Author: Tractor.com

The 2011 John Deere 2305 is a small tractor in a large body. Jokingly we even said that the styling makes the unit look like a full size tractor which shrunk in the dryer by mistake. This initial perception was dashed as soon as we jumped behind the wheel of this mini machine though. Besides, John Deere has been building this tractor virtually unchanged since 2006 so you know it’s onto something good with this package.

This smaller tractor, we mused during our test drive, would be great for people looking to conserve space. Its small size means it fits into tighter places on a property and stores in a normal size garage – no need for a larger storage area. Plus, keeping it out of the elements is a bonus.

One thing to note when storing or planning to trailer this unit is that the ROPS (roll over protection system) is fixed, unlike similar models in Deere’s line-up which offer folding bars. Remember to check your height clearance.

Don’t worry about the size affecting performance though. When you’re in those tighter spaces the 2305 still has the power to get your work done with tons of “big tractor” features.

Starting with the power we found a strong 24.1 hp three cylinder Yanmar motor under the hood. This motor, which can be powered by No.1 Diesel, No.2 Diesel, and B5 Biodiesel, provides all the same power from any of the immediately larger models in John Deere’s line-up. Large rubber mountings and isolators on the engine mounts make for less vibration and noise while the tractor is in use.

From the motor we get 41.7 ft-lbs of torque generated to push and pull any type of material you can dream up. During our test with the 2305 we put this power to work moving around some loose gravel. 

The 200CX John Deere front-end loader attachment performed great with this task. The controls were smooth when operating the system and even though we were filling up the bucket the 2.9 gpm hydraulic power kept us working safely all day.

The seat on the 2305 was comfortable over long periods of time behind the wheel. Plenty of space around the seat also meant you could find a position which works best for you. One annoying thing in the cab area was the hydraulic control lever. We found that the placement of this control meant that your leg was almost constantly brushing against it.

The lever does have a lock on it to prevent unnecessary or accidental engagement of the hydraulics. This doesn’t negate the slight discomfort it caused us over the course of the day and the potential for damage to the lever and controls over time.

The other controls for the driver were excellent. All the gauges were well positioned and easy to read during operation.

You operate the drive system of the 2305 using John Deere’s Twin Touch two-pedal transmission system. This system allows the operator to instantly change the speed or direction of travel. Additionally, the pedals have been designed to follow the natural extending motion of a driver’s leg. This results in reduced fatigue over the course of a long day.

Those pedals engage the 2305’s Hydrostatic transmission. Smooth engagement during use was a real highlight on this transmission and made switching from forward to reverse quick while avoiding any “jumpy” starts.

The transmission puts power through the standard mechanical four-wheel drive system on the unit. This extra traction is most noticeable when pushing, pulling, or working on slippery ground. Taking it one step further you can lock up the differential on the spur gear final drive – giving you that little extra push to get the job done or the tractor unstuck.

Some of the other controls you find all around the operating station include the lever for operating the three-point hitch, transmission gear position selector, and PTO engagement switches. Having these controls close at hand really made the operation of the 2305 a one-man job.

Keeping with that simplistic single operator idea, John Deere has made the unit compatible with the iMatch Quick Hitch system. This system makes hooking up to implements as easy as can be. Just back up to the tool, move the handle into position, lock the pins down (attach PTO if necessary), then just pick it up and go.

The category 1 three-point hitch on this tractor is rated to lift up to 681 lbs (24 inches behind link arms). This translates into some serious attachment compatibility for the operator. Some of the implements John Deere offers with this model include a four-foot rotary cutter, 54-inch blade, and a 260 backhoe.

Not only is the 2305 versatile in the rear – it’s got plenty of options for the middle and front as well. Under the deck mowing is one of the benefits of a smaller tractor which can still perform like a riding mower.

These various implements are powered from the machine’s rear- and mid-mounted PTOs, which have three selectable ranges. Both of these power points run free of any clutch assembly to maximize implement efficiency and keep you working with 18 hp at each take-off. This also saves the PTO drive system from any unnecessary wear with constant engagement and disengagement.

Hydraulic power steering is standard on the 2305 and makes constant manoeuvring less fatiguing for the operator. One thing we found which proved bothersome over long periods of time is the lack of Cruise-control on our test model. The cruise system is an option on this machine, but we’d suggest ordering yours with one. Unless you plan on running wide open in forward and reverse then holding your foot at any other position gets tiresome – unless you’re looking to work out your calves.

Working on and around some hills with the 54C mid-mounted mower gave us an interesting look at the stability of this tractor. It felt very comfortable working on the slopes. At no point did we feel like the unit might roll-over while we were on the hill. This feeling of confidence let us mow areas we might usually get the push mower out to complete.

Overall the 2305 fits into two imaginary categories; Lawn mower on steroids, or tiny tractor with a big heart. Either way you look at your machine we’re confident that it’s ready for whatever jobs you can dream up.

The John Deere 2000 Series tractors come loaded with standard equipment that would be considered optional on other tractors in the same category. The 2520 is the middle tractor in this category.

The unit offers a “big-tractor” feel in a smaller package and measures in at 108.9 in. long with the 3-point hitch horizontal and no loader attached, 51.9 in. wide with no implement, and 89.0 in. with the ROPS bar up (67.9 in. with the ROPS folded down). This small design means you can get the 2520 into tighter places for working while still maintaining the ability to do the work of a larger Utility tractor. 

To do this work the 2520 comes equipped with a three cylinder diesel engine which puts out 26.5 hp. John Deere’s motors for the 2000 series are all built by Yanmar.

Controlling this power from the driver’s seat is simple and ergonomic. The dashboard has controls for throttle, lights, and turn signals. We found that all of these switches and levers could be easily operated while the Tractor is in motion without any hassle.

The seat on the 2520 has a high-back design and is quite comfortable. Something we did note was that this seat does not come with any type of suspension system so you feel every bump on the road while in motion. The seat is suspended but it could become uncomfortable if you need to spend many hours operating the unit.

While sitting in the driver’s seat we noticed that the joystick control for the front hydraulics is located very close to where your left knee is. If the safety lock is not in place on the joystick you have the potential to hit it with your leg and unintentionally move the loader.

The steering control is aided by John Deere’s Hydrostatic power steering. This makes the operation of the steering smooth and steady when making constant tight turns. After you’ve spent hours mowing lawns without the power steering you really start to appreciate it more when your arms aren’t sore at the end of the day.

In regards to these turning manoeuvres the 2520 has a tight turning radius of 7.5 ft. with brakes and 8.2 ft. without. To put this in perspective we found that when we were working around the edge of a garden or fence we could make nearly 90 degree turns to follow the line of the grass. The unit almost turns on a dime with the rear wheels acting like a pivot.

The 2520’s narrow hood design makes it easy to see where your wheels are. This is helpful when lining up to attach the under-body mower with its drive over deck.

Another thing we did notice about the front tire design and placement is that it flung quite a bit of mud our way. Not unusual for a tractor but certainly something to note when choosing optional features like mud guards.

Giving the 2520 this mud flinging ability is the unit’s HST (Hydrostatic transmission). This drive system provides infinite speed selection without clutching or shifting to change between forward and reverse.

This simple direction change drive system is operated with John Deere’s Twin Touch transmission pedals on the right side floorboard of the unit. One pedal activates the forward gears and the other controls the reverse gears. Both can be used without lifting your foot from the floor thereby lessening driver fatigue. A standard feature on the 2520 is an easy-to-use cruise control which locks with a mechanical lever and quickly releases when you touch the pedal again.

We found that the drive system was very delicate and the most minor throttle changes were easy to do. Hooking up to implements with this system is fantastically simple because you can make tiny adjustments; forward an inch, back an inch. This makes it safer when someone is behind the unit as well because you can’t really make any major mistakes which means your fingers all stay intact.

The 2520’s category 1 3-point hitch needs some mention to the credit of this digit saving safe hook-up system. The lift capacity 24” behind the link arms is 1,250 lb. which is ample power for lifting any implement.

Speaking of attachments for your John Deere tractor there are over 50 different tools available for the rear end. These range from implements which are powered, unpowered, and hydraulic driven.

These attachments have a number of features which are designed to get you hooked up and working quicker. The front end has the John Deere quick park loaders which come off in three minutes or less with fast remove pins and quick-disconnect hydraulics. The under-belly mowers are all designed with drive-over decks so you can line them up easier and the rear features the iMatch AutoHitch.

Using this hitch system we were able to cycle through a number of different implements while we were working. You just back up to the attachment, lift it, and then secure the latches. You can then hook up to the PTO by simply rotating the handle then turn until it lines up and pull the AutoHitch lever. This brings the PTO driveshaft up and connects it without having to get off the unit.

The 2520’s PTO produces 20.5 hp to turn your implements at the rear and middle body of the unit.  Both are standard hook-ups and the rear runs at 540 RPM and the mid at 2100 RPM. Stopping both PTO’s are sealed wet disc brakes.

The hydraulics on the 2520 run off an open centre style hydraulic pump which gives the system a total capacity of 10.56 G/min. This lets you run a front and rear implement simultaneously. The front end loader has a maximum lift capacity at full height of 800 lb. We found that this was plenty of power to take care of our work around the property.

Another nice feature we found was the 2520’s handling on hills. While mowing our property there are a few sections on inclines as severe as 30 to 40 degrees and the unit felt stable. This stability is in part thanks to its wet weight of 1,865 lb.

For varying terrain types the 2520 has standard 4WD with locking differentials to increase traction and pulling power. The control to select 2WD or 4WD is located on the dashboard alongside the locking differential switch. 

This tractor comes with John Deere dependability and simple maintenance features. Under the hood you can easily access things like dipsticks to check fluid levels, air and fuel filters, as well as service any other part of the motor quickly. Furthering the reliability of the 2520 is John Deere’s auto-bleed fuel system. If you happen to run out of fuel you just top off the tank and start back up without the common fears of restarting a diesel engine.

The 2011 John Deere 2520 may look small but its features and load capacity make it work like a larger tractor.