Kioit vs LS vs Branson

[Texasmark]

I'll have to take better look at the Bransons when the dealer is actually open. Definitely seems like a lot of happy owners. The only thing that worried me about them is future dealer and warranty support. They just seem to be a much smaller company.

I for sure plan on testing each one out before actually making a purchase. Price only means so much if you're not happy with everything about the machine.

"They just seem to be a much smaller company." Not anymore with the TYM purchase of Branson.....so I read.

On Branson warranty service, no way could anybody beat the service I got on my 6530. I had a problem with the AC idler pulley and installation early on and the area rep. personally got involved at his option, no whining on my part, and personally got me, not only a redesigned bearing assy, but a new attachment arm and V belt (which I didn't need) to boot, in short order, no questions asked. On my cab door which I broke mowing with a rock strike (drum mower) I had a door in 3 days and the warehouse in Plainview, Tx. had 7 in stock.....my problem, not a warranty item.

 

[mred2]

Dealer and parts support would help make the call for me. Most are good tractors and all of them will have a bad one, once in awhile.
A local dealer that will not work with you, is not what you want. Or a distant dealer that will not support you, if you have a problem. Money is only one part of the decision. Take your time and good luck.

 

[Fordman98]

"They just seem to be a much smaller company." Not anymore with the TYM purchase of Branson.....so I read.

On Branson warranty service, no way could anybody beat the service I got on my 6530. I had a problem with the AC idler pulley and installation early on and the area rep. personally got involved at his option, no whining on my part, and personally got me, not only a redesigned bearing assy, but a new attachment arm and V belt (which I didn't need) to boot, in short order, no questions asked. On my cab door which I broke mowing with a rock strike (drum mower) I had a door in 3 days and the warehouse in Plainview, Tx. had 7 in stock.....my problem, not a warranty item.

That's definitley good to hear! I haven't talked with my local dealer yet. Good to know the corporate company is at least very good at making their customer happy.

 

[airbiscuit]

I'll have to take better look at the Bransons when the dealer is actually open. Definitely seems like a lot of happy owners. The only thing that worried me about them is future dealer and warranty support. They just seem to be a much smaller company.

I for sure plan on testing each one out before actually making a purchase. Price only means so much if you're not happy with everything about the machine.

TYM bought out Branson. Ask your dealer if he thinks Branson will still be an independent brand in 10 years.

General Motors abandoned McLaughlin, Oakland, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Hummer, Saab, Saturn, as well as Vauxhall and Opel. It's what corporations do.

Branson owners seem to like their tractors. If Branson remains a brand, they'll be fine. If they cease to exist, they will become an orphan brand.

 

[mred2]

I don't disagree on Branson. I think it is a good tractor and I really like it. But closest dealer was 120 miles away. With TYM buying the parent company that owns Branson, I have been told that they plan on keeping them like they are. But I think that both will merge their engineering and their plants over the next 5 years or so. This will be good for the tractor (no matter what the color) but will they continue to product the parts after the warranties are gone. I don't think that anyone can answer this. I think it is a good bet for now, if it is the tractor you think is best for you and you have a good dealer, close or not. We don't know what 10 years will do on any of the tractor brands, except maybe JD and K.

 

[TomIre]

I did a spreadsheet when shopping for my second tractor. Mine had 6 or 8 models on it before I narrowed it down after visiting dealers.

With the first tractor all I could afford and needed was a small used one, so as soon as a decent one showed up I bought it. Maybe 4 months from deciding to buy a tractor to getting one.

The second one took about six months, but I planned on doing a lot more with it and did a lot more research.

My first tractor was a Ford 8n - all I could afford. I'm hoping my second tractor is my last!

 

[CPTKILLER]

I have a Kioti CK2610. It is a solid tractor.

 

[Fordman98]

Talked to the branson dealer tonight. He said all of the common parts he has in stock at all times. If he doesn't the longest its taken is 5 days to get it from Branson. So that kinda reassures the parts availability part of it.

Next step I guess would be to test them all out. All three dealers have been great so far at answering any and all questions.

 

[ning]

General Motors abandoned McLaughlin, Oakland, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Hummer, Saab, Saturn, as well as Vauxhall and Opel. It's what corporations do.

General Motors also acquired Chevrolet, in 1918.
One hundred years ago.
Corporations do that, too.

I understand that you're trying to "keep perspective" about Branson tractors, but perhaps you could use a bit for yourself, because I seem to hear this same thing from you whenever mentions them...

 

[prof fate]

Corps merge and fold and change all the time...plymouth? sorry, gone. Mercury? Same.

Sears is well over 100 years old and won't be around long. Used to be the biggest retailer on earth...so there are no guarantees about anything.

"As goes GM, so goes the nation"...and GM went bankrupt.

PA used to have over 250 blast furnaces making steel...today there are, last I heard, 4 in the state still working.

Kodak? Polaroid?

Change is the only constant.