RedStuff
New member
So, I'm on my 3rd Branson (4220, 5220c and 5520c) and I had one little mouse burrow in behind the firewall and I cannot believe the damage it did. Strangely, it not only chewed through the jacketing on the wires, but also the copper as well. The tractor is usually stored indoors, but I stored it outside for a week and what a nightmare. I had to jump the solenoid to get it started and bring it in. As you can see in the photos, I had to remove the loader, then took off the hood and removed the heat shield behind the engine just to get at it. I really don't want to pull the dash apart but I'll see how the repair goes. If you look at the photo of the plug, the wires were completely severed, I didn't cut them. Granted, they are only 22 and 14 gauge wires, but still. He chewed through the wire loom as well. I've never had a problem like this before with the other Branson's I've had. A friend of mine is in the automotive business and told me that the new wire insulation material is made with a soy based component which, to a mouse, may as well be peanut butter. The mouse also chewed the foam on the underside of the hood. Amazing. A lot of damage in just a few days.
I just wanted to put this out there so other folks can keep an eye on the areas behind the engine where the harnesses are. I haven't even thought about it until now. This is not a fun job. I hope this helps someone else.
I just wanted to put this out there so other folks can keep an eye on the areas behind the engine where the harnesses are. I haven't even thought about it until now. This is not a fun job. I hope this helps someone else.
