Sad news, looks like I'm an orphan now

[Cougsfan]

Many "orphans" go on to live very productive lives!

Agreed. I owned a gray market Yanmar for about 15 years. The US Yanmar dealers wouldn't even talk to me. I never had trouble getting parts (didn't need hardly any), and the tractor performed flawlessly over the years. i sold it to a neighbor up the road, it is still running fine.
I have owned the same Ferguson for over 30 years and have yet had to go into a Ferguson dealer.
You often see some people in these forums insist that having a dealer within a few miles is an absolute requirement. I always felt that need is drastically overstated.
It is a pity when you loose your dealer, but it is sure not the end of the world.

 

[3Ts]

It is a pity when you loose your dealer, but it is sure not the end of the world.

I agree with this.
I bought a Kubota tractor from the local dealer and about a month later he was out of business and doors closed. Next closest dealer was about 100 miles away, but not a reliable or honest dealer, only dealt with them once. Mail order parts works very well. Messicks which is further away ended up with a lot of my business.

 

[K5lwq]

I agree with this.
I bought a Kubota tractor from the local dealer and about a month later he was out of business and doors closed. Next closest dealer was about 100 miles away, but not a reliable or honest dealer, only dealt with them once. Mail order parts works very well. Messicks which is further away ended up with a lot of my business.

You may not have a Kubota dealer anymore but you still have some of the best watermelons in the world! :thumbsup:

 

[desertdog71]

It is a shame and unfortunately a weakness with Branson. If they ever get a good dealer network together I think they can compete with the other brands. Regardless of that though, I bought what I wanted and the dealer network didn't play a part in my decision. I have a small brand of boat also and no dealer support but I don't care, I bought exactly what I wanted.

 

[Asteral]

We would be more than happy to help you guys when it comes to your Century/Branson Parts or tech specs and advise, i'm not a expert when it comes to Branson i still learn new things everyday but i'd be more than willing to look up the information you need or the parts you are needing just send me an email if you need help.
Ryan@bigtextractor.com

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

Thank you Asteral, I appreciate what you do for us here on these forums.

I'll note down your email.

 

[Branson Bob]

We would be more than happy to help you guys when it comes to your Century/Branson Parts or tech specs and advise, i'm not a expert when it comes to Branson i still learn new things everyday but i'd be more than willing to look up the information you need or the parts you are needing just send me an email if you need help.
Ryan@bigtextractor.com

Thanks very much Asteral. Much appreciated.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

A small update, no longer an "orphan".

There is a new Branson dealer in Bismarck. They are an equipment rental dealer in town. My old dealer contacted me directly to let me know about them taking on the brand. I had held off on saying anything, as it took a while for the new dealer to get in any product. I drove by their location this week, and they have a brand new sign on the building, plus what looks like a dozen tractors sitting on site.

Haven't been in to see or talk to them yet, but at least they have a presence in the market here again.

I wish them well.

 

[LouNY]

That's good to hear.

 

[Texasmark]

Stories similar to yours are far too common and are the reason I won't even consider buying a new tractor. Thank you for putting it up.

I bought 2 new Bransons and neither has seen the dealer since leaving the showroom (lot). Recently I read that they have 165 dealers to cover the USA, 3 of which are in the DFW metroplex. Agree on the management structure. Business is setup for customer-dealer relationships, not customer to supplier! If you aren't happy with your current one, find another. Big Tex in Caddo Mills, Tx. is an example and frequents this site.....recently posted access to all service manuals for one example.