We have sold Branson since 2002, and we are currently #3 in the nation for Branson sales volume. So we have some experience. They changed the engine and bell housing in about 2006 when they went to the "I" models. The loader supports also changed. I think we had 2 or 3 failures on the early models, and I cannot recall a failure on a later model. Generally it happens if the loader bolts or supports that go rearward get loose. Those need to be checked, as the supports are important and if they are loose they are not supporting. Heavy three-point loads with a bouncing condition, like driving quickly over checks in a field would exacerbate the stress to the center of a tractor.
We have also replaced bell housings on New Hollands, Massey's and John Deere models in our shop. It is rare on all models, but if you go to a high volume dealer of about any brand and they are willing to tell you the truth, this is a rare event but it does happen every so often across all brands. I have often wondered if perhaps a casting somehow has a weak spot or a thin spot. Maybe they crank out 1000 castings and 1 just isn't up to speed?
The 2810 referenced above is a pre "I" model. I would think a bell housing could still be found and this could be rebuilt, but if you do it at a shop the cost of parts and labor are going to compete with what an older 2810 is worth. We had a JD 110 come in with a busted bell housing, and I think at JD, parts and labor were nearly $10k to have it fixed. We sold it to a guy in broken condition and he had it welded and it has held to this day. But as a shop I would not be comfortable doing that. But if it were my own tractor I might just give that a go.
