Ready to buy 2305 - which options?

[gbick]

For me, a "small" 61" bucket for dirt, and a "big" 73" hi volume bucket for snow greatly increases the versatility of the 430 loader on my 4310. Inspite of the big bucket's near $800 pricetag, I wouldn't be without it. Two coats of quality car wax every fall ensure all the snow dumps out.

 

[gbick]

For me, a "small" 61" bucket for dirt, and a "big" 73" hi volume bucket for snow greatly increases the versatility of the 430 loader on my 4310. Inspite of the big bucket's near $800 pricetag, I wouldn't be without it. Two coats of quality car wax every fall ensure all the snow dumps out.

 

[cast_and_blast]

Went and tried out a JD2305 setup pretty much exactly how I want it - I'm even more sold after seeing how easy it is to drop and attach the loader. I was also very pleasantly suprised how quiet the 62" MMM was - it's considerably quieter than my current lawn tractor! The dealership was happy as I mowed the whole boulevard.

So...here's where I've wound up - comments welcomed:

JD 2305 with Turf Tires
62" MMM without independent lift
200CX Loader
JD 4020 Ballast Box
IMatch
Light guards

I'll ask about options for filling the tires.

Your thoughts before I pull the trigger?

Scott

 

[JDFANATIC]

Went and tried out a JD2305 setup pretty much exactly how I want it - I'm even more sold after seeing how easy it is to drop and attach the loader. I was also very pleasantly suprised how quiet the 62" MMM was - it's considerably quieter than my current lawn tractor! The dealership was happy as I mowed the whole boulevard.

So...here's where I've wound up - comments welcomed:

JD 2305 with Turf Tires
62" MMM without independent lift
200CX Loader
JD 4020 Ballast Box
IMatch
Light guards

I'll ask about options for filling the tires.

Your thoughts before I pull the trigger?

Scott

Sounds pretty sweet to me!

 

[BloomingtonMike]

Depending on the price for the ballast box you could ask about a Box Blade instead. Dual purpose as a grader and rear ballast. Just an idea.

Also espically if we are talking snow removal as well look into R4s. They mow great (use them with my 72" 7-iron MMM on my 3320) and will give better traction in snow. I know you said you were firm but that is exactly my point. If you want to stay firm get the R4s. I have seen many people with turfs buy R4s but not many the other way around.

Also is independant lift an option - if so get it. You will definately want that when you leave the MMM on while using rear implements.

 

[cast_and_blast]

I liked the idea of the independent lift but comments from this forum, comments from the various JD dealers and my "test drive" changed my mind.

First, the cost isn't a huge issue. It's a few hundred bucks.

I just don't see myself using any rear implements with the mower deck still on. If I was to get a rear blade, box blade, bush hog, etc. I do not believe that I would be leaving the MMM on to use the implement anyway. The exception is a chipper/shredder, but the tractor would be stationary in the yard anyway, so it wouldn't really help. Feel free to comment on this one - maybe I'm way out in left field.

On the R3 vs. R4 my concern is damage to the lawn when mowing. Understood on the snowplowing (I don't even have a snowplow or snowblower for it as I have a large stand-alone snowblower)...but I still come back to the primary use of the machine which is mowing (at least for me).

So many choices...

Thanks for the feedback!

Scott

 

[JDFANATIC]

I liked the idea of the independent lift but comments from this forum, comments from the various JD dealers and my "test drive" changed my mind.

First, the cost isn't a huge issue. It's a few hundred bucks.

I just don't see myself using any rear implements with the mower deck still on. If I was to get a rear blade, box blade, bush hog, etc. I do not believe that I would be leaving the MMM on to use the implement anyway. The exception is a chipper/shredder, but the tractor would be stationary in the yard anyway, so it wouldn't really help. Feel free to comment on this one - maybe I'm way out in left field.

On the R3 vs. R4 my concern is damage to the lawn when mowing. Understood on the snowplowing (I don't even have a snowplow or snowblower for it as I have a large stand-alone snowblower)...but I still come back to the primary use of the machine which is mowing (at least for me).

So many choices...

Thanks for the feedback!

Scott

As for the independant lift, you have the ability to lock the MMM up with a twist of the height control knob, so to me, it is something you're not really making any sacrifices to do without. A box blade is more expensive than a ballast box, but it is dual use. I'm not so sure about the R-4's being the best choice for someone whose primary use will be mowing. I will admit, turfs in mud are useless, and they will re-deposit all they can on your driveway etc after use, but I have had no problem with them in snow, even with a large driveway and sections with steep slopes.

 

[rvtech]

I didn't get the independent lift, but I don't think I need it. I take the mower off for everything except mowing. It is so easy to do with the loader on. Just takes a couple of minutes. The mower is in the way for everything else I do.

 

[Shawk]

Hello -

After much lurking, some posting and lots of comparison I do believe I'm ready to pull the trigger on a JD 2305.

I live on ~1.5 acres that is surrounded by trees - it's all mowable. I have lots of landscaping to do (and/or re-do).

That said, here is the setup I'm contemplating:

JD 2305 with Turf Tires
62" MMM with Independent Lift
200CX Loader
JD 4010 Ballast Box
Material Collection System

Possible future rentals/purchases:
Snowblower
PTO Tiller for re-doing parts of the yard
PTO Chipper
Landscape rake

Things I'm considering:
I-Match
Engine Heater

Your advice? What am I missing?

Scott

Hey Scott... Sounds like fun time now. Looks to me like you've got a great setup ready to order. I went R3's on my 2520 after having R4's on my 2210. The R4's are terrific but like JDfanatic said... the turfs really do bite well. BUT, in the mud is where you give up the traction... not an issue for me. Haven't tested my R3's in snow yet, but then again the R4's weren't exactly a perfect snow tire with the flat bar. The I-match's are fabulous... you'll love it. I would recommend getting a rear implement instead of the balast for a few bucks more. I went with a Box Blade that's fairly heavy yet also has plently of hanging room for more weight if needed. Good luck and keep up posted... Pics are a must after it arrives Enjoy....

 

[dubba]

I just don't see myself using any rear implements with the mower deck still on

Nor does my JD dealer reccomend doind anything but mowing with the deck on. I printed out this picture & brought it in to him just to watch him cringe