Tractor Sizing Out with the Orange and in with the Red

[Gafn]

Howdy all - new here - I just wanted to say thanks to all of the posters who share their experiences with folks like me.

I have sat back without registering and read man y man y of the posts, trying to determine just what to do.

2 years ago I bought a Orange BX2660 with FEL, and MMM.
- This is a fair mower - blade speed at 2700 rpm is still lower than a commercial walk behind mower
- The deck is from pressed metal and has a lip that runs across the front and just fills with grass, and junk on every mowing - real PITA to keep clean
- The parts under the floor/top of deck trap debris, so you can not simply blow the grass clippings and leaves out in a single direction, it is a PITA to get clean

I put 97 hours on this tractor in 2 years and here are some more observations:

- The Hydro pump is very small - about 4gpm - barley runs a log splitter
- The FEL lift capacity is @ 500lbs
- The FEL controls are extremly jerky - there is no percision
- The weight of the tractor is only 1300lbs - so any plow pretty much stops the tractor dead in compacted soil
- The 3 point is very low to the ground, so using standard size implements are tricky
- Very unstable with a FEL full of soil, feel of tipping on a 8 degree hill (this might just be me)
- Very loud engine and exhaust

Now the good about the Orange
- every time I put the key in it - it started
- In 97 hours I never had to repair anything
- Held it's value very well

I selected the incorrect size for my needs - I have 5 acres, with fruit trees, large garden, animal cages, and poultry.
The FEL lift capacity was a real let down, however being my first tractor - I had no idea I would need more than I had bought.

So last week the little Orange was sold and today I picked up a Branson 3520h.
The specs on this tractor speak for themselves, and the price was right.
I will try to catalog this tractor as I did the Orange.
I will answer any questions about it that I can.
I hope this information help someone - always buy more tractor than you need - I learned the hard way.

Old Orange:


New Red:

 

[oldnslo]

I bet the 3520H doesn't manuever as well for mowing

I made a similar trade two years ago from a BX1850 to the Branson 2400H for similar reasons. The needs change the size of tractor changes.

 

[Gafn]

Your right - I bet it does not...

I have two slopes that are steep enough that I keep an old commercial walk behind in decent repair... I'll do the tight stuff with that, and those slopes are dangerous for a tractor.
I almost bought the 2400 - but was afraid of going to small a 2nd time.

 

[oldnslo]

2400 has more FEL lift than the BX but not much larger foot print and I believe hydraulic flow is also very similar.

For orchard work I believe the 3520 is a better choice. Small enough to get around yet large enough to do some work.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Sweet looking tractor. I have never heard of Branson, is there another name behind it?

 

[k0ua]

Sweet looking tractor. I have never heard of Branson, is there another name behind it?

It is made by Kukje. Another South Korean company.

 

[grm61]

Congrats on your new tractor!
BX is a nice little tractor....I fine companion to a larger machine for heavier work.

That said, if I could have only one, which is my scenario, I'd rather be on the bulky side and deal with it, than to small to do what I want.
It would be nice to have both.

Also...I have a log splitter with a 3.5 horse briggs, spits wood just fine lol

 

[Gafn]

It is made by Kukje. Another South Korean company.

Yes another South Korean company - who also just happens to make the Cummins diesel engine, John Deere tractors... etc..

Kukje Machinery is a South Korean company which manufactures tractors, combine harvesters and other equipment under the Kukje brand. It is a subsidiary of Dongkuk Steel, a large conglomerate. Kukje was founded in 1968 as Korea Agricultural Machinery Co., and changed its name in 1978 to name to Kukje Machinery Co.. In 1980, Kukje signed a technological agreement with Yanmar of Japan. In addition, Kukje has manufactured/distributed some John Deere tractors since 1987.

In 1995, Kukje established its diesel engine manufacturing plant, and in 2002 established an agreement with Cummins to build and supply engines for them.

In 2003, Kukje established Branson Tractor, LLC in the USA to distribute tractors under the Branson brand name. They also manufactured tractors sold under the Century brand in the USA. In 2009, Kukje signed a letter of intent to merge its Branson Tractor company with USA-based Montana Tractors.[1]

Steppenwolfe - Look for the name Century - they are the same tractor.

 

[Smudge]

Howdy Gafn,

Congrats on the new tractor. I'm actually about a week away from pulling the trigger on a 3520 as well, though I'm still undecided about the R or H. Did you get a package deal on the whole bundle? If so, what was the going price?

I called around today to check availability, and the one delaership that could/would give me a straight price, was selling the 3520H with FEL, BH, and a 10,000 GVWR tandem trailer for $27,900. I would like the R model instead, but he said that he bought all of his model H stock under an incentive pricing, and so the 3520R would cost me $2k more for the exact same bundle.

Anyone know if that sounds right? My understanding is that the hydros cost more. Is this right?

Anyhow, I look forward to hearing more about how the 3520 is working out for you!

 

[Gafn]

Smudge

Thanks
Hydros - do cost more - according to my guy normally about $800 - $1200 more than the R, that being said they are like any other auto/equip dealer - they get incentives to move certain models.
Right now - my guy has incentives on the 3120 model ending and the 3520 models starting up, if I wanted the R it would have been $800 less, but I need my wife to be comfortable using this tractor as well, so it was the H for me.
I did a lot of reading, and if you intend to use the bucket a lot, the H is faster to transition forward to reverse, as it is two pedals under the right foot.
I think it is personal preference, or what you are already used to, the H is just easy to drive, mash one pedal to go forward, and let off and mash the other to backup...

That price sounds good - if you google search for prices you will find fastline . com has the one your looking at for $27,320.00 and a 10K trailer is about $2K.

It is pouring rain today I might get it unloaded from the trailer today if we get a break in the downpour.