Adivce on a used Branson 4720H?

[BlaisePascal]

I'm considering buying a recent model Branson 4720H with just a few hundred hours on it.

1. Is there anything in particular about this model that I should check or ask about before buying (such as the jerky 3 point hitch on the Kubota L series)?

2. Is $15,000 a fair price with a FEL?

3. Can you point me to a good general list of things to inspect or ask about when buying a used tractor?

4. Anything I should know about shipping a tractor by freight?

Thanks for the advice.


Background: I have a John Deere 5105 with a rotary cutter that I've used to cut 7 hilly acres and skid a few logs for about 3 years. I think I need to replace it with a tractor with a HST (because of my aching left knee) and a FEL (because of my aching back). I hope to not spend much more than I can get from selling the Deere.

 

[BlaisePascal]

The seller said that it has a 6-drop oil leak. He said it is the oil filter base/housing that is bolted to the block. He said it is easily accessible and should be a simple job.

Any idea about what that would cost to fix? Should I be concerned that it might turn into something bigger?

Thanks.

 

[ptsg]

The oil filter housing is also the oil cooler, so it might not be as simple as the seller said but it's not complicated either.

As far as the pricing, seems a bit low considering that has low hours which might lead to some "hidden" problems but this is pure speculation without seeing the tractor. I'm from a different country and things might run a bit different. I am not aware of any issues with these tractors. I believe there are a lot of happy owners in this forum.

There a couple of threads with good guides for used tractors. Maybe someone will chime in and post the link.

If you can, test drive the tractor, get a feel for it. Check all the fluids for level, weird colors, weird noises. Try all the functions you can of the tractor, like gears, lights, 3 point, pretty much everything.

Messicks has a good video about used machines.

 

[ericm979]

You can price parts on Branson Tractor Parts | TYM Parts Dealers. It's not the best on line parts finder I've seen but it's the only one that has Branson parts. Dave's Tractor in Red Bluff Ca is a good dealer. I bought my Branson there. They will ship parts. Big Red in Tx (same as the URL above) also ships parts.

the 20 and 25 series are pretty reliable. There's been a few problems with front hub seals which look fairly easy to replace.

That price would be very good here unless there is something majorly wrong of course. Decent low hour used tractors go for near new prices. It may be different where you are.

I'd want to test drive before buying.

 

[LouNY]

It doesn't seem out of line, maybe a bit high.
There are several here many have call for a price,
https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/list/manufacturer/branson/model/4720h

 

[BlaisePascal]

Thanks very much, everyone.

Thoughts on this question?

Anything I should know about shipping a tractor by freight?

 

[Texasmark]

On shipping, you need a responsible "party" in writing ensuring your product will be delivered and in the condition in which received....."Bonded" shipper comes to mind, verifying the bond authenticity. Expect seller to verify payment before releasing product. Ensure you have a reliable seller, not a scam.

Really doubt "freight shipment" would be practical. Freight co.s use pallets moved with fork lifts. You will need an equipment hauler, aka flat bed trailer with chains to retain product, loading ramp accessibility where tractor is driven off ramp onto trailer and likewise off trailer at delivery point kinda setup.

 

[searcyfarms]

I just had one hauled a few months ago - ran me between 3.50/4.00 per mile

but mine was big so not sure if that would be the same but I doubt it would be too much different - due to the size a lot of tow companies offer hauling services as well for that size tractor vs the one I had hauled