GC2300 - New Owner with Questions

JDKu · Jan 17, 2010

I just bought a 2004 GC2300, with loader, and mower. The tractor has about 350 hours on it. I have a few questions:

1) I saw some posts about ultra-low sulphur diesel. Is this a necessity for this tractor? I'm in Canada - I'm not even sure what type of diesel we have. What is the concern?

2) How stable is this tractor on side slopes compared to a JD L-120? I have 200 yards of ditch to mow. I presently mow it with a JD L-120, but I ride with one cheek on the seat, and the other off.

3) I don't have a tiller yet, but the dealer said that I could till with the mower on, but not mow with the tiller on (or vice versa). Something about the hydraulics being tied together. Can someone elaborate? If I can till with the mower on, does that mean the mower will also be down and riding on it's wheels when the tiller is down? Sorry, I should probably read the manual......

4) What are the weak points of this tractor? Anything I need to watch out for? Any special maintenance required to avoid problems?

Thank you,
Chris

irvingj · Jan 18, 2010

JD- I'm not sure about using "old" diesel in these motors but I suspect, IF you could find it, it wouldn't be a problem.

If you do a search for "2300" or "GC2300" or...etc. you'll find lots of info on these great little tractors.

Concerning the mower/tiller: the mower deck's lift & drop is hydraulically connected to the 3 point hitch. Drop the mower and you drop the 3PH. You can, however, lock the mower deck in the "up" position so it won't drop when the 3PH is lowered (knob on floor).

On the other hand, with the relatively small amount of clearance under the deck when it's in its raised position --about 6"-- and the relative ease with which it can be removed, if I were doing dirt work I'd remove the deck and lock the deck arms up.

Enjoy your new tractor!

DMW · Jan 18, 2010

JDKu said:
4) What are the weak points of this tractor? Anything I need to watch out for? Any special maintenance required to avoid problems?

Not necessarily weak points, but things to check:
1. Hinge bolts for hood are tight.
2. Top rad hose can wear from vibration. (used expandable plastic sleeving to cover mine)
3. Bottom rad hose can pe punctured by throttle cable if the end sticks out too far.
4. When washing avoid a lot of water on the light switch or your lights will start flashing.
5. The seat switch doesn't like cold weather.
6. Lights on ROPS easily broken when driving close to tree branches.
7. Avoid driving over large branches. They have a tendency to swing up into the hydro filter.You might want to look into getting a guard for the filter.
8. Keep the rocker pedal well lubricated (top and bottom grease fittings)
9. Bucket tilt cylinder hoses will eventually wear out at the crimped fitting. If one goes, the other isn't far behind. Replaced mine at c.150 hours within a week apart.
10. Use a counter weight on the 3PH for loader work that isn't significantly wider than the tractor. (personal preference)
11. Check loader control valve for corrosion that prevents use of float position.
12. Try not to use the steering wheel as a grab point to swing up into the seat.
13. NEVER select neutral when on a slope!

massey driver · Jan 18, 2010

Just letting you know maintenance if done regularly will keep things running its like any other piece of equipment. Being in Alberta your'll have weather to contend with especially winter use.So winter Diesel is a must,as well as lighter oil in the motor and block heater if its not in a heated shop.As for cutting on a slope I also cut my ditch and you have to becareful not to cut on to great a slope as any tractor has a tipping point.If doing loader work a rear counter weight is a good idea,helps keep the tractor more stable.Of course loader work on any type of side hill etc: isn't ever a good thing to do. Even a large machine gets tippy always try to work straight up and down on hills.You have a small tractor with this machine no comparision to the L-120 once you start using and doing stuff you'll see the difference.Larry.

radioman · Jan 18, 2010

If you been buying diesel from local station that is used alot, you are most likely getting winter blend made for colder temps. granted its a less power type of fuel but a nessecity for the northerners. as for tilling with the belly mower on, Do you have a pin or height adjustment with words top or stop? My kubota has top means I can lock it in the topmost position when using the 3 pt implements. My 3 pt and belly mower hydraulics are lowered with the same lever. I forgot to do this once and when tilling in soft already tilled soil, I find that I am pushing dirt with the belly mower. This is what your dealer is referring to and "dealers" call this abuse

. If I were were, I read the massey manual again and look for the top or locking position. If worse comes to worse, you can always put it in the highest cutting height and will still clear the garden when tilling.

LBrown59 · Jan 18, 2010

JDKu said:
1* I saw some posts about ultra-low sulphur diesel.
2*Is this a necessity for this tractor?
3*I'm in Canada -
4**I'm not even sure what type of diesel we have.
5*What is the concern?

1*ULSD is the replacement of the higher sulpher stuff.
2*No
3*
4*About everything everywhere has been phased out and replaced with ULSD since it's introduction 2 or 3 years ago .
5*None in your case.