Why buy a Branson Tractor?

[arnoldziffel]

What makes a Branson Tractor a better buy than competing brands?

* Heavier duty weight / construction?

* Powertrain simplicity?

* Reasonable, (not low), pricing?

I'm sitting here trying to better understand just what has caused me to be so focused on seriously considering the purchase of a 4225h.
I've looked at several other brands, Massey, Kioti, LS. I keep coming back to the Branson.
Maybe its the better ergonomics for a tall guy (me)? Or, Maybe I just want to prove that this brand, that some have suggested is a bit of an underdog, is a solid choice in the marketplace.

There are risks: Few dealers in the Northeast. Branson's unique emission system that for some has been troublesome.

Making this leap is proving to be a tougher decision than I ever imagined.

Am I nuts to be considering this tractor?

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I would be one to say you're probably over thinking things.

And in full disclosure,

Yes, I have a Branson. Yes, I am one of "the few" who have had issues with the DPF system that Branson uses. To be fair, I would say my environmental conditions are more extreme than what most users will put their tractor through. I would also say that the Branson DPF design has it's pluses and minuses. Being that it is an entirely passive system, that is effectively nothing more than a bolt on filter with an idiot light wired into it, it is the most simple system to remove of any on the current marketplace. You literally unbolt it, remove the wiring plugs, disconnect the idiot light "controller" (called a data logger), and bolt a muffler on in it's place. That's it. There is nothing more that needs to be done, and the engine (and tractor) will run perfectly fine once this is done.

Even though I have had "issues" as stated above, these are the ONLY issues I have had with my tractor. And, even today, I am happy with my tractor, and knowing what I know now, I would make the same choice again, and buy either the 3725, or the 4225 (although I DID see a pic from a farm show of a 6225 that has me thinking...).

First, they are built h*e*l*l-for-stout. For their hp and chassis size class, they are about the heaviest compact tractor you can find. Look at/underneath one. Now go look at/underneath some of the other "color" tractors. No comparison. The castings/housings are HUGE on this thing. They normally kick the competition square in the jimmies (any color, any price) in FEL and 3 pt lift capacities. This is comparing same chassis size to same chassis size. On the HST models, you only lose 5 rated hp between the engine rating (either 37 or 42 on the 25 series) and the PTO rating (either 32 or 37 respectively). That is a very efficient HST design.

You get things for free, that the "popular color" tractors make you pay extra premium $ to add. Work lights, cruise control, heat and air conditioning and a stereo (on cabbed models), linked pedals, linked pto, adjustable lower link arms on BOTH sides, diff lock, side mirrors on both sides, steps on both sides. You don't have to climb up in/on the tractor to put fuel in it. The fuel tank sits on the left side, in front of the step, and you can stand with both feet on the ground, fill the tank from normal height, and even bend down and look into the tank, all while still standing next to the tractor.

And I saved $20K by NOT buying the "green one".

 

[fried1765]

What makes a Branson Tractor a better buy than competing brands?

* Heavier duty weight / construction?

* Powertrain simplicity?

* Reasonable, (not low), pricing?

I'm sitting here trying to better understand just what has caused me to be so focused on seriously considering the purchase of a 4225h.
I've looked at several other brands, Massey, Kioti, LS. I keep coming back to the Branson.
Maybe its the better ergonomics for a tall guy (me)? Or, Maybe I just want to prove that this brand, that some have suggested is a bit of an underdog, is a solid choice in the marketplace.

There are risks: Few dealers in the Northeast. Branson's unique emission system that for some has been troublesome.

Making this leap is proving to be a tougher decision than I ever imagined.

Am I nuts to be considering this tractor?

Please put your location in your profile.
It helps us all, to help you with information pertinent to you.

 

[fried1765]

I would be one to say you're probably over thinking things.

And in full disclosure,

Yes, I have a Branson. Yes, I am one of "the few" who have had issues with the DPF system that Branson uses. To be fair, I would say my environmental conditions are more extreme than what most users will put their tractor through. I would also say that the Branson DPF design has it's pluses and minuses. Being that it is an entirely passive system, that is effectively nothing more than a bolt on filter with an idiot light wired into it, it is the most simple system to remove of any on the current marketplace. You literally unbolt it, remove the wiring plugs, disconnect the idiot light "controller" (called a data logger), and bolt a muffler on in it's place. That's it. There is nothing more that needs to be done, and the engine (and tractor) will run perfectly fine once this is done.

Even though I have had "issues" as stated above, these are the ONLY issues I have had with my tractor. And, even today, I am happy with my tractor, and knowing what I know now, I would make the same choice again, and buy either the 3725, or the 4225 (although I DID see a pic from a farm show of a 6225 that has me thinking...).

First, they are built h*e*l*l-for-stout. For their hp and chassis size class, they are about the heaviest compact tractor you can find. Look at/underneath one. Now go look at/underneath some of the other "color" tractors. No comparison. The castings/housings are HUGE on this thing. They normally kick the competition square in the jimmies (any color, any price) in FEL and 3 pt lift capacities. This is comparing same chassis size to same chassis size. On the HST models, you only lose 5 rated hp between the engine rating (either 37 or 42 on the 25 series) and the PTO rating (either 32 or 37 respectively). That is a very efficient HST design.

You get things for free, that the "popular color" tractors make you pay extra premium $ to add. Work lights, cruise control, heat and air conditioning and a stereo (on cabbed models), linked pedals, linked pto, adjustable lower link arms on BOTH sides, diff lock, side mirrors on both sides, steps on both sides. You don't have to climb up in/on the tractor to put fuel in it. The fuel tank sits on the left side, in front of the step, and you can stand with both feet on the ground, fill the tank from normal height, and even bend down and look into the tank, all while still standing next to the tractor.

And I saved $20K by NOT buying the "green one".

Very comprehensive description!
Thank you!

 

[TheMadOne]

It's like cars. Very few are actually "bad", and value per dollar is largely subjective. If you feel Branson is for you, that's no different than being a Ford guy, or a Chevy guy. Tractors are one of the last bastions of the color wars.

 

[LouNY]

The reason I bought a Branson was simply the tractor for the money,
It fit me, and I'm a big person.
Doors on both sides of the cab, I would have a tough time getting in on the right side. But I use that door frequently,
I can operate my loader from outside the cab, I can operate my remotes, and by stepping up on the step I can reach the pto switch.
I had between $10,000 and almost $20,000 difference between NH and JD to Branson.

 

[Jchonline]

If I had a dealer in my area they would definitely be in contention. Not sure why no one wants to sell tractors in the mountains They are owned by TYM, but I see no reason to believe the brand will fizzle. They are selling well in the US.

 

[JonnyRed]

OP, I have owned a 4520R Branson for 3 years so I feel that I can speak to their quality. My tractor is a shuttle shift so that is what I know. The tractors are built stout as others have pointed out and you get a lot of features included with the base package. The most frustrating aspect of ownership has been their total lack of online parts lookup on their website, which from my understanding is being worked on. The second most frustrating aspect for me personally was that my dealer a bit "fly by night" in that they subcontracted the service work to another local tractor repair company (another tiny operation). Fortunately I have only had what I would consider to be 2 warrantable issues. A small oil leak at the oil filter mounting assembly and an emergency brake switch that intermittently wouldn't illuminate the dash light with the brake applied. Neither of which was worth it to me to go through the hassle of bringing the tractor in so I dealt with them myself. The sole deciding factor I would use in buying another Branson would be the dealership I purchased from! If they appeared to be in it for the long haul in an established location with "in house" service bays and a well stocked parts department then I wouldn't hesitate. If it doesn't appear that they are fully vested in being a full service operation then I would move on.

 

[ericm979]

Big Red has a Branson parts lookup: Branson Tractor Parts | TYM Parts Dealers
it's not very good but it's better than nothing.

 

[ptsg]

I would be one to say you're probably over thinking things.

And in full disclosure,

Yes, I have a Branson. Yes, I am one of "the few" who have had issues with the DPF system that Branson uses. To be fair, I would say my environmental conditions are more extreme than what most users will put their tractor through. I would also say that the Branson DPF design has it's pluses and minuses. Being that it is an entirely passive system, that is effectively nothing more than a bolt on filter with an idiot light wired into it, it is the most simple system to remove of any on the current marketplace. You literally unbolt it, remove the wiring plugs, disconnect the idiot light "controller" (called a data logger), and bolt a muffler on in it's place. That's it. There is nothing more that needs to be done, and the engine (and tractor) will run perfectly fine once this is done.

Even though I have had "issues" as stated above, these are the ONLY issues I have had with my tractor. And, even today, I am happy with my tractor, and knowing what I know now, I would make the same choice again, and buy either the 3725, or the 4225 (although I DID see a pic from a farm show of a 6225 that has me thinking...).

First, they are built h*e*l*l-for-stout. For their hp and chassis size class, they are about the heaviest compact tractor you can find. Look at/underneath one. Now go look at/underneath some of the other "color" tractors. No comparison. The castings/housings are HUGE on this thing. They normally kick the competition square in the jimmies (any color, any price) in FEL and 3 pt lift capacities. This is comparing same chassis size to same chassis size. On the HST models, you only lose 5 rated hp between the engine rating (either 37 or 42 on the 25 series) and the PTO rating (either 32 or 37 respectively). That is a very efficient HST design.

You get things for free, that the "popular color" tractors make you pay extra premium $ to add. Work lights, cruise control, heat and air conditioning and a stereo (on cabbed models), linked pedals, linked pto, adjustable lower link arms on BOTH sides, diff lock, side mirrors on both sides, steps on both sides. You don't have to climb up in/on the tractor to put fuel in it. The fuel tank sits on the left side, in front of the step, and you can stand with both feet on the ground, fill the tank from normal height, and even bend down and look into the tank, all while still standing next to the tractor.

And I saved $20K by NOT buying the "green one".

Spot on Slowpoke Slim. Couldn't agree more!