Just picked up a JD2305! Had a BX, thoughts and questions.

[RyeThomas]

Well thank you sir, thought I may have been screwing something up. Guess I'll just have to deal with it.

Issue I have now is I need a hydrostatic fan shield/guard, I have 2 field mowing jobs waiting. I don't like the Bro-Tek (they make nice stuff I just don't like the skid plate) these units run hot enough and covering the fan completely with a solid plate reduces air flow even more. Then the guy from e-bay is a little hard to get a hold of. I need to figure something out sooner than later, I'm not chancing my HST fan.

 

[TripleR]

I had voiced similar concerns about reduced cooling with Bro Tek on my BXs, but was assured it would not be an issue and it hasn't, but I never tried one on our 2305, you could probably cut air vents if needed. Some members have made their own, but I don't have the necessary skills.

 

[RyeThomas]

Im also not a big fan of dropping it to install the MMM.

Lastly I need to address the grease issues on the driveshaft, my needle valve didn't work. I've read a couple different options, not sure I want to drop it every time.

 

[RyeThomas]

Well today I gave her a good workout, cut out and flattened some drive behind where I park my dump trailer and cleaned up some property the HOA has down by the river. I have to say overall I am extremely impressed with the amount of work this little machine can accomplish in short order. Man I'm feeling like I hit a home run here, something bad must be around the corner I never get lucky (lol).

I will search around but what are you guys running rpm wise when you work? I have always warmed them up then go full throttle and back her down a hair. On this machine I'm running at the pto rpm for everything, so IIRC that's like 28/2900 rpm.

For some reason I recall someone told me these little diesels were meant to be run wide open when working to get max capacity from the pump and keep them running warm and reduce carbon build up.

I don't recall seeing anything in the owners manual.

Have a good one fellas, Rye.

 

[buckshot721]

I have the Bro Tek on my 2305, but I don't use the mmm on it anymore. No problems with it and its piece of mind when getting in the tall stuff. The skid plate has to be dropped to grease the shaft, I use a needle to get the back joint. The front one does not have a zerk. And no hole for one. So that will have to be pulled and put in one with a zerk. Kinda thinking of maybe drilling a hole in the floor board (but I have to get my lazy butt under it to look to see if it can be done) to at least be able to get the back joint from up top. Then use like a rubber body type plug to cover the hole. Was reading some where there is a side panel on the rt. side you can pull the get to the front joint.

 

[TripleR]

I let the engine power and hydraulic performance dictate engine RPM which is by nature going to be pretty high on these little machines, I don't go by thr tach too much on any of my tractors, but in initial testing found what "felt right" was pretty close to what the book recommended.

 

[RyeThomas]

Buckshot, interesting my front has one. I ordered 2 different grease gun fittings if I can make them work I will. If not I read a member here's post about swapping the joints out with the type that has the zerk on the end and that's what I will swap to if I can't get these other fittings to work.

TripleR I will check my manual again and as you suggested get some seat time and see where it feels and sounds right. I know on my Kubota if I mowed at too high an rpm the deck belt would get to vibrating pretty well and it became a sound and feel spot to get it perfect. I can tell ya anything I wanted to lift it did effortlessly and it dug in 4x4 very well. Might have to get a ballast box later on down the road but right now the rake hanging on the back does a pretty good job.

 

[Wvanatti]

Buckshot, interesting my front has one. I ordered 2 different grease gun fittings if I can make them work I will. If not I read a member here's post about swapping the joints out with the type that has the zerk on the end and that's what I will swap to if I can't get these other fittings to work. TripleR I will check my manual again and as you suggested get some seat time and see where it feels and sounds right. I know on my Kubota if I mowed at too high an rpm the deck belt would get to vibrating pretty well and it became a sound and feel spot to get it perfect. I can tell ya anything I wanted to lift it did effortlessly and it dug in 4x4 very well. Might have to get a ballast box later on down the road but right now the rake hanging on the back does a pretty good job.

I

I know the book says a certain RPM, I run my 54" mower deck at 2100 rpm with the Protero PV18 grass catcher- I run 3000, Either the FEL work. 2500 RPM. Glad to hear you like it. 2007 was when they beefed up the rear end. Make sure to run a slip clutch if using the rear PTO. Just in case ....

 

[Wvanatti]

I I know the book says a certain RPM, I run my 54" mower deck at 2100 rpm with the Protero PV18 grass catcher- I run 3000, Either the FEL work. 2500 RPM. Glad to hear you like it. 2007 was when they beefed up the rear end. Make sure to run a slip clutch if using the rear PTO. Just in case ....

The Iphone stinks when writing here.. (Auto correct). I was trying to say I don't run it as hard as recommended, just listen to the sound of the engine and hydraulics. treat it with kid gloves.

 

[RyeThomas]

Ok just wanted to follow up on the the grease fittings situation. I decided to try a couple fittings before I started R&R parts and pieces. I purchased a Lincoln needle nozzle #5803 (I have no affiliation with them), when I got it just by looking at it I figured it was going to be too large. Well as usual I was wrong the larger shoulder forces the internal section of the fitting in just enough but seals the outer surface forcing grease only down the fitting when firm pressure against the fitting is provided.
Let me be clear neither of my fittings are in the middle of the joint, both are at horrible angles and I didn't think I'd have a shot. Well both front and back are lubed and good to go.
My wife wonders why I have so many tools but always need more and this is a perfect example why.
I can say the tractor is now 100% maintained and good to go for many hours. I am still very impressed by this machine.

The last thing I need is the HST guard, I'm weighing my options.

Anyone with issues greasing the drive shaft should check out the #5803, it cost me $7.76