New Branson 3520H

jonthefireman · Oct 27, 2015

Good evening, new user, first post!

So I picked up my new 2015 Branson 3520H this afternoon and I already have a few questions. I feel like I did a fair amount of comparison, research, and shopped around for the best deal and really felt for the money the Branson just couldn't be beat. Seems extremely solid, and I've seen several side by side tests comparing the Branson to the orange and green.

So....I have to say that the operator manuals that came with the tractor are just about useless. Does anyone know where I can find a good service/operator manual online? The Branson website is also pretty terrible, the link for customer research and database of course doesn't work at all.

I'm not completely unfamiliar with farm equipment, but this is my first tractor and I'd really like to get familiar with the in's and out's of all the bells, whistles, hook ups, service intervals, etc. etc.

Any help would be appreciated!

Jon

OzzieJohn · Oct 28, 2015

Try this link. Not sure if the manuals are any different to the one you already have.
Branson Manuals

k0ua · Oct 28, 2015

Jon, we don't have a Branson (though I live there!

), but I have a pretty good understanding of tractor functions. Do you have a specific question that we might be able to help with?

jonthefireman · Oct 28, 2015

OzzieJohn said:
Try this link. Not sure if the manuals are any different to the one you already have.
Branson Manuals

Thanks Ozzie! Amazing help from Down Under, yes, these manuals available for download are 100% better than what was supplied with my tractor.

jonthefireman · Oct 28, 2015

k0ua said:
Jon, we don't have a Branson (though I live there!), but I have a pretty good understanding of tractor functions. Do you have a specific question that we might be able to help with?

Thanks, I will likely take you up on that from time to time!

jonthefireman · Oct 28, 2015

Hey guys, I might be completely insane, but I just realized today that my dealer might have slid me a 2014 model passed off as a 2015. Dont get me wrong, the tractor was brand new regardless, had less than 1 hour on it. However, after going back and looking at the 3520H on the website, it clearly shows the loader controls on the right rear fender and has a sealed, molded control joystick. Mine has the loader control on the front right of the steering wheel, and is just a rod and knob?? I noticed on my paperwork today that anywhere the year is susposed to be listed for the tractor, it's listed 0. I tried to do a VIN lookup online but had no luck, anyone have any advice??

Mr Bitz · Nov 5, 2015

There is no difference between the Late 14 and 15 model year. Most 3520H's come with the loader valve on top by the loader towers. The one you seen in the picture is of one that is ordered with the third function unit for the front of the loader, when a dealer orders that you have to put the joystick on the fender vs the loader tower. No worries. If you want to send me your VIN# I could check just to be sure. Either way it's the same tractor.

Aquamoose · Nov 26, 2015

I also am an owner of a Branson 3520H, with the loader controller on the fender. At first, I was shopping and really didn't like the controller by the steering wheel so I started to lean toward the Mahindra's. Funny thing is, I contacted Dave at Dave's tractor about some questions regarding rear remotes for the Mahindra's when he told me about the Bransons. (They sell & distributes both Branson's and Mahindra's) When I told him that I didn't like the controller, he sent me a pic and decided to bite because the Branson gave me more HP, has 2,100 lift at the loader pins, a back hoe, and more remotes than the Mahindra for a very good price so now you know what I ended up with!

The sad thing about being a Branson owner is there isn't much folks out there with the same brand, much less the same tractor. I'm planning to do a few things to it and would be cool if more can come & share ideas.

Helitech · Nov 26, 2015

Here's a thread I started about doing some mods to my Branson. It's a great tractor for the money!http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/348404-pimp-my-ride-branson-edition.html

bippenp · Feb 21, 2016

I too am a fairly new owner (Aug 2015) of a 3520h with FEL and BH. I bought all of my filters from my Dealer and have begun my 50K mile Servicing. I'm doing my own Servicing because my Dealer is about 2 hours away and because I want to learn more about my tractor. I have completed the engine oil and filter change. and getting ready for the transmission/hydraulic fluid/oil change. My manual says my transmission capacity is 9.8 gallons of fluid/oil. That's a lot of oil to drain and dispose of. Plus at 68, I don't relish the thought of getting on the ground and placing buckets under multiple drain plugs and monitoring them so there is no overflow. Sorry for running-on....but finally my question.

Has anyone used an extractor/pump to suck-out the almost 10 gallons of old oil and right into a disposable container(s)? And then also to pump the new fluid/oil from the new container(s) back in, instead of pouring heavy 5 gallon containers into a funnel and into the filler tube? Any ideas/thoughts?

Thanks,
bippenp

Cataclysm · Feb 21, 2016

bippenp said:
I too am a fairly new owner (Aug 2015) of a 3520h with FEL and BH. I bought all of my filters from my Dealer and have begun my 50K mile Servicing. I'm doing my own Servicing because my Dealer is about 2 hours away and because I want to learn more about my tractor. I have completed the engine oil and filter change. and getting ready for the transmission/hydraulic fluid/oil change. My manual says my transmission capacity is 9.8 gallons of fluid/oil. That's a lot of oil to drain and dispose of. Plus at 68, I don't relish the thought of getting on the ground and placing buckets under multiple drain plugs and monitoring them so there is no overflow. Sorry for running-on....but finally my question.

Has anyone used an extractor/pump to suck-out the almost 10 gallons of old oil and right into a disposable container(s)? And then also to pump the new fluid/oil from the new container(s) back in, instead of pouring heavy 5 gallon containers into a funnel and into the filler tube? Any ideas/thoughts?

Thanks,
bippenp

A quick Google search will show several good oil transfer pumps available. We use one that set on top of a 5 gallon bucket, it works great! I've never used one of the oil extractors. If you do use an extractor be sure and take each drain plug out after to clean off the metal filings and let any water drain.

bippenp · Feb 22, 2016

Thank-you, Cataclysm. Great ideas. I would not have thought about the metal shavings at the drain. Do you also pump-in the new oil?

Are you familiar with where and how many transmission/hydro fluid drains there are on the 3520h (with Hydrostatic tranny)? My 3520h manual is not clear on drain plugs. The 3520R manual doesn't always pertain to the h model and especially since they have different trannys.

Aquamoose · Feb 22, 2016

bippenp said:
Are you familiar with where and how many transmission/hydro fluid drains there are on the 3520h (with Hydrostatic tranny)? My 3520h manual is not clear on drain plugs. The 3520R manual doesn't always pertain to the h model and especially since they have different trannys.

I have the 3520H and my manual clearly states where the drain is for the transmission. It's on page 112 and there's only one plug for it.

k0ua · Feb 22, 2016

I don't have access to a manual, but I have never seen a CUT that didn't have at least 3 drain plugs. On large one for the transmission and 1 on each side by the rear axle, down low by the final drive gears.

k0ua · Feb 22, 2016

As for the pump out the fluid idea, one thing to consider, is the fluid down in the final drives, and all of the metal shavings, need to come out in a whoosh with the fluid flow. I really don't think the pump it out idea is a good one. Everyone has an opinion, and that is mine.

.

No need for multiple buckets and switching them out , just get a 62 quart tote at the dollar store. Real cheap and will fit under most tractors.

coralhead · Feb 22, 2016

I just use a large storage tub and set under the drain holes. These can easily hold 15 to 20 gal of oil.

bippenp · Feb 23, 2016

More excellent ideas and advice. Thanks all, I really do appreciate your comments.

My manual is labeled "Branson 20(25) HST series Operator's Manual" and has 82 pages. The "Transmission Oil Fluid" section is on page 66. It states "drain the fluid through the drain holes under the rear axle case and rear axle housing." I did not see those, but maybe i don't know what I'm looking for.

It sounds like there may be more than one manual available. I had to download mine from a Branson Dealer website.

Aquamoose - is it possible to email me a copy (pdf) of your 3520h manual?

Thanks again, everyone. This forum is the best source of tractor info, especially for a newbie.

Aquamoose · Feb 23, 2016

bippenp,

Try going back to your dealer and ask for the right operator's manual. I think the appropriate part number is V 04232014 which is the nbr on the back of the book. It goes to 144 pages.

bippenp · Feb 24, 2016

Thanks Aquamoose for the manual number. I'll call my Dealer tomorrow.

flyons78 · Feb 7, 2018

I have a 2017 3520H, and like some people on here, this is my first real tractor and I have some dumb questions. I love it so far and it's a workhorse. My question is regarding the PTO on the tractor and I'm having trouble finding a clear answer. My tractor has the option for PTO in Linked or Independent mode. I understand the difference between the two, but I don't understand when I should use one vs the other. I have a PTO WoodChipper and I need to get the most HP out of my PTO. My tractor is obviously stationary while running the woodchipper. Does it make more sense to use Linked PTO in this situation since steering and bucket movement will not be used, allowing more HP to the PTO? I can't help to think that Independent PTO needs to reserve a portion of power for steering and bucket movement?

If the answer is to use Independent PTO, what is the point of even having a Linked vs Independent option?