Comparison Branson 4720h vs LS 4046h

[Stevens001]

I am a newbie looking to purchase his first and hopefully last tractor. I have been talking to dealers, tractor owners, checking different tractor forums to try to determine which tractor will fit my requirements.
I am looking for a tractor capable of lifting 2000 lbs (have small boulders to move), run a 6 ft bush hog, do some grading and eventually cultivate a small (1/2) acre garden. It must also be able to groom an arena.
I have narrowed the list down to these two tractors; they appear to give the biggest bang for the buck yet meet all of my needs.
I live within 100 miles of the dealers of these tractors.
I am interested in the hydrostatic transmission so that my wife can drive it (she has no interest in learning to use a clutch).
Would also need a backhoe for either

Appreciate your input
Thanks

 

[George2615]

Welcome to TBN.......

Not sure in what part of the country you are located. You will like the HST.
I would talk to the dealers.
Will you be doing your own service work on the tractor or relying on the dealer. If doing your own a factory service manual would be nice to have and could be negotiated at time of purchase.
Do you have means to transport a tractor to the dealer for service or repairs or rely on dealer.
If dealer to transport the 100 miles, what does he charge for transport.
Does dealer stock standard parts for basic things like filters. Are parts readily available for fast turnarounds for warranty or breakage issues.
I have Branson, Mahindra, Deere, Kubota, MF, and LS dealers all within 25 miles of me. I don't know much about Branson but I think LS seems to be a growing company having produced tractors for many other brands for years and now their own line of tractors. Read the forums here for LS and Branson to see other owners pros and cons on their tractors. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[Mr Bitz]

When apples to apples which you are doing, it would seem that the Branson will outspec the LS by just a little bit. The LS has a little more lift capacity at 2500lbs vs the Branson at 2100lbs. The Branson is a little heavier coming in at 4118 vs LS at 3870. 3 point on the Branson has a bit more capacity at 3306 vs LS at 2756. Probably the biggest difference between the 2 is that the Branson doesn't loose as much power through the PTO your still putting out 42pto hp vs 35.4 on the LS. Other than that I think they are pretty comparable.. It'll come down to how the dealer treats you, how you like each tractor and price.. I'm sure which ever you choose you'll be happy with.. good luck.

 

[870wing]

Make sure you are comparing the same specs. The hydraulic lift of some tractors are taken at the cylinder arms, giving the manufacturer a higher rating. The industry standard is measured 24'' behind the hydraulic cylinder, about where the ball joints would be. The difference between the rating at the hydraulic cylinder vs 24'' behind the hydraulic cylinder can some times be as much as 1/3 higher.

Take care

870Wing

 

[sunstardude]

Stevens001, it is now about 1 year after you started this thread but I am having the same question. LS or Branson. I have a well-established Branson dealer just 5 miles from me and LS is working to setup a dealer here. I like both brands so not sure which to go with. What did you settle on? Thanks.

 

[Omega Woods]

I found a Branson dealer that I felt comfortable with so I went with them given the price and build quality. I like both brands, too, and wouldn't hesitate to buy an LS.

I'm not helping you but I just spent a month shopping and came down to these two brands, too. Tough choice. If the Branson guy is up and running and you need a tractor now, there's your answer.