Buying Advice Branson Vs. Massey

[Rocky1992]

We are thinking about upgrading our 1994 1520 ford. We have kind of narrowed it down to either a Branson Or a Massey. Both about 35 hp. Any ideas would be very helpful.
Thanks

Rocky

 

[MFRED]

What models are you looking at?

 

[MIKE R]

I would go with a Massey. Take a look at the 1500 and 1600 series. Massey has many years under their belt, building tractors unlike Branson who started in 1998. You would probably be best off finding parts for a Massey.

Good luck deciding on a tractor

 

[kenmac]

I would go with a Massey. Take a look at the 1500 and 1600 series. Massey has many years under their belt, building tractors unlike Branson who started in 1998.

I didn't know massey built tractors. Most if not all are contract tractors. I could be wrong But,believe branson builds their tractors. I like the branson line of tractors

 

[Reg]

I didn't know massey built tractors. Most if not all are contract tractors. I could be wrong But,believe branson builds their tractors. I like the branson line of tractors

Kinda/Sorta, they are built by Kukje, a South Korean company that also contract builds for John Deere and I think Montana.
Branson may have started importing them in 98, I don't have the full history, but I think they were brought in as Zetor before that.

My smallest tractor is a 42 HP Kukje that was re-branded as "Century C42" in the days when American Jawa was bringing them in.
You can still get parts, though I haven't needed any.
It is a tough little tractor.
I tend to not break stuff, I also tend to maintain stuff, though not obsessively (-:

 

[Rancher Ed]

I didn't know massey built tractors. Most if not all are contract tractors. I could be wrong But,believe branson builds their tractors. I like the branson line of tractors

I believe masseys compacts (1500, now 1600) are built (and have been for many years) by Iseki which is a Japanese maker with a very good reputation. Everything else (bigger) they or one of their sister brands make.

I would get the MF myself.

Ed

 

[MIKE R]

I believe masseys compacts (1500, now 1600) are built (and have been for many years) by Iseki

Massey contracts to them for there tractors up to the utility class. The Massey's with the Perkins Diesels are built by Massey not contracted out.

I would get the Massey.

What do you plan on doing with the tractor. Loader work, grading, mowing???

 

[Kaizer Peas]

If you want a good heavy reliable tractor with a Cummis designed Diesel, go with the South Korean built Branson. Kioti and LS are also built in S Korea.

If you want a lighter Japanese built tractor go with the Iseki/Massey.

The Branson will give you much more for the money such as all these standard, 2 speed PTO, 12 speed shuttle shift, cast iron rear end and transmission housings, and powder coated steel fenders and hood to name a few. But check both for yourself and buy what YOU want. You're the only one who has to be happy with it.:thumbsup:

 

[Rancher Ed]

If you want a good heavy reliable tractor with a Cummis designed Diesel, go with the South Korean built Branson. Kioti and LS are also built in S Korea.

If you want a lighter Japanese built tractor go with the Iseki/Massey.

The Branson will give you much more for the money such as all these standard, 2 speed PTO, 12 speed shuttle shift, cast iron rear end and transmission housings, and powder coated steel fenders and hood to name a few. But check both for yourself and buy what YOU want. You're the only one who has to be happy with it.:thumbsup:

The massey has a 12 speed shuttle shift with a 12 speed power shuttle as an option. Their hood and fenders are also steel but I don't know if they are powder coated and which of the other things you mentioned it has.

 

[DeeDubya]

Massey 1635 (35.7hp) = 3175 lbs

Branson 3510i (35hp) = 3760 lbs

 

[Zork]

When I was shopping I noticed the trans-axle assembly area of my Branson 3520 MUCH larger than other brands with larger horsepowers, so I figured for the $$$'s and Hp, in this area the Bransons are better built.

 

[Reg]

Massey 1635 (35.7hp) = 3175 lbs

Branson 3510i (35hp) = 3760 lbs

As I said, mine is a tough little beast.
{slightly heavier as the "Large frame" version}

PART of "tough" is in the mass of the frame and castings.
I don't believe it is "useless fat" in the Branson/Century/Zetor Kukje tractors.
I would have some concern with 600 or so pounds of "missing" frame and castings mass.
By the time I add the loader at around 1300 lbs and 1100 lbs of RimGuard mine is just about 6500 lbs with my fat butt on it (-:

 

[FF117]

When I was shopping last year I looked at Massey and Branson. I ended up with Branson mainly because it was $5000 cheaper and the dealer was closer, but here's my 2 cents.

The Massey has a more refined operator station and has the option of a power shuttle transmission. the Branson has a larger operator station and the whole tractor just felt bigger to me. Things might have changed on the new Branson 20R series, so be sure to take a look at those. They are both good tractors and I don't think you can go wrong with either one, but you should get comparable quotes and drive each one before buying. Don't forget to factor in the dealer proximity and reputation. Let us know what you decide.