Just my thoughts but there are lots of nice tractors in that price range (depending on whether you are talking just tractor or tractor and all the stuff...that gets much harder). Anyway a few years ago I needed a compact tractor and just couldnt spend the 20k that JD and Kubota wanted for the 28 or so hp I thought I needed. I bought Branson. Its been a great tractor, never failed me. Now the but. The local dealer stopped carrying the line now the closest one is over 50 miles away in another state. I think the decision is a balance between the machine that fits your needs and and a dealer/brand you can depend on (unless you are handy or dont plan on keeping it long term). Thats the risk of the 2nd tier, not in quality, but brand strength and dealerships of tractors. Is the extra $5k worth the name and therefore the dealer? Thats up to you but if I look back I "might" have bought a smaller or less flexible/capable tractor with the big name to avoid hunting for a dealer out of state or hours away in order to hit my price point. Now understand that is because I feel I have more tractor than I need, certainly more than I have ever used. That is not always the case so you have to be careful if you go too small to get the "right" color paint.
Phil in West by God.