Price Check & Opinions on low hour used 2320

[DCRanger]

Hello all. I'm upgrading from an Ariens 1540 riding lawn mower to a John Deere compact utility model TBD. I mow about 2-3 acres of nice yard and along both sides of a 550' gravel drive. At some point I'd like to add a snow blower to whatever tractor I get.

Now to the question. I found a 2011 JD 2320 with the FEL and 62" deck with 270 hours asking $15,500 on CL. Here's what the add says and pictures.

"2011 John Deere 2320 Compact Utility Tractor, 270 Hours, 24 HP Diesel, Rear Tires Loaded
Includes John Deere 2320, John Deere 200CX Loader, and John Deere 62D Mower Deck"


Is that a good deal? Any major issues with that model other than difficulty with greasing the driveshaft? Would another model around that price point be a better option?

 

[lukinfucas]

I was in the same boat as you. That price probably isn't far off the price of a new unit. Which comes with a multi-year warranty and zero hours. Also, buying used from CL would mean laying out cash, whereas most dealers are offering 0% financing in case you need to use some of your cash for 3-point implements.

That all being said, I just purchased a 2008 used scut with backhoe.

Too many choices.

 

[DCRanger]

I was in the same boat as you. That price probably isn't far off the price of a new unit. Which comes with a multi-year warranty and zero hours. Also, buying used from CL would mean laying out cash, whereas most dealers are offering 0% financing in case you need to use some of your cash for 3-point implements.

That all being said, I just purchased a 2008 used scut with backhoe.

Too many choices.

Thank you for the suggestions.

Anyone else have inputs on this please?

 

[jenkinsph]

How important is the fel in your use? I ask because while everyone seems to want one it does change the set up of the machine a lot.

The 2320 and the x700 series diesels both use a 24 hp. engine. The x700 series has a single gear with a range of 0 to 8.5 mph that works well for mowing. The 2320 has a two range transmission with low being 0 to 4.5 mph and high being 0 to 13 mph. It would be better to have the middle speed range for most mowing in my experience.

I would agree with others to shop new and compare the prices carefully as Deere is now offering a 6 year drive train warranty on many models. There are lots of brands with good features in the subcut sized tractors and you should consider all of them before making a purchase.

For mowing, raking, seeding and fertilizing manicured lawns I prefer my x749 as it is light and maneuverable and does everything I need it to do for lawn maintenance. If you want a fel then you give up some of these advantages, and wind up with loaded rear tires and two wheel steer which is not ideal for mowing. All of these can be equipped with a front or rear snow blower though.

In a nutshell I recommend you test drive all of these models to see what is the best fit for your use. Some of the brands offer a three range transmission and that could be an important advantage in a subcut tractor.

 

[DCRanger]

How important is the fel in your use? I ask because while everyone seems to want one it does change the set up of the machine a lot.

The 2320 and the x700 series diesels both use a 24 hp. engine. The x700 series has a single gear with a range of 0 to 8.5 mph that works well for mowing. The 2320 has a two range transmission with low being 0 to 4.5 mph and high being 0 to 13 mph. It would be better to have the middle speed range for most mowing in my experience.

I would agree with others to shop new and compare the prices carefully as Deere is now offering a 6 year drive train warranty on many models. There are lots of brands with good features in the subcut sized tractors and you should consider all of them before making a purchase.

For mowing, raking, seeding and fertilizing manicured lawns I prefer my x749 as it is light and maneuverable and does everything I need it to do for lawn maintenance. If you want a fel then you give up some of these advantages, and wind up with loaded rear tires and two wheel steer which is not ideal for mowing. All of these can be equipped with a front or rear snow blower though.

In a nutshell I recommend you test drive all of these models to see what is the best fit for your use. Some of the brands offer a three range transmission and that could be an important advantage in a subcut tractor.

Thanks for the great info. I think job #1 is to test drive some models and see what fits best. In terms of priorities with the JD, I'd say mowing, then snowblowing. The fel would be great to have for the occasional chores on my 40 acres, hauling and spreading and moving brush piles, but I really dont want to sacrifice a nicely cut lawn. It's irrigated and I currently use a 20 year old Ariens with a bagger. So I know with the JD, I'll be giving up a bagger unless I add as an attachment. I was thinking the 2320 might be a nice compromise between a good mower and a tractor, but maybe the x749 is the ticket. Definitely want a diesel!

 

[jenkinsph]

For lawn maintenance I have a 3ph and rear 540 pto with several implements on the x749. The MC519 collection cart with blower works great and I recommend it. One of my most often used tools is a pine straw rake, besides pine needles I use it for clean up and smoothing/covering seed. The advantage is that I can keep my larger compacts off the lawns 99% of the time.

I use the larger compacts to build the landscapes initially and then maintain a few for choice customers with the x749 and x758.

 

[DCRanger]

Until I can check out a new one at the dealership what do you think of either of these two, a 1026R or 1025R I found a couple hours away.

The first is a 2012 1026R, low hours John Deere 126R with loader & mower for $13,750
The second is a 2015 1025R low hours 215 John Deere 125R for $14,700

Seems reasonable for me considering a new one with these attachments would probably go for close to $20K.

 

[2ndhalf]

At 270 hours I consider that next to new. I would pay up to 80% for a next to new compact tractor I liked. which for a 20k tractor would be $16k. That prices sounds ok by my standards but you have to determine what is reasonable to you. If you like it and think it was maintained for the first 270 hours, buy it!

 

[jenkinsph]

Until I can check out a new one at the dealership what do you think of either of these two, a 1026R or 1025R I found a couple hours away.

The first is a 2012 1026R, low hours John Deere 126R with loader & mower for $13,750
The second is a 2015 1025R low hours 215 John Deere 125R for $14,700

Seems reasonable for me considering a new one with these attachments would probably go for close to $20K.

I would expect about 15-18% off msrp when buying new without a trade.

 

[DCRanger]

Is there a significant difference between the 1026R and 1025R other than the HP? I also see the older used CUT had the 60" deck vs the smaller 54" deck on the 1025? For pure mowing quality, is one superior?