I too looked at the JD 2305 vs. the BX 2350 (and 2280). The price alone justified the Kubota (the JD was nearly $2,000 more--in other words, you should be able to find a 2350 for more than $1,000 less than the JD). Also, I liked the fact that Kubota makes the whole widgit, the engine, parts, assembly, everything. JD does not. Finally, I just felt like the Kubota was more rugged--steel seemed thicker, etc. Probably just perception of a newbie, but that was part of it for me.