Branson 2004, 4220 tractor

[jcb67]

Need advice on a used 2004 Branson 4220 with loader and backhoe. Has 500 hours for sale by dealer. Dealer just repleaced the clutch. I am concerned since a well respected private used tractor dealer, mechanic said that the Branson is a good tractor but is known for clutch problems. The dealer wants 11,000. Trying to decide on brand and new or used. Problem is on a new tractor the backhoe is out of my budget. Thanks for any advice.

 

[jda1961]

i'd stay away from it. 500 hours and already had clutch replaced, no stay away.

 

[polo1665]

Need advice on a used 2004 Branson 4220 with loader and backhoe. Has 500 hours for sale by dealer. Dealer just repleaced the clutch. I am concerned since a well respected private used tractor dealer, mechanic said that the Branson is a good tractor but is known for clutch problems. The dealer wants 11,000. Trying to decide on brand and new or used. Problem is on a new tractor the backhoe is out of my budget. Thanks for any advice.

The only reference I've found has been related to the clutch pack for PTO engagement. I've posted a link to a thread in which the owner had his situation resolved. It would be nice to know if the clutch was replaced due to PTO engagement or not. I've not read or heard of specific clutch problems with Branson tractors, but perhaps others will chime in with their experiences. A lot of the time premature clutch wear can be traced back to the operator.
What stands out to me is the price they are asking. If that price includes the backhoe it seems pretty low. Here's the link to the thread.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...son-4720-power-take-off.html?highlight=clutch

For what it is worth, I have a Branson 3510h with 190 hrs on it, and I am very happy with it. They are a solid, heavily built machine. Mine is a hydro so I really can't speak to the durability of the clutch.

Good luck
Mark

 

[dbear]

Another unknown in this is the former owner. Was he an experienced operator, or did he ride the clutch leading to premature failure?

 

[Diamondpilot]

Get him to warranty the clutch for 500 hours. That is how long the first one made it so the new one should also or much longer. Get it in writing. For a casual user that will get you 5 years of service without not worrying about it.

Equipment is not selling well so he may deal. If not walk away.

Chris

 

[bdog]

Those Bransons of that time period had problems with clutches. I know how to operate one and went through two clutches in my 05 4720. Both were replaced under warranty. I sold the tractor and the new owner had the clutch go out several months later, and it was replaced under warranty. Three clutches in under 1000 hrs. Other than that the tractor was great. My memory is kind of fuzzy as it was years ago but I think I remember them telling me that the Bransons all used the same clutch so my 4720 (47 HP) which was their most powerful tractor at the time had the same clutch that was used in the smaller tractors. I think they may have made some changes or worked out the problems since then. It was definitely a problem though. Every time I went to the dealer to get some filters or whatever there was a Branson in there split apart getting a clutch job.

 

[jcb67]

A great big thank you to all who responded with advice on my purchase of the 2004 Branson 4220 from the local Branson dealer. I posted my first thread on this site after trying out the tractor last Friday. I spent all weekend researching the Branson brand and waiting for your responses. I returned to the dealership today (Monday). With the salesman's blessing I spent about one and a half hours with the mechanic, who patiently and thoroughly explained every detail about the tractor including the clutch repair. After the time with the mechanic I was sold. Only time will tell if I made a wise decision. TractorByNet is a valuable resource. Thanks again to all fellow tractor owners. Will let you know how it goes.
John