Why Branson over Others ?

[ptsg]

Mine also does that. Or at least did. It came from the dealer with the front diff quite a bit overfilled and I do a lot of mowing in steep hills. When the tractor was tilted to the vent side, it would leak off. Now it's on the right level and doesn't seem to do it anymore. It is not the end of the world anyway.

The last time I went to the dealer, in April, I've noticed that Branson changed the vent style on the newer tractors.

 

[Brucester]

Hi.. I've got a 3510 I bought brand new and DROVE it home 3 miles away because the new to me flat had nearly flat tires when I loaded it onto the trailer. So anyways.. I've been using it for fulltime self employment for the past 10 years I've owned it. I am very pleased with it. It now has 2932 hrs on it. It's never really broke down on me.. but by not keeping the fuses and fusebox clean, it's failed to start. Only thing I have done to it is to rebuild the starter twice and replace the fuel pump. I recently replaced the fan belt after 10 yrs. I've gone through 4 sets of front tires and am still on the original set on back.

I'd buy another one. Bruce's Tractor Services - Prospect, Oregon | Facebook for pix and vids.

 

[ericm979]

Eric, The front axle leak at the filter vent, is that a problem on all Branson tractors or just your particular model ? I wouldn't be happy about that issue.

It's on some models. Dave's tractor told me they'd been asking Branson to change it. @ptsg says they're different on the new ones. I'll have to see if there's a possible retrofit.

My land is super steep. Dave's put together a package with smaller wheels from the 10 series and spacers on the rear, to make a lower wider tractor that can handle slopes better. I probably do more side hilling than many owners. The axle has only leaked when I park on a sigificant slide slope with the vent on the downhill side.

 

[Stimw]

I bought my 3510 in 2005 and am still very happy with it!!
I had adapted a Jinma Backhoe/subframe to it and used it until the first of the year.
I sold the Jinma Hoe and bought a newer model, see pic, for $3300. with free shipping!
I made a subframe for the new Hoe and am still checking it out. ???

 

[ptsg]

It's on some models. Dave's tractor told me they'd been asking Branson to change it. @ptsg says they're different on the new ones. I'll have to see if there's a possible retrofit.

It was something along this lines. Not exactly that as that is just a picture to illustrate. It was fitted on a F47Rn Narrow.



I've noticed the cap. All steel, not plastic like the ones we have. Looks like it works like a check valve.

 

[bigcut]

Hi.. I've got a 3510 I bought brand new and DROVE it home 3 miles away because the new to me flat had nearly flat tires when I loaded it onto the trailer. So anyways.. I've been using it for fulltime self employment for the past 10 years I've owned it. I am very pleased with it. It now has 2932 hrs on it. It's never really broke down on me.. but by not keeping the fuses and fusebox clean, it's failed to start. Only thing I have done to it is to rebuild the starter twice and replace the fuel pump. I recently replaced the fan belt after 10 yrs. I've gone through 4 sets of front tires and am still on the original set on back.

I'd buy another one. Bruce's Tractor Services - Prospect, Oregon | Facebook for pix and vids.

Bruce, I'd say it's served you well....Why 4 sets of front tires ? What do you do with it for employment That's so hard on the front tires.....my guess would be loader work, but, you tell me.
John

 

[bigcut]

My backhoe is a BH76. It痴 worthwhile for me for my needs and it does perform quite well. Dig out some rocks, tree stumps, etc. I do plan to get a ripper from Michigan Iron Equipment and convert my mechanical thumb to hydraulic this winter.

I would buy Branson all over again. It痴 been an excellent value.

Like many other tractors with Skid Steer Quick Attach (SSQA) capability, it痴 compatible so using other brands is not an issue. Stick with a tractor with SSQA capability and you値l have access to far more implements than you could dream of.

My final thoughts, tractors should not be viewed as a vehicle that wears out after 10-15 years. Properly cared for, they can outlast your lifetime so with that in mind, I researched carefully and decided on my Branson.

Speaking of proper care of your tractor, part of my dilemma is that the nearest dealer to me is 45 miles. The next is about 100 miles. So for warranty servicing or anything I would need, it would require an 88 mile round trip. I also don't have a trailer, which would add to the investment.

There are 4 Kioti dealers within 20 miles of me. So, this adds to my mental puzzle. Putting aside quality and capabilities, are the Branson's really that competitive cost wise ?

I noticed that there are 5 pending complaints filed with BBB. 4 of those 5 are for Corporate Branson not honoring the warranty. I don't think any were specifically against any dealer. That gives me concern, when warranties are not honored by Corporate. It leaves one with little recourse.

I was curious as to what other owners have experienced in warranty work and any dealings with Corporate Branson. I'd welcome comments.
John

 

[ericm979]

How many complaints do other tractor makers have? Remember there's always some customers who have unreasonable expectations.

Here's front axle vent fix from Daves, on my tractor:

 

[ericm979]

Eric, The front axle leak at the filter vent, is that a problem on all Branson tractors or just your particular model ? I wouldn't be happy about that issue.

I've owned 40+ motorcycles, cars and trucks. Not one of them has been perfect. They all have had at least a few things that I think could be done better.

 

[bigcut]

I've owned 40+ motorcycles, cars and trucks. Not one of them has been perfect. They all have had at least a few things that I think could be done better.

Eric, I agree...nothing is perfect...and because of that, I would expect things to be covered under warranty. That's why it's disturbing if a company does not honor their promise.

As to how many others have BBB complaints filed, I don't know. I would expect there are others. However, I would be really only concerned with complaints filed on a company that I elected to spend my money on. Complaints on other brands are of lesser concern to me and perhaps others.

You can read for yourself the complaints.....it appears that Branson has elected to not respond. By not responding, you only get one side of the story. Take a look at them and tell me what you think