Any thing on Branson Tractors?

[Muleskinner Jim]

Thanks Larry, I have been studying tractor specs for about one and a half months now. I am about to go cross-eyed from studying the specs. I have pretty decided to go for a Branson 3510h. It has good overall weight (just under 3700 lbs.) and the little 3 cyl. Cummins designed Kukje engine should drive it pretty well. I have always wanted a hydrostat tractor after using my neighbors 3520 JD with a loader. It is just so fast and flexible when running a loader. I would really rather have the newer model 3520R with a hydro, but I got word from the factory thru a dealer that they won't have the 3520R available with a hydro until approx Aug. of 2014. I don't think I can wait that long. I've got projects to do with a loader, that my little JD 850 w/ MFWD just won't do. I was comparing the Branson parts lists between the 3510h & the 4720h models. These are the only two hydro models that Branson offers right now. It looks like they use the same part number# (Eaton) hydrostatic trans/pump in both models. Heck, I figure if they can warranty the drive train for 4 yrs. with a hydro in a 47 h.p. tractor, it should hold up in a 35 h.p. tractor. I've got the little Deere John all cleaned and painted up with new green and yellow paint. Now if just the right person would come along and I could turn it, I think I would be ready to try on some 'Branson Red' paint for a change.

 

[DavesTractor]

It's true that the 35HP models are very under-stressed. I mostly sell Mahindra, but the 3510HST Branson is a really nice tractor and priced well for what basically is a 47HP unit with a smaller engine. You will enjoy the extra weight and stability over the JD850, and of course HST will spoil you.

 

[Winlock Mike]

Im new here. I'm looking at getting a Branson 3120R. Is it on the same frame as the 3510? Are they good? Going to get a backhoe and a 12" post hole auger.

 

[DavesTractor]

The 3120R is a good machine. Overbuilt, very heavy duty. My only issue with the 3120R is that it may be just a little heavy for it's HP. But generally that isn't a problem unless you are pulling a mower and mowing hilly areas where the mower consumes a lot of power and the engine struggles to then move a 5000 lb unit up a hill with what power remains. But that is solved by just going down a gear or two.

The weight is handy for loader work and ground engaging work.

Look at the HST as well in the 35HP size, I prefer it myself.

 

[ibtallwalt]

Local dealer has pretty good pricing on Branson tractors. I know nothing about them. Any one here?

Just bought the 2800 (not hydrostat) and have owned my 9n for a long while, and love it...but, I can't believe the Branson...it's quiet, it pulls the drag and gannon with ease, it's easy to use, and will turn in it's own length...I love it. It's a bit smaller than my N, but, works effortlessly where the N is a bit more work to drive and use.

I have looked it over, from top to bottom, and am impressed with the detail and the finish...some said to watch out for the finish quality on imports..but, this one is well assembled and so far not even a loose nut...

The engine is a Cummins, 1.1 Liter, turbo charged engine...that was a big selling point to me too.

I do know, I'm not as tired after doing some of the same chores with the Branson, as I was with the N...love the power steering and the FWD... really allows me to do some things that the N won't because of wheel slippage in gravel and loose dirt.

Looked at all the colors...all way more expensivde and I couldn't justify the extra money as there weren't any glarring differences that would account for it.

I found the Branson and settled on it. Found Big Red's Equipment in Granbury, Texas to be a company and persons that are ready to sell you a fine compact or larger tractor in a package deal or stand alone.. look em up on the net.. you won't be dissapointed. Talk to Jody, he'll do right by you.

Walter

 

[foreman Etexas]

Larry,

How many hours do you have now on your 3510h? Who was your original dealer for your Branson tractor, was it (G.W.) Anderson Tractor Sales on CR 305 in Carthage, TX? If so, are they not a Branson dealer any longer or are they going out of business? I was told recently by a Branson Territory Rep. that Anderson Tractor may be scaling back their operation some, but he didn't say anything about them going out of business. I am interested in who the current Branson dealers are in East TX because I am considering buying a Branson 3510h or a 4720h soon, and will be relocating to my place over near Jacksonville, TX. I do know that there is a dealer in Lindale that just started selling the Branson Tractors. The name is Choppers Outdoor Pwr. & Equip. on So. Main st. in Lindale, TX.

I do believe there is a small Branson Mom and Pop type place just outside Elkhart headed towards Grapeland on 287. They have been selling tractors there for years not many only seen 2 or 3,its basically at there house kinda thing.

 

[jtygoku]

Just bought the 2800 (not hydrostat) and have owned my 9n for a long while, and love it...but, I can't believe the Branson...it's quiet, it pulls the drag and gannon with ease, it's easy to use, and will turn in it's own length...I love it. It's a bit smaller than my N, but, works effortlessly where the N is a bit more work to drive and use.

I have looked it over, from top to bottom, and am impressed with the detail and the finish...some said to watch out for the finish quality on imports..but, this one is well assembled and so far not even a loose nut...

The engine is a Cummins, 1.1 Liter, turbo charged engine...that was a big selling point to me too.

I do know, I'm not as tired after doing some of the same chores with the Branson, as I was with the N...love the power steering and the FWD... really allows me to do some things that the N won't because of wheel slippage in gravel and loose dirt.

Looked at all the colors...all way more expensivde and I couldn't justify the extra money as there weren't any glarring differences that would account for it.

I found the Branson and settled on it. Found Big Red's Equipment in Granbury, Texas to be a company and persons that are ready to sell you a fine compact or larger tractor in a package deal or stand alone.. look em up on the net.. you won't be dissapointed. Talk to Jody, he'll do right by you.

Walter

I'll second the thumbs up for Big Red's although I dealt with Tim. I ended up with a Kioti DK40SE. Was worried about conducting the transaction long distance but the sale and delivery went smopthly and the price was considerably lower than any I could get quoted locally. I have a previous thread in the Kioti forum that share my buying experience in a little more detail.

 

[Reg]

In addition to what has already been posted;
They are built by Kukje in South Korea.
This company also contract builds JDs and (I think) Montana.
I have a 42 horse non turbo (err, "naturally aspirated") one.
When American Jawa (the importer who branded them as "Century") folded
I was able to pick up a set of turf tires and rims for cheap at their warehouse in Harrisburg, PA
On a subsequent trip I got the 8 1/2 ft Amerequip back hoe.
Kinda handy having an empty (but for some manure) horse trailer following the truck around (-:

They were around for a few years, importing Korean scooters the last I knew, but the warehouse
had quite a lot of Kukje/Century/Branson & Zetor parts and accessories. Probably 3 or 4 tractors
that were partly picked apart for parts.

BTW, the back hoe IS user installable using nothing more than hand tools - and can be lifted out of a horse trailer with the FEL.
I may have used the pallet forks, but don't remember if I had them then or not.

No parts problems here, I have used Foskett in Woodstock, VT and ????? not remembering them right now but I think they are in Troy NH.
Valentine's maybe ? a name like that.

EDIT:
That is VALENTI'S tractor in Troy, NH. - - had to look it up.
:END EDIT

re the tie rod ends;
There is a fairly hefty upgrade kit available, but my dealer advised to just be sure to keep the ball joint nuts TIGHT and all will be well - - I have and it has been.
Apparently they break under shock load if there is looseness, at least that has been my dealer's experience, i.e. every one that they have done has had loose ball joint nuts.

 

[larryjhall]

Hi Jim-- just getting back to this thread-- I purchased my Branson from ACM Tractor in San Marcos Texas. They were most accommodating and got me the tractor I wanted. They say they will still order one. However, I believe they are no longer a Branson Dealer. As you can read in my previous post this is getting worry-some to me as the dealers fall off. At this time I would recommend Big Red's Equipment in Granbury, Texas.

 

[larryjhall]

For anyone thinking on the Branson purchase; as I am a proud owner -- I recommend the Hydro-static (HST) version. The clutch on my 3510i has put my nee in agony after 5-6 hours of working with it numerous times. If I had it to do over I would not get the shuttle/shift with clutch. The spring tension in that thing is strong as a horse and you to will feel it later after working with this machine-- no doubt.