JD 2305 or 2320

Greenguy06 · Sep 2, 2006

I'm looking at purchasing the 2320 with the 200CX loader and 62D mower. I have demo'd the 2305 but the dealer does not have a 2320 in stock to try. The 2320 is about $3000 more but now the dealer is willing to deal a little more on the 2305. Has anyone tried out both models side by side? I like the features of the 2320 more but not having tried one out I'm not sure if it is worth the extra $3000+ over the 2305. Any comments or suggestions?
Thanks

chevy · Sep 2, 2006

Here are some links to 2320 threads.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/jd-buying-pricing/85948-comments-2320-vs-2210-a.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/jd-owning-operating/84118-2320-pics.html#post941635

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/jd-buying-pricing/86598-2320-mmm-clearance.html

aesanders · Sep 2, 2006

It really depends on how you will be using the machine. I use my 2320 for mostly three point hitch and loader work as I have another machine for mowing. The position control and full category 1 hitch more than make up the price difference for me. If my needs were mostly mowing the lawn, then 2305 would most likely fit the bill

FortClatsop · Sep 3, 2006

If you are planning on doing much brush hogging where ground clearance is desired than you might look harder at the 2320. What's the price difference between the 2320 and the 2520? About 1500-2000 more or 4500-5000 more than the 2305? Neither the 2520 or the 2320 was available when I bought my 2305. For a short time I wish that I had waited and got something bigger. I'm over that now. I have some storage constraints and anything larger would have been a challenge.

Had I been willing to spend another 3000 I might as well have made it 5000 and got the 2520. What other things in your life would you like to spend the $3000 on?

I'm finding the 2305 to meet my needs very well. I have a number of projects that hiring an excavator or backhoe will be the way to go. Trying to accomplish them with even a much larger tractor will never be cost effective.

Buy the tractor that you can afford and go a little wild on implements to have some fun with. The more time you spend with it, the more that you will enjoy it. You may enjoy spending $3K on something else too. We get pretty hung up on size here.

Good luck.

cast_and_blast · Sep 5, 2006

Greenguy06 said:
I'm looking at purchasing the 2320 with the 200CX loader and 62D mower. I have demo'd the 2305 but the dealer does not have a 2320 in stock to try. The 2320 is about $3000 more but now the dealer is willing to deal a little more on the 2305. Has anyone tried out both models side by side? I like the features of the 2320 more but not having tried one out I'm not sure if it is worth the extra $3000+ over the 2305. Any comments or suggestions?
Thanks

What are your primary uses going to be?

Scott

ovrszd · Sep 5, 2006

Isn't there a considerable amount of size difference between a 2305 and 2320???? Not sure they could even be compared as far as their abilities. Maybe someone has a picture of them side by side.

I'm attaching a couple pictures of my Kubota B2910 which is very similar in size to a JD 2320 and my JD 455 which is very similar in size to the JD 2305 so you can see a similar size difference.

jdbower · Sep 5, 2006

Assuming that the 2320 is the same body as my 2520 there is a large size difference. In my case, I wanted a 3x20 and was glad the 2520 let me step down a bit. The 2305 is only slightly larger than a lawn tractor and I'm glad I've got the extra weight for a lot of chores - but I probably should have gotten a dedicated lawn tractor for mowing rather than the 62D/MCS combo (live and learn, next time it'll be a ZTR and a 4720 for me!). If you want a lawn mower that can do some light tractor work, the 2305 is probably better. If you want a light tractor that can do some mowing I'd recommend the 2320/2520.

Greenguy06 · Sep 5, 2006

I will probably only be using it for mowing approx. 1 acre, landscaping and snow removal. I demo'd the 2305 and it did a good job mowing but I thought the loader would dig and lift a little better than it did but I don't really have anything to compare it against. I was guessing that with the 2320 you would get a little extra weight, bigger tires and better hydraulics so it would be quite a bit better for loader work. A 2305 would probably suit my needs now but if I wanted to use it on the side to do some lanscaping and snow removal I may regret going with the smaller tractor. Is there a really big difference in performance going from the 2320 to the 2520?

ovrszd · Sep 6, 2006

Greenguy06 said:
I will probably only be using it for mowing approx. 1 acre, landscaping and snow removal. I demo'd the 2305 and it did a good job mowing but I thought the loader would dig and lift a little better than it did but I don't really have anything to compare it against. I was guessing that with the 2320 you would get a little extra weight, bigger tires and better hydraulics so it would be quite a bit better for loader work. A 2305 would probably suit my needs now but if I wanted to use it on the side to do some lanscaping and snow removal I may regret going with the smaller tractor. Is there a really big difference in performance going from the 2320 to the 2520?

As jdbower said: "If you want a lawn mower that can do some light tractor work, the 2305 is probably better. If you want a light tractor that can do some mowing I'd recommend the 2320/2520."

If you looked at the pictures I included you should have found the answer to your last question. You have to decide what the primary use of this tractor is going to be, then follow jdbower's advice.

jdbower · Sep 6, 2006

Greenguy06 said:
Is there a really big difference in performance going from the 2320 to the 2520?

As far as I can tell, when upping from a xn20 to an x(n+m)20 you don't take a step back in anything but price. In other words, there's no downside between a 2520 vs a 2320 other than price. If Deere had a 2720, I would have gone that route. From my perspective, given the length of time I want to keep the tractor a few thousand dollars in initial cost is worth the extra power in case I need it now or in the future. I've found a few things that are just barely and to be used on the 2520, so a 2320 would likely be out. It's nice to have a ton of power for my wood chipper, and if I ever manage to get a stump grinder past my wife a 2320 would probably be right out.

cast_and_blast · Sep 6, 2006

Greenguy06 said:
I will probably only be using it for mowing approx. 1 acre, landscaping and snow removal. I demo'd the 2305 and it did a good job mowing but I thought the loader would dig and lift a little better than it did but I don't really have anything to compare it against. I was guessing that with the 2320 you would get a little extra weight, bigger tires and better hydraulics so it would be quite a bit better for loader work. A 2305 would probably suit my needs now but if I wanted to use it on the side to do some lanscaping and snow removal I may regret going with the smaller tractor. Is there a really big difference in performance going from the 2320 to the 2520?

I don't know that a 2320 is going to be much different than a 2305 in terms of "digging". A toothbar on the loader would help either machine.

Landscaping and snow removal "on the side" is a possiblity for any of the machines. As has been written many times in this forum, make sure you are properly insured if you venture into this. Many insurance carriers have their coverage stop once you leave your property and/or if you are using it for "business" or "commercial" uses.

That said, the extra power could be nice. Just need to balance that with the extra cash outlay - that's up to you.

Scott

snoiger01 · Sep 6, 2006

I've had my 2305 for about 3 months. While this machine still amazes me, there is a small part of me that wishes I had stepped up to a little larger model. The small size is a big plus since it can get into some pretty tight locations and trailering is very similar to hauling my Yamaha Rhino. If I had stepped up to a larger model I could share implements with friends who have bigger tractors, instead of having to buy them for the small 2305...but isn't there an old saying that "he with the most toys wins"

I use my 2305 primarily for mowing 5 acres and some light FEL work...oh and knocking down fence posts on accident, so I guess with a larger model I'd be more dangerous

Nuru · Sep 6, 2006

I would go with the 2320, as you never know when you might need that extra amount of tractor. I have about 1.25 acre to mow and it is sloped in a lot of areas, and my 4100 will dilled tires does quite fine mowing it. I also have the extra power to dig my upcoming stone patio and moving the stones here and there for the stone patio and a wall of Rocks i am planning to build.

unreconstructed · Sep 7, 2006

I've also been mulling over a 2320 also except with a 54 inch mower. This thread has definitely shed light on the 2304 vs 2320 issue. Thanks for a great
discussion. From my viewpoint the 2320 will be worth the extra cash especially over the time I hope to get to use it.

Hard · Sep 7, 2006

I was looking at both the 2305 and the 2320 a few weeks ago. The dealer pulled both up in front of the dealership side by side. I tested both tractors and bought the 2320. What did it for me was the extra ground clearance (the hydraulic oil filter on the 2305 hangs down very close to the ground and is easily hit or torn off if you do any work on rough ground or in the woods, you can also beat it up when you remove and install the MMM) also, the plastic hydro cooling fan on the 2305 is exposed and could be easily damaged and is very difficult to replace (there is a thread or two regarding this problem here on TBN).

I think if you are primarily mowing, removing snow and doing light FEL, light grading/raking and some tilling the 2305 is the way to go. If you need the ground clearance or just want the ground clearance and not have the exposed filter and plastic fan issue as well as the On Ramp MMM, which is fantastic (so easy to remove and replace) as well as a full cat 1, 3 pt. hitch the 2320 is the way to go. The money difference is not a big issue in the long run.

CAT MAN · Oct 5, 2008

well I know I didnt start this thread but you guys almost made my mind up!! i was gonna get a 2305 but heard about the hydro fan and didnt want to break that so I think im gonna get a 2320 seems to be a good size to horsepower ratio tractor!! thanks even if this wasnt for me... LOL

jdbower · Oct 6, 2008

CAT MAN said:
thanks even if this wasnt for me...

That's the beauty of forums, it's for everyone! I've never liked it when (usually with other forums) I get a PM or an email with questions, most of what I know I've learned because other people were wise enough to ask the question for me

CAT MAN · Oct 6, 2008

yea I love this site lots of good info here dont really have to ask questions because its already on here... Thanks again cant wait to test the 2320 tonight.