Ok, was sold on the Kioti DK4710se hc, but then slightly turned off by dealer. Then I start looking at a Branson 4225 ch with a dealer closer to me than the Kioti dealer. Looks like a decent tractor. Am I comparing at the same level with the Kioti, or should I be comparing with another model. Seems about the right comparison. Thoughts on which one you would pick?
Branson 4225 ch vs. Kioti DK4710se hc
- Thread starter Matt VA
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K5lwq
Elite Member
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- Mineola, TX
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- Kioti LK2554, Branson 4815C, Satoh Beaver, Speedex
They both are very good tractors. I personally would choose the Branson just because of no ECM to worry with.
ericm979
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- Santa Cruz Mountains CA, Southern OR
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- Branson 3725H Deere 5105
Branson is discontinuing the 25 series in the US. But they are very similar to the 20 series- basically the four cylinder engine from the 4720 with slightly smaller pistons (which are also used on other Branson models). Everything else is the same or an option from the 20 series. I'm not concerned about parts for my 3725. Interestingly in Europe which is a big market for Branson, they sell the 25 series in that size range and not the 20 series.
The 4720 might be a more identical direct comparison to the Kioti DK4710 than the 4225.
The latest Bransons have some new features over my ~3 year old 3725- the range transmission is 4 speeds shifted in an H pattern which should be easier to shift than the linear 3 speed I have. 4 speeds would be nice. High is a road gear that's not useable in my mountain environment. The new ones have the ability to do a regen on demand. Branson uses a unique continual regen system. That works fine for the vast majority of owners, you just run the tractor and there's never a regen. People in very cold areas who don't work the tractor hard, like all winter all it does it run for 10 minutes at a time to fetch a round bale, can have the DPF clog. The manual regen would take care of that. A couple people here have removed their DPFS. It runs fine without it. The only computer is a data recorder and it's not needed. I recommend people keep their DPF until and unless it actually causes a problem, because it only does for a few folks and you already paid for it so you might as well enjoy the cleaner air.
The engine is a Cummins A series. Kukje (the parent company) took over manufacturing the A series for Cummins. Of course Cummins bought the design from Onan so some people claim it's not a "real" Cummins. But they're reliable and parts are available. The mechanical injection pump is a copy of the common Bosch VE, built under license.
The last year or so they came out with a new BL200 loader which has about 400 lbs more lift capacity than my BL25. I've maxed out my loader a few times with large logs. The larger capacity would be useful.
My 3725 runs very smoothly and quietly compared to similar size three cylinder tractors. Bransons tend to be built heavy and the 25 series is a little heavier still compared to it's competition due to the four cylinder engine.
The 4720 might be a more identical direct comparison to the Kioti DK4710 than the 4225.
The latest Bransons have some new features over my ~3 year old 3725- the range transmission is 4 speeds shifted in an H pattern which should be easier to shift than the linear 3 speed I have. 4 speeds would be nice. High is a road gear that's not useable in my mountain environment. The new ones have the ability to do a regen on demand. Branson uses a unique continual regen system. That works fine for the vast majority of owners, you just run the tractor and there's never a regen. People in very cold areas who don't work the tractor hard, like all winter all it does it run for 10 minutes at a time to fetch a round bale, can have the DPF clog. The manual regen would take care of that. A couple people here have removed their DPFS. It runs fine without it. The only computer is a data recorder and it's not needed. I recommend people keep their DPF until and unless it actually causes a problem, because it only does for a few folks and you already paid for it so you might as well enjoy the cleaner air.
The engine is a Cummins A series. Kukje (the parent company) took over manufacturing the A series for Cummins. Of course Cummins bought the design from Onan so some people claim it's not a "real" Cummins. But they're reliable and parts are available. The mechanical injection pump is a copy of the common Bosch VE, built under license.
The last year or so they came out with a new BL200 loader which has about 400 lbs more lift capacity than my BL25. I've maxed out my loader a few times with large logs. The larger capacity would be useful.
My 3725 runs very smoothly and quietly compared to similar size three cylinder tractors. Bransons tend to be built heavy and the 25 series is a little heavier still compared to it's competition due to the four cylinder engine.
Slowpoke Slim
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I think either one would be a good choice. They seem rated pretty close to each other in specs, so I'd say you're comparing models that are pretty close. The 25 series from Branson was discontinued in US. I think a lot of that had to do with having a nearly identical model in the 20 series. The main difference was the 25 series came with a lot more "stuff" as standard features than the 20 series. These would have been options that you could order separately on the 20. So when folks were out kicking tires, looking at the 2 side by side, they looked nearly identical, but the price was lower on the 20 series. At least until you started ordering up the additional options anyway. I don't think enough dealers put in the effort to lay out the distinction between models, so the 25 sales withered on the vine.
Strictly my opinion.
Anyway,
It looks to me like the specs between are pretty close, bare chassis weight is nearly identical, Kioti gets a bit better on FEL capacity (but you have to be careful here on how the different companies "rate" the lift capacity), same with 3pt hitch, the Kioti is a bit higher lift rating on 3pt arms, but you also have to watch how these are rated. Some brands like to play games with how they rate these.
I think they're close enough to be a wash. So go test drive both units, look at the features, cab layouts, controls and ease of use. Look at the little things, like are both lower 3pt arms adjustable (they are on the Branson). Tractor Data says the DK comes with 2 rear remotes (or is it one?-not sure now). The Branson 25 comes with 2 (mine did). The dual HST pedals are farther apart on the Kioti, make sure this doesn't bother you in your test drives.
The Kioti appears to have some features that the Branson does not, and vice-versa. Only you would be able to tell if these are important ones (to you). Kioti has a rear external 3pt control lever as standard. That is awesome if you switch implements with any frequency, but if you want telescoping 3pt arms they are an option (weird). . I wish the Branson had that external 3pt lever. Kioti also has an "optional" mid mount pto. May or may not be useful to you? But the Branson doesn't offer that. Kioti has a rear window defroster, which is also pretty cool, but the rear window wiper is optional (again, weird). Side mirrors and a front brush guard are standard on the Branson, but optional on the Kioti. A "7 pin" connector is standard on the Kioti (I assume they mean for a trailer light plug?), but not offered on the Branson. The Branson comes standard with split brakes and a rear diff lock. I can't tell if the Kioti offers these or not (either standard or optional).
There are other differences, mostly minor ones, which may or may not be important to you?
You should test drive both models as much as the dealers will let you get away with. If you have specific 25 series questions, I can help further if you want. I am one of the ones that had issues with the Branson emissions system. I fixed mine by removing it. Now it runs and drives exactly like a pre-emissions tractor. No computer, no active controller, nothing.
Strictly my opinion.
Anyway,
It looks to me like the specs between are pretty close, bare chassis weight is nearly identical, Kioti gets a bit better on FEL capacity (but you have to be careful here on how the different companies "rate" the lift capacity), same with 3pt hitch, the Kioti is a bit higher lift rating on 3pt arms, but you also have to watch how these are rated. Some brands like to play games with how they rate these.
I think they're close enough to be a wash. So go test drive both units, look at the features, cab layouts, controls and ease of use. Look at the little things, like are both lower 3pt arms adjustable (they are on the Branson). Tractor Data says the DK comes with 2 rear remotes (or is it one?-not sure now). The Branson 25 comes with 2 (mine did). The dual HST pedals are farther apart on the Kioti, make sure this doesn't bother you in your test drives.
The Kioti appears to have some features that the Branson does not, and vice-versa. Only you would be able to tell if these are important ones (to you). Kioti has a rear external 3pt control lever as standard. That is awesome if you switch implements with any frequency, but if you want telescoping 3pt arms they are an option (weird). . I wish the Branson had that external 3pt lever. Kioti also has an "optional" mid mount pto. May or may not be useful to you? But the Branson doesn't offer that. Kioti has a rear window defroster, which is also pretty cool, but the rear window wiper is optional (again, weird). Side mirrors and a front brush guard are standard on the Branson, but optional on the Kioti. A "7 pin" connector is standard on the Kioti (I assume they mean for a trailer light plug?), but not offered on the Branson. The Branson comes standard with split brakes and a rear diff lock. I can't tell if the Kioti offers these or not (either standard or optional).
There are other differences, mostly minor ones, which may or may not be important to you?
You should test drive both models as much as the dealers will let you get away with. If you have specific 25 series questions, I can help further if you want. I am one of the ones that had issues with the Branson emissions system. I fixed mine by removing it. Now it runs and drives exactly like a pre-emissions tractor. No computer, no active controller, nothing.
ptsg
Super Member
The newest Branson tractors, the ones that came with the new 4 Range transmission are the 3620, 4820 and 5520. All available in Hydro or Geared models.
These new models also had a refined joystick control for the loader and a few other changes.
These new models also had a refined joystick control for the loader and a few other changes.
Slowpoke Slim
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It was. I think originally, they planned on replacing the 20 series with the 25 series. When the 25 came out, it had a bigger and better cab than the 20, and came standard with A/C, which you had to order as an option (with $) on the 20 cab. Then, for some reason only known to Branson, they started putting the same new cab from the 25 series onto their older 20 series models, further blurring the lines between the models. I don't know if A/C is now standard on the cabbed 20 series because of the new cab, but it didn't used to be.
Again, I'm only speculating, but I think the flat lined sales of the 25 took them by surprise. I think they thought buyers would readily pick the more loaded model 25, with so many standard features built into it, over the more basic (and less expensive up front) 20 series.
I believe the 25 series was released in the US in early '17. I bought mine in March of '17, and I think it was in the first batch of 25's to hit my dealer's lot. I had originally looked at an older 20 series, with the older, smaller cab (and no A/C).
So the Branson dealer is telling me that the most direct comparison between a Kioti DK4710se hc is with a Branson 4215ch, and that when you move up to the 20 series Branson tractor that is more a comparison with the Kioti NX series. Based on power to the PTO and weight this seems about right, but not completely sure. Anyone have thoughts on this?