4020R thoughts and pricing...

1stDeuce · Sep 15, 2016

Well, I had my heart set on an LS XR4140, but I'm changing my mind I think... I like Branson's Tier 4 strategy much better, in that it doesn't employ regens. I won't say too much, in case the EPA is listening, but the mechanical engine with DOC has certain advantages in the long run...

I'm really looking hard at a 4020R... It's comparable in size and power to the LS, with a bit more weight. You sit a half a foot higher, but that's probably not so bad... I do like the more automotive look of the booted and bezeled LS levers vs. the Branson's levers just poking through sheetmetal openings, but that's not worth $3000, and the Branson really IS a good looking tractor.

I also like the 2-speed PTO, which basically has 540 and 540E... Not that I have any use for the PTO at this time.
LS includes remotes, which run the BH, but they're only another $550 on the Branson, and the BH runs off a power beyond setup instead of the remotes.
(I might have remotes put on it, and then skip the power beyond tap, just for ease of hookup...)

The Branson BH is made by ANSUNG, which is good. Both the 7' and 8' BH's are much more powerful than the 7' LS BH. Any comment on how easy they are to "mount" to the tractor? I think they have hooks at the back and pins in the front, vs. LS using slots front and rear, with pins to keep the subframe in the slots.

I'll probably go with AG tires, which should work in the snow and clay a little better... The tractor I've run with R4's does a good bit of slipping and sliding when it gets greasy out... LS and Branson use the same 9.5-16 fronts, but Branson uses a 2" taller rear tire on a 2" larger rim, and it's 1" narrower... I like the LS size better, but it's certainly not a deal breaker...

I also like that the Branson shuttle lever tilts back with the steering wheel. LS has it fixed in the dash, so even if I tilt back the wheel, I am still stretching for the shuttle lever...

I don't see many other differences... Red vs. Blue... Loaders are close, with the LS having a 5" wider bucket. For the hard clay soils I'll be working in, a slightly narrower bucket seems like it would dig in better... I doubt I'll miss the 5".

I've checked with two Branson dealers, neither of which is "close". (Closest is 4 hrs!!) One quoted $27,700 with the 7' BH, and the other was $28 with the 8' backhoe. I could probably get the first dealer to install a remote kit for me at the same price, or at least toss it on the seat. I thought I needed the 8' hoe, but I doubt that I really do, so I'll probably just get the 7' either way. Do those prices sound good, or should I push a little more?

FWIW, the best price I've been quoted for the LS with BH is $30,500. So I guess that makes the Branson about 10% less expensive... Not a lot, but enough to sway my purchase...

Open to any thoughts, warnings, observations, etc...

sikmusicfreak8 · Sep 16, 2016

You need a power beyond kit for running a backhoe, you can't run one off a remote.

The Branson is a great tractor, I don't think you will be disappointed at all. Make sure you post pics when you bring it home!

Ron50 · Sep 22, 2016

I have a 4020R and my Ansung backhoe works just fine off the rear remotes. It is just hydraulic cylinders which is what the remotes are mostly used for.

1stDeuce · Sep 22, 2016

I think the music freak was referring to the fact that many remotes are momentary, and won't stay in place. I believe the newer Branson tractors with remotes have one that is return to center, and one that detents. The detent remote can indeed run a backhoe, or a logsplitter, or any other thing with it's own valving.

I believe the power beyond kit that Branson uses if you buy a Branson hoe does offer a bit less restriction than running via the remotes, which helps with flow and keeps the temps down. It also frees up the remotes for other things.

Ron, do you have the Branson Ansung, or a 3pt model? Which one, and how do you like it?? I was planning to get a hoe with a 4020R, but I actually found a good deal on a low hour 2003 MF1455, so no hoe... yet.

I got a quote of ~7k for a Branson branded Ansung 860 from the dealer I would have bought a tractor through. Considering I'll have to pay cash, I'll continue to look for a used one, or I may try a Titan or Woodmax hoe...

1stDeuce · Sep 22, 2016

Guess I should offer this update... I ended up finding a 2003 MF 1455v on craigslist.

It's about the size and weight of the 4020R and LS XR4140 that I had been considering. (10" longer wheelbase...) I paid cash, and it was about half what the LS would have cost. Upside, Dave Ramsey would be proud of me. Downside, no new tractor with backhoe...

I do like the MF, though it's not as nice as either of the two tractors. But it will get the job done, and with less than 500 hours, should last me a lifetime. With 55hp, it's far more powerful than I'll ever need, but it's also simple, and has a great reliability record. While it doesn't quite lift as much as the Branson, it'll lift to 110", which is probably more useful than a few extra hundred pounds of capacity.

I still want a backhoe, but I can't really swing a cash deal for a $7000 hoe after paying cash for the tractor.
I'll keep looking for a used one... Hopefully something workable turns up soon.

Chris

Ron50 · Sep 23, 2016

I got the Ansung 76 with the Branson subframe. The tractor came with an Ansung loader that the backhoe subframe shares some of the loader subframe for attaching. Backhoe hooks to the lower three point arms attachment point after you remove the 3 point arms. Not really difficult. The front of the subframe clamps to a solid round cross bar of the loader frame.
Works well for me. I'm 66 so I doubt that I'll wear it out.
Seeing as you got a good deal on a used tractor, you might look for a good deal on a used mini excavator. If you have much to do it will work circles around a compact tractor backhoe. I've used a small Kubota excavator a lot and it will way out perform a Case 580. Been discussed alot on this forum already!

1stDeuce · Sep 23, 2016

Thanks for the info. A mini ex would be awesome, but would really break the budget. I may end up just renting one a few weekends. Still cheaper than buying a BH.