What New Tractor???

[jcmseven]

Fellow Posters:

I have been "tractorless" now for a while since I sold my 3720. I must admit with my Gator XUV doing most of the hauling work and transport, I have been able to get by OK without one, but really miss not having a tractor. I am so busy at work I have now hired out most of my lawn duties, but still would like to tackle some remaining projects around the house. Truthfully, all I really need a tractor for right now is to smooth and maintain my 300' driveway, which is gravel and on a steep hill, and move the occasional mulch pile. I use the Gator for snow removal now, so that is not needed. My experience with machines thus far has led me to believe that "bigger is not always better". My favorite tractor was without doubt my 4520, but I could barely use it in many places due to its too large size for me. The 3000 series was a nice choice but still too big to fit in many places. This leaves me looking at the 2000 series. I have had my eye on a 2320, but at times I say I would like the additional capacity of the 2720, although I think it to be too little potential difference to merit the purchase of a tractor nearly as pricey as some of the 3000 series, which I have owned and know too big. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I miss not having a tractor and am looking to buy pretty soon. I really do not want to go through machinery this fast, but just have overbought for my needs in the past and do not wish to repeat this.

John M

 

[Spudland_Dave]

IMO, when looking at the 2520 or 2720 your really buying mostly because of size not price....
I've seen a few 2720's here and at first I wondered "why" JD Did the 2720 for the same reason you posted about it only being a stones throw away from a 3x20 in price, but I think I know now because I've seen a few on landscaper's trailers....enough PTO work to get things done in a nice easy to haul package.

If you use the mentality of "well, for 1,000 more I can get a 3x20" you'll eventually end up with a 8430 and a BIG MMM! ....cause its only a few k more then a 3x20 for a 4x20 and we all know you can be in a 5x tractor for only a few bucks more then that.....

I'd say determine the physical size you need and go from there...dont shop on pricetag alone cause you'll be dissapointed if you do (end up with too big a machine or too small as you've already found out)...

 

[unreconstructed]

Sounds like you have the size narrowed down. I bought the 2320 and am completely satisfied with it. There's arguments to be made for the 2520 and 2720, but I have a bigger tractor already and the 2320 price is all I wanted to spend. I got it over the 2305 due to 2320 having CAT 1 3ph. Have moved about a 100 yards of dirt with the FEL and used the 5 ' box blade on about 1/8 mile of road of blow sand. Also used it around my trees with the MMM and used it close to the farm house to move blow sand.

That's all I can add.

 

[AKfish]

Hey John - gonna do your part for the economy and boost those JD shares, huh?

Good to hear... Can hardly wait to see what you come up with!

Heck, you've owned and used more CUT's than a whole bunch of the rest of us here on TBN the past several year's -- you should lay out your "logic train" for us and detail how you figured out which tractor to buy... (Kidding - I get after my ER doc buddy all the time when he's lookin' at $100K track hoes for his 10 acres! He's already got a JD 2520 and a S250 Bobcat.)

You need to do any PTO work? No rototilling or mowin?

Does the FEL capability or response time, etc. differ appreciably between the 2320 or 25-2720 - i.e., hydraulic flow rates? Is that a consideration?

Same tire sizes and overall footprint? Would the 2320 be just as "stable" as either the 25-2720 on your hills?

My $0.02. Best of luck with whatever you decide, John.

AKfish

 

[ScottK]

I like my 2320 because of the low center of gravity compared to the 2520. Sometimes I wish I had the dual hydraulic pumps from the 2520, but otherwise, I'm happy with the 2320, because I work on hills and in the woods a lot where smaller and lower center of gravity is important. Still managed to damage a side light with the brush guards on them though - dam tree branches.

 

[gjsnow]

Dear John,
We chatted before about your 3720. I finally ended up with the 2320. My dealer put a 60 inch HD bucket on for me. I have been able to dig my whole foundation for my addition with the bucket. Remember, I live on an old riverbed and my dirt is just sand. I removed 80 yards in about 24 hours (not all at once) and recently brought 70 yards to the front of the house through a 6 foot gate to be taken away.... another story in itself.
Based on your past history with a love for max hp machines in each class, my gut is that you may be a bit disappointed in the speed power of the 2320 if you are doing a lot of heavy loader work. For me it is just fine but in 4wd in heavy wet sand and a 60 inch HD bucket I am using the machine to its absolute max capacity. In order to pack a good load you need a little patience and finess.
Once loaded heavy you need full rpm to get enough hydraulics to the steering in order to keep the steering effort to a min on pavement (4wd turned off).
Since you have a good relationship with your dealer I would see if the 2320 will thrill you enough. If you try the 2720 let me know. I am another hp junkie and if you recall I changed my 24hp 1435 mower to a 36hp to help with all of my implements. Good luck. I hope all is well with you in the mountains.
GJSnow

 

[jcmseven]

Thanks to all for the advice. With my current work, I am either working all the time or not at all, for example I have a 10 days break coming up starting tomorrow. I keep thinking that I would like to open a little business to do some light duty landscaping for some of our neighbors, since I enjoy it and have some time in clumps. I am constantly asked to spread gravel, move rocks, box blade, etc. for folks and many have suggested I do this. To me, this would favor getting a larger machine, such as a 2720, but since I cannot maintain my OWN property well, I really wonder whether I will actually do it. I honestly think I will be disappointed for me in the 2320 on my hills; but it is the perfect size. I like the 2720 a lot, but wonder if it will still be too big. Currently, I am leaning 2720, but am going to try one first. I really like the Kubota machines also in this class, but I would be hunted down if I went away from green.

John M

 

[jcmseven]

Thanks GJS!! Things are well here. And you??

John M

 

[Nuru]

JCMSeven, i think you will be happy with the 2520/2720 option too. I had the 4100 and was always wishing for a 2520, but I was able to get a used 2003 4310 for the same price as a used 2006 2520 and went for bigger and was pretty happy until the opportunity for a 3320/3520 came along and then I selected the 3520 CAB - suits me very well.

Good luck on your selection.

 

[gjsnow]

John,
Things are quite well here in Western Mass...busy, of course.
I just wanted to give you my thoughts on the 2320. From a size standpoint you once suggested that the footprint of a 3000 series is not much more than that of a 2000 series. With that suggestion, I cannot imagine that the 2720 would ultimately be substantially bigger than the 2320. I'd have to look up the specs.
I just thought I would share my 2 cents with the hp issue.
Be well and enjoy your time off.
GJS