Branson 6350 vs Kioti DK65S

[Gringo_Viejo]

I need some help from anyone who has experience with the Branson 6530 FEL, hydraulics, and air conditioner. I had about made up my mind to buy the Kioti DK65S when I stopped by the Rio Grande Valley Mahindra dealer and saw the Branson on his lot. After I looked it over I was almost ready to forget the Kioti, but after I got home and started researching the Branson, I became skeptical of its FEL performance. From what I could pick up from the Branson WebSite, the FEL just doesn't measure up to what one would expect on a 65 hp tractor. In the process of narrowing my options I had checked out the Montana 5740C; Kioti DK55 and DK65S; and Mahindra 6000FWD, 6500FWD, 6520 4WD, and 7010 Cab. When all the loader specs were compared, the Branson appeared to finish a dismal dead last. Some of the more disconcerting figures were Lift capacity at full height - 2050#, max lift height - 9'6", clearance with attachment level - 8' 6", clearance with bucket dumped - 6' 10", and reach at max height - 16". I am also concerned that I have been unable to locate a spec for 3 point hitch lift capacity and hydraulic pump capacity / delivery. I told the dealer that the tractor absolutely must be able to stack 1200 lb. round bales two high on a flat bed trailer and unload them. He has given me the name of the regional rep, but I would like to hear from someone with experience using the FEL. The final two concern items were that the air conditioner seems a little weak for coping with the 110 degrees in the shade we find here in the summer, and that buried in the spec on the Branson Web Page is a note that the horsepower / RPM figures are manufacturer's estimates.

Aside from that I loved the tractor. The ergonomics are superb as is the 24/24 transmission. I would really like to buy the Branson, and I have great confidence in the dealer and his ability to provide service. I just wish the 6530 had a couple of years more field experience .

On the other hand, what's not to like about the Kioti? It seems to be a great tractor, but the dealer doesn't have one that I can look over. I have a hard time dropping nearly $38k sight unseen for tractor, FEL, Bale Spear, Pallet Forks, and Delivery. The Kioti air conditioner may not be any better than the Branson either.

The Branson is a couple of thousand less, so price is not a great consideration. If anyone out there has any experience with these two tractors in the environment that I have described (particularly the 6530 FEL) I would be most grateful for your input.

 

[Clydes]

I have the 6530, and love it. haven't had any issues at all. Anything I've tried to lift with the loader, it has done it fine. I have a wrlong root grapple on the front, and have picked up 36" diameter oak logs 10-12' and stacked them without issues. I used my forks to unload a bunch of pallets of horse feed for a friend. Each pallet weighing 2k and didn't have issues. The airconditioner keeps me cool on a 95 degree day but don't have anything else to compare it to. I'm sure therre are a lot better tractors out there, but will come with cost. For what I use it for seems to be more then I need.

 

[Gringo_Viejo]

Clydes,

Thanks for your input. I'm glad to hear that your Branson does what you want it to. You have alleviated my concern about FEL capabilities.

 

[Clydes]

Hope all goes well. If you think that your not getting enough umph from your FEL, the dealer can turn up the pressure the pump puts out to increase it.