Branson 2910i - Buying Advice Please - Summer use only???

[arnoldziffel]

My cousin is looking at a used Branson 2910i in Ohio. He's asked my advice.

I don't know Branson tractors though I see one now and then.

Given this model's terrible reputation for hard winter starting, should my cousin consider this a warm weather only "back-up" tractor?

Has anyone been able to rely on this tractor in cold weather?

Thanks.

 

[DavesTractor]

You can always just install a block heater and plug it in. It will think it's summer and you are good to go.

 

[52wej]

I have had a 2535 Century which is the equivalent of a 3510 Branson for 10 Years. The key to goo winter starting is to be sure the glow plugs are ok, they do wear out . But combined with a block heater as suggested by Dave you will have a quality year round tractor. Willie Jones

 

[Zork]

My tractor has had flawless starts in the Virginia Winters without a block heater. Still, the original battery.

 

[Reg]

Mine is FINE in Mass winters, original battery - '05 or '06, I forget.

There WAS a cold start scare about them, I took all my glow plugs and injectors out, had the injectors tested at three or four local diesel truck specialists. About 50/50 "they're junk" vs "they're fine".
I put them all back and was VERY CAREFUL to clean every connection between the glow plugs and the bus bar that feeds them.
To anyone who doesn't already know, there is a copper BAR that has holes drilled in it to fit over the ends of the glow plugs, not just a "wire" - I figured the designers thought resistance MATTERS here, so connections had better be good.
So I wire brushed every contact surface, slathered vaseline on them and re-assembled.
NO cold starting problems, not that mine was bad - I had read the stories here and was being "retentive" when it was new.

 

[bl1951]

I have 2910i and had heard all the rumors. Bought tractor used and thought O No. Had injectors tested found some pressure issues. Called a Cummins dealer and order new injectors from Cummins. No problem after cycling glow plugs 3 or 4 times and using good quality fuel. I do not use off road fuel; my understanding it may have waste oil from restaurants and other type oils in it. Dont know that this is true. I just like minimizing any issues. If anyone needs injector part# I will see if I can relocate them......Branson 2910i owner

 

[DavesTractor]

Off road diesel is only lacking road tax. It's first class fuel, so don't worry about that. I'm still not sure why the 2910i needs more than one glow plug cycle, but they do when it is cold.

 

[Superflea]

My cousin is looking at a used Branson 2910i in Ohio. He's asked my advice.

I don't know Branson tractors though I see one now and then.

Given this model's terrible reputation for hard winter starting, should my cousin consider this a warm weather only "back-up" tractor?

Has anyone been able to rely on this tractor in cold weather?

Thanks.

I read that the fuel program for the 2910i is the same as the 3110i? and so they are a bit rich. Cold starts were a problem until I put in a block heater. Problem solved and it starts like a dandy. There is a otc heater that screws into a freeze plug hole. Been a long time so I don't have a part # but I'm sure you can research and find one. It's well worth the money when you look at starter replacements.

 

[Zork]

My tractor has had flawless starts in the Virginia Winters without a block heater. Still, the original battery.

Barring any design flaws, if everything is working right, glow plugs and maybe a block heater is all you'll need. My 2004 35 hp, only 450+ hours still starts and runs flawlessly. I use heating oil. I don't remember when the battery was changed, maybe 2021(?).

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

Uh, fellas, this was 9 years ago...