Century C47L

[okietractor]

I found the above listed unit on an auction yard today. Head and oil pan pulled, #2 cylinder cratered. I mean bad, sleeve is cracked and obvious that block would be too. Looks like the rod broke and pounded things to a pulp. Unit only has 323 hourson it. Has this model had engine probs. I have used a Branson 3510 extensively and loved the machine. This unit looks like a big brother to the Branson, is there ea family history. I am considering making an offer on this unit if I get the right feedback from you guys. It has a 50 series loader with it. The unit has had very light use, only light scratches on the bucket, tires look like new. Has there been an issue with oil pumps? I can't imagine a logical reason for the cylinder failure with so few hours. To the dealers who view these posts, what will a short block and oil pump for this unit run? I am in Oklahoma. Thanks in advance for any and all advice, I've received great feedback from this site before.

 

[MicroPilot]

Century and Branson tractors are/were both made by the South Korean company called Kukje. They were essentially identical, in fact some parts had both a Century and Branson part number stamped on them.

The C47L is one of the last models that Century marketed before they stopped selling tractors. I believe this had the Cummins pattern 4 cylinder in it.

 

[okietractor]

Do Branson dealers stock/sell Century parts? I am seriously considering this project if the costs are not too high.

 

[MicroPilot]

They should. The dealer I got my Century from has had no problems getting parts from Branson for me, and he doesn't even sell Branson tractors.

 

[DavesTractor]

It should be the Cummins A2300, so parts can be bought through Cummins or Branson. I'd guess it hydraulic locked, might have sucked water in while running, happens when crossing a deep creek...then you are up a creek without a paddle. Normally it will bust the piston, bend the rod, crack the block. It's ugly. Dang water won't compress.

 

[Reg]

I know where there is a 0 hours engine for it.
Send me a private message.

\R

 

[okietractor]

I did buy the unit at auction. Found out the previous owner ran it into a pond while trying to do some clean up work around it. After he blew the engine he quit paying for the unit. Everything looks good except #2 cylinder. Block is most likely cracked but won't know until I pull the sleeve. I am know in the market for parts and a service manual. The engine is the Cummins A2300N2. Please feel free to send me a private message if you would like. Thanks,

 

[Reg]

I've been BAD about getting to my private messages on this board.
Okietractor and I eventually caught up with this and although I wasn't able to help much it seems he now has a replacement sleeve on order via a Branson dealer.

HOPING it is smooth sailing from here.

\R

 

[okietractor]

Update on rebuild. Ordered parts yesterday from local Branson dealer. This guy has been great! E mailed me copies of the parts book so I could identify all the parts I need. I sat down with him twice to review and identify. He got me pricing and I put together an order for him. He is only charging me 5%above cost. What a bargain considering all he has done for me. He also is letting me copy pages from the service manual so I can have the proper torque specs for everything. He will definately get any future business of mine. I would reccomend this dealer to anyone. If you want details send me a private message. He says they do a lot of out of state business because their price point is so low. Thanks for the comments I received about this project. I will update again.

 

[okietractor]

Sorry for the delay on updating this project. I have been enjoying my tractor. After purchasing and rebuilding a bare block the unit runs great. I have probably run the tractor 8-10 hrs since finishing the engine and am happy, and releived to report that all is well. I was worried that some other components may have been damaged by the water but only the turn signals don't function properly. Probably the relay. Not a problem, I will check on it later. All systems go for now! Total cost for the tractor, loader and parts was right at $7,000. Not bad for an '05 model with 363 hrs on it. Thanks to those who shared info with me on TBN, I really appreciate it.

 

[mattman]

I am glad it all worked out for you. I would like to find me a deal like you did. Overall how do you like the tractor?? I am looking at a used one but no one around here has any century or branson tractors to hear the good or the bad about.

 

[okietractor]

I am very happy with the performance so far. We handle very large logs without a problem. The unit has plenty of power, I need to add fluid to the tires to help a little with traction. 4wd helps but I could get more out of it with the extra weight. I pushed several trees out yesterday without any problems. I spent a lot of time on a Branson 3510 a couple years ago and can't complain about either of these units. Hydro would be nice for the back and forth stuff but the shuttle still makes for quick reversing.

 

[Reg]

Koo_Well,
Pleased to hear it all worked out right... eventually.
Yeah, "You done GOOD" for $7K (-:

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

matt,
my Century 2535 (same as Branson 3510) was a phenomenal workhorse.
used it to move a LOT of rock, some of it big enough to need roughly 1000# of counterweight off the 3 point, and it never failed me.
if you get one, go for the universal skid steer type QA loader - it's worth the extra $$ most folks charge just for the convenience of being able to buy/rent front attachments easily.

 

[kosborn1775]

were you able to find a manual for this Tractor, I just picked up one a well and am have problems finding parts oh and were to find stuff like the hydraulic reservoir. It is hard to fill or check when you don't know where it is. I think I found the tank, but know idea where to fill or check the level. Yes I am a city boy that just got a tractor. "Green Acres is the place to be"!

 

[Dan in CT]

I have a copy of the operators manual, PM me and I can send it to you.