15, 20, 25

[desertdog71]

Besides weight and some lift, what are the differences between the models? I've looked at the website and brochures but want to hear from you guys on the differences. Also what the benefit of one over the other would be. What about shortcomings?

I think I understand the advantages of weight and horsepower. I'm looking at the other things that make them different though. The obvious answer is buy the heaviest most HP I can afford. I can afford plenty, its a matter of what I'm willing to spend. So the $4000 difference in price between say a 3015H and a 3725H has to be worth it, beyond the 1000 lbs and 7 horsepower. I'm not going to be doing multiple 8 hour days in the seat for weeks on end, so creature comforts don't mean much to me. I just need it to do work and not break. I'm not lifting cars or huge bails, so I'm not sure the 1000lbs will matter much, maybe I am wrong.

I defer to your knowledge. Other brands are out the window for me. Not having a ECM running the tractor sold me on them.

 

[Roadworthy]

Are you looking at different models of a specific brand, different brands, or what? I specifically purchased my tractor based on simplicity - lack of any computer or external pollution controls, particulate filters, or anything else. 25 horsepower works fine for me. I don't NEED thirty, fifty, or a hundred horsepower. Only you can determine your needs versus wants.

 

[desertdog71]

This is a Branson forum so it's a Branson specific question. 15,20,25 series of that brand.

 

[Cougsfan]

I think 1,000 lb of additional weight will make much more of a difference than you think. Weight makes a difference in two ways. First it adds stability. There is less need for ballast, you will get better traction, you can just do more work with less frustration. Secondly, and just as important it means that individual components are made stronger. I recently compared a TYM T454 cab to my Branson 4720CH. The tractors appear to be nearly identical in most areas except the Branson is roughly 400 lb heavier. Even with only a 400 lb weight difference I immediately noticed things like the front bumper, steps to get in, sheet metal for the 3 point, various brackets, etc. were far more robust on the Branson. Those little details make a difference on a machine whose purpose is to work! I haven't personally compared the 15 to 20 to 25 series in detail, but due to the weight differences alone I would be willing to bet that 20 and 25 will hold up to abuse better, break less often, and will do much more work easier than the 15 series of equal hp.

 

[sd455dan]

I think 1,000 lb of additional weight will make much more of a difference than you think. Weight makes a difference in two ways. First it adds stability. There is less need for ballast, you will get better traction, you can just do more work with less frustration. Secondly, and just as important it means that individual components are made stronger. I recently compared a TYM T454 cab to my Branson 4720CH. The tractors appear to be nearly identical in most areas except the Branson is roughly 400 lb heavier. Even with only a 400 lb weight difference I immediately noticed things like the front bumper, steps to get in, sheet metal for the 3 point, various brackets, etc. were far more robust on the Branson. Those little details make a difference on a machine whose purpose is to work! I haven't personally compared the 15 to 20 to 25 series in detail, but due to the weight differences alone I would be willing to bet that 20 and 25 will hold up to abuse better, break less often, and will do much more work easier than the 15 series of equal hp.

Just to add another observation (from an older Branson 20 series brochure) that stated the actual transmission /rear axle assembly casting is Thicker and stronger than the lighter series in Branson's own line. The extra 600 lb of FEL capacity may not be needed but is nice to have to.

 

[desertdog71]

Branson website lists the width of the 3520 as being 64-72 inches? Is that adjustable or depend on tire size?

 

[ptsg]

20 and 25 Series are basically the same. The 25 series are supposedly to be the newer series but they're still making the 20 series as well. Up here they stopped with the 20 series and only sell the 25 ranging from 47 to 60HP. Anything lower, you will have to go with the 15 series.

20/25 Series is already wider than the 15 series. It will also offer more adjustment of the width on the rear rims, but I think this depends on the tire/rim setup.

Feature wise, there is not that much difference between the 15, 20 or 25 series, although, the 15 series has a noisier drive-train than the 20/25 Series, at least the Shuttle ones because it uses straight cut gears, while the 20/25 series uses helical gears.

Some people say the 15 series is a economy line, but to me I don't see that much difference to be considered a economy tractor as both series have pretty much the same features, just a tad smaller.

The extra weight combined will definitely make a difference in stability and traction. If you really need it? I don't know, but it sure it's nice to have though.

 

[ericm979]

Branson website lists the width of the 3520 as being 64-72 inches? Is that adjustable or depend on tire size?

Yes. There are three tire/wheel packages. The smallest one is used on the 3520 and is fixed width. I think it's also used on the 15 series. The larger two come on the larger 25s and 20s and have adjustable width rears. The large set comes on the largest 20s and the rears really fill out the fenders.

3725s come with the middle set of wheels. Since my land is steep I wanted stability on slopes more than ground clearance, and my dealer offered to swap for the smaller wheels. That lowers the center of gravity at the cost of an inch or two of ground clearance. I also had them put spacers on the rear wheels. They're 72" wide if you measure to the bulge on the sidewalls.

There's not much difference between the 20 and 25 series- they're the same size and weight (within a few hundred lbs). Though the dealer may add a few small things to their 25s to make them a little more premium. The 15s are a smaller frame. So they're lighter and the loaders and 3pt have less capacity. They're all three cylinder motors while the 3725 and up are fours. (this is from memory as the Branson web site is down again. They need to fire whoever runs the web site and do it right).

 

[desertdog71]

Well I think I have engaged my brain and got past the part of me that wants bigger and badder. Really I'd only need bigger for the earthwork I want to do. I can bush hog and drag a driveway with a lot smaller unit. I think the best option for me is actually going to be the 2510H, and then I can rent for the real heavy duty stuff like leveling the build site and cutting in the driveway. I can still use the smaller unit for jobs around the place, and long term its a much better fit. Once the place is established I'd really just have an expensive 4000lb paper weight that sits around and doesn't get used. With the 2510 I can get the mid mower my wife want, and still do the other small odd jobs around the place when I need to. In the meantime I have a buddy that's an excavator, he offered to come out, rent a dozer and knock it out fast. I really do appreciate all the information though, it's helped me look at things in different ways but my gut says I need to slow my roll on the bigger units.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

That looks like a pretty well laid out tractor model. Lots of good stuff. 3 range hydro, rear diff lock, 3pt position control, all cast iron, good FEL lift height and weight. I didn't see a belly mower, though they do show a pic with a front mounted snow blower. So I'm assuming there's a mid mount pto? Didn't see it in the description though.

Looking forward to your detailed review when you get it and start working it though. Keep us posted.

And we always like to see tractor pics!

Also wanted to add, it looks like a bare chassis weight of 1800 pounds, and the FEL is rated to lift 1300 pounds. Just please make sure to have a suitable (read heavy) weight on the 3pt hitch before you try to lift almost as much weight with the FEL as the tractors chassis weighs. You don't want to break anything (like a front axle). Those are not meant to take the entire weight of the tractor + whatever you're lifting on the front end alone.