Buying a Branson

[okembalmer]

Hello. My name is Brent and I am new to TBN. I am looking at purchasing a new tractor. I just purchased 40 acres that has a lot of sapplings and cedar trees and hasn't been maintained in several years. I really like the compact tractors. Looking at all of them. Kinda leaning toward the Branson. Not sure how much HP, but kinda like the 4720. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[BillG_in_TX]

Brent,

Evidently, there's a moderator who doesn't know that TBN has a Branson forum, and they moved your post here to All Other Brands! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[mudcat]

Bransons line of tractors are great. I'm not just saying that because I own one. But it is the reason I bought one. The 4720 should be a good size for 40ac. I would also check out the 6530. That tractor is awesome.

 

[Stimw]

I bought a Branson 3510 back in May and I could not be happier with it. I have moved about 15 truck loads of dirt with it using a 5' box blade and the tractor has so much power. If I pick up too much dirt (box full, running over) the tractor dosen't bog, it will spin all 4 tires until I raise the blade a little. And that is in 2nd range, I haven't found a need for 1st range yet!
Also the warranty is very strong, 3 years/ 1000 hours.
I reccomend getting the R-4 tires too. ( Industrial) They have a wide foot print and make the tractor very stable. They are easy on grass but work great for compacting fresh dirt. I run a 5' finish mower with mine and the tires don't hurt the grass if it's not too wet.
As for size, That's a judgement call. 47 acres will make one shrink but a 4720 sounds about right.
If you can, look at the Chinese tractors and then look at the Branson. The quality is obvious in the Branson. tim

 

[Evasive1]

I have a Century 3045, which is the twin to the Branson 4720. Like you I also have 40 acres and it is just about perfect size for this amount of land. I have over 130 hours on the tractor now and still love it. Have a 6' foot brush hog, 6' box blade, 6' tiller and the C-86 backhoe for it and it easily runs all of these. Have been building a house for the past year with it and there are so many things I could not of done without it from the original land clearing, back filling, moving everything from lumber to bricks, digging what seemed like miles of trenches and of course maintaining the yard and keeping 3 different 1 acre deer plots going. Save yourself some money and buy the Branson. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Big_Lug]

Brent, Do yourself a favor and buy a name brand.I have had two Branson's and I regret not spending the $3000 more and having reliability. I first bought the 2810 model and had a bearing go out on the clutch, my front wheel drive had to be tightened on the caster, my starter sylynoid went out, my whole wiring harness burnt up, I had a hydraulic bearing go out and then I bought the 4020 model thinking that I needed a bigger unit that might be more durable. I have 7 acres that I bushhog and did some dirt work on and use my tractor for small jobs that I am hired to do, which is dirt work and bushhogging. I had to replace the fan b/c the tractor flexed causing the fan to push into the shroud, I had a hydraulic hose come apart on the power steering, my fuel tank neck is leaking, causing me to loose fuel, and the tractor blows so much heat towards the operator, after you are bushhogging or tilling for approximately 2 or more hours, that it is unbearable, especially in the Summer. I know all tractor brands have their problems, but I have had Kubota and New Holland and not near the problems.I do like the power and weight and the features, but if you can't use them then what good are they. At first I loved my Branson's, but it gets costly bringing it to the shop 45 miles one way, every month. Good luck on your decision...

 

[ronT]

Big_Lug

I tend to agree with you on buying a name brand. I have my Branson 4020 just over a year now with only about 62 hours on it.

It's a pretty face but not very reliable. I have to baby mine or it will blow hydraulic hoses as I have stated in other posts.

Dealer is next to impossible to get a hold of since he farms and has other irons in the fire besides tractors and is over 40 miles away.

He told me mine is working normal and I'm pushing it beyond it's limit...so no hydraulic problems as far as he is concerned.

Another minor problem I had in the beginning was when it rained the lights would start flashing and I had to disconnect the battery until it dried out. Not a big problem since now I keep it covered.

I like the tractor but it feels more like a toy. I plan on keeping it through the winter and possibly hope to unload it next spring or summer.

Brent if you are looking at Branson's consider Century...same tractor but their loader is much better, it works as it should, (I tried one out) not like an ansung does.(at least mine anyway)

Have a good day all,
Ron

 

[Yalerider]

Bought my 3510i this summer. Cleared a lot of fairly big trees and bladed land. Working the hydraulics to max digging stumps and no blown hoses. Sorry to hear others are having issues. I would buy another in a second.

 

[LMTC]

The lights flashing when wet is an OLD problem--over two years. Your dealer should replace your flasher unit and/or the flasher switch. Insist that he do so, or contact the company.

 

[ronT]

Yalerider,

Glad to hear that yours is working good. Mine should be painted lemon yellow instead of Branson Red I think.

Just went out to look at it and it's leaking fuel out of the white plastic cylinder shape vent located underneath the seat area.

Tractor hasn't been started for a week. Loosened fuel cap to stop leak. What Next!!

Dealer said only a year warrenty on loader and I'm just over a year. I think he stalled around so now doesn't have to do anything about my hydraulics. Never another Branson!!

Good luck to other Branson owners,
Ron

 

[JCar]

Ron That is the over flow vent for the fuel tank it will leak if it is over full... I can not believe you are having this much trouble, this sound like a dealer problem and I think it is time you name names. Have you talked to the territory rep ? If you don't I will.

 

[ronT]

JCar,

Actually the tank is about 3/4 full and sitting on level ground.

When the suns shines on it on a warmer day apparently the tank builds up pressure and backs up out one of the two vents. Loosen the cap and it's fine. Earlier in the summer had same problem and the dealer took apart the cap and blew it out and said that should do it. Probably just needs a new cap.

No never talked to rep yet...haven't had much tractor time the past few months...dealing with lung cancer with a family member so spending more time there.

Have a good one,
Ron

 

[JCar]

Ron Sorry to here about your family member, cancer make these tractor issues not seem so important, but it is very frustrating to hear of the problems you are having with no help. If you need any names or numbers let me know, it's time to get to bottom of this. Have a nice night. Jason

 

[dancce]

RonT,

I agree with Jason. The problems that you have described are very quickly and easily fixed by a competent dealer.
I have been following your posts, describing your problems, and I haven't seen any that should not have been resolved quickly, and to your satisfaction.
I agree that you have had more than your fair share of problems and have every right to be upset. It is ,however, unusual to have this many problems with any one tractor. Most of what you describe are minor and should have been handled immediately without any hassle for you.
That is what the warrantys are for. It makes no difference what name is on the side of the tractor-----they will all have some warranty issues to resolve from time to time---they are all man made. Just check out any other brands discussion groups here on TBN to verify this.
There are other Branson dealers, including me, who regularly monitor this site and are willing to help you resolve your problems---it is do-able.

dancce

 

[trs]

I bought a 4220 Branson March 2005 with no dealers within 60 miles of me mainly due to what I read here on this site..and so far with 45 hours have not had any major problems, I leave it out uncovered sometimes and even after a heavy rain it starts right up.. I know that some of you are having problems and from what I have read they seem simple enough to fix.. Every brand can have problems so dont feel like you bought the wrong tractor, like some one else said check out other forums for different brands..if your dealer is giving you trouble contact factory and explain your situation and if it does not get resovled then let us know.. I sure hope every thing works out for you as I have been in your shoes more than once and it is no fun..dealer told me I was only one having problems with a new 30ft. boat so it must be something I was doing to cause it.. later I found out there were plenty of others..