Branson 4720Ch vs. 4225Ch

[Tractor45]

Trying to make a decision between the 4720Ch and 4225Ch. I read the specifications and understand the main difference is horsepower. Are there any other big differences between the two series? Just seems different that all the other series move up in horsepower,size and then from 20 Series - 25 Series the horsepower rating steps down.

The main use will be for maintenance of a 1500 ft gravel drive, snow removal, forestry (moving brush, logs for firewood). The terrain is rocky with grades 15%-20%. There are no existing fields but in the future I plan to create some small 2-3 acre pastures that would need to be mowed.

I have a bigger excavator to do all the heavy lifting, mainly need this for support and cleanup. Moving things around and the other big job will be snow removal. I am thinking of getting one of the Erskine inverted snowblowers so can travel forward.

Thoughts?

 

[ptsg]

On this side of the pond, the 20 series are not sold anymore. For a couple years now. However we have the 25 series going from 35 up to 60hp.

In theory, just in theory, the 25 series should be the newer series with, what I would assume, some bug correction/upgrades from the 20 series. I don't know however if they are still making the 20 series or just selling the remaining stock.

 

[ericm979]

When I bought my 3725 2 years ago my dealer said that the 25 series DOC+DPF has more catalyst in it. That dealer also had their 25s set up with 2 rear remotes, adjustable 3pt down links on both sides instead of just one, and a block heater. I think some of those were dealer options that they put on to differentiate their 25s more. You can get those as options on a 20.

I got my 3725 with the smaller wheel/tire set used on the 3520, plus 2" spacers on the rear, for stability on our steep hills. The tractor is very stable but ground clearance is slightly lower.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

The only 20 series I looked at was a cabbed unit that had heat, and no A/C. After thinking it over and talking to my dealer, I went with a 25 series cabbed unit, because those all come with heat and A/C. I'm not sure if the cabbed 20 series has to be ordered with the A/C option or not, but the one my dealer had on the lot (2 years ago) did not have it.

I also think they made changes to the older 20 series cabs, and they now have the "better" cab like the 25 series comes with. You may want to confirm all of this with your dealer.

If all else is equal, # of rear remotes, A/C, 2 adjustable and extendable rear lower links, then get the one with the better $. But if one has more (or no) rear remotes, or one cab has A/C and the other doesn't, then that would sway me in that direction.

And for inclines/slopes, get your rear tires filled. Will help with lowering your center of gravity for slopes, but also give you traction for snow work. Look up the hp demands on that rear blower you're looking at, as well as any other pto driven tool you may want, and factor that into your buying decision.

I don't think you could go wrong with either one of those tractors.

And pics when you get it.

 

[ericm979]

I got Rimguard in the tires as well.

 

[Tractor45]

Yes, they both look like nice machines so that is why it is difficult to make the choice. The 4720Ch did come packaged with AC, Heat, block heater and 2 rear remotes. At the time I was not looking as closely at the 4225 but going back tomorrow to get a closer look. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I know the 25 series comes with adjustable lower link arms on both sides. They extend too. Not sure if the 20 series has that also (as in on both sides).

Try to spend time running both machines. Maybe there's a difference between the 2 hydro's. Also look closely at both FEL's, maybe they are different, and look at the lift capacity of each FEL and each 3 pt. There won't be a lot of difference between these 2 series.

 

[ning]

I can't speak to the 42 vs 47, but when I was comparing the 3520 vs 3725 (no cab) there was a really minimal difference and for the price I could see no reason to go with the 25 model.

I'm a tractor nub still but suspect either will suit you fine. What does the dealer say is the difference between those two tractors?

 

[ericm979]

The 3725 has a 2.1 liter four cylinder engine that's smoother and quieter than the 1.8 liter triple in the 3520. OTOH to me the 3520 sounds more tractor like, but that could be because my old Kubota was also a triple.

 

[ning]

I don't doubt that the 3725>3520, but the differences for the costs weren't sufficient to push me over, especially when the 3520 was already so much better a tractor than the competition that I was considering at its price point...

The 3725 has a 2.1 liter four cylinder engine that's smoother and quieter than the 1.8 liter triple in the 3520. OTOH to me the 3520 sounds more tractor like, but that could be because my old Kubota was also a triple.