Buying Advice First tractor for small family farm. Branson or something else?

[charlessenf]

My tolerance tanked when I hit 50 years old

I recall one Winter day in Korea when we were sent up to the DMZ in an open jeep (it was considered a hostile fire zone or some such and the no cover was the rule. Indeed I was sent up to photograph the men who had been killed in an ambush while they drove North in the back of a covered vehicle.

On the way out the door, I grabbed a plastic 'garment cover' thing and made a little hole near the top so I could smoke en route. I had a field jacket with a furry hood thing and gloves and was still FMAO - Korea was cold, I was twenty.

 

[captainbars]

My personal experience with mahindra is not good. Had a 4550 and it blew a head gasket in just a few hundred hours. Got it fixed under warranty then sold it. Within 3 months the new owner called to see if it was still under warranty b/c it was stuck in gear.
They have some design flaws when adapting to colder climates. Just my opinion...

 

[kenhar]

Branson, LS, Montana, Mahindra in my area are considered off brands and relatively new to the tractor market. Cheaper in price than Deere, Massey, Kubota. You usually get what you pay for. Service after the purchase should be a strong consideration,

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

I’d say “service” is dealer specific and not brand. A gentleman just posted last week that his local JD dealership won’t look at his new unit under warranty because he bought it at another dealership.
My local TYM dealer ordered the tractor, delivered it and received not a dime until I wrote the check when it was in my barn. At that time they also said the price was $1000 less due to a discount they didn’t apply at the time we agreed on the sales price.
Just this week I needed a filter kit, and they had it at my door three days later, again with no up front payment, just an invoice in the box.
Now, since the tractor has been flawless, I’ve not had to call for service…. So, I guess that’s even better than a good dealer… just a good tractor.

 

[Gord Baker]

Hi All,

I’ve lurked around on this forum for quite some time, but the realistic possibility of being a tractor owner within the month prompted me to join and get some insight, and hopefully reinforce my thought process.

We moved onto 26 acres nearly three years ago now, but officially bought the house and property last year. Now that we own our little piece of ground, I am in need of my own tractor which leads me to you fine folks. Here are our needs:

1. We have 3/4 mile long gravel road leading to the house, which despite being a township road is basically private and needs maintaining.
2. We have a 10 acre field, and a 3 acre field which both need to be maintained. Father-in-law used them occasionally for pasture before he passed, but otherwise simply brush hogged them every year. This practice will continue until I can either pasture it more regularly (we don’t yet have any livestock) or I can put enough into the soil to improve the hay. It’s worth noting that the 3 acre field is very steep. I’m not sure I have the fortitude to brush hog it like my father-in-law did, so tractor stability will come into play.
3. Ultimately, I would like to get livestock. We’ll likely either get a few horses, or a small beef cow herd, so I’d like a tractor with a loader that can safely move a reasonably sized round bale.
4. I also want to have the ability to make hay, likely using a square baler, or if able a small round baler.
5. Finally, I have a ton of small project ideas around the house that a tractor would help with including landscaping, minor dirt work, etc.

Based on that, I’ve made my tractor criteria:

1. 40+ horsepower
2. 4 wheel drive (we’re in the mountains of PA)
3. FEL
4. Cab (this is admittedly a want)

To get those criteria, I cannot justify paying for a Deere or a Kubota. I’m a fan of both and would buy either if I find a deal, but new prices are astronomical and I have yet to find a good deal on a used one. My local Massey dealer is also way too expensive, and I had a very bad experience with the local LS dealer when they came to look at one of my late father-in-law’s tractors that we sold.

We have two TYM dealers within a reasonable drive. I like both and they have led me to the Branson 5520c. (I don’t like the layout of the TYM T’s.) There is an open house at one of the dealerships in two weeks, at which I expect to purchase.

We do have a local kioti dealer and I will check them out before pulling the trigger, but I like the thought of the kukje engine in the Branson with minimal electronics, and I’m partial to red.

My question for you all then, is whether this is a good fit, a good tractor, or if there are better alternatives to consider.

Thanks in advance!


TLDR.

Need to brush hog, maintain gravel road, and lift a round bale on 26 acres. Pick me a better tractor than a Branson 5520c.

Have a chat with Council re Their road maintenance. Ask local farmers if they would consider share-cropping the land. If you must have a tractor search with someone you know who has experience with equipment. Don't buy equipment you won't need. ie Baler etc. It is late in life to begin Cattle Farming. Leave the sidehills as they are.

 

[RiverHill]

Well, I pulled the trigger this weekend on a TYM 5520Ch. I will post pictures whenever I take delivery this week; I know the rules.

I bought from the farther TYM Dealer, but they're second generation and they also sell McCormick and a ton of other attachments. I don't expect them to go anywhere and they seem to have great reviews service wise. I went with Ag tires for the traction and the hydro to make it easier for my wife and other helpers. They're also adding a third function valve, filling the tires, and I bought a box blade for the drive. Though I'm debating calling and having him throw on a set of pallet forks too. I haven't been able to find any used locally and even the rural king ones are pricey. It's almost spring auction time though, so I'll probably just keep an eye out at those events for a deal.

I actually had a little bit of a hard time deciding between the legacy Branson Tractor and it's TYM counterpart. The T594 had a much larger cab, but the bulk in things like axles, as well as the 4 range hydro made me pick the Branson. They also had a used JD 3720 and 4720 that I looked at closely, but they were 20 years old and approximately the same price. As much as I'd love to rock the traditional green, I am not at all convinced it's worth the upcharge.

 

[Williy]

Yanmar has a variety of tractors you might consider
However you should test drive as many as you can
to get a feel of what whould work best for you

willy

 

[JeepHead]

I've ran both and can honestly say I would NOT want a cab tractor. I like being apart of what's happening and being able to hear and see things that I cannot have when I operate my brother-in-laws comparable cabbed Deere. Now if I was plowing snow 75" of the time, I may want a cab.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Well, I pulled the trigger this weekend on a TYM 5520Ch. I will post pictures whenever I take delivery this week; I know the rules.

I bought from the farther TYM Dealer, but they're second generation and they also sell McCormick and a ton of other attachments. I don't expect them to go anywhere and they seem to have great reviews service wise. I went with Ag tires for the traction and the hydro to make it easier for my wife and other helpers. They're also adding a third function valve, filling the tires, and I bought a box blade for the drive. Though I'm debating calling and having him throw on a set of pallet forks too. I haven't been able to find any used locally and even the rural king ones are pricey. It's almost spring auction time though, so I'll probably just keep an eye out at those events for a deal.

I actually had a little bit of a hard time deciding between the legacy Branson Tractor and it's TYM counterpart. The T594 had a much larger cab, but the bulk in things like axles, as well as the 4 range hydro made me pick the Branson. They also had a used JD 3720 and 4720 that I looked at closely, but they were 20 years old and approximately the same price. As much as I'd love to rock the traditional green, I am not at all convinced it's worth the upcharge.

Congrats on the 5520. Can't wait to see it at its new home!

 

[Jchonline]

I've ran both and can honestly say I would NOT want a cab tractor. I like being apart of what's happening and being able to hear and see things that I cannot have when I operate my brother-in-laws comparable cabbed Deere. Now if I was plowing snow 75" of the time, I may want a cab.

Or if you work in a high wind/rain area, or if you work around lots of dust, or lots of insects, or have any type of respiratory issues....there are other reasons.

I do understand the better accessibilty you get with no cab....it really is nice. That said ther are lots of scenarios where cab is just the way to go.

 

[JeepHead]

Or if you work in a high wind/rain area, or if you work around lots of dust, or lots of insects, or have any type of respiratory issues....there are other reasons.

I do understand the better accessibilty you get with no cab....it really is nice. That said ther are lots of scenarios where cab is just the way to go.

Snow and rain is about all I would want one for. I can deal with the other issues as I already do. But not everyone has the same wants and needs as I do which is why there is options. I could have purchased a cabbed tractor and chose not to.

 

[tacticalturnip]

Congratulations, the 5520 ought to serve you well for a long time!

 

[YanmarFever]

I think you made a wise choice, TYM will always be there with parts and support for you.

We happen to own a cabbed 5520 and a 4520 open. I use the cabbed one for mowing, (I have hay fever)and grapple work.
The 4520 gets used for hand spraying and loader work.
The cab.... well the AC is awful nice because its always hot here and it keeps the pollen off us.
The open... its nice to feel the ocean breeze all the time while working.
If I had to pick and keep just one, it would be the cabbed 5520.

People ask me why I own two Branson's, well I use to live in the other side of the country 4000 miles away so we had to have 1 tractor for each location.
Then when we moved to our permanent location, I did not have the heart to sell it, so we brought it along in the truck.
Love the Branson's!

 

[RiverHill]

We have no ocean breeze here in Western PA, so I guess it is good I got the cab!

 

[Doz]

Don’t cut your self short you will probably own this tractor for the rest of your life. Can with air and heat goes a long way in your later years of mowing when it’s in the 80s and snow blowing when it’s in the teens. Make sure you have a good dealership to support what ever you buy and look at the spec sheets lift capacity PTO hp.ect.
PS you get what you pay for look at resale values my tractor is still worth more then I paid for it happy tractor hunting

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

I spent my childhood years on open station Farmalls. We bought the cabbed 5088 when I was 16. As a kid, I loved the cabbed tractor, I felt like one of those wealthy farmers, and listening to music was easier.
When I bought my own tractor, I chose an open station due to tree lines along my property lines and the desire to be able to jump on and off quickly during jobs. It’s also easier to communicate with my helper from the seat. I built my barn to accommodate a cabbed unit if that time comes, it just hasn’t yet.
I do at times get covered head to toe in dust when we are doing tillage and it’s dry. But I really do not mind. We don’t have a need for the tractor in the winter really.
I never really buy any durable good based on resale… because I don’t know when or if that day will come. I do consider opportunity cost however. Every $10k I sink into a piece of equipment costs me $1000 per year in lost opportunity for growth. So let’s say I pay $20k more for a tractor of another color. Each year, that unit costs me $2k in opportunity. Actually, it’s worse than that, because it compounds. Over 10 years it costs me $32000 in lost opportunity. I mean, in 10 years, opportunity cost alone, just paid for my new TYM in full. It’s like getting a free tractor at that point. So resale is moot. Math is fascinating.

Again, congrats on the 5520. The TYM 4820 compares to the Kubota L4760… except on price. Hydraulic flows, lift capacity, weight, etc. The only thing I changed was the rear work light. The L4760 doesn’t come with one standard anyway

In 10 years you can buy a new one with what you saved, and use the residual value to buy all new implements.

 

[Flogger]

My new tractor (1974 model) has a canopy. The other four have umbrellas. On those -15 degree days with a 30 mph wind I have questioned the wisdom of not having a cab. But in the end having a 20 pair cow calf herd and 320 acres of ground with a full line of equipment debt free is a bigger priority. Dang I'm cold!!!

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

My new tractor (1974 model) has a canopy. The other four have umbrellas. On those -15 degree days with a 30 mph wind I have questioned the wisdom of not having a cab. But in the end having a 20 pair cow calf herd and 320 acres of ground with a full line of equipment debt free is a bigger priority. Dang I'm cold!!!

Amen

 

[ericm979]

Get an electric vest. They make them for motorcyclists and likely for snowmobilers too.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Get an electric vest. They make them for motorcyclists and likely for snowmobilers too.

Good idea. I bought one to ride a new motorcycle home one cold November... In a snow storm