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

 

[TomIre]

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:
View attachment 570566

Thanks. I'll check with my dealer but . . .

 

[Aquamoose]

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

I sold my smaller trailer along with the B7100 Kubota I once had and bought a 14k tandem flatbed trailer. Never used it for warranty service. You can always rent a flatbed from rental places and they’re usually about $50-$60 a day, maybe less if it’s for 4 hours. That should address the transport issue, provided that you have a suitable tow vehicle.

I knew of this guy who is crying fowl to the moon & back and is on the warpath with Branson but something tells me that if it’s truly legitimate, he would have retained a lawyer. I don’t know about the others, did you say 5 complaints? Out of HOW many customers who owns Bransons in the US? To me, that’s a home run! I’ve only been to the local Branson dealer 3 times. One to look around, one for the warranty parts I mentioned earlier (I was in the area & elected to pick it up), and the other was to pick up filters. (I perform my own maintenance & isn’t difficult to change fluids)

 

[bigcut]

I sold my smaller trailer along with the B7100 Kubota I once had and bought a 14k tandem flatbed trailer. Never used it for warranty service. You can always rent a flatbed from rental places and they’re usually about $50-$60 a day, maybe less if it’s for 4 hours. That should address the transport issue, provided that you have a suitable tow vehicle.

I knew of this guy who is crying fowl to the moon & back and is on the warpath with Branson but something tells me that if it’s truly legitimate, he would have retained a lawyer. I don’t know about the others, did you say 5 complaints? Out of HOW many customers who owns Bransons in the US? To me, that’s a home run! I’ve only been to the local Branson dealer 3 times. One to look around, one for the warranty parts I mentioned earlier (I was in the area & elected to pick it up), and the other was to pick up filters. (I perform my own maintenance & isn’t difficult to change fluids)

Aqua, That's a great idea of renting a trailer...I'll have to check that out....I'm going to attempt to see how many complaints other brands have with the BBB.

BBB complaints can't be good for business or sales.
John

 

[Texasmark]

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.

Maybe some of the others can comment on this issue. Does anyone else have the same problem ?
John

Nope. Front axles come with built in dip sticks and are sealed. Some may only have one dipstick which is ok since you are supposed to check on level ground and if in the full or near full range oil is all away across the front axle and you only need one.

 

[ericm979]

Axles heat up in normal operation and the air expands, raising the pressure. That can push oil past the seals or even push the seals out. So they need vents or breathers. Pretty much all axles have them. On my 3725 the orange plastic cap that isn't the dipstick has the breather in it.

Maybe a more complete fix than the tube I got from Dave's would be to connect a hose to that tube or the filler cap and run it along the axle and then up the center of the tractor. Then plug the vent in the cap. My concerns with that would be ripping the hose off in brush and the oil pooling in the hose where it dips down to run along the axle. Breather hoses are supposed to go up so there's no oil in them to block the air. The hose damage problem can be addressed by running the hose on the back side of the axle and tying it down well. The oil would just have to be left in the hose. Maybe put a cannister in the hose at the center of the tractor so air can push the oil in the hose out into the cannister where the air can get around it and escape. It hasn't been enough of a problem for me to do this.

 

[bigcut]

Thanks. I'll check with my dealer but . . .

BBB COMPLAINTS IN LAST 3 YEARS BY TRACTOR BRAND:
Kubota: 0

Branson: 5

Kioti: 3

John Deere" 27

LS: 5

Mahindra: 12

TYM: 1

In all cases BBB showed these complaints as closed. The leading category was "Problems with Products and Services", for each Brand. I guess one of the ways to look at this is as a percentage of the number of units sold. Whatever that would be.

While all complaints were closed, it may NOT have been to everyone's satisfaction. I had to chuckle. One of the complaints was on Kioti where by the owner was beyond warranty and stated that "all" parts should be covered for 20 years. That was his opinion and insisted Kioti cover the failed part as a company.

IIRC, I think there was one for Branson related to front axle stubs snapping. The owner had 2 replaced under warranty and felt that the 3rd failure should have been covered beyond warranty due to repetitive problem and safety. Branson wasn't budging on the 3rd one.

Thought you guys might find the above of interest, as to how Branson stood in comparison to other Brands.
John

 

[ptsg]

I bet most of those BBB complains are cases exactly like that Kioti owner and mostly user error with the owners expectating something that tractors can't do.

As far as front axles stubs snapping, I believe it only happened in the 3510i model, which has been discontinued a long time ago. The problem has been fix since then. There is no problems with that anymore.

The best thing for you to do, is going to the Kioti and Branson dealer, look sit in the tractors, drive it if possible then ask for the price and see who helps you more. Also see what dealer treats you better.

 

[bigcut]

I bet most of those BBB complains are cases exactly like that Kioti owner and mostly user error with the owners expectating something that tractors can't do.

As far as front axles stubs snapping, I believe it only happened in the 3510i model, which has been discontinued a long time ago. The problem has been fix since then. There is no problems with that anymore.

The best thing for you to do, is going to the Kioti and Branson dealer, look sit in the tractors, drive it if possible then ask for the price and see who helps you more. Also see what dealer treats you better.

ptsg, You're exactly correct...I went back and looked and it was the 3510i. You know your Branson Tractors !!

 

[ptsg]

Well, as most people, I also was somewhat skeptical about Branson when I got mine. I've never heard of them at the time. Then I started reading pretty much every single thread I could find and gathered lots of information.

I bought the tractor before doing any research but I did took a look at other brands so I had something to compare. I didn't really care on what brand I would go, as long as it was not chinese. The Branson dealer, after going to 5 other dealers, was the only one that showed interest on the two tractors that I had to trade it. Actually the owner came to my place to check it out and give a price. The other dealers just didn't care at all. Some said they would call, but never did. So the decision was pretty easy.

Anyway, after getting the tractor and working with it for a couple hours, I realize it was indeed a really good machine. To be honest, I've spend lots of time just staring at the tractors and admiring the build quality and how massive every casting is for such sized tractor. It has now close to 100 hours, 0 problems and I would buy Branson again, for sure.

I also found the tractor to be very stable on hills. Even though it sits a bit higher than the other tractors. You can really fell the weight do it's thing.

 

[ptsg]

Here is a video of a Swedish dealer showing the 25 series Branson.

You can see how the engine looks without the DPF and also, you can see the new style vent on the front diff.