Price Check Branson 3820 pricing advice... info...

[Mose]

Hey, I'm a new member here, but I've been lurking for a little while.

I was wondering if anyone can provide any info on the 3820 and Branson in general... They're Korean tractors? They manufacture their own powerplants?

The dealer we know well, and is just a few miles away, hence why we're looking at this particular tractor. It seems to be a very well built, heavy tractor. It currently has turf tires on it.

The dealer has offered to sell this tractor brand new... swap the turf tires for ag and load them, 2 year full warranty, 4 year power train warranty, 3 years 0% interest.

Bottom line price is $17,900. This was is counter offer after we were dissinterested in his offer of $18,800 off the lot, with the unloaded turf tires.

Any information and opinions are welcomed and appreciated, especially from Branson owners, even if you own a different model. Would def. like some background on Branson.

The other concern we have is the stability of the company and the consequential availibility of parts should something happen to the company.

Thanks very much in advance for any help.

We've also looked at used JD 43 series and a used Ford/NH 2120. We're looking ~40 hp 4wd range, must have FEL, must have ag tires...

 

[3rd Base]

I'm hardly an expert, having bought a slightly used 2810 this past summer. It was my first tractor, so I don't have a lot to compare it to. It came with a FEL, and is 4WD. I'll tell you what I've learned thus far.

The Bransons are manufactured in South Korea. They use Cummins diesel engines. I thought the 'fit and finish' of the tractor was good. It sounds like you've been looking at other brands, as did (a lot of them) I, before I found the Branson.

Here's what I like:
It's heavier and thus feels more 'surefooted' than some others I looked at - I also reversed the rear wheels to increase stability

It seems to have plenty of power for a small tractor. I have a bushhog, and a set of pallet forks, as well as the aforementioned loader. I've used it to skid out some pretty large fallen trees with no problem.

Not sure if this is an advantage or not, but the bucket uses a quick disconnect lever/rod. It seems to work pretty well when I need to remove the bucket.

I like the relatively flat floor of the operator's area. You don't have a large transmission tunnel in the middle.

It starts easily - usually one turn of the key.

Most importantly - I think you get a lot of 'bang for the buck' when you compare feature for feature with other brands. I liked the Kubotas, and JDs, etc. but they cost quite a bit more. For a limited user like myself, the Branson fit the bill at this time. The prices you quoted sound reasonable, but I believe the warranties are standard for Branson. If you have a nearby dealer that you like, so much the better. I think the Branson dealer network needs improvement (they need more dealers)

Here's what I don't like:

I wish the bucket 'curled' a bit more.

In my opinion, the owner's manual is poorly written/translated - definitely not written for the American market.

There are probably some other things I'm not crazy about, but I can't think of them right now.

Hope this helps. There are certainly many more knowledgeable owners out there that can provide additional info.

Good luck with your search

 

[Lunk]

If the $17,900 includes the FEL, it sounds like a deal to me.

I have a 3510 purchased last April.

The engines are not Cummins sourced, per se, but manufactured by Kukje Industries for Cummins. They make Cummins A-Series engines for them, and the engines used in the smaller Bransons are the same spec.

The Dealer is the important part. If you've got a good one close by - all the better.

Kukje is a pretty huge company, and I'd like to think they're healthy enough to survive the current economic turndown, but who knows...

I love my Branson. I agree on the bucket-curl issue, but it seems to be more a problem with the bucket shape itself, as the Virnig SS utility bucket that I use for snow has plenty of curl, but is shaped like a traditional high-back SS bucket (a lot more depth front to back).

My only other complaint is re: the rubber pedal covers - They seem to come off to easy. Come Spring I'll be adding a little 3M weatherstrip adhesive to their backside to help in that dept...

Lunk

 

[Mose]

If the $17,900 includes the FEL, it sounds like a deal to me.

I have a 3510 purchased last April.

The engines are not Cummins sourced, per se, but manufactured by Kukje Industries for Cummins. They make Cummins A-Series engines for them, and the engines used in the smaller Bransons are the same spec.

The Dealer is the important part. If you've got a good one close by - all the better.

Kukje is a pretty huge company, and I'd like to think they're healthy enough to survive the current economic turndown, but who knows...

I love my Branson. I agree on the bucket-curl issue, but it seems to be more a problem with the bucket shape itself, as the Virnig SS utility bucket that I use for snow has plenty of curl, but is shaped like a traditional high-back SS bucket (a lot more depth front to back).

My only other complaint is re: the rubber pedal covers - They seem to come off to easy. Come Spring I'll be adding a little 3M weatherstrip adhesive to their backside to help in that dept...

Lunk

I'm hardly an expert, having bought a slightly used 2810 this past summer. It was my first tractor, so I don't have a lot to compare it to. It came with a FEL, and is 4WD. I'll tell you what I've learned thus far.

The Bransons are manufactured in South Korea. They use Cummins diesel engines. I thought the 'fit and finish' of the tractor was good. It sounds like you've been looking at other brands, as did (a lot of them) I, before I found the Branson.

Here's what I like:
It's heavier and thus feels more 'surefooted' than some others I looked at - I also reversed the rear wheels to increase stability

It seems to have plenty of power for a small tractor. I have a bushhog, and a set of pallet forks, as well as the aforementioned loader. I've used it to skid out some pretty large fallen trees with no problem.

Not sure if this is an advantage or not, but the bucket uses a quick disconnect lever/rod. It seems to work pretty well when I need to remove the bucket.

I like the relatively flat floor of the operator's area. You don't have a large transmission tunnel in the middle.

It starts easily - usually one turn of the key.

Most importantly - I think you get a lot of 'bang for the buck' when you compare feature for feature with other brands. I liked the Kubotas, and JDs, etc. but they cost quite a bit more. For a limited user like myself, the Branson fit the bill at this time. The prices you quoted sound reasonable, but I believe the warranties are standard for Branson. If you have a nearby dealer that you like, so much the better. I think the Branson dealer network needs improvement (they need more dealers)

Here's what I don't like:

I wish the bucket 'curled' a bit more.

In my opinion, the owner's manual is poorly written/translated - definitely not written for the American market.

There are probably some other things I'm not crazy about, but I can't think of them right now.

Hope this helps. There are certainly many more knowledgeable owners out there that can provide additional info.

Good luck with your search

Thanks for the advice guys. I think we're def. leaning towards the Branson. Our dealer I think is in a hurry to move some inventory... he's probably got a half million dollars worth on his lot which is pretty good size for the area. The owner's manual thing is not a huge deal...

Interesting about the engine deal... apparently Kukje has been around since '68... sounds like a reasonably stable company. If there aren't any known issues with Branson, it sounds like a fair deal I guess.

We currently use a '63 MF 85 (about 60 engine hp) for everything, but it's one maintenance issue after another. I really need a tractor I know is going to start every time and won't leave me stranded 1/2 mile from the house out in the fields on a dark cold night sometime.

 

[Reg]

I think you've figured it out already, yes they're built quite a bit more "hefty" than same/similar HP "Big three" - and BTW many of those are "Emblem Engineered" in the USA but produced in South Korea, some by Kukje.

I think your dealer may have almost "got one by you" on the tires.
The Ags are the cheapest, they will probably save him ~$100 and at the same time put a set of turfs in stock.
My guess is that people come back for turfs, but not many come back for Ags.
I suggest/recommend you push for the skid steer pattern loader, it will give you more shopping opportunities when you go looking for such things as pallet forks.

Stability of the company ?
Well, American Jawa folded a few years ago, they had been selling the same Tractors under the the "Century" brand name, Branson took over warranty obligations and continues to supply parts.
Not to remind everyone, but Ford, GM & Chryco are hardly "stable" enterprises.
There is probably enough customer base for someone to set up a parts distribution center if Branson folds (guessing).

 

[Stimw]

If you go through this Branson forum you will find more than enough reasons to go with a Branson. To compare go to the Chinese tractor forum and look at ALL the repair issues.
You don't have your location listed but Branson warehouse is located in N. Georgia. I needed a new plastic dash cover (don't ask) for my 3510, I called my local dealer, they looked up the parts, I gave CC number and had my parts delivered to me from the warehouse in about two days UPS.
When you look at all the features of the Bransons they are really a high end tractor. I love the fit and finish, the tractor is very well made. I have the R-4 industrial tires and they are fantastic. I had a 8N and 9N Ford before my 3510 and the 3510 will drag the Fords sideways.

 

[tnaz]

I've had my 3820 for about three years and the only real problem was fuel tank leak. I paid a little less with loader; the tractor has out preformed what I thought for a mid-size tractor.
It took awhile for rings to seat; smoke issue at start up, but that cleared after 50 hours.

Good luck,
Terry

 

[mitch66]

i have a 2005 Century C38L 38hp 4 cyl diesel with a factory 6ft loader 4wd 12 speed with shuttle shift 3pt with ag tires 110 hours. I have health issues and would like to sell mine. as new condition and always under shed. $13,500. I also have a 5ft rototiller, 6ft bush hog, 6ft box blade if interested.

308-889-3123

 

[pwl]

I have had my Branson 4220i since last spring. It has been bullet proof. I have 50 hours on it and getting ready to change the oil. I got the filters and oil from my local dealer. I cross referenced the filters to the Wix numbers and looked up prices on the internet. No price difference. I have a grapple bucket for mine and use it when doing my firewood. The unit has been flawless.

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

i have a 2005 Century C38L 38hp 4 cyl diesel with a factory 6ft loader 4wd 12 speed with shuttle shift 3pt with ag tires 110 hours. I have health issues and would like to sell mine. as new condition and always under shed. $13,500. I also have a 5ft rototiller, 6ft bush hog, 6ft box blade if interested.

308-889-3123

Mitch, do you have any play room on that price, and does it have the skid steer universal QA for the loader bucket?
my Century 2535 w/c50hl loader was stolen about 6 weeks ago and the insurance co left me hung out to dry.
That tractor helped me build my house, and was capable of things I never expected out of a tractor that small.
I'd love to have another one of the Kukje machines, but don't have the $$ to go new.
PM me if you have some slack in that price - or are willing to do some bartering for the difference.

 

[Mose]

Well, we went ahead and bought the Branson today. After comparing it with some Centurys on his lot of similar hp and to some Kioti's at a dealer just up the road... it really was clear Branson was the best choice for us. Should be delivered tomorrow or Wednesday. Dealer was nice about everything, we know him outside the dealership too from other organizations in town. He didn't have enough stuff to load the tires yesterday (not calcium... not sure what they use now), and said it would be two weeks before he had enough, so he's going to deliver the tractor in the mean time, then pick it up and bring it back to load it, and then return it, no extra charge.

Thank you to everyone who offered their advice, knowledge and opinions. I feel like we've made a well researched and informed choice... which is important to us when making a purchase this big and important. I'll post some pictures when it arrives. I can't wait to haul that first load of firewood with it and mow the first hayfield in the spring.

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

congrats!

 

[Lunk]

Well, we went ahead and bought the Branson today. After comparing it with some Centurys on his lot of similar hp and to some Kioti's at a dealer just up the road... it really was clear Branson was the best choice for us. Should be delivered tomorrow or Wednesday. Dealer was nice about everything, we know him outside the dealership too from other organizations in town. He didn't have enough stuff to load the tires yesterday (not calcium... not sure what they use now), and said it would be two weeks before he had enough, so he's going to deliver the tractor in the mean time, then pick it up and bring it back to load it, and then return it, no extra charge.

Thank you to everyone who offered their advice, knowledge and opinions. I feel like we've made a well researched and informed choice... which is important to us when making a purchase this big and important. I'll post some pictures when it arrives. I can't wait to haul that first load of firewood with it and mow the first hayfield in the spring.

Congratulations!

I think that you'll find that you made a great choice. The dealer sounds like a real peach too - Very important down the road...

Lunk

 

[mitch66]

Mitch, do you have any play room on that price, and does it have the skid steer universal QA for the loader bucket?
my Century 2535 w/c50hl loader was stolen about 6 weeks ago and the insurance co left me hung out to dry.
That tractor helped me build my house, and was capable of things I never expected out of a tractor that small.
I'd love to have another one of the Kukje machines, but don't have the $$ to go new.
PM me if you have some slack in that price - or are willing to do some bartering for the difference.

I do have some room, I hate to see the tractor just sit there. call me on the phone. The FEL does have the quick tach fittings.

Mitch

 

[carpenter383]

Hello all, I'm a new member to this site, it seems like a very informative site....I too am thinking of buying a 3820 branson, they seem to have good reviews, let me know how you like yours!

 

[kolob5]

I have a 2006 Branson 3820 with FEL (wish I has d bought the Backhoe). It has been flawless over the past year and I have run it pretty hard. It will work beyond the lesser made tractors. I have asked mine to do more than I should but it doesn't complain. I would buy another Branson if mine is stolen as I feel at my age it will last me the balance of my days here on earth. I also compared tractors for a while before my purchase. I also own a Yanmar 2002 and a Ford 9N. The Branson is built well and gives me more bang for my buck.
I paid $14,900 delivered with a new FEL, back blade, and 50 hours. I feel like I got a bargain. At the time a New 3820 was around $18,000 from the same dealer. Buy before spring as prices usually go up beginning in February or March.