Bransons lack of customer support????

[Crazy Canuck]

I am in the market for a compact tractor and have done a fair amount of shopping. I have heard good things about Branson and really liked their tractors but have heard from one of their dealers their dealer and customer support is very poor! I have tried contacting Branson via telephone and was unable to get ahold of anyone and sent multiple emails without any response? Is Branson having some sort of troubles?? I can't imagine them not answering customer emails?
This will be the one issue that will probably bring me to purchase something other than a Branson unit even though anyone I have spoken to that has had one seems to be very satisfied. I am looking at the 3510 in particular. I had originally been intrested in the 2910, but figured for the $600USD more I figure I would get a larger unit.

Cheers,

Dale

 

[kongs3510]

Well, the 2910 and 3510 are identical tractors except for the horsepower. I too bought the 3510 because of this. I can't comment on how Bransons customer service is because I've never needed it. I will say that I love my tractor and it has done all that I have asked of it and then some....good luck with your decision....Kong

 

[jhkfarms]

I have not had any problems with customer support or my dealer. I have emailed customer support concerning how to activate the draft control, they sent the dealer out to my house to show me exactly what I had to do. Last Friday while I was brush hogging, I busted a hose by the hydraulic filter, thus loosing all the hydraulic fluid. I called the dealer, he is having the hose over nighted to him, will be out to fix it as soon as the hose comes in. My only complaint was where it happened. I was in some woods, when it happened. I shut down the tractor and started to look for what had happened. After I had crawled under the tractor on my back, I found the problem. Went to the house, called the dealer, to tell him what I needed. Went back out to the tractor, that was when I discovered the tractor was in a patch of Poison Ivy. You got it, I have Poison Ivy all over.

My dealer was telling me about another Branson owner who used his tractor hard, while FEL use, caught a limb, broke a radiator line. The owner did not realize it, so he continued using the tractor. Of course the motor overheated and locked up. Branson is replacing his motor under warranty at no charge.

Hoby
JHK Farms
4720i

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Thanks for all the replies. I have heard many good stories about how branson has gone above and beyond for their customer. My biggest beef with them is the lack of replying to any voicemails or emails I have left. The dealers I have spoken to are a great bunch and very trustworth so I will probably make a deal on a 3510. Sounds like the dealers are having a hard time keeping the 2910 and 3510 models in stock around my area.

Is there any known issues with these models anyone would like to comment on?

Cheers,

Dale

 

[MarEng]

Just to chime in -

In the one time I've ever had to call the factory (to clarify terms of a voluntary recall - removal of the PS Hydraulic Tank) the switchboard connected me to the correct person - the first time - and she followed up with the dealer directly.

Parts are as close as my nearest dealer - 45 miles away - or I understand by mail. Not that I've needed many. I did cross the filters over to WIX, etc. since I don't relish a 45 mile drive to get a filter available at the local HiLo.

Also, Wallace and others here on the forum are very generous with their time and expertise.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

i heard Wallace dropped the Branson line. If this is true, I have to wonder what the reasoning for it is?

Cheers,

Dale

 

[bobmisi]

I just recently bought a 3820i and am very satisfied so far. I must say the dealer is very important. There are good and bad ones. Get references if you can. I've heard many stories of Branson going above and beyond even when the owner was clearly at fault, like a split differential housing due to abuse. My son works at a Branson dealer, so I hear and see a lot, and I bought one , so what does that tell you. Good luck, but I don't think you would be disappointed with a Branson.

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

my Century 2535 is the same as a 3510 and it's been amazing over the past year. seat is comfortable - and I'm not a small man. controls are pretty easy to learn, although getting "the feel" for the shuttle took an hour or so. (love the shuttle shift for loader work!)
I have a different loader than what Branson supplies, so I won't brag out it though.
if you've got good dealer support, go for it and good luck!

and on that note, MarEng - what are the WIX crossover numbers for the filters? I don't have a branson dealer within about 2 hours of me...

Thanks!

 

[Zork]

I had an issue with my fuel gauge (tractor 3520) in warranty and my dealer came out and serviced it promptly. Another issue surfaced in warranty and it was handled very quickly even though the tractor was actually out of warranty. My dealer, Charlottesville Power Equipment, ordered the parts and had me in and out the same day, saving me almost 80 miles round trip. I am very satisfied with my tractor, the money I saved, and the service from my dealer and Branson. I do remember contacting Branson sometime back and was able to speak with a tech on the spot. My dealer and Branson get thumbs up from me.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

What is the diference between the 3510 and the 3520? Is the 3520 an older model? I know now the guage their tractors by 10, 20 and 30 series units?

Is there a way to tell what year a Branson is built from the Serial number similar to what other manufacturers have done? Is there somewhere online to find this out?

Cheers,

Dale