Which JD for mowing?

[Rowdy Raven]

Hello Folks,
Question for y'all... I work at a camp where we are considering purchasing a tractor to use for general utility work but primarily for mowing. We have been looking at either a JD 2320 or 2520. We would put a mid-mount mower on the machine. Our terrain is of the foothill variety and we end up mowing around a lake edge for a while as well as trees, buildings and fences. Any thoughts on these two tractors, one better than the other? Many thanks!

 

[soulasphil]

I don't know the size of your property and what exactly you intend to do with the machine beside mowing, so it's a bit difficult to answer the question. The best I can do is share my own experience which is with a JD 3520. I use it for mowing, bush hogging, hedge trimming, log splitting or breaking up the dirt for planting. It's extremely versatile, powerful enough and very sturdy. I have the power reverser variety and am delighted with it. The Japanese turbo engine is a treat and I use the FEL almost every day.

 

[Rowdy Raven]

Phil,
thanks for the reply. We have 3,000 acres +/-. However the vast majority is forest. We have a couple of fields in the 3-4 acre size and a lot of roadside mowing, and around general activity areas.

 

[glc24]

Only because I'm partial to the 2520,and the fact I don't know what the 2320 is like, I will give my .02 to go for the faster hydraulics and a little bit more power.
Either one though will serve you well,and I can tell you from experience that these compacts (the 2520 anyway) are awesome grass cutters. I cut 7 acres with mine.
One other thing,the turning radius is a heck of a lot tighter than what the manual states too.:thumbsup:
Good luck deciding!

Greg

 

[KennyG]

Sounds like you have enough to benefit from the 2520 (or even 2720) greater engine power. I'm really happy with my 2320 for what I do, but the engine and hydraulics are better on the bigger machines.

 

[Martian]

I think you'd be happier with the 2520. Once you get to the 2720 you don't have much more to upgrade to a 3320. In my opinion the 2520 is the best bang for the buck 2x20 machine. Still plenty of hydraulic power and HP in general. I wouldn't pay the extra bit for the 2720 unless you had something specific you needed the slight extra power for.

 

[VA Rebel]

I would reconsider the belly mower and get the rear mount. Way easier to take off, you can back it under trees, and down into ditches. People have a hard time seeing how bad belly mounts are because they are used to them, but after you use both, you'll see how bad belly mounts stink.

 

[Martian]

I would reconsider the belly mower and get the rear mount. Way easier to take off, you can back it under trees, and down into ditches. People have a hard time seeing how bad belly mounts are because they are used to them, but after you use both, you'll see how bad belly mounts stink.

You must not have the auto hitch. I would say a MMM with auto hitch is way easier to take on/off, unless if you have iMatch, then they are equal. I know I've mowed with both and would greatly prefer a MMM. A lot smaller chance of accidentally hitting something as well.

 

[murphy1244]

You must not have the auto hitch. I would say a MMM with auto hitch is way easier to take on/off, unless if you have iMatch, then they are equal. I know I've mowed with both and would greatly prefer a MMM. A lot smaller chance of accidentally hitting something as well.

Thats cause if you hit something you also done run over it.. :laughing:

 

[soulasphil]

I would reconsider the belly mower and get the rear mount. Way easier to take off, you can back it under trees, and down into ditches. People have a hard time seeing how bad belly mounts are because they are used to them, but after you use both, you'll see how bad belly mounts stink.

I cannot agree with that. I have used both and find the MMM much more efficient and easily handled around trees and various obstacles. The autoconnect variety is easily put on or taken off too.