JD 2305 vs GC2310

[Wanabgreen]

I am planning on purchasing a SCUT in the near future and I had all but made up my mind on the JD 2305 until I came across your discussions. Now I am seriously thinking about taking a ride to my local MF dealer. I was wondering about the capabilities of the GC2310. I like the backhoe but am concerned about the ease of taking it off and putting it back on. Also does it have a three pt hitch? I would also like to put a front mount snow blower on for the winter months, is there a cab available for this model? Thanks for your help

 

[Bandybear]

Go here to get all of the specs. MF GC Series

I have the GC 2300, which does not include the backhoe, but is basically the same powerplant, etc. The GC 2310 does include the 3 pt hitch and from what I have read on this site, taking the backhoe on and off is not that difficult if you can drop it on a hard level surface.

MF does make a snowblower and cab for the GC series and since the snow season is rapidly approaching in your area, you will get a lot of use out of them.

I do not know anything about the JD, but like most of the posters here, I have not had any serious problems with my Massey.

 

[Ray2310]

I have had my GC2310 for nearly 3 months now. During that time I have had the backhoe on/off at least a dozen times for various reasons. I have had no issues with removing/installing it and was actually shocked with how easy it was.

As far as the capabilities of the 2310 vs the 2305 I think they are very similar. I have not operated the JD but a friend has one and is happy with it.

 

[Wanabgreen]

Thanks for the input. I am going to take a ride out to the local MF dealer this weekend and do some research

 

[thing181]

I have had my GC2310 about 8-9 months now and during that time I have had the BH off and on about a dozen times. The only issue I have had is one of the hydraulic quick connect fittings failed. Not sure if it got bent or what, but it had to be replaced. Other than that it has never taken more than 10 minutes to put on or take off the BH. Its really easy. The MMM works awesome! It really is an amazing mowing machine. It also goes on and off really easily. The FEL works well also, sometimes I just wish it were a little bigger. (I think the 2305 may have a 5' bucket?) The FEL definitely needs to come off on level ground for the support legs to work correctly.
My father has a JD 790. Nice tractor. If cost was not an issue I think I would have bought a JD. But cost was a major issue for me, so I bought the most bang for the buck. The GC2310 might not have all the bells and whistles of the JD, but it is a capable, reliable & versatile machine.
What dealer are you going to visit? I am in Rochester and I deal with Java Farm Supply for my parts.
Good Luck!

 

[Wanabgreen]

Java Farm Supply is also the closest for me about 20 min. I live in Holland which is near East Aurora (Fisher Price head quarters). My father just boufgt a MF 1533 (I think) and it should be delivered today. I am going to check it out tonight and take a ride over to Java in the next day or two. I have been asking everyone I know why they bought that particular brand and am probably becoming a pain in the ***** but it is a big purchase, one that I will have to live with for many years. I want to make sure that I am happy with what ever I end up with. It does seem that they are all quite compareable. This makes my decision even more difficult. I am glad that you like your 2310and I hope to make up my mind in the near future. By the way how has the service been from Java Farm supply?

 

[thing181]

I actually purchased my machine used from a private party. Java Farm Supply has been supplying all my parts and answering all my questions. Kim at the parts desk has been very helpfull to me and is always prompt to return my calls. Everyone I have talked to there has been very helpfull. So far I have done all my own maintenance, but if something were to happen that I needed their services I would feel totally comfortable with them.

 

[dragula]

I checked out the JD2305. Other than the fact that I was quoted at least $2,000 more for it (from several dealers) than the MF, I didn't like the way that the BH mounted. I was told by one JD dealer that the tractor has been around for a while and JD just "added" a BH to it. I wanted a tractor that was initially engineered to be a backhoe/tractor/loader.

However, I did like the drive pedals on the JD better. The JD has two separate pedals (forward/reverse) side by side. The MF has a rocker pedal.


I've mastered the art of removing/reinstalling the BH on my 2310. I can have it removed in easily under two minutes and reinstalled in probably 3-4 minutes. It's effortless really.

 

[Wanabgreen]

Before I head over to the local MF dealer this weekend, assuming I get permission, does anyone have a rough idea what the 2310 is selling for?

 

[Wanabgreen]

Before I head over to the local MF dealer this weekend, assuming I get permission, does anyone have a rough idea what the 2310 is selling for?