branson 3510i

[JackMentink]

I purchased a montana R3644 gear which is 38.5 HP brand new for 15K with loader. Dealer loaded tires and included a tooth bar for the bucket for that price. Very nice and includes rear remotes (2) and quick attach front bucket. It was the best deal I could find. Engine is also 4 cylinder which I found to be quite a bit smoother than the 3 cylinders most brands have in this size tractor.

Check Montana and Kioti they are also very competitive for good quality equipment.

 

[gregboechler]

I have a Branson 3820 and is the best bang for the buck I have ever come across. Was a big John Deere guy before and am totally sold on the Branson, having owned tractors for over 40 years.

 

[jimbgood]

This is going to be long, but this is my experience with Branson. I just can't be the only one with this experience. Blow is a letter I wrote a Bullrider that used to sponsor Branson.
Dear Sirs:
I am writing to tell you how disgusted I have become with your equipment. Since THIS BRANSON 3510 was purchased at I have had nothing but problems. It only has 272 hours on it and so far I HAVE RELACED 5 POWER STEERING FILTERS AND PROBABLY CLEANED THEM 20 TIMES. I HAVE A DENT IN MY VAN and A GOUGE IN THE SIDE OF A CUSTOMERS HOUSE BECAUSE THE TRACTOR REFUSED TO STEER PROPERLY. Finally Charlottesville Power Equipment was able to fix the steering problem under warranty when Dinwiddie Tractor refused. We have replaced the front end loader support arms because of defects, the quick release lever because of defects, the seat because of defects, the control lever because of defects, two connecting rods on the bucket because of defects two screws that hold the linkage on the control lever for the bucket had to be replaced, a cracked fuel bowl, a fuel pump and have had to keep adjusting the clutch about every couple of weeks until the two stage clutch would not disengage the PTO. Charlottesville Power Equipment said that they had adjusted it to acceptable scraping parameters? Whatever that means, now this July the clutch quit working completely. It has been sitting in my backyard since. I am so angry and disgusted I didn't even want to call you!! Some of your equipment may be alright, but this one isn't fit to be a decent yard ornament.
Since this letter I was contacted by Branson in North Carolina a 5 hour drive away. They wanted to see the tractor, so I rented a truck and trailer and took it to them. They traded it for a last year痴 model 3820 and I paid $3000.00 difference.
Now 3 years later the tractor has a clutch problems [240 hrs.], the glow plugs haven稚 worked in over a year, the hood clips fell apart a year after purchase. I was told that the dealer that guaranteed the tractor is now out of business and that Korea has taken back the distribution of the tractors and when I tried to contact the factory there was no reply. The closest dealer is a hour and a half away and was told $2500.00 would be the cost to replace the clutch because it is a normal wear item!! 240 hrs. HUH!! I LOVE THE WAY THE TRACTOR WORKS, BUT NO WAY CAN I AFFORD TO MAINTAIN IT MYSELF.

 

[donawilcox]

i am about to post Branson vs Mahindra but last poster may of made up my mind. I need to go look at the bobcat. But can not find any that stats hold up to the Mahindra 3535. it is heavy and lift capacity is close and even more than the Branson 4220 which is 40hp. unfortunatly I am having to finance it and have not been give any prices yet. I stopped by dealer and the only sales guy they had was out. so touched and looked. We are emailing now and he is out of the Mahindra 3535 and will not get any till after the end of the month so may loose the 0% for 60 months. So he is recomending the Branson which he say is a little lower price. But as stated the larger branson capacity is still just a little lower than the Mahindra. I will see what he comes up with tomorrow.

 

[MFRED]

Don't forget sometimes the best deal isn't the best price. Consider things like service & parts support. If the pic of that JD moving round bales is you, then you understand the importance of sunshine in New England this year.
Doesn't matter what kind of deal you got on your machine if it isn't running when you need it.

 

[polo1665]

i am about to post Branson vs Mahindra but last poster may of made up my mind. I need to go look at the bobcat. But can not find any that stats hold up to the Mahindra 3535. it is heavy and lift capacity is close and even more than the Branson 4220 which is 40hp. unfortunatly I am having to finance it and have not been give any prices yet. I stopped by dealer and the only sales guy they had was out. so touched and looked. We are emailing now and he is out of the Mahindra 3535 and will not get any till after the end of the month so may loose the 0% for 60 months. So he is recomending the Branson which he say is a little lower price. But as stated the larger branson capacity is still just a little lower than the Mahindra. I will see what he comes up with tomorrow.

You have to be the one to shop around, do research, talk to neighbors, and visit your local dealers to determine the best tractor for your situation and the best dealer in your area. I guarantee that if you spend the time here on TBN you will find negative posts in every tractor forum made by an unfortunate soul who got a hold of a lemon. You will also find an abundance of very satisfied customers in every one of the tractor forums here as well. Beware the "one post wonder" that chimes in to bash a brand because of a bad experience, you will find these posts applied to all of the brands, yes even Kubota, John Deere, and Massey Ferguson.The key is to find a good dealer in your area.
I am very happy with my Branson. It has performed every task I've asked it to and I have had no trouble with it whatsoever. I spent alot of time reading here on TBN before I made my decision and "so far" I have not regretted it.
You may want to stay away from the less mainstream brands, that is up to you and your situation. Keep reading TBN, you will get a ton of useful information that will help you decide on a make and model, you just have to filter some of the info that's all.
Good luck with your search.

Mark

 

[Lunk]

You have to be the one to shop around, do research, talk to neighbors, and visit your local dealers to determine the best tractor for your situation and the best dealer in your area. I guarantee that if you spend the time here on TBN you will find negative posts in every tractor forum made by an unfortunate soul who got a hold of a lemon. You will also find an abundance of very satisfied customers in every one of the tractor forums here as well. Beware the "one post wonder" that chimes in to bash a brand because of a bad experience, you will find these posts applied to all of the brands, yes even Kubota, John Deere, and Massey Ferguson.The key is to find a good dealer in your area.
I am very happy with my Branson. It has performed every task I've asked it to and I have had no trouble with it whatsoever. I spent alot of time reading here on TBN before I made my decision and "so far" I have not regretted it.
You may want to stay away from the less mainstream brands, that is up to you and your situation. Keep reading TBN, you will get a ton of useful information that will help you decide on a make and model, you just have to filter some of the info that's all.
Good luck with your search.

Mark

What He Said!

 

[52wej]

What Mark says is to the point. I have owned a Century 2535 (same size as the 3510 Bransons) for 5 years quite successfully as have many others, and have almost 50 years of experience with farm equipment and construction equipment of all brands. I hope you will find something that will provide you the satisfaction you seek. No manutfacturer is exempt from the production of lemons. w jones

 

[Stimw]

One operator, two tractors, two clutches. I see a pattern here. First post on TBN. ????
I bought my 3510 Branson 4 years ago and am still impressed with it and it is problem free. I went through most of the posts on the Branson forum before I bought and the ONLY major complaint thread I remember was a Branson that had been abused in a RR yard and Branson addressed their complaints very fairly.
A friend bought a 3510 shortly after I did and is very happy with his (I talked to him today) and he uses it in a boat yard with many different drivers.

 

[jimbgood]

I think the Branson is a real work horse and the clutch might be my fault. I use my tractor for digging, working on roads, hauling unbelievable loads, bush hogging, pushing over trees[small] and I don't have a lot of experience, but I am a mechanic/machinist by trade and have a great amount of experience with machine design. Rarely have I noticed the clutch ever slip, usually the tires spin first. I can't imagine anything that would wear out a clutch in this little amount of time, but I am the common denominator. We are pulling the machine down now and will be glad to share what I find.
I believe if you have a reputable dealer close by and can get service, Branson may be a viable option. In Virginia there are few dealers. I didn't do my research before buying. A few years ago the organization of Branson was different and you could talk to a factory rep, but now they will not even return my email. I am over being angry and am now just trying to find a way to fix my tractor as cheaply as possible. I have been forced to retire and my income has taken a huge hit, so I am using shade tree mechanics [friends] to help. I am hoping that I can have the clutch relined at a shop in Richmond. Just can't afford $1200 expense from Branson.