Branson 4520 rescue project!

[tradosaurus]

I'm curious how much you paid for this tractor? I hope you got a good deal.

 

[Citydude]

Good progress on Lazarus. Your persistence is admirable considering the cost.

Looking forward to the day you report that its a runner!

 

[K5lwq]

I'm curious how much you paid for this tractor? I hope you got a good deal.

Just over $4000 right now. Budget was $5000 but most definitely will exceed that. Good deal? Nope but hopefully it will be a good tractor for someone one day.

 

[pmsmechanic]

This might or might not be true for a Branson. I'll tell you what worked for me. If I remember details correctly tie rod ends all come with the same taper on the end. What's different is the size and the depth of the hole in the female end with a corresponding ball joint.

When the ball joint on the rod end of the steering cylinder started getting sloppy on the 955 that I owned I looked for alternatives. A new one from John Deere was around $500 if I remember correctly. There was nothing wrong with the rest of the cylinder so I went to my local NAPA and we searched through their stock of tie rod ends until we found the same size. I removed the cylinder and extended the rod. After taking some measurements I cut the old ball joint off and welded the new one on. $37 and bit of welding and paint and no one else knew the difference.

 

[EddieWalker]

I hope that Starter works for you. I'm always nervous about deals on Amazon. Some have been great, others have had to be returned. Do you know about Superior Fleet Service in Tyler? I've bought starters from them that are better then factory, and a lot cheaper.

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If that link doesn't work, they are at

6421 Reynolds Road Tyler, TX 75708

(903) 597-1217

 

[K5lwq]

Eddie, I have never used them before but will check them out. Thanks for the information.

 

[EddieWalker]

Just bring in what you have and the owner will figure out what you need. At least, that's how it's worked for me.

If you go there, look to your left for East Texas Hydraulic. It's almost next door to Superior Fleet. That's where I get my hydraulic cylinders rebuilt. Most cost about $100 for parts and labor. I just drop it off and it's ready in a day or two. They do not take plastic, so bring cash or a check.

I don't know what it costs to rebuild a cylinder on a Branson, but the parts kits for a cylinder on my New Holland backhoe cost anywhere from $60 to $120 for the kit. Most of what's in the kit isn't used. The kit has everything for a variety of different cylinders, but you have to buy the kit to get the seals that you need. East Texas Hydraulic just buys exactly what you need. Usually it's under $10 in parts, so it's a no brainer to have them do all the work and make sure it's done right.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I wonder if the waterpump repair was the reason the freeze plugs and radiator went.

Did it look like their custom gasket job (being kind) blocked any passages?

 

[K5lwq]

I wonder if the waterpump repair was the reason the freeze plugs and radiator went.

Did it look like their custom gasket job (being kind) blocked any passages?

Everything was open. The failure for plugs and radiator looks like it was from tap water in the system. I will flush with some automatic dishwasher powder to clean system well. Once it is cleaned good and determine no more leaks I will fill with antifreeze.

 

[bradheiter]

I have a 2003 4520, not sure how much different it is to a 4520R let me know if I can be of any help.