Oil & Fuel 2015 Branson 3520h DPF Issue

[pblanton]

I run mine full throttle for 20 minutes with no load, just put it in neutral and let it run. This has to be done about every 25 hours ~. This has always made the idiot light go out. A perminent fix would be to remove n replace the dpf with an earlier gen muffler. Believe the dealer to be a good source for this part.

You don't need to go to earlier gen, as the tractors are sold overseas without the stupid DPF. The Kukje part number for the "silencer" as they call it, is HRK0600800A0 for the 2015 3520H and apparently the price from a local dealer is about $330. That should be a bolt-on solution or (delete kit) for these tractors. The only outstanding question is, can I just remove the sensors and plug the vent tube?

I also talked to a local diesel mechanic and he said that there is nothing special about the muffler, so any muffler will do. All you need to do is to take off the DPF and have a muffler shop bend and weld up a set of inlet and tailpieces for a standard muffler, that match the shape of the DPF, so you can have a bolt-on replacement. Seems to me the price for that would be about a push so I'll probably just order the Kukje part.

Another option is to just bust out the guts of the DPF can, but since it's a $1000 part, I'd send it out to get it cleaned and keep it in a box in the barn in case you ever sell the tractor to someone who loves the assspain of an unreliable tool.

 

[smithrd6]

agree'd....it is a shame the guv'ment requirements cause isues for a great tractor...Mine has been great with the only problems which are known, return spring broke on the drive pedals and front axle seals leaked, all repaired under warrenty....

 

[smithrd6]

bytheby, anyone found an after market source for oil filter? I have struck out so far....

 

[pblanton]

I haven't had any issues at all, other than the stupid plugged DPF. It starts every time, runs great, pulls hard, lifts heavy stuff high and overall is a beast of a tractor. I can't recommend it highly enough.

 

[pblanton]

By the way, the government requirements are only for import and sale. Once you get your hands on it, it's an off-road vehicle, so there's no legal reason at all that you can't chuck the DPF and replace it with a muffler.

 

[rterp]

Hi , I have a new Branson 3520h with about 45 hours that I put on in the first 2 weeks of ownership . I have the loader and bh86 backhoe . I used it on one of my new home construction sites for trenching electrical , sewer and drain lines . I find the swing speed on the backhoe a bit slower than I'm used too , so I was running it at 2500-2600 rpm all day long . I found that it works better with the loader at this rpm too . The dealer also told be that it should be run at pto speed for the DPF . It ran perfect with lots of power the whole time . Also when I have it in my shop , It sure is nice when I start it up to get it out (or put it away) that I am not choking on nasty diesel exhaust , it has no visible smoke and no smell . (much better than the worn out bobcat loader and excavator that I sold , those two were heavy smokers lol)
Just my two cents

 

[Branson Bob]

bytheby, anyone found an after market source for oil filter? I have struck out so far....

Have you read through this thread?

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/century-branson/370407-oil-filter-4720ch.html

It concerns both the 4720 and the 3520.

 

[LincTex]

All you need to do is to take off the DPF and have a muffler shop bend and weld up a set of inlet and tailpieces for a standard muffler, that match the shape of the DPF, so you can have a bolt-on replacement...

A good muffler shop can do this with just the DPF can and some under-hood photos on your phone -
they'll probably even have the right flange on hand.

Of course, it'll be easier if you bring them the tractor.
It will cost WAAAAY less than $330... probably about $50-$60 if you bring them a muffler from Napa/TSC/Rural King.

 

[pblanton]

A good muffler shop can do this with just the DPF can and some under-hood photos on your phone -
they'll probably even have the right flange on hand.

Of course, it'll be easier if you bring them the tractor.
It will cost WAAAAY less than $330... probably about $50-$60 if you bring them a muffler from Napa/TSC/Rural King.

That's good information. I see that I can pick up a good muffler for about $30, so I'll give that a try and post back. Thanks!

By the way, you have way too many tractors. :laughing:

 

[DavesTractor]

By the way, you have way too many tractors. :laughing:

That's silly talk, no such thing as too many tractors....