Got my 2305 yesterday

[newbomb_turk]

2305 CX FEL, 54" MMM. Very happy, this thing mows like a beast. Have not done much loader work, as I need to get some ballast.

Now, a couple question/comments.

- No less than 10 people tried to convince me that I needed the 62" deck. I did not give in, and am very happy with the 54". I can see a reason for the 62, but my lawn has some rolling terrain, and I could see scalping as a problem with the 62. The 54 sticks out plenty far, and I am able to get as close as I need to everything.

- Dealer said I was getting the 49" bucket. Sure enough, it comes with the 53". I don't want that large bucket -- or do I? I won't be doing a whole lot of loader work (bark dust, mulch, dirt, gravel etc). It seems to me that the 53" bucket is awful big for that tractor.

- How much ballast should I get? I am going to get a 42" bush hog (SQ142). Will that be enough? The manual states a ridiculous amount (filled tires AND at least one wheel weight AND 750 lbs on the TPH).

- Independent lift works quite well. I would recommend it for the reason of convenience in moving the deck with the loader arm. Can't say there is an advantage in freeing up the TPH. I can't think of a time I will be mowing AND have an attachment on back. Who knows though

 

[kvjohndeere]

I love my 2305 I also have a 54" deck with mulching kit & the independent lift for my Deck ! It comes in Handy I use A Trac Vac 3pt hitch Core aerator 48" It is awesome it will hold 400lb of weight ! The independent lift very good Choice ! I have 11 hours on my tractor Plus I have the Foldable Rops off of a 2320 ! & Work Lights Congratulations great choice !

 

[rcooper]

My 2305 has the 54"MMM and independent lift and I love it. I often use a three point implement without taking off the mower or locking it in raised position; very convenient.

 

[kvjohndeere]

Yes they are very handy !

 

[JDFANATIC]

Congrats on your new purchase!

 

[Grizz]

Good luck with your new tractor

 

[prosperity]

Congratulations on the new machine!
Sounds like you did your homework on what you wanted.

- Dealer said I was getting the 49" bucket. Sure enough, it comes with the 53". I don't want that large bucket -- or do I? I won't be doing a whole lot of loader work (bark dust, mulch, dirt, gravel etc). It seems to me that the 53" bucket is awful big for that tractor.

My opinion on this is usually different from most folks here it seems.

I've heard of folks with 61" buckets on 2305's and 2320/2520's.

I had a 2210 (same size as the 2305) with the 49" bucket, and it felt like a very good fit for the size machine. With a larger bucket, you can quickly get yourself in trouble with too much weight with a full bucket of heavy material on any kind of slope.

I now have a 2520, and went with the 53" bucket. Again, I feel it is a very good fit for the size of tractor.

Unless you would be loading light materials all the time, I feel the larger buckets are just a little much.

Buckets are easy to exchange - ask your dealer to swap your bucket for the 49" - since you have tried the 53" now, you will be able to see the difference for yourself - then make your final decision.

 

[VABlue]

Agree with Prosperity - get the 49" bucket if you want it. That's what I have (thought I had 53" until I measured it!) and it works fine. The ~700# of ballast also seems a bit much to me, I have ~400# and things work fine. I've moved full buckets of crushed stone down a short, steep slope w/out loss of stability (albeit moving very slowly). Moving 49" of mulch doesn't require a lot of ballast!

I was one of them pushing you towards the 62" cutting deck. I can live with my 54" deck well enough to not want the hassle of trading it in. But if doing it over, I'd get the 62...

Enjoy your new machine, you'll love it!!!

 

[crzysnake137]

any pics

 

[megotatractor]

I wish I had independent lift on my 2210. I do have a 53" bucket on my 210 loader. I often use the 330 pound 50" roto tiller on the back for ballast and in most cases this is enough weight. For snow however I'd love to have a much larger bucket just for the light stuff.

 

[johnnydel29]

Congatulations! You are going to love this Machine. I have 151 hours on mine, mostly doing loader work and landscaping (installing our lawn after we finished building our home). Also maintaining our 200 foot driveway and light brush mowing w/ a 48" King Kutter mower which works awesome.

I was also told to get the 62" c, but ended up getting the 54" (now that my lawn is established). I mow about 3 acres and it works awesome. I kind of like the compact feel of the 54" deck, especially when storing . And most importantly, it fits just right on my trailer!! Not sure if the 62 c would save me significantly more time. Besides, mowing w/ the 54c means more time spent on the machine!

A ballast is a must w/ this machine. As far weight is concerned, I just fill the box up w/ concrete solid 4" termite blocks (fit perfect) and they work fine. Save yourself time having to deal with mixing concrete - go to home depot or any Mason Supply and pick up about 7 of these blocks and stack right into the box.

Once again, enjoy and be safe!

 

[newbomb_turk]

Here is a pic. Couldn't keep my sons off of it.

 

[VABlue]

Nice... Looks like you'll get plenty of seat time until they can reach the pedals!

 

[kvjohndeere]

Here is a pic. Couldn't keep my sons off of it.

Nice pictures That is one awesome tractor I have one also ! congrats !

 

[johndeere_2210]

Here is a pic. Couldn't keep my sons off of it.

Great looking crew! I have owned a 2210 for nearly 5-years and my first one had a 49 and my last one had a 53" and I would highly recommend the 53". I do agree with others, the 53" could get you in trouble faster, because of shear weight/volume, but once you get some seat time and a good feel for the machine, then you like having the additional volume. Chances are you will do more lifting of light materials vs. heavy.

 

[ChuckinNH]

That looks like an OEM ROPS in the picture...... is it? I like the folding design!

 

[Loogie]

Yup, you definitely need ballast! Think of it this way, you can never have too much ballast. You can't foresee right now everything you do with your FEL in the future and trust me, you want to feel glued to the ground when you're using that FEL. If you have any sloping terrain at all you will get really nervous really quick with the FEL on with no ballast - even empty. I have 640lbs of concrete in my ballast box and it feels great with that thing on there. I also have a box blade and I've used it for ballast when I was spreading top soil and doing some grading and I did not feel nearly as stable - especially on and slopes. Remember - always keep the bucket as low as possible when in motion - I think there's those who have and those who will and it's an eye opener the first time things get a little tippy with that bucket in the air. Oh and always wear your seatbelt doing loader work - seriously.
Ok, I'm off my soapbox.

 

[Mayor]

Loogie is right about the weight. The tractor really needs it.

 

[Deadman]

If you do any digging, the 53 inch bucket cuts a wide enough path for your wheels to go down into. A 49 would put you up on one side or the other and be a royal pain. I had a 53 on a 2210, and it was just right.

 

[Loogie]

I have 640lbs of concrete in my ballast box

Correction: I have 480lbs of concrete in my ballast box - brain fart, sorry.