Branson 6530

Glenn9643 · Oct 22, 2005

My MF dealer has picked up Branson's line recently as well as McCormick. I've mentioned that I'm considering trading to a cab tractor and noticed the 6530 on the lot, as well as MF 1547/1552 models with cab.
The 6530 has some nice features that I didn't find on the MF models. One is the 3-speed PTO option that seems to me could save on fuel when doing relatively light pasture clipping, etc. and maybe in other applications.
I only noticed a few things that draw questions... apparently R4 tires aren't an option yet. The salesman indicated that he's working with Branson on trying to get R4's.
The loader frame just doesn't look beefy enough to me but maybe that's just because I'm used to seeing wider loader arms on the MF 1040.
Seems like the view is clearer from the cab of the MF, and the door entrances seem a little easier to get in and out, especially on the right from sitting in the seat.
There wasn't a removable screen over the radiator to help keep trash out on the 6530, and it looked to me like it would be tough to get in there to blow the radiator out from the back. Any of you guys had any problems with trash building up in the radiator when bushhogging, etc.?

JerryG · Oct 22, 2005

Glenn,
Get you a 1547 and don't look back. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

mudcat · Oct 22, 2005

JerryG,
Have you checked out the 6530?

Stimw · Oct 22, 2005

Check the warranty on them too. A friend was looking at a MF and said they only had a one year/ 300 hour warranty. My 3510 has a three year/1000 hour warranty.
Are you sure about the radiator screen, my 3510 has one.
I would also hold out for the R-4s I love them. When spreading dirt they compact it very well. They are not too good for plowing though but everywhere else they shine. tim

Glenn9643 · Oct 22, 2005

I'm only sure that the one I looked at didn't have the screen. I did a double-take, went and checked out the MF models, came back and looked again. No screen. Nothing to indicate that a screen should be there but was missing. It may not be necessary, but I was curious if current users had experienced problems with overheating due to trash build-up.
NH has done away with the screen on some of their CUT lineup, relying on the mesh input screen before the radiator to catch it. I thought perhaps this was the case with the 6530, but looking closely there are some pretty good gaps below where trash can enter to clog up the cooling. Just trying to see if this might be a problem before I get too interested.

JCar · Oct 23, 2005

JerryG is correct if you buy the Massey don't look back because you will see what you should have bought... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

LMTC · Oct 24, 2005

( JerryG is correct if you buy the Massey don't look back because you will see what you should have bought )
What information does this add to the discussion? Adding a smiley face does not make it humorous. If you have something positive to add re: the Branson, then by all means do so; I'm sure the information would be welcomed.

Toby873 · Oct 24, 2005

LMTC,
Come on, lighten up. JCar is a Branson dealer. What do you think he should be saying. I believe there is room for some humor in almost all discussions. And he has been very helpful with his posts in the past.
Toby

JCar · Oct 24, 2005

Sorry just a little humor in response to Jerry, one thing I'm not is color blind, there are pros and cons to ALL tractors. I will stick to the helpful side for now on.

LMTC · Oct 24, 2005

( What do you think he should be saying. ) I think he should be saying what makes the product he carries a better value or selection.

I have watched this forum lose many quality members because alleged humor deteriorates to sarcasm, and folks end up leaving. Who decides where appropriateness ends once it goes beyond just information? I understand your point, and disagree with you. I was trying to make a helpful point to keep things focused on information.

mudcat · Oct 24, 2005

LMTC,
What is the difference in JerryG's post and JCAR's post? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Glenn9643 · Oct 31, 2005

Well, it’s been about 10 days since I posted this and still haven’t had anything but BS in response to my question. BUT, I went back to the dealer and looked again today... There is a screen, but it’s behind the AC and oil cooler cores. Still looks as if it would be a problem to blow the trash out.

And has anyone had a Branson for any period of time (a couple of years or so) that can comment on how the paint is holding up? Any flaking or rusting? I'm not trying to start a "racket", but just would like some information from owners before I seriously consider buying one. Thanks.

JCar · Nov 1, 2005

Glenn When it comes to the paint, it seems like it depends on how you take care of it, I have seen no flaking on tractors that are 4 + years old, some fading but only if stored outside, a little wax takes care of that. I agree there is a lot under the hood of the 6530, but the panels are easy to remove for cleaning. Have you had a chance to drive the 6530? Hopefully some of the 6530 owners will start reading your post and give you an update. Jason

dclt736 · Jun 25, 2018

New to this forum, just purchased a used 6530 with loader and cab about a month ago. First thing I did was to clean it completely, and wax it. Looks almost new considering it was made in 2009. There is some rust on it, but got some rust paint colour match to the grey as the local hardware store, and did a paint job on the rear and front, looks great now. Have some electrical problems to work out and I am just in the middle of replacing the main bearings on the left front tire. Knew I has some sort of repair to do when I purchased it, as the play in that tire was too great to be normal. Use the tractor to work up 5 acres of new seeding etc before i looked into that job. The large bearing was in really bad shape, glad i didn't let it go to long.

Branson Bob · Jun 25, 2018

dclt736 said:
New to this forum, just purchased a used 6530 with loader and cab about a month ago. First thing I did was to clean it completely, and wax it. Looks almost new considering it was made in 2009. There is some rust on it, but got some rust paint colour match to the grey as the local hardware store, and did a paint job on the rear and front, looks great now. Have some electrical problems to work out and I am just in the middle of replacing the main bearings on the left front tire. Knew I has some sort of repair to do when I purchased it, as the play in that tire was too great to be normal. Use the tractor to work up 5 acres of new seeding etc before i looked into that job. The large bearing was in really bad shape, glad i didn't let it go to long. View attachment 560053

Sounds like you know what you're doing so hopefully you won't need any but good luck with the new tractor.

Texasmark · Jun 27, 2018

Glenn9643 said:
My MF dealer has picked up Branson's line recently as well as McCormick. I've mentioned that I'm considering trading to a cab tractor and noticed the 6530 on the lot, as well as MF 1547/1552 models with cab.
The 6530 has some nice features that I didn't find on the MF models. One is the 3-speed PTO option that seems to me could save on fuel when doing relatively light pasture clipping, etc. and maybe in other applications.
I only noticed a few things that draw questions... apparently R4 tires aren't an option yet. The salesman indicated that he's working with Branson on trying to get R4's.
The loader frame just doesn't look beefy enough to me but maybe that's just because I'm used to seeing wider loader arms on the MF 1040.
Seems like the view is clearer from the cab of the MF, and the door entrances seem a little easier to get in and out, especially on the right from sitting in the seat.
There wasn't a removable screen over the radiator to help keep trash out on the 6530, and it looked to me like it would be tough to get in there to blow the radiator out from the back. Any of you guys had any problems with trash building up in the radiator when bushhogging, etc.?

If you are going to do any work use the R1s.

If you think the loader frame is weak at 1" thick braced steel, you haven't been shopping the competition.

Check the weight vs others.

The joystick is in the way on the right side. I have had mine for 9 years now and using the left door is all I have used and don't feel that I missed anything.

The cab doors have a brace bar that is very convenient for your right hand and a hand grip for the left hand. The step is positioned half way between the deck and the dirt....very easy to mount. The steering is tilt and height adjustable. Tilt it forward for entrance and exit. Adjust the height to suit you.

While you are at it check out the washers with the windshield wipers front and rear, outside mirrors besides rear view standard.

Combo PTO usage, Independent or Live where the PTO is interrupted by the clutch pedal depression.

And then there is the electric switch for position control. Up down at the flick of a switch. No change to the max lift-fall positioning. If you select the PTO interrupt button, any time you lift the 3 pt the PTO shuts off and re engages when you lower the implement, like when doing row crop work.

The rear 3 pt. with expanding lift arm tips, adjustable height control at the rear station, tube and sleve pin locked stabilizers for the arms.

The exhaust is off to the side of the cab, not right in front of you projecting through the hood.

Need any more reasons to like the 6530? There's more.

Oh it comes with a filter screen in front of the radiator.....the PO removed it. While you are at it there is a condenser coil for your AC and an oil cooler for the trans-hydrolic-hydrostatic fluid.

The tranny is 24......that's twenty four...... gears F AND R plus a shuttle shift that is as fast as you can move the lever and your foot, fully synchro on th shuttle.

I had the air suspension seat standard in mine.

And then there is the Cummins 3.3 NA 4 cylinder (not 3) direct charged (no turbo) Komatsu (Japanese heavy equipment company) licensed and built engine.

on and on. Course if yours is the 6530 and not the 6530c those parts mentioned herein won't apply.

dclt736 · Jun 27, 2018

Hi Texasmark, you pretty much covered all the great things that sold me on the purchase as well.
I would like to start another thread on some electrical issues i have with the up down switch etc.
But new to this forum stuff.
Will find out how to do that and hopefully I can get some further information or past problems solving ideas from you.

Texasmark · Jun 29, 2018

I just quit for the day and locked the shop. Tomorrow I'll whip out the manuals and see if I can help.

You posted just fine. I picked right up on it. As you surmised, one entry per topic, keeps things simple and people seem to like short conversations.......not me, I got on here to blab and blab I do. If a person doesn't like it they can just move on down and select the next topic. Grin!

Texasmark · Jul 5, 2018

Glenn9643 said:
Well, it’s been about 10 days since I posted this and still haven’t had anything but BS in response to my question. BUT, I went back to the dealer and looked again today... There is a screen, but it’s behind the AC and oil cooler cores. Still looks as if it would be a problem to blow the trash out.

And has anyone had a Branson for any period of time (a couple of years or so) that can comment on how the paint is holding up? Any flaking or rusting? I'm not trying to start a "racket", but just would like some information from owners before I seriously consider buying one. Thanks.

Mine sits under cover so I can't say about sun fading. No rust down here. Loader paint isn't the same quality as the tractor proper and has shown some slight sign of discoloration. The rear fenders on the cab version (at least) are made from hand layup fiberglass mat reinforced fiberglass....just like Ranger (for one) makes Bass Boat hulls. Very sturdy. However, when I bought my tractor in 2007, there were 3 on the lot, two new and one that was a year old or so that had been sitting out in the sun.....like most fiberglass the rear fenders were sun faded just like a boat that sits out. Obviously no rust on them and certainly no breakage.

How can I help you with your questions that you said weren't answered, just provided with BS?