Buying Advice Ready to order 2305... last minute advice?

[Shawk]

Ok guys... I've been reeled in and it looks as though I'm going to order a 2305 tomorrow (1st brand new tractor ever). I'm not a financing nut, but the offering of 0% for 2 years and a solid offer on my trade in (2210) is making it to hard to pass up.

I'm going with the 200cx loader & 62c deck....

Bucket size... The main purpose of the bucket will be 1. snow removal (80' drive) 2. finish our landscaping (no retaining wall work or other extreme dirt work/hauling) 3. everything else that a bucket can be used for /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif. I will definitely get the 53" and am seriously considering the 61" bucket. It would be nice having the extra width clearing snow.... thoughts??

How about lighting? Did anyone add the ROPS lights to their 2305?

Tires.... I'm planning for the R4's...

Loaded tires?? worth while? Cost? I currently have a homemade ballast box that holds 8 case weights I already own.

Hood quality on the 2305's? I've read this many times... would like to hear from the 2305 owners... Tell me what you think...

What am I forgetting??? Anything at all will be helpful... thanks so much!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[rvtech]

The hood is a beautiful thing. Personally I don't think the hood needs to be metal.

I've only seen the 53" bucket. Seems big enough to me. I have not tried to move snow with my loader. I'm not sure that's the best method, but I will be trying it eventually.

I did not have the tires loaded because I don't want the extra weight while mowing. I think the ballast box is more versatile

Be sure you've chosen a good dealer.

Good Luck

 

[Shawk]

Thanks RV... The hood design sure looks pretty. My only reservation is that many have posted that it's not very sturdy. We'll see...

I can't make up my mind on bucket size... The 61" sure would be nice for snow... however not necessary for other job duties. I'll sleep on it and hopefully have my mind made up by morning.

I agree with the ballast box. It's an easy on & off... unless someone can convince me filling the tires is the way to go, I probably won't.

Good dealer... yep, that's what put me over the top. I'm dealing with a dealer I've not dealt with before. From what I've heard and seen on display... it appears top priority is gaining and keeping there customers satisfies... amazing concept /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Being in a service business myself, it's priority to me. However I've also found that through the years I've become much more forgiving being on both sides. People just want to be taken care of and it appears this place wants take care of theirs... more to come as we complete our deal. Thanks for taking the time to post!

 

[JDFANATIC]

Shawk,

I filled the tires on my 2210 and think it is the way to go. It has little or no impact on my lawn, and may actually be better for it, as it spins less while mowing my slopes etc. I also find that it is good counterballance while doing light loader work; for the really heavy stuff, I still use my weight box filled with concrete.

 

[kennyd]

I would go with the 53" bucket, 80' of driveway is just not enough to justify the bigger bucket IMHO, I find the 53" on my 4110 more than adequate. With the 61", you may run into lifting problems doing that "extreme dirt work"

There are VERY FEW who thinks the plastic hoods are bad, there are MANY who thinks its great, myself included.

I love my R4 tires, I did not load them for mowing reasons, and as stated, I find the ballast box more versatile (with the I-Match of course!

 

[Shawk]

JDFanatic... thanks again for your replies. Maybe I'll soon be convincing you to trade too /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I do like the idea of just slipping the loader on without the ballast for light work. I also like the idea of having the extra weight in the tires for a small side hill In mow. I'll check with the dealer tomorrow and may have it done.

Kenny... Thanks for the reply. I think you're right that the 53' will do a great job on my drive. My 49" does a good job as well, but just fills up a little quicker than I'd like. My thought was that I could always back off the dirt loads if I have a larger bucket...but can't ever add to the bucket size if I go to small for the white fluffy stuff. The bucket is still something I'm undecided on... Thanks for taking the time to post.

 

[jcmseven]

In my opinion, one cannot have enough ballast. I have never owned a 2210 or 2305, but I would think it would be more important in that size machine than a larger one. Even though the 200cx loader on that machine does not have a huge lift capacity, when one thinks of it proportional to the weight of the tractor, it is actually one of the stronger loaders. This means load those tires and consider wheel weights too. With regard to the lights, I would get them, and maybe the rear facing light too. The bucket has a nasty habit of being right in front of the headlights, rendering them pretty useless.

John M

 

[RalphVa]

I think the larger bucket is too large for your 2305. I've a 50" bucket on my 4010. With it full of gravel (1/2 yard=1,000#), you need at least 300# on the 3 pt plus loaded tires to keep a rear wheel from tipping on uneven ground. The 4010 is the same weight as the 2210 and probably the 2305.

For the extra money you'd shell out for the larger bucket, you'd be ahead to spend $250 on a rear blade. I bought one for clearing snow from my 350' driveway because I got tired of stopping, turning and dumping the bucket. For 80' of driveway, you won't have to stop and turn and dump much.

Ralph

 

[johndeere_2210]

The increase in price of a 61" bucket vs the 53" is only around $60, which seems cheap, but I think it's simply too large for the unit. Enjoy the new ride, and be sure to get some pictures up. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Shawk]

Jcm7... thanks for the added imput... You guys have it in my mind now to consider the loaded tires. Thank you... I'll hash it over a bit more and make a decision. Appreciate your reply...

RalphVa... appreciate your thought on the bucket. As much as I want to get the 61" for snow purposes, it appears that it's not the practical bucket to get. As this point I believer I go ahead and order the 53" and be content... Thanks

johndeere 2210... thanks for your post. I'll be sure to do a followup and post pics when the tractor arrived. I was in my garage last night looking over my 2210 and it made me wonder why I'd swap... /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif . I sent you a PM as well... thanks