John Deere 2305 or X748

[gcrabb]

Our driveway is black top and 21000 sqft with rolling hills and curves. The primary issue is I travel for business a lot and it only snows when I am gone. My wife always starts with the smallest tractor 1st(LX279 with a 42" snowblower) and then moves up. Last year she drove a JD 4600 with a soft cab, 8' Boss Plow, and 8' Loftness snow blower off the other end of the road pushing snow. It is not a consideration for her to drive backwards using the Loftness snow blower.

Essentially the new JD will replace the LX279 which I never liked and it's primary duties will be snow blowing, thatching, and leaf collection. A JD F1145 does most of the grass cutting around the house and a JD 60 or H with a 3 point finishing mower does most of the large open areas.

The engines are the same, the 2305 is a little heavier. I am currently leaning toward the 2305 primarily because of the financing 0% for 4 years. The 2306 also has a 3 point, but I may not use the 3 point because it's to small, most of the 3 point stuff is sized for the JD 4600. The X748 does have a full time 4 wheel drive that sounds like it would be really nice cutting on hills without tearing up the grass.

Attachemnts that we also getting with both tractors is a cab with heat, 54" snowblower, and 62" deck.

What are your thoughts on which tractor, would there any other attachents you would consider, like the 7 iron deck?

We have already considered a JD 3720 with a JD cab, but it isn't large enough to replace the JD 4600 and we really like the 4600.

 

[LBrown59]

The 2305 is so much more tractor than a x748 garden tractor.
I would just get the 62'' deck rather than the 7 iron.

Our driveway is black top and 21000 sqft with rolling hills and curves. The primary issue is I travel for business a lot and it only snows when I am gone. My wife always starts with the smallest tractor 1st(LX279 with a 42" snowblower) and then moves up. Last year she drove a JD 4600 with a soft cab, 8' Boss Plow, and 8' Loftness snow blower off the other end of the road pushing snow. It is not a consideration for her to drive backwards using the Loftness snow blower.

Essentially the new JD will replace the LX279 which I never liked and it's primary duties will be snow blowing, thatching, and leaf collection. A JD F1145 does most of the grass cutting around the house and a JD 60 or H with a 3 point finishing mower does most of the large open areas.

The engines are the same, the 2305 is a little heavier. I am currently leaning toward the 2305 primarily because of the financing 0% for 4 years. The 2306 also has a 3 point, but I may not use the 3 point because it's to small, most of the 3 point stuff is sized for the JD 4600. The X748 does have a full time 4 wheel drive that sounds like it would be really nice cutting on hills without tearing up the grass.

Attachemnts that we also getting with both tractors is a cab with heat, 54" snowblower, and 62" deck.

What are your thoughts on which tractor, would there any other attachents you would consider, like the 7 iron deck?

We have already considered a JD 3720 with a JD cab, but it isn't large enough to replace the JD 4600 and we really like the 4600.

 

[ChuckinNH]

I see the advantages of the X748 as being the full time 4wd, the ease of attaching material collection systems, etc. and more options for cabs for snowblowing, etc. It is a yard, and residential tractor that gives up a loader (for practical purposes, and has a poorer 3pt.) but I don't think those will matter much to you. I'm guessing that traction is better with the X748 becaus all four are working. It doesn't take much sometimes to get the weight off one tire on a 2305, or my Kubota, and then you have 2wd. I have been stopped on dry woods trails by the placement of rocks, and have had to use the diff lock to move forward for example. The 2305 is more "tractor" for the size, but perhaps less versitile for all around yard work. Cabs are somewhat more limited though I guess The Original Cab Co does make an inexpensive one that can be removed easily now. The hydraulics, and loader are better, but make any MCS more difficult to install, etc., and the rops makes some things more difficult. If you watch youtube videos on both you will see that they both do a pretty good job at blowing snow! Resale is probably better for the 2305.

 

[TripleR]

If you are limiting your choices to the two, I would get the 2305. I have one I bought a couple of years ago for one of our properties. You do have 4WD available at any time. I have had AWD machines and prefer the option to choose. Mine has the 62" deck with the hydraulic lift and while it gives a very good quality of cut, I have experienced problems with the height adjustment knob. I am attaching a link on this.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-owning-operating/150274-2305-mmm-worth.html

 

[turbo36]

Here is my personal experience; I bought a 2305 in 2006 because I thought it would be more versatile then a 700 series. In actual use I found it to be pretty tippy when working on uneven ground or mowing side hills. Also, while snow blowing I would make a fast turn at the bottom of my steep drive to head back up and it often pick up the inside wheel. I never felt comfortable driving it on my terrain so I sold it and bought an X749 AWS/AWD and absolutely love it. I can fly around the property mowing or snow blowing with out any wheel lift, so for my use this was best. Other advantages is the MC519 cart to pick up leaves in the fall and the AWS is incredibly nimble when mowing around obstacles.

I also bought a 2520 for doing my loader work so I didn't have a need for a loader on the X749. If most off your work is mowing and blowing I think the 700 series is your best choice , if you really need a loader then think about the 2520, it is much more capable then the 2305 and not that much bigger. I like the 2520 so much (it reminds me of my old 955) that my 3720 cab tractor sits in the garage unused all the time. Anyone need a 3720 cab?

 

[Kansas Slim]

I bought the X748SE and, although pricey, it is fantastic. I bought a front blade for the lane and put on the 3 point for a box blade and, in my opinion, the 7 Iron is far superior to the 62C. I personally have no need for an FEL, though everyone says if you have one, you'll use it. For me, the ergo's of the 2305 were not good. I'm 6'5" and long legged. The X748 just felt right to me, and the Michigan seat on the SE is awesome. Here's some pics. There are more at the bottom of pg 1 and at the top of pg 2.

http://mytractorforum.com/showthread.php?t=99735

 

[etcallhome]

I've had a 425 ,2210 and 2305 Would not go back to the smaller size.
One of the kids in-laws owns a x748 or what ever his # .He and my son-in-law loves the tires that we can't get because of the fel and bh.

Either is a good tractor
Good luck with your choice

 

[LBrown59]

1*I've had a 425 ,2210 and 2305 Would not go back to the smaller size.

The 425 is the small tractor .
It's also just a garden tractor.

The 2210 and 2305 are Compact tractors.
they are both the same except fot the year .

 

[LBrown59]

Here is my personal experience; I bought a 2305 in 2006 because
*I thought it would be more versatile then a 700 series.
1*In actual use I found it to be pretty tippy when working on uneven ground or mowing side hills.
2* Also, while snow blowing I would make a fast turn at the bottom of my steep drive to head back up and it wolud often pick up the inside wheel.
3*I never felt comfortable driving it on my terrain so I sold it and bought an X749 AWS/AWD and absolutely love it.
4*I also bought a 2520 for doing my loader work so I didn't have a need for a loader on the X749.
5*
6*

*and it was wasn't it?
1*Any tractor is that way on side hills and the bigger the tractor the worse it is.
2*That's not the best thing to do on a side hill.
3*Since all that works on your land is the x749 you're pretty much limited to garden tractors.
4* And you thought the 2305 was tippy .The bigger the tractor the tippyer it is.
5*
6*

 

[mrtfelton]

I had a 2305 and traded it for a 3032e because it was tippy. My 3032e will run circles on a hill where the 2305 would make my butt draw up. If I had the choice between the 2305 or x748. My wallet would make the choice.

 

[stlbill]

What mower do you use on the 3032E? There does not seem to be an option available in the Deere.com Build Your Own tool. The attachments seem to much more limited compared to the smaller 2305. I don't understand that. Can you explain?

 

[ChuckinNH]

Too often I think folks tend to look at preceived value for dollar spent instead of the actual day to day things the tractor will be doing, and how easy it is to accomplish those tasks. The X748, and 2305 are really different tractors, with the X748 being 2 feet shorter. For all around use with loader, and 3pt, the 2305 is perhaps a better deal, but more, and more, I'm beginning to think that the large garden tractors are perhaps better at their assigned tasks, especially if you have access to a larger tractor with loader. Though I'm not sure about the mmm, but the mcs goes on easier, cheaper cabs are available, and by most accounts it is more comfortable, and manuverable. The 4wd system is kinder on the lawn, and would provide great traction snowblowing since it is more of a full time four wheel drive. If you want to add a rear Pto, etc. just buy the 2305. Ten inches in wheelbase with the same mower deck make for easier installation, but I'm sure more scalping too........ that's why road graders are long. Most would say that the X748 is more stable too, although I think perhaps that feeling comes from the 200 cx loader used on the 2305. Though a great loader, it is a bit wide on that tractor, and raises the center of gravity. My old BX was a different beast altogether on slopes without that loader too.

 

[turbo36]

Too often I think folks tend to look at preceived value for dollar spent instead of the actual day to day things the tractor will be doing, and how easy it is to accomplish those tasks. The X748, and 2305 are really different tractors, with the X748 being 2 feet shorter. For all around use with loader, and 3pt, the 2305 is perhaps a better deal, but more, and more, I'm beginning to think that the large garden tractors are perhaps better at their assigned tasks, especially if you have access to a larger tractor with loader. Though I'm not sure about the mmm, but the mcs goes on easier, cheaper cabs are available, and by most accounts it is more comfortable, and manuverable. The 4wd system is kinder on the lawn, and would provide great traction snowblowing since it is more of a full time four wheel drive. If you want to add a rear Pto, etc. just buy the 2305. Ten inches in wheelbase with the same mower deck make for easier installation, but I'm sure more scalping too........ that's why road graders are long. Most would say that the X748 is more stable too, although I think perhaps that feeling comes from the 200 cx loader used on the 2305. Though a great loader, it is a bit wide on that tractor, and raises the center of gravity. My old BX was a different beast altogether on slopes without that loader too.

Well said! Why buy a bazooka when most of your hunting will be small game?

 

[jenkinsph]

Too often I think folks tend to look at preceived value for dollar spent instead of the actual day to day things the tractor will be doing, and how easy it is to accomplish those tasks. The X748, and 2305 are really different tractors, with the X748 being 2 feet shorter. For all around use with loader, and 3pt, the 2305 is perhaps a better deal, but more, and more, I'm beginning to think that the large garden tractors are perhaps better at their assigned tasks, especially if you have access to a larger tractor with loader. Though I'm not sure about the mmm, but the mcs goes on easier, cheaper cabs are available, and by most accounts it is more comfortable, and manuverable. The 4wd system is kinder on the lawn, and would provide great traction snowblowing since it is more of a full time four wheel drive. If you want to add a rear Pto, etc. just buy the 2305. Ten inches in wheelbase with the same mower deck make for easier installation, but I'm sure more scalping too........ that's why road graders are long. Most would say that the X748 is more stable too, although I think perhaps that feeling comes from the 200 cx loader used on the 2305. Though a great loader, it is a bit wide on that tractor, and raises the center of gravity. My old BX was a different beast altogether on slopes without that loader too.

I have a hard time imagining buying either the x748 or a 2305, neither is much of a tractor and both are larger than most people need for lawn mowers. To each his own but that is why I use the cheap L130 mower with 48" deck and 23hp Kohler engine to mow the lawn. Then if there is tractor work to do I use either the 110tlb or 4520 w/o loader. If money is a concern and you have jobs requiring a tractor in addition to mowing I would suggest a new x300 series mower and a good used tractor loader combo for little or no more money. I previously had an older 820 (35 hp) tractor in excellent condition that was over thirty years old with 8 speed shuttle shift, diesel, canopy and weighed about 4,000 lbs. Something like this is heavy enough to do some good.


Steve

 

[ChuckinNH]

I agree with Steve in principle. There were times when I had my BX22 that I thought it was a bit heavy for a yard tractor, and not big enough to do "real" tractor work. Still, everyone's needs are different. I have 3+ acres that are pretty rough, and steep in places. (part of it was a landing where trees from a logging operation were topped out. It was smoothed by the blade on a skidder after they were done) I also have a short, but wide driveway, and paths to clear of snow for my oil fill, electrical meter reader, and to the compost pile, etc. They aren't real steep, but steep enough to require some traction. I sure can't imagine doing those paths with a JD110, or a JD100 series lawn tractor either. If you have a small manicured lawn, then a lawn tractor is fine, and saves a lot of money. My terrain, and that of many others is much more demanding, and will destroy a unit like that in about a year........... and I mow carefully, not like a go cart driver. I replaced a Craftsman 18hp "garden" tractor after a year, and the steering components in a Simplicity 6512.5 twice in the 12 years I had it. For slopes you need some weight, and width. I mow places routinely now with my Legacy that were strictly push mower, or slide down the hill places with my smaller lawn tractors. One other thing that I've noticed is that in the past 9, or so years of having both a small tractor, and a garden tractor / mower is that I routinely put twice as many hours on the rider as I do doing "real" tractor work, and if I were to use a snowblower (may this winter) on my Legacy it would be a greater difference still. Over the last 22 years of living here, I've found that for yard work, and to compliment my tractor, a rider / garden tractor in the 850-1100 lb range is pretty close to ideal. I probably could go some either way on that, and be happy. It ruts much less than anything heavier, and is still large enough to be stable, and have the traction / pulling power I need.

 

[Deadman]

I have a X475 (very similar) to your 700 series. Its a spectacular machine, super stable, smooth, has EVERY creature comfort you can imagine. I also had a 2210 (same as 2305), and it was a great little tractor, but it really wasn't big enough to do much with, yet it was too big to be a real good lawnmower. It lacked alot of the comfort things that the X475 has, but it was a great machine as far as problems go. I over worked it WAY too many times, and it took it without an issue.
I'd personally go for the 700 series if you already have a bigger tractor for the big jobs.

I have a 2520 now, and would never want a 2305 now. BUT, I LOVE having the X475 around.

 

[ChuckinNH]

I have a X475 (very similar) to your 700 series. Its a spectacular machine, super stable, smooth, has EVERY creature comfort you can imagine. I also had a 2210 (same as 2305), and it was a great little tractor, but it really wasn't big enough to do much with, yet it was too big to be a real good lawnmower. It lacked alot of the comfort things that the X475 has, but it was a great machine as far as problems go. I over worked it WAY too many times, and it took it without an issue.
I'd personally go for the 700 series if you already have a bigger tractor for the big jobs.

I have a 2520 now, and would never want a 2305 now. BUT, I LOVE having the X475 around.

Nice combination of machines.....

 

[jcmseven]

I do not like that the X series machines do not get the "cred" they deserve. I have had two of them and have had some compact machines also. Without doubt my 595 (the equivalent of the current 748) one one of the nicest machines I have ever operated. The ONLY issue it really has from doing what we would call "tractor work" is the lack of a solid hydraulic system to operate a loader well and/or two attachments. Otherwise it is a great machine. For mowing and snow removal and light duty ground engagement, it is the equal of a 2305. I sold mine to go larger, but it pulled a 48" box blade up and down my steep drive better than the 2305 I tested later pulling the same attachment under the same conditions--so I do not buy that one cannot do real work with it. For loader work, aside from just basic wheelbarrow type hauling, the 2305 is the better machine as the 45 loader is pretty weak. In addition, the tires on the X series are meant for traction on wet grass, and have very pliable sidewalls. They tended to distort if there was much weight in the bucket, thus the R4's on the 2305 are better. As for the post about the 2520 being somehow more tippy than a smaller 2305 or 700 series, it is not. The 2520 has a long wheelbase and wide stance. It has the lowest COG of any of the JD machines and is frequently used on Christmas tree farms in my area due to its stability advantage over most other conventional compact tractors. It might slide, but it would be really hard to turn over; and that's why you have the ROPS also. I am not a 2305 "hater" but for about $2K more (or less if someone wants mine) one can buy a 2320 which has the same engine, but a larger, heavier frame, bigger tires, higher top speed, stouter and much quicker hydraulics, a folding ROPS, incremental rockshaft control and the ability to run full Cat 1 implements--among other things. Having used it v. the 2305 the 2320 is a lot more machine, but does not take up much more space in the shop or garage. That might be another option for our OP. One also can can the 54d or 62d deck with that machine, which I think is better than the 62c and easier to attach than a 7 iron would be on the X series.

John M

 

[pilot-werx]

If you are not concerned with loader work, I would go with the x748. I have a both a 2wd 455 and a 4210. The 455 has a 60" deck and 47" snowblower. The 4210 has a 60" rfm and a 59" snowblower. Both have cabs.... For snowblowing I prefer the 455 because it is smaller and easier to get around. The same for mowing... Yes the 4210 is better in the 2ft storms because it has more power but there has not been snow that the 4210 could move that the 455 couldnt...

 

[jenkinsph]

John M,
I would agree that the 2520 is a far better choice than a 2305.

I would suggest that people who have rough lawns should where possible fix the problems so that routine mowing can be done with a lighter less costly mower. In every case though there is the perfect size mower/tractor to handle 90% of the chores at hand, glad you are happy with your combination.


Steve