Branson questions

[coralhead]

Slim, great choice of tractor. On the forks, skip the clamp-on and go with a set of quick attach skc style. The clamp-on forks are great if you do not have the quick attach bucket, and great at lower capacity levels, but for this tractor I'd go with the real deal forks.

I've thought about the clamp on forks myself till I really saw what would most likely happen with the bottom edge of my bucket. Trying to lift something too heavy or getting a fork hung up and the bottom edge of the bucket is going to get sprung down and then the lower edge of the bucket will not set flat on the ground. It's hard enough not bending up the front edge as it is without putting a point load on the edge and then lifting up. Getting close to getting SSQA forks,

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I appreciate all your guy's help in answering my questions. It made it easier to make up my mind quicker on what I wanted vs. what I needed. I did just order a set of edge tamers and edge extenders for my FEL online. I also want to order a Piranha cutting edge for my FEL, but looking online, they want an actual measurement, inside to inside for the bucket when you order the cutting edge. Can someone with a 67" FEL on their BL25R loader tell me what that measurement is? I would like to get the cutting edge ordered to get it on the way. I can always wait until next weekend when the tractor's delivered, but just wanting to get a jump on getting all this ordered.

Thanks.

 

[ericm979]

I measured 67 3/8 on mine and ordered a 67 1/4 Piranha bar. It fit fine. But I have no idea how variable these buckets are, so I'd suggest waiting until the tractor arrives. BTW BXpanded's step drill appears to be the same as the large one you get in the Harbor Freight set of three that's often on sale. With either one, chuck it fully in the drill. I left it sticking out about 1/4 inch so the drill chuck would not bottom on the bucket, and when the drill bit broke through it snapped the bit. I did the second hole with the HF bit. It performed better but I may have learned something from the first one. I'd just use the HF bit.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

Yeah, I'm sure you're right, be safer to just wait it out. Already have the HF step bits ready to go.

I'll post pics when it gets delivered.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

Dealer delivered it to my house last night. Kind of crappy conditions outside for good pics, overcast low light. Forgot to ask him how much Rim Guard he put in the rear tires, so I can figure out total weight of new tractor. I'm thinking with tractor + loader/FEL + box blade + Rim Guard in rears = 6K-ish on weight. That's right about where my trailer's max payload sits, so as long as it's not much over 6K, I should be fine. He still has my 3pt mower deck, as I don't have my dolly figured out on where I'm going to put it/set it on. And there's nothing growing yet that needs mowing anyway. I'd like to not have to leave it sit outside.

 

[Branson Bob]

I know. It's like when you buy a brand new hammer, everything starts to look like a nail.

Well the deal is done. Papers are signed. Dealer will fill the tires with Rim Guard, weld on some chain hooks onto the bucket, and deliver it to my place next Saturday (I'm going to be out of town most of next week).

I purchased the tractor with FEL, box blade, brush hog, trailer hitch, draw bar, and clamp on forks.

Congratulations Slim!

 

[JonnyRed]

This may help with Piranha Bar
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/century-branson/353377-what-have-you-done-your-post4438062.html?highlight=#post4438062

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

Finally a nice day with some sun to take a few decent pics of the new tractor.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Mr Bitz]

Very Nice tractor.

 

[LincTex]

I think if I were stump pulling I would get a tractor with a back hoe and dig them out. Trying to use the FEL to dig them out to me would be very hard on the front axle assemblies. ....!!!!!!!!

Correct.

There really isn't any FEL and front axle that's up to pulling stumps out, unless you go with a VERY large tractor.

I dig all around the stumps to break up all the roots before pulling them out. Use the drawbar, not the FEL!