Dpf, regen cycles, fuel additives....

[Blue Mule]

Though I have absolutely no plans to ever buy another tractor, you have very clearly identified why I would be looking at Branson first!

Everybody on this forum talks about Branson but I've never seen one in my life. I might have to Google this.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

Lol......

 

[ptsg]

Everybody on this forum talks about Branson but I've never seen one in my life. I might have to Google this.

Branson uses a fully mechanical engine, instead of the computer controlled ones like other brands.

The way they used handle the exhaust aftertreatment is with a bolt on DOC and a datalogger. All it took, was to gut the DOC or replace it with a muffler and unplug the datalogger. In the end, you had a perfectly running tractor with a simpler muffler.

On the newer models, they use a DPF, datalogger and a butterfly valve on the exhaust, pretty much like an exhaust brake, but it's used to increase the temps on the DPF for the regen process. It's still a mechanical engine and while I haven't seen one in person, I'm pretty sure it's a bolt on deal as well that can also "fly off" if needed.

 

[K5lwq]

Branson uses a fully mechanical engine, instead of the computer controlled ones like other brands.

The way they used handle the exhaust aftertreatment is with a bolt on DOC and a datalogger. All it took, was to gut the DOC or replace it with a muffler and unplug the datalogger. In the end, you had a perfectly running tractor with a simpler muffler.

On the newer models, they use a DPF, datalogger and a butterfly valve on the exhaust, pretty much like an exhaust brake, but it's used to increase the temps on the DPF for the regen process. It's still a mechanical engine and while I haven't seen one in person, I'm pretty sure it's a bolt on deal as well that can also "fly off" if needed.

I am sure it will fall off with the DPF if it was around my place. :thumbsup:

 

[Blue Mule]

Branson uses a fully mechanical engine, instead of the computer controlled ones like other brands.

The way they used handle the exhaust aftertreatment is with a bolt on DOC and a datalogger. All it took, was to gut the DOC or replace it with a muffler and unplug the datalogger. In the end, you had a perfectly running tractor with a simpler muffler.

On the newer models, they use a DPF, datalogger and a butterfly valve on the exhaust, pretty much like an exhaust brake, but it's used to increase the temps on the DPF for the regen process. It's still a mechanical engine and while I haven't seen one in person, I'm pretty sure it's a bolt on deal as well that can also "fly off" if needed.

Interesting. So even on the new ones, if the DPF and butterfly valve mysteriously fell off the tractor during use and the datalogger failed and stopped working, you'd end up with a purely mechanical engine with no electronic injection, no EGR, and no DPF regens?

Hmmmm...

According to the internet, there is actually a dealer for these tractors about 40 miles away from me. I'm intrigued. I might have to go see one of these in person.

 

[ptsg]

Yes, that's it. Branson don't use EGRs on their tractors. Only the Branson 7845 had the more complex engine with computers tied to the engine but I don't know if it had EGR or not.

 

[fried1765]

Interesting. So even on the new ones, if the DPF and butterfly valve mysteriously fell off the tractor during use and the datalogger failed and stopped working, you'd end up with a purely mechanical engine with no electronic injection, no EGR, and no DPF regens?

Hmmmm...

According to the internet, there is actually a dealer for these tractors about 40 miles away from me. I'm intrigued. I might have to go see one of these in person.

As I have said elsewhere here on TBN,......Branson would be my FIRST STOP if looking for a new tractor!

 

[ericm979]

My Branson 3725 was delivered with the data logger unplugged. It ran fine. If the DPF had a problem, it would detect it and let me know.

I could remove the DPF. But it works fine and I like the cleaner exhaust than my old Kubota. Un-treated diesel exhaust is pretty gross. A neighbor is building a new building close to the road. The diesel stench from the pre tier 4 mini ex and loader is awful, especially when it sits in still morning air.

Since you'll have paid for the DPF when you buy a new 26+ HP tractor, I suggest running with it. Chances are it will work fine. A few bad models excepted, failures are rare. You and the people around you will get the benefits of cleaner exhaust.

 

[Blue Mule]

So this intrigued me. I drove 35 minutes over to the closest Branson dealer to see this. All they had in stock were a 2515 and a 3620. The 15 series is just about right size, but the 25 horse engine is the problem I've already got. The 20 series is slightly bigger than I want, BUT, they're selling it with loader for $23k. That's a great deal. And they've been apparently selling these Bransons for 15 years so they've got parts and filters for them. Who knew??

So I'd be all over trading my brand new Workmaster 25 in on one of these Bransons BUT the issue is they're not a volume dealer and they do accept trades but you can tell they don't do this often. AND...the worst part is Branson doesn't have the extensive financing network that Deere and New Holland have, so there is no 0% financing option. They use mainstream lenders like Sheffield, etc. And I have a loan with them already for a UTV I've got..they're usually at 6-8% even with good credit.

Hmmm.....

 

[K5lwq]

So this intrigued me. I drove 35 minutes over to the closest Branson dealer to see this. All they had in stock were a 2515 and a 3620. The 15 series is just about right size, but the 25 horse engine is the problem I've already got. The 20 series is slightly bigger than I want, BUT, they're selling it with loader for $23k. That's a great deal. And they've been apparently selling these Bransons for 15 years so they've got parts and filters for them. Who knew??

So I'd be all over trading my brand new Workmaster 25 in on one of these Bransons BUT the issue is they're not a volume dealer and they do accept trades but you can tell they don't do this often. AND...the worst part is Branson doesn't have the extensive financing network that Deere and New Holland have, so there is no 0% financing option. They use mainstream lenders like Sheffield, etc. And I have a loan with them already for a UTV I've got..they're usually at 6-8% even with good credit.

Hmmm.....

Different dealers offer different options for financing. My dealer offered 0% for 60 months or discount the price of the loader for cash. Many other brands do the same sort of thing.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I heard from my selling dealer at the time (in 2017) that Branson worked out an arrangement with Wells Fargo Ag Loan department to finance new tractors through them. I got a 0% no money down deal for mine through my dealer (through Wells Fargo Ag), it was all done over the phone, approved in a couple of hours, and I swung by and signed the papers. Whole thing took less than an afternoon (would have been quicker if I'd have been closer).

 

[Blue Mule]

Different dealers offer different options for financing. My dealer offered 0% for 60 months or discount the price of the loader for cash. Many other brands do the same sort of thing.

I was curious so I checked with the other two Branson dealers that are within a day's drive of me and both are in the same situation. Almost no stock in inventory and financing is generally done through a 3rd party like Sheffield. Bummer. At that rate I'd have to save $3k or more over the bigger name brands to make it worth the drive. Maybe I'll look into it more tomorrow. Still, this was the first I've heard of Tier IV with mechanical injection so thanks for the heads up.

 

[K5lwq]

Maybe just contact Wells Fargo directly and see what they will do for you.

 

[fried1765]

I was curious so I checked with the other two Branson dealers that are within a day's drive of me and both are in the same situation. Almost no stock in inventory and financing is generally done through a 3rd party like Sheffield. Bummer. At that rate I'd have to save $3k or more over the bigger name brands to make it worth the drive. Maybe I'll look into it more tomorrow. Still, this was the first I've heard of Tier IV with mechanical injection so thanks for the heads up.

For me. it would be mostly about being able to avoid the Tier lV crap.
In less than ten years, Tier lV is very likely to be a major negative for selling or trading a used tractor.

 

[Bearsixty7]

... In less than ten years, Tier lV is very likely to be a major negative for selling or trading a used tractor.

I think more people will figure out how to delete the then failing emissions crap and how to program the tractors to run without throwing errors or derating themselves. The delete part on most looks easy, it's the programing that will be more difficult.

 

[buck12]

I think more people will figure out how to delete the then failing emissions crap and how to program the tractors to run without throwing errors or derating themselves. The delete part on most looks easy, it's the programing that will be more difficult.

If it can be done to trucks it can be done to tractors. My guess is someone will make a few bucks from this in the coming years.

 

[fried1765]

I think more people will figure out how to delete the then failing emissions crap and how to program the tractors to run without throwing errors or derating themselves. The delete part on most looks easy, it's the programing that will be more difficult.

Ah ha!
Then will come the tractor police
Mandatory tractor inspections!

 

[ptsg]

Ah ha!
Then will come the tractor police
Mandatory tractor inspections!

Several countries in Europe are doing yearly mandatory inspections.

My country is a matter of time till they start doing it as well, specially since the new Stage V of emissions for off-road vehicles started at the beginning of the year.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

Several countries in Europe are doing yearly mandatory inspections.

My country is a matter of time till they start doing it as well, specially since the new Stage V of emissions for off-road vehicles started at the beginning of the year.

Sorry to hear that. Not my idea of "progress".

 

[ptsg]

Sorry to hear that. Not my idea of "progress".

It's not necessarily a bad thing. The only con I see is the extra $30 or so for the inspection and the slight inconvenience of taking the tractor to the inspection center, although I have one like 2 or 3 miles away.

I'm guessing they will inspect things like:

- Emissions
- Electrical stuff, lights, some obvious wiring hackjob, etc
- Leaks - Fuel, oil, coolant
- Steering components
- Tires maybe
- ROPS definitively

If you saw some of the tractors going down the road here, you would understand the need for inspections.

Leaks all over the place, completely bald tires although for a tractor, doesn't matter much, ROPS removed, broken lights all over the place and wires hanging everywhere. Some people just don't take care of the equipment at all.

Luckily, as of the beginning of the year, it's mandatory to have a certified ROPS for tractors newer than 1994, all lights in working condition, beacon, ROPS in up position and slow moving sign for when driving down the road.