3510/ bl10 loader

[Zork]

Hi everyone, Im new. I've been shopping and I think that I have decided on the Branson 3510 with bl10 loader and backhoe. During a dealer test drive and a satisfied customers on property test drive I noticed that the FEL arms lowered when I tried to work the bucket at the same time. Most other joystick controllers were able to control arm lift and bucket curl at the same time. Is this a correctable flow problem/ rpm problem/ operator error/ manf. defect? Is the warranty only valid through a licensed dealer or can I do some service/ repairs myself under warranty and not void it? I like the tractor and the prices but after reading the reviews, may consider the 3520. Can anyone give me feedback? Thanks, Franz /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Pacesetter300]

Franz, Keep watching the thread by grayson1. He's in about the same boat you're in. I have a Century 3045. The TRACTOR is exactly the same as a Branson 4520, not one ounce better or worse. There is a difference in the attachments. I have the C-50 loader which is a beefier loader than the Ansung (BL-10). There's even a HD C-50 available now with some very impressive statistics. Also Century has just introduced a new 8.5' backhoe that deserves a real close look. IF you have a Century dealer in your area, you owe it to yourself to check out the differences. If not, the Branson is still head and shoulders above the competiton for the price. I would recommend the "20 series" for any serious work. The small difference in payments won't be noticed when you see what you can do!

Good Luck in your decision!

Pacesetter

 

[19th_VA]

I haven't noticed this with my loader--anyone else? As for the warranty work, most companies prefer you to go through a dealer, but I don't think they can insist, from a legal point of view.

 

[Zork]

Thanks Jonathan for the reply, I've been waiting for a responce and during that time, I checked out the Century with the C loader and it didnt drop / the 3510 and 4110 Mahindras didnt drop as well. A 3510 Mahindra had a Bushhog loader that was very impressive and somewhat responsive. The 4110 Mahindra loader by another manf. was somewhat responsive but sloppy with side to side motion. So now Im looking at the Branson 20 series and I think that I have narrowed it down /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif. Still, it comes down to price /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif/ service /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif. Ive been leary about an honorary warranty /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif and it seemed that I couldnt get an absolute statement as to the dealers exact obligation to perform the warranty, since this will be a major purchase for me. I hear alot of good about the C'ville service center /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif and the gentleman there was friendly, open and willing to address any fears or reservations that I had and I would like to do business with him if possible. Franz

 

[Felix]

I have a 3510 and I love it. That said, for your applications, I'd get the 3520.

 

[DavesTractor]

The current BL10 and BL20 loaders use a Bondioli (spelling?) valve. It's a good valve, but it will not operate both functions at once without dropping the loader arms. The Mahindra's we sell will operate both at once. I think it is just a difference in valve design.

 

[Zork]

Thanks Dave. Thats kind of crazy. It is like not being able to chew gum and walk at the same time. I do have quite a bit of operator experience, but Im no master and Id find it hard to scoop a pile, stop, curl bucket, raise arms one step at a time instead of just a "rolling continuous/sweeping motion". Like a backhoe, you use multi functions simultaniously. Thats dissapointing. Will Branson use a diffrent valve in the future?. Would it be unreasonable to ask a dealer to trade the joystick for a multi-leaver/ valve?-How much should it cost?

 

[Zork]

Dave. One more thing. I want to purchase the backhoe with the tractor as well, Is this a problem with the BTC backhoes? I would appreciate a quick responce from you and everyone as well, since Im getting ready to "pull the trigger" and dont want to get into something that isnt good for me. Franz

 

[DavesTractor]

Franz,

It's interesting that out of about 80 Bransons we sold this year, the joystick design not allowing both functions to work at the same time has only been mentioned by 2 people. I've used a tractor quite a bit, and to me it is seldom an issue. Even so, you can't argue the fact that it would be better if it had more functionality, but it isn't as big of a problem as you might think.

I don't have an answer as to whether Branson will be changing valve designs soon. They are always interested in making the tractor better, so it is certainly possible. You'll have to discuss the issue with your dealer.

The backhoe is made by Ameriquip. It's a nice unit with a great valve system.

You'll love this tractor!

 

[Zork]

Thanks Dave. From what I've seen, the tractor is good and I would just as soon save several thousand dollars on a "lesser name" up and coming brand piece of equipment like Branson. However, a single function joystick SOMEWHAT defeats the very purpose of a joystick. If this one use design is as obvious ---as I think it is--- then what other items that I cant see may there be? I would like to think that Im not just paying for the name and SUPPOSED reputation of the "big brand-great name" competition, therefore, purchasing a quality engineered, sound constructed, up and coming brand like Branson would get my vote. I would think that multi-use would be manditory on a two circut joystick system regardless of quality. I have liked the tractors that I have tested and maybe I'll have to change the hand control valves myself and absorb that cost. Dave, Im sorry. My intention isnt to slam anyone. I thought that the controller should operate both functions simultaniously and had asked this forrum for imput. Thanks, Franz

 

[DavesTractor]

Franz,

It's a great tractor. Ask your local dealer if he has a solution for you regarding your desires concerning the valve.

Dave

 

[grayson1]

Franz and Dave, I may be wrong, but in using my 3520 today, I am almost certain that my FEL allowed lift/lower and curling of the bucket simultaneously.
Regards,
Grayson1

 

[Zork]

Thanks Dave. I will. He is very personable. Franz

 

[Zork]

Thanks Grayson1. My dealer said recently that there is an upgraded valve available for replacement of some faulty vavles. I was assured that any unit that I ordered would have this new valve. However, at that time, there was no deffinate conclusion as to whether the new valve would correct the arm drop or not. So I still value your imput. Franz /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[DavesTractor]

Guys,

The fact is that there has been several valves used in the last year, as well as several different mounts for them. It's been a little bit of a pain for us dealers as Branson works out the details of changes with Ansung, then Ansung orders different valves from Bondioli, etc. There was also a change in the quick discconect supplier. When Ansung came aboard as an OEM loader supplier for C/B, noboby could have imagined the incredible growth of Century/Branson sales, nor would they expect such a large percentage to go out with loaders.

Ansung has had to ramp up quickly, and they have done a fine job. They are using a quality valve, yet some of them were not spec'd optimally in my opinion.

I had lunch recently with the VPs of both Branson and Ansung when they came out for a visit, and I remain very impressed that they are committed to do whatever it takes to fine tune any minor issues perceived in either product.

 

[Zork]

Sounds great Dave. Thanks, Franz /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Zork]

The dealer in C'ville show'd me an upgraded valve on a 2810 and if my memory serves me correctly, its mount and body look more substancial and the stick seems closer to the operator and steering wheel. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif