:
A few thoughts:

First, if you don't like the fact that the 2305 seems to struggle up hills in high gear, you REALLY won't like it when you see that the 2520 does exactly the same thing. High gear on the 2520 is really not very useful, except for transport.

Second, if you want to use a loader-mounted plow, reports from people that have tried them on the 2520 have not sounded very positive to me. I think the consensus was that the front end was just too light to handle it. Also, JD doesn't recommend loader mounted plows for the 200-series loaders.

I've never used a 2305 or 2320, however, based on my experience with the 2520, I wouldn't want ANY less hydraulic ability than what the 2520 has.

I also wouldn't want to give up the split brakes and position control.

I'm curious as to what type of uses you have for the machine, i.e., how many acres do you need to mow and what will you be using the loader for, etc.?

My thoughts exactly. The 2520 really needs a medium range. Although I love my 2520, I've thought about downsizing to a 2305 once my larger landscaping projects are done, but I know I won't because I know I'll regret it. Hang in there. The right decision to make will come to you in time.

Deadman · Dec 29, 2009

Make sure you buy what you really need now, because all this buying and selling has most likely cost you twice as much as it should have if you would have just kept your 2320 in the first place.
Don't look at it as payments, look at the price and if you can't afford it, then simply don't buy it. Save your money and then buy it when you have the money.

JDGreenGrass · Dec 29, 2009

K7LN said:
I'm not sure I would go with a 3005 as it's a different animal than the 2000 series. You're dealing with a manual sliding gear transmission.... not really great for loader work or grass cutting unless you have long constat speed runs. The mid PTO and 4WD (wP/S) are both options as is the loader. Hills equal more shifting. It's a tough machine, but think twice about getting one. A used 870 with a synchromesh transmission would be a better choice.

I use my JD455 for cutting grass, pushing snow and all the little jobs. My JD790 is only for the bigger jobs. Once I dig out some stumps next summer, my 790 will probably be history at this location.

Spend the winter doing your homework on the various options and do a lot of looking too. You're gut feeling will eventually give you the right answer.

I was thinking in terms of price. The 3005 is a lot of tractor for not a lot of money. Small enough for use around the house and tight spots.

Base price $10,700 as compared to the 2000 series starting up around 13 or 14 thousand dollars.

Nuru · Dec 29, 2009

Maybe, you might also take a look at a used 3x20 series. Knowing money is a concern, but you may find one a bit cheaper than expected.

TripleR · Dec 30, 2009

I feel your pain, the longer I own my 2305, the less I like it.

fdmars · Dec 30, 2009

TripleR Why?

TripleR · Dec 30, 2009

fdmars said:
TripleR Why?

I have had nothing but trouble with the 62" MMM, the seat is very uncomfortable as is the ride quality and I really don't like the control layout/operators platform. I thought I would get use to it, but I haven't and have really tried. I am going to keep it as I don't want to spend the money to trade it in, but it will be operated by someone other than me. If I need to do any work on that farm, I will trailer another tractor up there.

fdmars · Dec 31, 2009

sorry to hear that, I will agree w/ the seat, I did not like the angle and ended up putting a peice of wood in the back to try and shim it up, made it better.
have a Happy New Year
Fred

TripleR · Dec 31, 2009

fdmars said:
sorry to hear that, I will agree w/ the seat, I did not like the angle and ended up putting a peice of wood in the back to try and shim it up, made it better.
have a Happy New Year
Fred

This just may be a JD thing that doesn't fit me as mt 425 seat is the same way while the seat on my BX2660 fits me perfectly. We have put the 2305 away until spring and are now using a Bobcat; may look at longer springs, board or something when we get it out again this spring.

Other than the deck, I don't mean to slam the 2305, it just doesn't fit me well and I am sure my 2660 won't fit someone who likes the JD. I have one Orange Tractor and my neigbor has a Blue Tractor while everyone else goes Green.

Henri88 · Dec 31, 2009

fdmars said:
sorry to hear that, I will agree w/ the seat, I did not like the angle and ended up putting a peice of wood in the back to try and shim it up, made it better.
have a Happy New Year
Fred

Fdmars, I agree for the seat. Would you have some pics of your set-up?

fdmars · Dec 31, 2009

Henri88, at this time very simple set up, a (danger all measurements are from memory) 13" long 4" wide 1/2 thick peice of wood just sitting on the 2 rubber seat mounts under the seat. will at some point try and affix better, but to date has not moved around or caused any issues.
Fred

Henri88 · Dec 31, 2009

fdmars said:
Henri88, at this time very simple set up, a (danger all measurements are from memory) 13" long 4" wide 1/2 thick peice of wood just sitting on the 2 rubber seat mounts under the seat. will at some point try and affix better, but to date has not moved around or caused any issues.
Fred

OK, so if I understand this right,it would lift the rear seat by 1/2 inch giving a more strait angle to the back rest. Very simple, going to try it. Tx.

davkir · Dec 31, 2009

This makes the angle much more comfortable for me. I used to have foam glued on top for a little smoother ride while pasture mowing. I now lower the tire pressure way down and it works much better.