Between the LS MT352 and Branson 5520C/H

Slowpoke Slim · Dec 20, 2021

I think the biggest issue with Branson dealerships is that it's too easy to sign up to become one. The "big" name paint color tractor dealers have to have a pretty big pile of cash to buy a dealer franchise for their area. Not so Branson. From the little bit of talking to my original selling dealer, Branson doesn't even make you put money down to "buy" a set line of products/models. And there's no minimum inventory you have to keep on hand. So (relatively speaking) it takes very little start up cash to set up a Branson "dealership". There was also no minimum staff level, no mandatory factory training, either for sales staff or mechanic/service staff.

With it being so easy to start one up, I think too many "little guys" start one up, not quite realizing that to make the business work and flourish, that they still needed to do all the same things that the "big paint" dealer franchises are required to do.

So consequently, you see the little dealership that is also a tire shop, gas station, bait store, hair salon, and now they are also a "Branson Dealer". With no minimum inventory requirements, the only way you know some of these little guys are actually dealers is because they put up a big Branson banner in the back corner of the bait shop.

Now the Branson dealers that come at the business like it's a major equipment franchise (like some of the big Branson dealers mentioned on TBN), they seem to do alright. Their business is steady and growing. But they have committed to a big investment in inventory, staff and training to make it happen. It's not accidental, or "luck".

Torvy · Dec 20, 2021

That is how new to market brands often have to break in. The 'shotgun' approach. Once you have a big enough following, you can afford to be picky and vet your dealers. The trend among the older establishment brands is consolidation. A bunch of formerly independent dealers are bought out by the big fish in their pond and become, in effect, branch offices of the dealer. I imagine in 10-20 years you will see similar movement among the younger U.S. brands. (Mostly the older Korean companies doing business here now)

CloverKnollFarms · Dec 20, 2021

I have no doubt that the tractor is every bit as good as the rest, or better. Which is the difficulty I find myself having. A great tractor, with future support that is questionalble. FWIW, bot of my Branson dealers are very small. Enthusiastic about the tractor, but mom and pop mower and trailer sales.

CloverKnollFarms · Dec 20, 2021

I’m going to look at a 5520 that is privately owned, as I don’t have a cab Branson for sale within 200 miles. Just to get my eyes on one. Even this one is 200 miles away

Im fine buying from Bix Tex or the like... I just cant trailer it there if I need a warranty repair.

K5lwq · Dec 20, 2021

CloverKnollFarms said:
I’m going to look at a 5520 that is privately owned, as I don’t have a cab Branson for sale within 200 miles. Just to get my eyes on one. Even this one is 200 miles away Im fine buying from Bix Tex or the like... I just cant trailer it there if I need a warranty repair.

I think you should probably stick to a brand that has support in your area. I like my Branson but it is not right for everyone.

CloverKnollFarms · Dec 20, 2021

Sadly, people talk about large tractor dealers... and in our area, there are none... unless you want a Kubota or Mahindra. Everything else, is a small dealer mostly selling mowers and trailers

. No one here has gotten on the internet to sell tractors and move volume.

ericm979 · Dec 20, 2021

My dealer is 250 miles away. I've been there twice- once to test drive, once to pick up a used backhoe. The dealer ships parts. So far all I have needed is filters. The routine maintenance is not hard if you're used to working on vehicles.

CloverKnollFarms · Dec 20, 2021

Oh, I’m fine with routine maintenance, even some repairs... that’s sort of my hobby with both autos and motorcycles.

Cougsfan · Dec 20, 2021

Large dealers aren't the cat's meow either. Several of the better known brands in my area are represented by large, multi-location car dealership-like operations. They are overpriced, non-responsive, and could care less about anything concerning you except your getting your money.

Bobrown14 · Dec 20, 2021

I recently bought an LS MT352 with cab and shuttle. On 30 acres with a lot of grass and a long driveway in snow country.

We moved to the "farm" right before covid and thought I'd be able to get a tractor used easily and relatively cheap with a cab. Then covid.... there were no tractors available locally within 100 miles that had cabs.

I'm retired so getting cab was a requirement - I'm not plowing snow at night it an open station or cutting grass in the hot sun either.

I started watching the online tractor sales and after 2 years go REALLY lucky found my LS MT352 cab with 20 hours on it. Its got all the bells and whistles including 3 rear remotes , filled tires etc - I added a 72" brush hog and a 66" tiller.

My local Bobcat dealer in town had a Bobcat (kiyoti) 45hp - called they wanted 2x what I paid for the LS tractor.... and that tractor had the minimum of options and arrogant sales guy. I called them before I pulled the trigger on the LS to give my locals a shot at my money. I quickly moved on.

I bought the tractor from a well respected dealer in Oklahoma and had it trailered to me - no taxes which had I bought in NY would have cost me more than the tiller I also bought from that dealer no taxes.

There's an LS dealer about 40 miles from me that I know and spoke to and his shop is very close to some good friends of mine if I need service. He's sorta of an arrogant douche tho... sad to say.

I'm extremely happy with my tractor. Has plenty of power every option I need probably more of everything I need so in 2 years I wont be wanting a bigger tractor.

Bought a snow pusher from my local TYM/Case dealer and the owner is a great guy and knowledgeable but costy. Specially for a cab model with same specs as my LS.