New Branson 25 series

[PapeCAT]

So far I like it, I was told to get the 66" over the 72". I did a few hours of work with it so far clearing out some large manzanita and moving some logs around to make way for a utilities trench we are putting in. It is a dual lid Terra Force. I can see some benefits to going narrower but at least so far the 66" hasn't proven to be too wide. I don't have much experience yet though so only time will tell. All in all we are only talking 3" wider per side, which doesn't seem like a huge difference. Looks like Terra Force offers a similarly built 60" that is about 25 lbs lighter than the 66" so that is an option. Worse case scenerio if it needs to be narrower, I suppose one could simply modify it and cut off the outer most teeth/tube.

 

[ericm979]

Congrats on the new tractor!

EGT is one of the sensor inputs to the data logger, along with pressure sensors on either side of the DPF. There's an OBD2 port on the data logger. I have tried to connect to it but was not successful. However that was using a cheap Bluetooth dongle. It's possible that something better could connect to it, and it's possible that they use standard OBD2 PIDS to report values.

I went with a 60" Wicked grapple. It's longer than the bucket so it takes more space while turning. It's been far more useful than I expected for everything except picking up firewood rounds. I need more practice or something.

 

[DavesTractor]

Thanks for the business, it is very much appreciated. The 25 series Bransons are hard to resist, even if a 15 series is plenty of tractor for most folks. There just isn't a ton of price difference.

Grapples are so handy. I have one myself for use around the property. That and a 4-N-1 and you seldom have to get off the tractor to pick up anything.

Thanks again.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

Things have come full circle after 14 months since I started this thread and I now own (from Dave's Tractor) a 3725H with Factory 3rd function / 66" Grapple, rear remotes and the Ind25 tires. With confirmation bias in full swing, I can say that it has been the best tractor I have operated in this size range including Green and Orange models. Was contemplating getting the rears loaded with beet juice, but with a Howse 72" box blade as ballast the rear didn't get too light even when the loader was bypassing while lifting logs. I was able to pull all but a full overloading load of material in the box blade in 2wd on flat ground. Popped into 4wd I decided there might not be any need for loaded tires in my case. I showed up at the dealership thinking I wanted the 15 series but came away with the 25 series after seeing them side by side and testing them back to back. The add-ons that I wanted for the 15 series came stock from the factory on the 25 series. It was an easy choice for me. Thanks to everyone on this forum for the info shared.

Future mods include adding a pyrometer to monitor EGT. I've heard that running at 800 degrees EGT is what is necessary to maintain a clean unplugged DPF. So I would like to actually monitor the EGT and see what is happening to adjust the way it is operated as necessary. At first I was thinking that drilling and tapping the manifold was in the cards, but upon inspection there is already a tapped hole with npt plug in the middle of the manifold, ready to go.

I'm still pretty happy with mine too. So, I'll say "nice choice" on your tractor.

I believe you're going to have to get that soot cooker hotter than 800 F, more like 1100 F. Not all the time, but at least part of the time. PTO driven attachments will do it, but in the winter time, I have started to just road mine down the gravel road on a Sunday afternoon, 3rd gear range, and max throttle.

I've thought about just getting one of those laser gun thermometer units to check mine periodically. Let us know if you get anywhere with your OBD2 connection idea Eric. That sounds interesting too.

 

[ericm979]

I did some reading on DPF technology and temperatures. Regen temps are in the 750-950 degrees F range. Branson uses continuous regen and a catalyst of some sort. With that temps can be lower... like running at or above 500 degrees for 40% of the run time (https://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2014/03/f9/2004_deer_chatterjee.pdf).

There's a lot of different types of DPF technologies and they all have different requirements. Even among Bransons- Dave told me that the 25 series has more catalyst in it's DPF than the 20 series. I think that the only way to know for sure would be to get the info from Branson.

Another way would be to look at the pressure differential across the DPF. The data logger monitors and records those and lights the DPF light if it's too high. What'd be really nice would be a way to see that differential and use that feedback to inform your operating methods. That's what I'm hoping I can find via OBD2 as there are standard PIDS for that kind of thing.

 

[LouNY]

One of the service manuals that could be downloaded had a very comprehensive section on the DPF and the communication link and protocols. I believe it was for the K series.
View attachment Branson DPF.pdf

I have tried to attach the DPF section as a PDF we will see if it work.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

One of the service manuals that could be downloaded had a very comprehensive section on the DPF and the communication link and protocols. I believe it was for the K series.
View attachment 542235

I have tried to attach the DPF section as a PDF we will see if it work.

Thank you for that.

 

[poneykeg]

Eric, good idea on the restrictor to slow down a smaller cylinder. I bet you could buy a restrictor, even an adjustable one, via Surplus Center for not much. I've also seen guys just braze or weld a fitting closed and then drill it and test until they get a good speed. I think they make restrictors that only restrict in one direction, or both directions. For not much money, you can really fine tune your hydraulics. Restrictors build a ton of heat, but since these cylinders aren't moved much I do not think it becomes an issue. Another idea is a 5000 psi needle valve. That allows fine tuning, but it is probably an unnecessary adjustment.

Take a penny or any metal the size needed drill a 1/8 and install at hose connection to restrict flow of oil varying the size of hole to get the action of of the cylinder you want.

 

[Texasmark]

I didn't see any type of a height adjustment. Maybe some one else knows of something I don't. More knowledgeable people on here than me. Yes makes a world of difference with that 3pt extended and more travel in the handle. We need some pictures of the tractor to wee what we are missing out on. Good luck with your new purchase.

I realize this is almost a month old but.....In what hole do you have your 3rd member located? Putting it in the bottom hole makes for the highest lifting but it comes at a price....tail end of the implement is higher in the air. Not bad just how it is.

 

[bcavender]

LouNY,
In the manual you posted, the Branson data logger has a USB PC connection for a "Superuser".

Is that factory/dealer only or can us Joe Farmer types seewhat is going on under the hood too with a notebook?

Tnx!
Bruce

 

[LouNY]

I don't know, the Australia manuals seem to have a software package for communication I would expect that some drivers and file readers would be required. From what I have been told my dealer doesn't have the software to read he removes replaces and sends the old one back. I have read were some people have had some luck with different manufactures with some of the can bus readers.

 

[Texasmark]

I'm interested in the new engine/tier 4 strategy as well. Looking at the site the 3725R uses an A2000N3 where the older 4520R uses an A2000N2, but the 4225R uses the A2000N2...so what's the difference between the N2 and N3 engine?
I'm glad to see they're still producing new products, I was a bit concerned after the TYM purchase...kinda waiting to see how that all shakes out with models/engines between Branson and TYM

Your engine numbers are Cummins. Kukje got licensed by Cummins to build their engines. Don't know when nor which ones. My 6530 was licensed to Komatsu heavy equipment. My 2400 was Kukje.

On TyM and Branson, when I bought my 2400 I went to a local dealer and saw one sitting on the lot.....one of the ones I had to wait for since they were sold out and had a new load coming in. I told the manager to work me up a price on this Branson and a couple of implements. While gone, I noticed the same size TYM sitting next to it.....25 hp as I recall. Took me all of 2 minutes to know I made the right choice. Don't know why TYM bought them. I speculate it was to get the Cummins licensed engine. Have no idea how the larger tractors compare. If the new large tractors are made like my 6530 it would be hard to beat.

 

[Texasmark]

Finally got a day when I was home and the light wasn't too bad. It's been raining a lot here. Pictures show the 25 series' left side adjustable 3pt link (I see I left the handle lock unlocked) and two factory remotes. I got a dealer added top and tilt. There's a larger fuel filter, dashboard that I think is a little different from the 20 series, and the moved PTO, cruise and 4-way flasher switches.
View attachment 499256View attachment 499258View attachment 499259View attachment 499260View attachment 499261

Question: In your second picture I see something orange on the right side. Is that the trans/hyd fill cap or is/does it have a second position control...depth setting control back there at the 3 pt. If so, PERFECT. Would be like my 6530.

For you folks thinking about a purchase, take a second look at the second picture. Notice the lift arm extensions (standard), the lift arm sway stabilizer arms, tube and slot with a locking pin. If that tractor has the position control I asked about, you will be hard pressed to find an easier tractor for one person to hook up implements.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

If I may butt in and answer on Eric's behalf, it is the fill tube plug for the hydro.

Sorry, took me a while to even realize what you were asking about, you have sharp eyes sir. I have same tractor and had to study the pic to even see it.

Lol.

 

[ericm979]

Yep its one of those question mark shaped fill plug/vent things. If the pic was from the other side you'd be able to see the whole thing.
A second position control lever back there would be useful. I walk forward a couple steps and reach over the fender now. It looks like there's room to make a simple rear position control linkage if one wanted it enough.

 

[Branson Bob]

For you folks thinking about a purchase, take a second look at the second picture. Notice the lift arm extensions (standard), the lift arm sway stabilizer arms, tube and slot with a locking pin. If that tractor has the position control I asked about, you will be hard pressed to find an easier tractor for one person to hook up implements.

I'm loving the Pat's Easy Change system. That's super helpful too. They add about 3.5-4" to the length of the lower arms but that hasn't hurt me in any way with the attachments I have.

 

[Texasmark]

If I may butt in and answer on Eric's behalf, it is the fill tube plug for the hydro.

Sorry, took me a while to even realize what you were asking about, you have sharp eyes sir. I have same tractor and had to study the pic to even see it.

Lol.

Thanks for the compliment sir but on my 6530, the UTF fill plug and the knob on the lever I mentioned are both orange. Could only see the color, not the outline of the object.