Buying Advice Branson 2800h or LS XJ2025

Hunter77 · Nov 7, 2015

Hi everyone this is my first post. I'm looking to buy my first tractor. I'm looking at a Branson 2800h and the Ls XJ2025 both have fel. I don't know anything about tractors other than what I have read. I'm looking for help. the Branson is 2013 I can buy it for 12,000 plus tx. The LS XJ2025 is 12,900 plus tax. Are these good prices and are there any Pros/cons to either one. I will be taking care of a long gravel drive/snow removal/rear finish mower/brush hogging/wood cutting. Any thoughts on either would be welcome.

vacman · Nov 11, 2015

Hello and welcome to the forum. I can't offer anything on the Branson but I did test out the LS when I was comparing tractors. That price seems pretty good from my memory assuming it has the FEL too. I liked the LS quite a bit. It fit me well and was comfortable. I like the fact that the loader controller is adjustable. It has a strong loader and I hear that now it comes with a SSQA.(for me, that became my #1 priority). The one thing I didn't care for was the 3 point hitch control is not position control (even though their literature says it is). Ultimately, I chose a Kubota B2650 which is has a bigger frame with better specs for lift.

Good luck on your quest.
John

antlers125 · Nov 12, 2015

I own the LS 2023. Pretty much the same as the 2025, just a few cosmetic differences & it has been great. LS has been making tractors for New Holland for a long time. They started selling under their own name in 2009. The price you were quoted is definitely a good 1. I don't know much about Branson so can't help you there. To me it comes down to lifting capabilities & dealer support between the 2 tractors. I know LS carries a 5 yr. Warranty. FEL lift capacity is around 1250lbs. Rear lift is around 1450lbs. Hope this helps. Forgot to mention, You said the Branson is a 2013 so this may cut you short on the Warranty If it is new, considering it is 2 years old.

Hunter77 · Nov 12, 2015

Thank You for the replies. The Branson is new just a left over 13. The dealer did say a full warranty comes with it. But I better ask how long and if it is from day of purchase. I like both units. Branson is all metal hood and fenders. the ls is all plastic, but dose have the ssa on the fel witch I like. both dealers are about 45min. away from me. What other tractors would compare in size and cost. I have a JD dealer 10 miles away and kabota 20 also kioti 15 what do you guys think of these units. Again Thanks for the info.

TimberXX · Nov 12, 2015

Personally I wouldn't take a leftover 13, it sat just too long, but that's me.

I wouldn't go Deere. Too many problems with tranny failures on the 2210 and 2305, with no support.

Kubota is excellent, but your paying another 2k at least.

paulfun9 · Nov 13, 2015

lots of happy Kioti owners around also. Check them all out and find the one that fits you and your needs the best!

oldnslo · Nov 13, 2015

Branson has 4 year warranty but I would verify that it starts at time of sale. I would test drive them both and see if one "fits" you better. For me the Branson 2400H was the best choice but your taste may be different.

All of the rtactors this size require extra weight on the rear to fully utilize the FEL. I have my rear tires filled with rim guard and a heaped full bucket of dirt will make the rear very light.

katoomed00 · Nov 13, 2015

Look at TYM also.

Hunter77 · Nov 13, 2015

Thank You all for your replies. I'm still looking at the units you suggested. I have a 48" box blade for added weight in the rear and I am going to make a 3pt weight box. I plan on trying that before loading rears, I would like to try to keep the weight for mowing. When I decide on a unit I will be buying a 5' finish mower for my 3 acres I will be mowing. What TYM unit compares in size and lift capacity of the Branson 2800h and XJ2025. Again thank you all for your comments/replies.

katoomed00 · Nov 14, 2015

TYM
T233hst-23hp
T273hst-27hp
T293hst-29hp

jeff9366 · Nov 14, 2015

Hunter77 said:
I have a 48" box blade for added weight in the rear and I am going to make a 3pt weight box.

One or the other is good for rear ballast. Why do you want both?

Hunter77 · Nov 14, 2015

I can make the 3pt ballast box shorter and not as wide, so I feel it may come in handy in smaller/tight places and also in the woods when cutting and pulling logs out. I think it will work better than a box blade. This is what I am thinking. I may be wrong I have never a tractor before. Dose anyone think is the way to go.

Hunter77 · Nov 14, 2015

Thanks katoomed00 I will check them out. The only problem is nearest to me is a 1 1/2 hour trip. But willing to go check them out. Thanks

Hunter77 · Nov 14, 2015

I have a question that may not make a difference. On a fel is a why do some loaders have single cylinders and some double. Is one any better than the other.

jeff9366 · Nov 14, 2015

Hunter77 said:
I have a question that may not make a difference. On a fel is a why do some loaders have single cylinders and some double. Is one any better than the other.

Two cylinders provide more lift capacity and better balanced lift.

jeff9366 · Nov 14, 2015

Hunter77 said:
I can make the 3pt ballast box shorter and not as wide, so I feel it may come in handy in smaller/tight places and also in the woods when cutting and pulling logs out. I think it will work better than a box blade. This is what I am thinking. I may be wrong I have never a tractor before. Dose anyone think is the way to go.

When ballast is cantilevered out to the rear its EFFECTIVE ballast weight is greater; an advantage.

After a short time you will disregard dimensions of a Box Blade as ballast. Box Blade is the most common implement form of ballast.

Seocnd most common implement ballast is a Rotary Cutter, however most Rotary Cutter tail wheels do protrude some distance to the rear and have to be kept in mind.

A Cultipacker is heavy and compact.

For pulling out logs you need to get a Cross-Drawbar with center support for your Three Point Hitch. On the cross-drawbar mount a bolt-on 5/16" chain grab hook and a clevis shackle. Above, mount a Hanging Tree. Mine is from OMNI Manufacturing.

Many variations are available from Tractor Supply and Agri Supply, often with A-frame support for the cross-drawbar. Lowest prices are from eBay venders.

You need to elevate log butts when dragging trunks.

It is all too easy to spring your FEL by dragging tree trunks with it.

The three point hitch, supported by the heavy rear axle, is the place designed to support loads.

Here is a high-priced alternative from Northern Tool: Norwood Log Hog Log Skidder Tractor Attachment, Model# 41255 Log Hog | Log Skidding Accessories| Northern Tool + Equipment

28 pounds but priced at $300!

EBay Cross Drawbar Hitches: drawbar hitch in Heavy Equipment Attachments | eBay

krh20fan · Nov 16, 2015

Buy the LS LOVE my XR3037C!!

DaveNJ · Nov 17, 2015

I bought an LS 2025 H in August and just did the 50 hr servicing yesterday. It did come with an SSQA loader- got it with backhoe, bush hog and box blade as well. You probably know that it comes with a Mitsubishi SL2 engine formerly rated at 28 Hp and downgraded to 24.5 to meet EPA Tier 4. For a small tractor it runs like a beast and I am well pleased with it so far. The plastic body parts are pretty heavy duty and have held up well in crashing through Russian Olive and Multiflora Rosebush clearing. They don't dent like thin gauge metal might. I considered the Kioti and Mahindra before going with the LS based on a combination of price, features and dealer.