JD 2305 vs Kubota 2350

Piedmont · Apr 3, 2006

I've narrowed it down to either the JD 2305 or the Kubota 2350 and I'm really stuck on which way to go. I have 3 acres of grass to cut, fertile and aerate. I will do some loader work but truth be told it will act more like a wheel barrow. I know I will need either a rear implement or weights to do any serious loader work is a blade sufficient or will I need more weight like a ballast box?
Both dealers are equal and of course the JD is about a grand more. I know there are strong green and orange camps I'm looking for some honest objective feedback.

aesanders · Apr 3, 2006

Personally, I don't think you could go wrong with either machine. It is basically like asking which half ton pickup is better, Dodge, Chevy, Ford. If you asked that to me, I would say buy a Ford because I have had them all my life and like them better. Same thing with these two tractors. Both are new designs and high quality. They are similar enough in capablility to not differ much. I would choose the machine that I felt more comfortable on and buy from the dealer I felt more comfortable with. If one machine has a certain design advantage for you, then way that favorably with that machine. Price should play a role. Do you get much more for the added $1000 for the Deere. Well you get a little larger engine. A little more rear end lift in the three point hitch. A little less in hydraulic output. I'm sure their are many other differences as well. These slight differences are things you will need to decide if they are important to you.

Comfort and ergonomics are one of my biggest criteria when evauluating a machine. I've tried out both and liked both. I would say that they are about equal as far as ergonomics in my book. This surprised me as I never really liked the ergonomics of Kubota's larger machines compared to Deere or New Hollands, but the new BX 2350 showed quite a bit of thought went into this design element.

rockyridgefarm · Apr 3, 2006

What do you feel about the 3 point operation. I don't even know what 1/4 inching valve is, but have heard folks having issues with it. Other than that the 2350 sounds like quite a machine.

As to "of course Deere is a thousand more' that isn't always a given; many times just the reverse is true. And if you rare seriuos about the green one, see if there is any way to even the playing field.

Not that you would regret owing the 'Bota. It sure looks nice!

KiotiJohn · Apr 4, 2006

I can tell you now that I prefer to have a true position control, not one that moves in 1/4' intervals. I like the accuracy better. Some will argue that it's not much of a point, but I don't like them.
On the other hand, I like the metal of the Kubota better than the plastic of the Deer. Yes, the plastic often deflects blows, and doesn't dent like metal, but I can take dents out of metal and repair metal with holes, but I can only replace plastic that over the years will be adversly affected by UV exposure, and eventually will crack.

I think these are both very good tractors though, and that you should buy the one that you like the best.

You probably work hard for you money, and you need that to live, but if you can't also enjoy buying the thing you like, what is it all worth?
John

aesanders · Apr 4, 2006

Does anyone know what type of hydraulic control the 2305 has. I could not find this info on Deere's website nor on the brochure that I have. I know the Kubota has 1/4 control. Most of Kubota's smaller tractors do. Not sure on the Deere though.

Is it a true position control valve or 1/4 inch valve?

MessickFarmEqu · Apr 4, 2006

the Deere is a position. On a small tractor I am not sure it matters too much. On a larger one, with heavy implements I think it makes more of a difference.

rockyridgefarm · Apr 4, 2006

Oh Boy! I get to argue with Neil! Its my lucky day!

The 2305 specs don't say that its position. They don't say at all. But I could be wrong, but for the chance to counter ol' Neil I'll take my chances!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

rockyridgefarm · Apr 4, 2006

Oh Boy! I get to argue with Neil! Its my lucky day!

The 2305 specs don't say that its position. They don't say at all. But I could be wrong, but for the chance to counter ol' Neil I'll take my chances!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

flwiii · Apr 4, 2006

What's the difference between a position valve and a 1/4 inching valve? I really don't understand what this applies to.

I have a 2305 and as I see it, the weight of the implement lowers it and at whatever point I pull the control into neutral there is where the implement stays. It makes it difficult to get a preset distance, but I can't expect any more than this from a small low priced sub-compact.

KiotiJohn · Apr 4, 2006

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I have a 2305 and as I see it, the weight of the implement lowers it and at whatever point I pull the control into neutral there is where the implement stays. It makes it difficult to get a preset distance, but I can't expect any more than this from a small low priced sub-compact. )</font>
Then what you have is neither position control nor quarter inching. It is the original design hitch control in which you drop the implement to about where you want it and move the lever to neutral.

A position control, having numbers on the lever scale, can be moved to the desired level and the lever stays in that position.
In essence, it automatically goes to neutral when you put the lever where you want it. Without changes to your setup, you should be able to move the lever to that number anytime you want the same level.

Quarter-inching does just that, it moves in 1/4" increments, but also doesn't require the operator to move the lever back to neutral.

By far, the most accurate will be position control, but any can be used successfully. I just prefer the acuracy of PC.
John