Your thoughts on Branson

backintheday · May 2, 2012

Happy wednesday to all
Talked to a dealer today about a mahindra 3616, he didn't have any in stock but he told me about the Branson 3510 HST TLB, i like the numbers i'm reading about, lift capacity and backhoe digging debth. Price seems good to me, 16,900, but what about the reliabilty? Any opinions are welcomed.

Thanks

tractorski · May 2, 2012

I had one, it was a good solid tractor. It was really heavy for the horsepower. I had no complaints, except I needed more HP. The only thing was it did not have a very good resale value, probably because it wasn't orange or green.

droptop · May 2, 2012

The Mahindra 3616 is actually made in Japan by Mitsubshi, real nice fit and finish. Well worth considering. The Mahindra dealer network is much larger (at least around me) than the Branson. For both, look for the two next closest dealers to see where you would have to go for service if your dealer went belly up. As was already stated, resale on the Branson isn't real good, and Mahindra would be somewhat better, but as always used markets are dependent on the local dealers.

backintheday · May 2, 2012

Good points. Correction on the price, i meant to say 26,900 with BH. As far as dealers go, i am over a hundred miles from any dealer (kubota is the closest) the next closest is 260 miles, that dealer has Kioti, Mahindra and Branson. I will be doing alot of digging so the extra weight lifting capacity and weight of the tractor is attractive. The resale value is something to think about but i plan on keeping it for many many years. More worried about reliabilty than anything. Thanks for the info

backintheday · May 10, 2012

Got a price from a different dealer. 3510 with FEL and BH $25,000, seems like a good price to me. I'm going to do the deal tomorrow. Where is the best place to buy attachment, forks, box blade etc?

Gittyup · May 13, 2012

All three brands are excellent diggers. The only issue with Branson is long term support. Isn't clear whether you'd be able to get parts 10-15 years down the road. Tough call, as they do seem to be very good tractors.

4520RX · May 14, 2012

Bought my 4520R other than a recall issue and an improperly packaged Napa filter. The motor is a rebranded cummins, the loader has skid steer quick attach for impliments