My neighbor bought a new Branson 4515 back in January. No doubt I swayed his decision. Haven't heard any complaints. I like my LS also. Funny way I acquired it, I went to buy a Branson 25 HS and wanted to trade in 2 tractors.
Branson dealer said they don't take trades but gave me the phone number of the guy who works the trade equipment in my area. Turns out he is an LS dealer. Got to looking at the aminities of the MT2 25s and bought it instead with him taking my tractors in trade and free delivery from a couple hundred miles away. I had Branson in that class and thought I wanted stick shift back in 2016 when I bought it. At 80 I finally changed my mind since all my mowers are hydros. I certainly would consider HS in whatever you buy....just so much more enjoyable and timesaving.
Here's just one little example. One person hookup of implements without extending lift arms is a kingsize PIA. I put Pat's quick hitch on all with out them. Pats is quick but on my LS HS, I can get off the tractor in gear engine running and being on the ground adjacent to the tractor, reach over and touch the pedals and with my hand make minute adjustments to complete the hookup. That is really slick and NO its not unsafe......the tractor is just inching along and as soon as you let go of the pedal the tractor stops just like any HS drive!
