Need help with decision on JD2305

[jvncnt]

I have been trying to figure out tractors since we bought land last year to build a house. The house is about three months from completion and the time is coming quickly when I will need to get the tractor to get the land in shape. The land was farmland and is adjacent to a golf course. I will use the tractor to clear the driveway of snow (300') and will (hopefully) establish a lawn, put in beds and generally make it into a yard, with the mowing that will eventually entail. Now here is the rub.

I have been looking at both the JD2305 and the BX2230. I have been leaning towards Kubota primarily on price and dealer, but I recently met a JD dealer who is nice and has a good reputation. I can get a JD2305 w/MMM and FEL for $12,900, and the Kubota is pricing at $12,000.

I am not looking for anyone to bash the Kubota, and I know this is the JD section of this site. Nonetheless, can anyone tell me anything that I should know about the JD that I may not be considering when comparing it to the BX that makes the higher $ worth it?

Any input is appreciated, and thanks in advance.

 

[JDFANATIC]

jvncnt,

Welcome to the forum. Both tractors are fine machines. I bleed green, so, you can take that with a grain of salt, but the features on the Deere that I like over the Kubota are: two pedal hydrostatic vs. treadle pedal (I think it is more comfortable to use); SCV joystick mounted on tractor, rather than on loader, and in better reach; 3PH connections are easier to make with standard pins on the Deere; the discharge chute on Deere's blower rotates hydraulically with the joystick (another reason to have it on the tractor rather than on the loader) but as far as I know, on the Kubota it requires a manual cable. Strength of dealer is important, so don't discount that, but after that, ergonomics, to me, rule.

Happy hunting!

 

[flwiii]

To start with, the JD 2305 is the 2006 model, and I believe the BX2230 is last years model. I think Kubota released the BX2350 in 2006 to replace the BX2230. They are both excellent sub-compact tractors and I would make my final decision based on Dealer support, and the basic ergonomics of the tractor in relation to your comfort while using it. I was at this point about 4 months ago and I chose the 2305 because I didn't like the tredle pedal that Kubota uses. I was used to 2 pedals, one forward, one reverse that is on my LT180 Lawn Tractor. Second deciding factor was the wife. She seriously dislikes the Orange color that Kubota uses. I test drove each of them and I don't rate one as superior to the other.

 

[aesanders]

Kubota has come out with a new model BX 2350 to replace the Bx 2230. You should really compare the 2305 to this model as they are both the latest and greatest form each manufacturer.

Both are good units.

 

[aesanders]

The new Kubota BX 2350 has two seperate pedals now, although one is still in the front and one is still in the back.
Also, the scv valve is on the tractor now and it is a 4 way valve to work a blower or blade. And as far as I know the 3ph arms are standard category 1 pins. Both the Deere and Kubota have easier working quick detach loaders. The Kubota BX 24 has a standard backhoe with swivel seat. I took one for a drive a couple days ago and was really impressed with the ergonomics of the Kubota. This surprissed me as I never really liked the Ergonomics on their larger machines such as the Grand L etc.

 

[megotatractor]

How much mowing? I haven't seen a 2305 in person yet but it's pretty much the same as my 2210 with the exeption of a stronger loader and a different engine. The thing is really tough and well thought out. I don't think I've read about the new cx200 loaders on the 2305 but I can get my 210 loader off in seconds. In two years I have had ZERO problems.

 

[jvncnt]

This place is such a great resource. Thanks for all of the responses.

I have driven the bx2230 and will be driving the JD2305 tomorrow. I don't know if it was the treadle pedal or me, but I was bit jerky on the 2230. Guess I will find that out soon. As to platform size, I am all of 5'7", so didn't have any feeling of the 2230 being too small (had room to spare!)

Thankfully my wife is leaving this up to me. Well, kind of. She did enjoy driving the 2230 and told the salesman "wow, this sounds like a big tractor." I quickly realized my mistake and ushered her off of the tractor so that I could take my rightful place.

The only reason I was comparing the BX2230 to the 2305 was cost. I am feeling the crunch of building the house and thought that it would be okay with me to get the older model. I actually looked for a 2210, but to no avail. It probably would be more fair to compare the two newest models, but the best price I got was on the 2230.

What does "the scv valve is on the tractor now and it is a 4 way valve to work a blower or blade" mean to me. Not being rude, just don't know what that is. If anyone could explain, it may be important to me, I just don't know.

As far as mowing, I anticipate mowing a little over 3.5 of the 4.5 acres, until we do more landscape work. Eventually will hopefully be mowing less and less, but that will take time.

Thanks again for all of the responses, and keep em coming if you have time!

 

[rvtech]

I was in the exact position considering the same 2 tractors. I chose the 2305. My decision was based on a year newer model, the size difference in the wheels (for rough ground ride) and fit and finish. As far as the dealer goes, in my case the orange dealer in my area is better and closer. I don't regret buying the 2305. I know most talk about the pedal arrangement, but the pedals on the 2305 seem backwards to me. I push the reverse pedal to go forward almost every time. I think forward should be right, reverse should be left. Just think about driving a car with the pedals switched /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[megotatractor]

rvtech, you'll catch on. SCV valve? that something the K dealer told you about? On the Deere the scv valve is standard. Its basically a hydaulic joystick. I definitely like the deere pedals better than the Kubby pedals.

 

[JDFANATIC]

aesanders,

Talk to anyone who has owned a BX, and you will find that attaching a 3PH attachment is a struggle; the pins are turned to the inside and are not user friendly.

 

[aesanders]

I'm talking ablout the new BX 2350 and BX 24. Not at all the same animal.

 

[aesanders]

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What does "the scv valve is on the tractor now and it is a 4 way valve to work a blower or blade" mean to me. Not being rude, just don't know what that is. If anyone could explain, it may be important to me, I just don't know.

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This is the hydraulic valve that operates the front mounted implements such as the loader. The joystick contoller that you use to move the loader up down etc. contols this valve. The older Kubota BX 2230 came standard with a three valve setup that was attached to the loader. When you diconected the loader from the tractor, the contoller stayed with the loader. The three hydraulic valves are sufficient for the loader, but certain attachments such as snowblowers require a 4 valve setup. The BX 2330 has/had an optional 4 valve system that would work attachments that require the 4 valve arrangement. When you remove the loader, this valve and contoller stay with the tractor so you can hook up the snowblower or blade to work by the Joystick contoller.

The John Deere 2305 and Kubota 2350 come standard with a 4 valve system.

Most people prefer the 4 valve system. Some like the fact that the contoller leaves the tractor on a 3 valve system when dropping the loader thus making entering and exiting the tractor on the right hand side easier.

If you ever plano on getting an attachment that requires 4 valves such as a snowblower, make sure the tractor you get has 4 valves.

 

[chemistski]

Jvncnt; I was in the same position a few months back. Had it narrowed don to the BX2230 and the JD2305. Then the kubota dealer got the BX2350, liked that much more than the BX2230 (Comfort on the tractor). Really was close. Came down to the JD dealer a little closer. Both tractors were a good "fit" when I drove them. liked the loader controller mount on the JD a little more and the two pedals up front, The kubota has a treadle or on the BX2350 a "split" treadle. Drive them both and look at the dealers. Does one give you a better feel than the other/ (dealers and tractors). Also I know you will have expenses, but over a 36 month 0% loan from JD or whatever deal kubota has, is there really a difference in price?

 

[GregAndSon]

I like you was going through the same thing a year and half ago. I was more impressed with the JD because of the fit and finish and the engineering. Keep in mind I was looking at the previous models and it was a while ago but as I recall the JD has some nice features such as the steering parts behind the front axle out of direct harms way, the steering linkages have greese plugs, the fit and finish was nicer, the paint was already faded on the Kubota's. I should mention that I too tend to bleed green and like you was faced with the JD costing approximately $1000 more. I think I made the right decision with the 2210. The one thing I think you might want to consider is the location of the transmission cooling fan and the filter. If the 2305 is the same as my 2210 you will need to build a protector to guard the working on the bottom of the tractor. Something else to look at comparing the two is the location of the fan belt in the new Kubota. In the old model it looked to me that it was not an easy operation to change the belt should it ever be needed.

 

[JDFANATIC]

aesanders,

So the 3PH pin arrangement has been changed on the newer models? I didn't know that. Thanks for letting us know. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[FortClatsop]

I've had a 2305 for a few weeks now. I borrowed an old Kubota 175 for a couple of years to clear black berries and beat the grass to death with a four foot brush hog. My "upper 3" have been hayed for free but it was time to start mowing it myself. Last weekend I mowed it with the 5'RFM. Rough ride, but fast. I too contemplated Orange. What got my attention was the 2305 is capable of the 5'RFM. The BX's seemed to be stuck at 4'. I interpreted the 2305 as being just a little more capable than the comparable BXs.

 

[jvncnt]

Have to tell you, we drove the 2305 this morning and were VERY impressed. For some unknown reason, neither my wife nor I were nearly as jerky with the motion of the tractor. I am not sure if it was the two pedal set up or what. Second thing that we noticed immediately was that the seat was more comfortable for both of us. On the 2230, we both felt like we were tilting a little forward. Not sure if that was reality or perception, but either way it was noticed.

I was really surprised how much more I liked the little things about the 2305, such as location of the loader controller just like chemitski mentioned. All of the control levers (low/high) moved with more assurance. I guess that might be called the fit and finish that you all mentioned.

All in all, both my wife and I kept our opinions to ourselves until after we had both operated and both are now leaning toward the JD. Very nice.

Thanks again for all of the feedback. Hopefully will make the decision soon. To be fair we are going to go try the new BX2350 to make sure it is an apples to apples comparison.

 

[aesanders]

Now you are on the right tract. Try them all out and one will really beg you to take it home. Everyone has their own idea of comfort and you will make the right choice no matter what I or someone else may tell you. Keep us posted and have fun shopping.