Branson 00 series MMM

[oldnslo]

Hi all,
does anyone have any experience with the MMM option on the 2400 or 2800 tractors? Dealer does not have one on the lot and the sales brochure doesn't answer these questions.

Interested in how easy or hard it is to attach and remove the MMM. I.e. pull a couple spring loaded pins and slide the deck or or remove 10 hair pin clips and linkage assembly like some of the older Murray mowers..

Does the MMM do a decent job of cutting the grass. No major scalping issues or uneven cut on a reasonable smooth yard. Not looking for golf course appearance.

Does it use the same lift system as the 3PH? If yes can the deck be locked in the raised position so you can use 3PH implements without removing the MMM.

Can you use the FEL with the MMM attached? I have not seen any pictures with both implements attached... Don't do this very often with my BX but is a nice option.

TIA

 

[oldnslo]

To my surprise I will have answers to the questions above. Stopped by dealers yesterday to see if he had any update on the delivery of a 2800H with BL00 FEL and MMM he had on order for another person. He then tells me he has MY tractor on order also.. He said he ordered the 2400H in to my specs with the MMM and the 1200X FEL & R1 tires. Will be nice to have the capabilities of seeing the BL00 and 1200X loaders side by side for comparison. FYI The 1200X is around $1300 more than the BL00.

Even though I have never seen one of these tractors much less drove one, would you feel some what obligated to buy it since the dealer ordered it per what we discussed price wise with absolutely no handshake or verbal commitment by me to purchase one?

Dealer said he wanted to see what the difference was in the Loaders himself.

Now the big question... Will a fool and his money soon be parted


Roy AKA the Fool

 

[JRTJH]

I wouldn't think that you should feel obligated to buy a tractor the dealer ordered without your knowledge or permission. While I'm not privy to your conversations with the dealer, if you somehow told him (maybe in a round about way) that you'd buy the tractor if he had it in stock, then that may change the obligation.

It sounds to me that he is using "morality" to urge you to buy, since he ordered "your" tractor with the specs you and he discussed. Depending on whether you like the tractor and whether it meets your needs, if it's what you want and the price is right, then go for it. Me, on the otherhand, if I were buying it again (I have a 2800H) I'd opt for the extra 4 HP and get the turbo. Otherwise, the tractors are identical.

 

[oldnslo]

Update:
Dealer finally received the 2400H & 1200X FEL with no MMM. I went and looked it over and did a few minutes of test driving around his lot. Following are some initial thoughts.

Starts like a diesel should. No glow plugs needed when the temperature is 90 degrees like my BX.
Engine was smooth with no noticeable shaking. Note never ran the engine above 1800 - 2000 RPM
Tranny was smooth in forward and reverse with no noticeable whine.
Steering seemed loose and sloppy or vague. Was difficult to drive in a straight line and was having to constantly correct the direction of travel. I tried turning the steering lock to lock several times and this made no change in operation. Very slow to steer at low RPM's.
Steering would turn easily with the motor off and front tires would not even wiggle. Suspect may have a bad steering unit.
Differential lock is now hand operated on the right side Vs foot.
Having a clutch on HST seems strange and I presume does not allow the engagement of the PTO while moving. Could not confirm this since no MMM.
Seemed cramped while trying to dismount. Almost have to dismount facing the tractor Vs just stepping off facing forward.
Seemed very light in the rear with just the empty FEL bucket. Very easy to spin or slide the rear wheels. Much easier than any other tractor I have driven with an FEL

FEL thoughts:
1200X FEL does NOT include the quick tach bucket but will easily lift the rear of the tractor at 1500 RPM.
Dumping the bucket will also easily lift the front of the tractor. No lack of hydraulic force in either direction.
FEL was jerky while feathering or raising at very slow speeds like trying to position something. I cycled the FEL through full motion several times thinking it might be air with noticeable change. Note: Could be seal stiction in the cylinders.
Was difficult to raise and tilt or lower and curl at the same time. Joystick seemed to lock into one direction or the other. Not good if you are moving something and want to try and keep the bucket level.
Could not figure out how to dismount the FEL from the tractor. With the stabilizer feet deployed on the FEL they would not touch the ground. Will have to talk to the dealer about this when he gets the other models in with the BL00 FEL's.

At present the steering and FEL operation would prevent me from buying this tractor. Will see if the other two operate the same before condemning the whole line.

Roy

 

[PapeCAT]

Wow sounds like a terrible experience you had on the 2800h. I guess the ansen bl00 is a better fel option. Steering seems normal on mine. Maybe a bad orbital valve who knows.

Branson doesn't look like it will ever break into the market sea of green and orange.

The cummins a series turbo motor is reason alone to consider the tractor.

 

[PapeCAT]

Also I wanted to add that other than the cramped cockpit the dealer should've addressed all / any of the other issues including the steering issue and clunky loader performance. He should've given it a thorough test and in out before letting you try it out. Maybe he doesn't know how or didn't have the time.

Who knows. I just spent a few hours on mine today and it is running /working great. I would like the idea of the diff lock on the left foot but I prefer to have a clutch running the pro rather than an electric pto or similar. Don't forget that these Branson's have great pto to flywheel Hp and have a selectable pto lever rather than just an up/down control.

 

[oldnslo]

Papecat,
In defense of the dealer, I found out today that when I went in to test drive the tractor he had just received news of a death in the family. This is small family run business So knowing that I fully understand why he didn't have or take the time to work with me.

Met with him again today and the way the loader dismounts is much different than my Bota BX. You put the stabilizer legs down, lower the FEL until you start to lift the front of the tractor. Remove the pins from the loader frame. Remove the hoses from the U-shaped holder for taking up the slack. Extend the cylinders like you are raising the FEL until the stabilizer feet touch down & the rear FEL brackets disengage from the tractor mounting frame. The whole FEL mounting frame must tip forward and then lift up to detach. The cylinders are close to being extended fully at this point. Disconnect the QD's and back away.

Steering was less sloppy with the FEL removed but still not what I think it should be. Dealer is supposed to be getting in two more 2800H's so will compare them to this 2400H.

Also still waiting on the MMM so anyone with any info on how these mount I would appreciate knowing.

Dealer came over and looked at my BX and we are in the process of seeing if we can agree on the price with 1200X FEL Vs the BL00.

At this point the only unknowns are the MMM and the steering.

A fool and his money may soon be parted...