Buying Advice 47 HP Branson Hydrostatic

[Eric1973]

Found a 2010 47 HP Branson Hydrostatic tractor with a front end loader and a grapple root rake with 72 hours for sale locally on craigslist. For the low low price of $17,590. It's been listed 2 other times at higher prices, so it seems the guy is motivated to get rid of it.

I don't know or have any experience with Branson tractors, other than they're made by a company out of South Korea and they've been in US for a little over 10 years.

Situation that I'm in is that I'm trying to do some logging on my acreage and currently have a partial load done and yesterday while dragging a tree in my old tractor had some "issues". So, since I've been considering buying a new tractor anyway I was thinking this might be the way to go. I was looking into the Kioti DK40SE HST and DK35SE HST, and I like a lot of the features that they offer, but this would be large cost savings, and be a larger tractor.

The closest Branson dealer to me is a little over an hour away.

Anything that I should be concerned with a Branson tractor? Any hints, tips and insights would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Kildare Bill]

I purchased the same tractor new last year for about $21,000. I've been very satisfied with it. I had some minor issues with the loader (bad grease fittings, hydraulic cables run wrong way, pin popped out). It is very strong and durable so far. Good luck.

 

[FF117]

I gave just over $20,000 last year for a new 4720h (same model you are looking at) w/loader, oversize loaded ag tires, two sets of remotes, and 3rd function valve on the loader. I have about 70 hrs on it now with just a couple minor problems. The transaxle bolts were loose which caused a popping noise under load and I had to re-route the loader lines also. The lines on my loader (2500x) seem a little short when the loader is at its highest and lowest points. I've also tightened a couple fittings on the loader. You may not have to worry about those issues with the other loader option (BL25S). The loader could be a little faster and more powerful. The tractor also has some hydro whine, but that's getting picky.

That said, I've been happy with the tractor. All of my complaints are minor and the problems I've had have been solved with a socket set. It's a good tractor, especially for the price. I think for $17,500 including the grapple is a very good price. That tractor is just broke in and the grapple is likely worth $500-1000 by itself. Look it over good. Check that all of the functions work - 4wd, 3pt, pto, ect. Don't forget to post pics if you get it.