Comparison John Deere 2305 verse 3720

[Martian]

Only you can decide what frame size is best for your needs. Keep in mind implements for 3x20 will be more expensive.

Once into a 3x20 the additional HP of a 3720 will be mostly wasted unless major PTO work is contemplated. As for ground engaging - will probably run out of traction before HP, so whether buying new or used evaluate the $$$ difference compared to HP and see if the extra $$$ are justifiable.

With 3x20 the BH and MMM and FEL can all be mounted at the same time. Especially with Turf Tires it is entirely debatable and depends on the quality of your lawn.as to whether mowing with the BH attached works or not. It's not that difficult to remove the BH or FEL for mowing.

The 3x20 gives you a choice of two BH sizes - 375 & 485. Both are more powerful than the 2xxx BH. In addition to actually digging deeper (7.5' or 8.5') the reach of the BH is longer which provides several advantages, not the least of which is not having to move the tractor as often.

As for MTM's 3120 he has the mid PTO and Power Beyond. The PTO especially, is expensive as a dealer add on. With that tractor you would need the 3rd Rear SCV for use of MMM. On a 3x20 the preferred FEL would be the 300CX.

If not in a rush used 447 / 375 /448 / 485 BH's come on the market from time to time, in fact there is one in Private Party ads for $3,500 plus cost of mounting brackets. Woods and & Wallenstein also make aftermarket BH's to fit the 3x20 series.

Correct me if I'm wrong Cinder but I have never used my power beyond, so I'm not sure. What I understood from the dealer is that it does have a lever operation so it could be used for something like a MMM but could be hooked up to a BH as well. Of course for a little more you could have the right set up and get another remote. As for my loader it is the 300X, not CX. I didn't plan on taking it on and off much and this one was on the dealers lot so I jumped on it. And there is a 485 BH for sale here:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/private-party-ads/226502-john-deere-485-backhoe.html

I've had mine for a couple years now and love it. I just bought more land at my cottage and would like a larger machine. I have a 5410(80HP) and I found myself using the 3120 a lot just because of the maneuverability over it. I just need to keep the 5410 at the farm and another machine for up north so 3120 must go. Willing to make a deal if your interested - I don't want to shove it down your throat though. I understand the "new tractor" appeal:thumbsup:

 

[ZettaDeere]

I want to thank everyone for thier detailed replies. I've been really impressed by the responses and all of the ideas to consider.

After much deliberation about the frame size, my budget, and what I'm going to use it for I pulled the trigger and bought the 2305. I'm going to pick it up this weekend. I'm so darn excitied I feel like a kid - I can't wait to learn to use the backhoe.

In the end, it might be too small, but with my inexperience I think its a good place to start.

Now I have tons more questions.... perhaps the first ones are about safety. I know people can kill themselves on tractors. Anyone have advice on good sources of what to do and what not to do? and how to prevent damage to the tractor, FEL, and BH?

Thanks again,

ZettaDeere

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

Correct me if I'm wrong Cinder but I have never used my power beyond, so I'm not sure. What I understood from the dealer is that it does have a lever operation so it could be used for something like a MMM but could be hooked up to a BH as well.

From your description (lever operation - I assume - right fender beside 3pth lever) I'd suggest you actually have the 3rd Rear SCV and not Power Beyond. AFAIK there are no control valves on the factory JD Power Beyond. It is for powering implements that have their own control valves i.e. a BackHoe or Log Splitter.

It is possible to run a BackHoe using the 3rd Rear SCV, however, the lever tends to be "self centering" for want of a better description. To ensure a continuous flow the valve must be "held open" with a bungee cord or something. So yes it can be done - but not an elegant solution.

As far as your 3120, if someone, for example the OP, wanted to add PB the kit is available from JD for $300 + or- (have not checked price lately) DIY installation is more awkward than difficult and requires some split pipe wrench.

Obviously, I'm biased towards the 3x20 series, but if the OP has mentally worked himself up to a 2720, unless size is critical, then he would do himself a favor to take a real close look at the 3x20 series.

 

[Martian]

I want to thank everyone for thier detailed replies. I've been really impressed by the responses and all of the ideas to consider.

After much deliberation about the frame size, my budget, and what I'm going to use it for I pulled the trigger and bought the 2305. I'm going to pick it up this weekend. I'm so darn excitied I feel like a kid - I can't wait to learn to use the backhoe.

In the end, it might be too small, but with my inexperience I think its a good place to start.

Now I have tons more questions.... perhaps the first ones are about safety. I know people can kill themselves on tractors. Anyone have advice on good sources of what to do and what not to do? and how to prevent damage to the tractor, FEL, and BH?

Thanks again,

ZettaDeere

Congrats are in order. Post pics when she arrives!!

2305 will be a good start.

Safety. That's a big one. First I cant stress enough to put your seatbelt on. As far as what is to much for your tractor that can only be learned from experience. Start out with little projects, moving a little dirt mound, digging a trench. Get a feel before you do anything big. And more than anything go slow on it. There's no hurry. It will only lead to a poorer job quality, equipment damage, and injury.

Best of luck!

 

[Martian]

From your description (lever operation - I assume - right fender beside 3pth lever) I'd suggest you actually have the 3rd Rear SCV and not Power Beyond. AFAIK there are no control valves on the factory JD Power Beyond. It is for powering implements that have their own control valves i.e. a BackHoe or Log Splitter.

It is possible to run a BackHoe using the 3rd Rear SCV, however, the lever tends to be "self centering" for want of a better description. To ensure a continuous flow the valve must be "held open" with a bungee cord or something. So yes it can be done - but not an elegant solution.

As far as your 3120, if someone, for example the OP, wanted to add PB the kit is available from JD for $300 + or- (have not checked price lately) DIY installation is more awkward than difficult and requires some split pipe wrench.

Obviously, I'm biased towards the 3x20 series, but if the OP has mentally worked himself up to a 2720, unless size is critical, then he would do himself a favor to take a real close look at the 3x20 series.

This is what I thought. I hadn't used it on my 3120 because all my attachments that require a remote are better suited for my 5410. So I just hook it up.

 

[tillerterry]

Hi I'm a newbie here. I've got a JD 425 AWS now but I'm looking to upgrade to something with a FEL and backhoe. For the longest time I was convinced that the model of tractor I wanted was the JD 3720. But just recently I found a JD 2305 that was close by so I went to see it. The owner is a mechanic who works at a local JD dealer and this thing looks brand new with less than 100 hours. Its got a 200CX FEL, a 260 back hoe, 54" mower and some specail hydraulics to allow the mower and FEL to work with just the flip of a valve. He is asking about $15K and is offering a dual stage snow blower for another $2,800.

He is my issue - I'm concerned that the 24HP that the 2305 won't be enough power. I need to dig out a few stumps, cut sod out for patio and side walk, and dig out for footings on a home remodel I'm undertaking. I will also use it to bust up an old driveway, help with tree cutting related chores and snowblowing.

Whatever tractor I buy, I'll be trailering the thing often (nothing longer than 45min though).

Does anyone have experience with the 2305? I like the compactness of it for getting into tight places, but in the end, the 3720 has almost double the HP. For an extra $10 to $12K maybe its worth it to buy a 3720? I have never operated an FEL or back hoe so I don't any experience in regards to HP verse capabilities.

Thoughts?

Thanks

hey i am new on this site to. But I can tell you i do own a 2305 with front loader and backhoe + garden tiller and yard box, and finish mower. this machine is the greatist. I have tilled over 100 gardens in the last yr. or so. I have plenty of power to do what ever. I have 4 wheel drive with locking rear end. I use this tractor for land scaping, hauling wood, you name me and this tractor can do it I truly love this little fellow. send me and e-mail at tillerterry2305@aol.com my computer has trouble opening messages from this site tks terry

 

[Bob77064]

Zetta, congrats on your new tractor.

 

[JiminGa]

congrats Zetta, you'll love it. Take it slow, don't get in a hurry. and pay attention to what the whole tractor is doing, not just the hoe or loader, you'll quickly get a feel for what is going on and how far you can push it.

 

[dixstir]

hope you enjoy your 2305 -I had a 2210 it was used and the problens started the owner before me busted the rear pto the jd dealer took it back after some bad words he gave me a full return and thats when we got the 2305 I realy like it I would do the same agin it has 162 hours works perfect I am happy with the size . so pops is happy just like a big kid ha ha I will be 71 in a week. a few attachments tiller -rear- blate -3 point blower- landscape rake- rear digger- cab -mower -loader 'wife says enough'