JD 2305 vs. 650

[cannonretreat]

I have enjoyed reading posts from the knowledgeable and new JD owners - haven't seen this particular question raised-

I am considering trading my JD 650 for a 2305. I like the "quick-attach" feature, and the requirements on our 25 acres are considerably less than they were 10 years ago when I got the 650 because we have seeded 10 acres into hardwoods (plus I am 10 years older!). I would also sell my JD185 lawn tractor and use the 2305 for lawn mowing as well as mowing meadow in other areas.

I currently use the snowblower on about 1 mile of gravel driveway and am thinking about getting a front blade for the 2305 for most snow removal and using the blower for the occasional heavy Minnesota snow/blizzard.

Current attachments are snowblower, rotary mower, rear blade and 3 point sander/spreader plus tire chains. I am not sure if the power of the 2305 will match what I currently have with the 650, and I think the current attachments will also need to be replaced, except the sander/spreader. The 650 has under 1000 hours and was bought at auction 10 years ago. It runs well, and has served me well (I sanded a steep icy hill on our driveway 3 times over the holidays and it was rock steady) but it needs some shop work to check hydraulics, and minor repairs (I don't have the facilities or knowledge to do more than routine maintenance!)

Any suggestions or thoughts from the users out there?

 

[Lobo56]

I upgraded to a 2210 from a JD 650 do your self a favor, don't trade in your 650 try selling it your self first. The dealer will have your 650 sold in a week and make a lot of money off it. When I sold my 650 with 642 hrs , 67 loader and 60" rear grooming mower. I literally had people fighting over it in my driveway and ended up getting $8700, and it was out front of my house for less then an hour. That's what I paid for it 6yrs. earlier less the mower. As for the power difference the 650 only has a 2 cylinder 16 hp engine. The 2305 has 24hp, my 2210 has 23hp and you will not have a problem with power believe me. I always thought the 650 was way under powered for its size.

 

[JDFANATIC]

If you do upgrade to the 2305, you won't be unhappy with the power to weight ratio, also the hydrostatic drive will quickly become a time-saving friend.

 

[cannonretreat]

Thanks, Lobo.
There's a landscaping show tomorrow. I plan to check out the JD display and at least sit in a 2305 and get the feel. Haven't heard back yet from the dealer who came out to check out the 650 for a trade-in value. I'm sure you're right about selling myself. Question is how best to advertise - guess I'll start with the local paper.