Comparison Used Deere 2305 vs 1023E

[Trench14]

This 59 year old back has decided it needs a FEL so I'm looking to replace my nearly 30 year old JD 330 lawn tractor with a SCUT. Currently, these two used tractors are available: 2007 2305 with 540 hours R4 tires with about 60% tread and a 62" deck vs a 2012 1023E with 200 hours, R3 tires and a 54" deck. Both have FELs. The 2305 is listed at $ 11,445, including tax, everything works but with a couple of scratches (I don't care), and owned by a Deere dealer. The 1023 is privately owned, in excellent condition, and is listed at $ 12,500.

The dealer can't tell me much about the service history on the 2305. I expect the 1023 is a one owner machine and I can get the service history.

From my reading, it sounds like the 62" deck on the 2305 is a better piece of equipment than the 54" deck. I'd prefer the R4 tires though they are certainly more worn than the R3's.

Based on price, equipment and experience, what do folks think is a better deal and which a better tractor? Thank you.

 

[KennyG]

5 years newer and only half the hours for only $1000 more. I think it's no question to go with the 1023 even if you end up springing for new R4s. I don't know anything about the 54" deck on the 1023 but I can't imagine it being much of a problem.

 

[chevy]

The 1023e has the drive over auto connect deck. That is worth the extra money on its own. The deck on the 2305 has to be slid in & out from the side of the tractor by hand.

Also, some 2305s had issues with the PTO failures that were very expensive to repair.
Here is a link to one thread.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...g/183225-john-deere-2305-compact-tractor.html

 

[buickanddeere]

Newer tractor for certain as the others have stated. The early 2305 would break the pto sometimes if shock loaded.

 

[buickanddeere]

2305 after this part number used a beefed up pto and stronger transmission case. The early 2006 models are to be avoided . Late 2006, 2007 and 2008 are rugged little machines .
Power-Takeoff (227697 - )
Cart key PART NO. PART NAME QTY SERIAL NO. REMARKS
1 M800541 Bearing 1
2 LVU800930 Seal 1
3 LVU800834 Gear 1 REAR PTO
4 LVU800836 Spacer 1
5 M800589 Snap Ring 1
6 M803027 Spacer 1
7 CH11550 Ball Bearing 1
8 R91131 Seal 1
9 LVU803048 Shaft 1 REAR PTO
10 M802305 Bearing 2
Cart key PART NO. PART NAME QTY SERIAL NO. REMARKS
11 LVU800820 Shaft 1 REAR PTO IDLER
12 LVU800819 Gear 1 REAR PTO IDLER
13 M806208 Washer 1
14 M800496 Ball Bearing 1
15 LVU800957 Washer 1
16 R91138 Needle Bearing 1
17 LVU800826 Gear 1 REAR PTO
18 M809266 Washer 1
19 LVU800824 Shift Collar 1
20 LVU800936 Ring 1
Cart key PART NO. PART NAME QTY SERIAL NO. REMARKS
21 LVU800825 Shift Collar 1
22 LVU800823 Gear 1 MID PTO
23 LVU800937 Needle Bearing 1
24 M800585 Washer 1
25 LVU800821 Shaft 1 PTO RANGE
26 CH13508 Ball Bearing 1
27 LVU800822 Gear 1 PTO RANGE
28 40M7163 Snap Ring 1
29 CH10564 Bearing 2
30 LVU800839 Gear 1 MID PTO IDLER
Cart key PART NO. PART NAME QTY SERIAL NO. REMARKS
31 40M7076 Snap Ring 2
32 LVU800838 Gear 1 MID PTO
33 CH14828 Ball Bearing 1
34 LVU800837 Shaft 1 MID PTO
35 M802301 Needle Bearing 1
36 CH14967 Sleeve 1

 

[atsah]

I would see what you could get the 2305 for before I bought a 1023e, I just got done looking at them myself and I was not impressed, I had a 2305 TLB a few years ago and that was a rugged well made SCUT compared to a 1023e. If your taking the deck on and off a lot, the drive over deck is nice. The deere looked like an economy tractor with a big price tag. They even cheaped out on the loader control, it looks like a pencil sticking up.. It didn't do much for me.

 

[bigtiller]

If the 1023 has a drive-over deck, I would get that one. But isn't the drive-over deck an option?

 

[chevy]

If the 1023 has a drive-over deck, I would get that one. But isn't the drive-over deck an option?

Drive over auto connect decks the only mid mower option.

 

[Trench14]

Thanks, all. I'm going to keep looking. The 2305 pto issue scares me to death and the 1023 seems a little too economy. The 1986 330 still runs strong, blows snow and cuts like a champ; I just cant see putting a loader on it and 4x4 will sure be a step up.

 

[eparrishjr]

Does anyone have dimensions on seal LVU800930 so I can cross the john deere part number