Century 3035 - New owner in Virginia

[jrindge]

I just purchased a slightly used Century 3035, C50 loader with 250hrs. My first tractor since on the farm with Ferguson 30, Farmal H as a kid. It has the Branson underpinnings per the dealer. It was a good buy - price/model/condition. I hope I have mad a good purchase. All comments, suggestions welcome.

 

[Zork]

Welcome jrindge. I here it is a good tractor and that the loader is great. You can look at the earlier postings, if you find the time, and see how century and branson are similar. Now it is Zetor. I have the branson 3520 with loader and backhoe and have had little problems. Im very satisfied with the tractor and the amount of fuel consumed. Have fun.

 

[MicroPilot]

Welcome jrindge. I here it is a good tractor and that the loader is great. You can look at the earlier postings, if you find the time, and see how century and branson are similar. Now it is Zetor. ...

What does this mean? Zetor has NOTHING to do with the Century models. The importer of the Century tractors, AmJawa, has stopped importing/selling these tractors because the manufacturer, Kukje, has bought an interest in Branson and Branson is nwo the sole Importer for the Kukje tractors. Parts support is still available throught Branson dealers and some former Century dealers. The early Century and Branson models were %90 identical.

 

[Zork]

ok, sorry. I don't know anything about his tractor or the way that it has been slightly used. I do know that when I purchased my 3520 in '03 that the two brands had many of the same features with the exception of the loader. I just wanted to say welcome and that the ownership of my tractor has been quite satisfying and that this site offers a wealth of information and a lot of encouragement. I'm no scholar, so since the loaders were diffrent I thought that I would describe them as similar. The only thing I know about Zetor is from this site. Thank you for correcting me as whole it is necessary to be correct and not misleading.

 

[MicroPilot]

Sorry fjb2c. After re-reading my post it sound, hmm -- harsh. I didn't mean it that way. My aim was just to make sure the new Century owner understands the history of the company that made his tractor. Century (AmJawa) was also the importer of Zetor tractors and at one point briefly sold the Century tractor with Zetor badging.

Sorry again if my previous post came across as a scolding.

 

[jrindge]

Thanks guys. I'm not sure of the Zetor relationship other than I am aware of a few dealerships that have sold those two brands jointly. I have also noticed some other discussion threads that draw some relationship between the two. I don't think there is any joint manufacture/branding. I was told by my dealer that the Century is an upscale Branson. Centurys are generally larger frames and more heavy duty. He also said that Branson has recently taking over (or taking back) the Century brand.

Anyway I took delivery late last night of my 3035. It is definitely more heavy duty and larger. This buggy is physically larger than some 45hp's I've seen.
I believe it is an '03 but only has 235hrs. I got to drive it about 50ft at about 10pm. Hopefully more tonight. All looks in great shape. The one thing I noticed is that the clutch (this is a shuttle drive) doesn't engage until it is almost completely out. Not sure if that is normal or not for a Century.

 

[MicroPilot]

... I don't think there is any joint manufacture/branding.

The only relationship was AmJawa who was the US importer of both Zetor and Century's, excpet for a very brief time where AmJawa was re-badging some Century tractors with the Zetor name.

I was told by my dealer that the Century is an upscale Branson. Centurys are generally larger frames and more heavy duty.

That's not true. Up until just before Century's demise the models were identical except for color, and the type of FEL mounted on them.

He also said that Branson has recently taking over (or taking back) the Century brand.

Not true. There will be no more Century tractors. Kukje, the South Korean manufacturer has bought Branson to be their US importer/distribution channel. Because AmJawa no longer has a relationship with Kukje, Kukje is using Branson as it's US parts supplier for Century tractors.

Anyway I took delivery late last night of my 3035. It is definitely more heavy duty and larger. This buggy is physically larger than some 45hp's I've seen.
I believe it is an '03 but only has 235hrs. I got to drive it about 50ft at about 10pm. Hopefully more tonight. All looks in great shape. The one thing I noticed is that the clutch (this is a shuttle drive) doesn't engage until it is almost completely out. Not sure if that is normal or not for a Century.

I bought my 3035 new in 2003 and it now has about 235 hours on it.

You do realize that it's a 2 stage clutch? From fully depressed to 1/2 way out is the clutch for the PTO, from 1/2 to released is the clutch for the drive. It does seem to travel far when not using the PTO, but once you realize it's a 2 stage it makes sense.

Did you get a FEL? What other implements did you get or are going to get? What style of tires? Got any pics?

 

[jrindge]

Thanks for the feedback (group).
I knew it is a 2 stage clutch. It just seems that 1/2 inch from full release for the drive is a bit short. Manual says proper free-play should be between 3/4" and 1-1/4". So hopefully it is right.

It has a FL, bush hog and older (repainted) box scrapper. Looking for a disc.

Used it for first time this past Saturday. 20 Min into bushogging, fuel started leaking from fuel filter. Gotta replace the "O" ring. Hard t find exact size. Found close match at Tractor Supply. If that doesn't work, will have to go to Branson dealer.

Attached Pic is from dealer

 

[mudcat]

Welcome to TBN jringe. Good looking tractor you got there!

 

[jrindge]

Thanks Mudcat.
Do you have a pic of yours?
And how has the tractor been for your mechanically?