K5lwq
Elite Member
- Joined
- Aug 6, 2017
- Messages
- 4,918
- Location
- Mineola, TX
- Tractor
- Kioti LK2554, Branson 4815C, Satoh Beaver, Speedex
The new 20 series has the 4 range H pattern which is really nice. That alone would lead me in that direction.
Buying a Branson
- Thread starter Bowmbd
- Start date
- Views: 27401
fried1765
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2015
- Messages
- 10,159
- Tractor
- Kubota L48 TLB, Ford 1920 FEL, 8N Ford, Gravely 12 HP "Professional", 48" SCAG Liberty
A Branson model recommendation from a Branson owner is "worth it's weight in gold"
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I would evaluate your situation. Are you working fields ? Lifting round bails? Heavy loader work in the open ? Mowing big fields ? You need more weight and HP !
My needs are for in the woods. Tight trails That are 5 ft wide . Small food plots. Maintaining the 1/4 mile long driveway. Mowing Trails and plots . I have a 54" rider for the lawn . Moving logs and brush . My small 25 HP has not let me down yet . It's more important to have the 4wd , locking differential and 3 gears . I wanted to keep my engine simple with no Def or Regen . I will let you know in a few years if it works out but so far it's been perfect. I was told by all my friends that own tractors it's more important in the Compact series to have awesome Implements that more HP.
I'm a Newbie in the tractor arena But not working in the woods. I have a great turning radius , good ground clearance. and the tractor is one of the heaviest in its class . With just the back blade on I have not had to many problems handling 1000# logs . I'm planing on a Flail mower with Hammer blades not a brush hog . I feel the Flail will be better in the woods than a 7ft long Brush hog . My next purchase will be a Tooth bar for the bucket . Good luck ! Either way you can't loose
No field work or anything like that. Majority of what it’ll be used for is maintaining trails and small kill plots 1/4-1/2 acre as well as snow removal and chores around the house. What I’m most concerned about is since the farm was recently timbered I’d like the option to move tops and brush piles if needed as well as move some logs that were left behind. That’s where I’m wondering if the smaller hp has enough to push large piles and tops or lift a decent sized log. If it wasn’t for that I’d stick with a smaller 15 series. Although the new 20 series has some nice features
fried1765
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2015
- Messages
- 10,159
- Tractor
- Kubota L48 TLB, Ford 1920 FEL, 8N Ford, Gravely 12 HP "Professional", 48" SCAG Liberty
Go with the 20 series!
You will rue the day if you opt for LESS power!
bcs001
Silver Member
I'm a new 3620H owner with 85 hrs. on it and very happy with my purchase decision. I considered the 15 series but once I thought about how much more capable the 20 series would be, it was an easy choice. In my opinion the additional loader capacity makes a big difference along with the increased weight/traction and overall larger frame.
DGZRT
Silver Member
This is what my woods looked like after the logging . This would be why I got the Grapple . I have learned that a tractor is not a bulldozer in any way shape or form . You can do many things but pushing these piles is not one of them . Even with a Grapple you can grab a whole pile but if the tops are 20 ft long and under the next pile the tractor will tip . I often grab the pile but then use the pole saw to cut the ends off . I'm in no way trying to push you towards my Tractor size . Bigger with Ag tires will do better but for the money saved I can buy all the good implements I need .
All this research is FUN
I can't answer about which tractor is best for your needs. But I can say there is more to more HP than just HP. Usually it comes with more weight, improved frame and a total different feel when you are on it. If you find the stock, see if you can drive it around the yard and then do the same with the larger. Going to larger HP is dependent upon finances. I suppose some people like a smaller tractor, but there are so many post state if everything else is equal, best to have weight and HP if needed. Weight, ballast, and stability are a BIG issue in operating a tractor. You must be the judge. Best Wishes.
Haha thanks, I definitely don’t want to be rueing anything down the road
View attachment 712832
This is what my woods looked like after the logging . This would be why I got the Grapple . I have learned that a tractor is not a bulldozer in any way shape or form . You can do many things but pushing these piles is not one of them . Even with a Grapple you can grab a whole pile but if the tops are 20 ft long and under the next pile the tractor will tip . I often grab the pile but then use the pole saw to cut the ends off . I'm in no way trying to push you towards my Tractor size . Bigger with Ag tires will do better but for the money saved I can buy all the good implements I need .
All this research is FUN
Thanks for sharing, that’s exactly what I was figuring I’d have to do with it, grab some and cut it into a more manageable size. I’d like to build some hugelbeds with all the leftover wood in tandem with the tops to act as screens and funnels so being able to lift and maneuver and stack some decent sized logs is a must. You’re right though it is fun talking through all this stuff with everyone, I’m enjoying learning more and more.
kantuckid
Platinum Member
The Branson dealer I talked to today (he has a FT tech but also wrenches himself at times) about a 4815H on the lot says he's sold them for 12 plus years and the only one thats had a clogged DPF was sold to a commercial user who ran the FEL back and forth slow & low rpm's on a materials lot. He said Branson told him the ones that have issues are the ones that have been babied while the hard, almost abusive users never havean emissions issue of any kind.
ptsg
Super Member
The Branson 15 and 20 series also has one of the highest steering angle of the market at 52 degrees. These tractors will literally turn on a dime and it's so handy when working in tight spots. The Narrow versions we get here, lose 5 degrees versus the standard width tractors but it's still plenty.
I can literally move around my orchards way easier than with the Kubota B7000 I had before, which is a third the size of the Branson.
I can literally move around my orchards way easier than with the Kubota B7000 I had before, which is a third the size of the Branson.
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ning
Elite Member
I have about 450 hours on my tractor (3520h) and I run it at a variety of rpm's. Occasionally the dpf light blinks at me, and a couple times it's been on solid.
When it blinks, I rev up and work harder. When I'm doing a lot of loader work I'll keep the revs high because the tractor works better; doing BH work I'm usually at about 1800. With the rotary cutter I'm in the 540 pto rev spot (IIRC 2500 rpm) and there's no concern about dpf. Sometimes when I'm just toodling around I'll be in very low revs but not for extended periods of time.
Turn off the engine rather than have it sit at idle for long (or sit there at 2500 doing nothing!).
Mind you I'm not in ND and it only occasionally snows here.
When it blinks, I rev up and work harder. When I'm doing a lot of loader work I'll keep the revs high because the tractor works better; doing BH work I'm usually at about 1800. With the rotary cutter I'm in the 540 pto rev spot (IIRC 2500 rpm) and there's no concern about dpf. Sometimes when I'm just toodling around I'll be in very low revs but not for extended periods of time.
Turn off the engine rather than have it sit at idle for long (or sit there at 2500 doing nothing!).
Mind you I'm not in ND and it only occasionally snows here.
kantuckid
Platinum Member
Not to simply to argue (as I fully agree with your size comments) but fact is that many modern utility & compact tractors have models that change hp via turbos, electronics or engine fuel system settings and yet have the same frames and other stuff so weight changes are often nil based on HP alone. In some ways it's become more of a sales ploy than a value added item IMO.
Yes, you are right. That is why it is always important to look up one level to compare what is the best value for your needs. An example of what you are saying is the Kubota L2501 and L3901. Increased hp, but same size and frame. But if you compare the L3901 and the L4701, it is still the L series tractor, increased hp, but a larger heaver frame with increased hydraulic capacity. Your post is correct, thanks for reminding me of that. Not all increased hp means a larger frame. Best Wishes, Larry
kantuckid
Platinum Member
Branson and TYM which I'm considering sell small frames with higher hp and same engines in larger frames. You must look at the entire pkg. on all brands. With modern engines it's often done to jack up hp. My Lincoln SUV has a gazillion hp in a V-6 while my Ford F-150 5.0 V-8 is much less but has serious torque, i.e., grunt. Younger crowd likes those turbo hp numbers. The 3620 Branson I'm liking has only 35hp but is heavy over all weight and strong hyd pumps and fel and powerful enough for me.
ericm979
Super Member
My 37hp 3725 has plenty of power for most things I do. Mowing with a 5' rotary, loader and grapple work, box blade work, etc.
I could use more power for the 8" wood chipper. When chipping material over 4" I have to slow the chipper feed way down. We have steep hills and more power would haul this heavy beast up the steeper ones quicker.
I could use more power for the 8" wood chipper. When chipping material over 4" I have to slow the chipper feed way down. We have steep hills and more power would haul this heavy beast up the steeper ones quicker.
DonaldP
Gold Member
Over the life of your equipment... what will be the real costs of NOT taking a chance with a less than culpable unit??
I would venture to say, not much...
If however you decided on a Branson and had issues with parts or service, well then... I guess you may just answer your own question.
I've had enough issues with a reputable manufacture (Kubota) let alone one that's hit or miss on service and parts.
DonaldP
Gold Member
Great photo!!! you've got some work there, albeit fun work!!!View attachment 712832
This is what my woods looked like after the logging . This would be why I got the Grapple . I have learned that a tractor is not a bulldozer in any way shape or form . You can do many things but pushing these piles is not one of them . Even with a Grapple you can grab a whole pile but if the tops are 20 ft long and under the next pile the tractor will tip . I often grab the pile but then use the pole saw to cut the ends off . I'm in no way trying to push you towards my Tractor size . Bigger with Ag tires will do better but for the money saved I can buy all the good implements I need .
All this research is FUN
DonaldP
Gold Member
Great feedback !
I agree with looking up one level to see if there is any use for that in any anticipated future path you may take.
I was looking at the 4701... I was just shy of what I thought I might eventually need but was willing to settle for that over an MX5400 which was a LOT bigger.
In the end, my thoughts pushed me to think how I would feel in -15 or -20 degree temperatures outside in the winter - with an open station. I sat in a Grand L 3560 and I was instantly sold on its ability to keep me cool in the summer, dry in the rain, and warm in the winter... all for only $6,000 more. Yes ... it was a jump from a 4701 but over 10 years its $600/yr to be warm or cool or dry... for 20 years its $300/yr. ...
The LX was not yet available... it would have been an option. I have done things with my 3650 that I could have never ever even attempted with anything smaller, even the 4701, so I made the right choice. I was lucky.
I opted for something that would allow me to be outside longer as I get older. Everyone has their own specific needs and tastes here!
