I drove the 4020 today and was impressed enough to call long distance to Georgia with some questions not answered by the dealer (he's only had them a few weeks.)
Positives - VERY impressive tractors - full-featured, good fit/finish, handle well, 12/12 synchro shuttle tranny, tilt steering, 3cyl turbo engine, 540/1000 rear pto, draft control, rear work light, canopy are all standard. Loader quick-tach bucket standard.
Negatives - The loader joystick hits the throttle control when moved left. I wear pants with a 33" in-seam, so my legs aren't THAT long, but my knees were even with the steering wheel tilted all the way up. The ROPS is not supposed to be folding, but has a hinge-type joint that looks like it could - but it had two anti-vibration bolts through it. Had horn button but heard nary a beep.
I called Branson and spoke with the service manager and here is what he said: Joystick - He was aware of the problem and they are working on a better loader arm design. He also said they working on a heavier loader. Steering wheel: He said they were so aware of it that he was expecting extenders to arrive tomorrw (11/21/2002)! All newer ones have the longer steering column. ROPS: He said the ROPS wasn't certified by the Feds with a quick-release pin, so they were bolted up. They are working on folding ROPS certification.
Here a prices initially quoted (I haven't negotiated heavily yet):
3520 - 3cyl Kukje, 35hp, 3762lbs, BL20 loader (2094lbs cap.) $16K
4020 - 3cyl turbo Kukje, 40hp, 3795lbs, BL20 loader $16.7
4520 - 4cyl Yanmar, 45hp, 3883lbs, BL20 loader $18.5
I dig 'em! Drove Kioti, Kubota and New Holland today, too. Gonna see Mahindra Friday!
Gosh, this is fun! /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif
Mark