474 v 494

[tradosaurus]

If you are looking at finish mowing less than about 5 acres I would use a zero turn. I mow about 4 acres with a 60" cut and 25 hp motor zero turn.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Mowing, for certain a ZTR. I use a 72” on two acres. It would take 2x as long and damage the lawn to use a tractor of this size

 

[thoner7]

After reading about the CLANGING issue in the other thread on the forum, I am getting a bit scared of TYM entirely.

I stopped by a local small dealer, who only had two 2815s in stock , nothing to really look at. He said they never had problems with parts but, he’s been a Branson dealer for years, not a real Tym dealer

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

To be fair I've heard of TWO instances of the front axle issue. Only on the 494 as I recall. None on the beloved 474

 

[thoner7]

Yea that’s true, I’m more concerned with parts availability and service I guess

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Yea that’s true, I’m more concerned with parts availability and service I guess

I think the issue with the repair in question is that they are not using a stock part. They aren't replacing it with something it was not delivered with. I hear your concern though, none of us want down time. When I need to till and plant, I have a window of time. Not 6 months

 

[TractorTYMe]

I think the T474 is a very reliable tractor, you just need to do your daily preflight list, check fluids and bolts not coming lose (Important in first 50h of ownership). I have 453h on mine since 2020 and I love it. I also towed it with my halfton until I got another 20 year old truck but a 2500 Duramax.

 

[sd455dan]

What are the issues with the front axle? It’s something that would be fixed in future models no?

Looking at the Brandon models - they are about the same weight, so how much heftier could they be really? I haven’t seen them in person but aren’t they more bare-bones than the tyms?

Branson retains the outer stub axle with a large nut and keyed lock.
TYM uses a circlip, imo the retained nut is superior

 

[thoner7]

Looking at Bransons website again, I’m wondering if the 5835r is really more similar to the 494?? I’d prefer a hydrostat but the power shuttle is cool too.

 

[TractorTYMe]

The 5835r is a TYM legacy carryover from Branson, and almost a tad bigger. It will outspec the 494 in lifting capacities, but only comes with ROPS if cab was in the horizon for you.

 

[stoyan79]

5835 is a beast, definitely larger and heavier than 494/574.

 

[thoner7]

So between the Branson 20r and the 494, would either be able to handle an extremely heavy duty, like beefier than you’ve ever seen, 7’ box blade?

Or would you really need the 5835r for something that massive?

—- I’d really prefer the hydrostat. Easier for my wife to drive and, easier on my left knee, which is worn-out from heavy clutching on other machines. How simple is it to operate a power shuttle while doing loader work?

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

So between the Branson 20r and the 494, would either be able to handle an extremely heavy duty, like beefier than you’ve ever seen, 7’ box blade?

Or would you really need the 5835r for something that massive?

—- I’d really prefer the hydrostat. Easier for my wife to drive and, easier on my left knee, which is worn-out from heavy clutching on other machines. How simple is it to operate a power shuttle while doing loader work?

Yes

 

[aesanders]

So between the Branson 20r and the 494, would either be able to handle an extremely heavy duty, like beefier than you’ve ever seen, 7’ box blade?

Or would you really need the 5835r for something that massive?

—- I’d really prefer the hydrostat. Easier for my wife to drive and, easier on my left knee, which is worn-out from heavy clutching on other machines. How simple is it to operate a power shuttle while doing loader work?

Power Shuttles are simple to use with loader work. No clutch, just flip the shuttle.

 

[TractorTYMe]

A 5520 should handle a 7' box blade.

 

[tacticalturnip]

The Legacy Branson models are really rough and tumble machines, very strong for their size.

 

[stoyan79]

My 4820 is running an 8 foot box blade, if you live at high altitude, get the turbo version of 4820. I prefer hydrostat too.

 

[Torvy]

This thread details the differences between the 494/574 and the 4820/5520.

Thread 'T494 vs 4820' T494 vs 4820


TYM added a light bar on the 494/574 ROPS with a speaker since then.

I have a 574 ROPS and no axle issues. All comes down to price and preferences.

 

[DynamicD]

Having seen them in person on the same lot, the 4820 and 494 are very similar in size.
4820 is a heftier built unit for sure. just missing a few bells and whistles like the lever on the back for the 3 point hitch (the 494 has this)
Id go with a 4820 all day long but that's my 2 cents....