Dealer, maintenance ?

[HK45]

I was looking at a 5220ch but the closest dealer to me is like a little under 3 hour away, which means if anything would happen I would be driving 3 hours to the dealer. I like the tractor, but not sure if it would be smarter get another brand that dealer closer. After the 50 hour service is it pretty much just regular maintenance? How is the Reliability? Any input would be Appreciate it.

 

[Aquamoose]

Mine’s a 3520h. I’m sure the operator’s manual would be the same as mine, it lists recommended services based on the hour meter. It’s always good to do your own service and it isn’t complicated to do.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I can only speak for mine. Other than routine maintenance, my tractor has never been to the dealer. The service interval chart is in the owners manual, and your dealer should be able to relay that info to you in advance over the phone.

 

[ericm979]

I've been doing my own maintenance on cars and motorcycles for 40 years. The tractor's pretty much the same except the fluid quantities and fittings are larger. Since everything is out in the open it's easy to work on. My dealer's 250 miles away. They'll ship whatever I need but so far it's just been filters.

For the trans fluid change I needed a big oil pan and a bucket pump. It's not hard to do. The recommended THF1000 fluid is available at some Napa stores. The ones here couldn't get it for me but I found an equivalent Mobile fluid on Amazon.

 

[Cougsfan]

In three years of ownership I have never had a need to take my tractor back to the dealership. I guess it depends on your level of what you can do. If you are the kind of guy who can't (or won't) change oil, then yes you'd better be close to your dealer. Even then, in my neck of the woods there are numerous independent tractor mechanics who I'd trust far more than I would the typical dealer for maintenance (including the major brands) if I needed it.

 

[Texasmark]

Well toss my hat into the ring also. Bought my 2007 6530 new and never saw a dealer after dealer delivered it free....some 50 miles. Bought the 2400 new in 2016 without shopping and that was based on the reliability I experienced with the 6530. Just called the dealer asked him if he had one in stock.....he said NO that he was sold out.....said a load will be in the following Wednesday. Next Wednesday, I loaded my pocket with cash, hooked my trailer to the P/U, drove over, did a bit of haggling (a must if I am to buy something....just enjoy it) got a quote, liked it, paid, loaded on my trailer and left....tractor has never been back.

 

[desertdog71]

Just to clarify. These things do not have ECM's running them and if the DPF starts screwing up on you, you can simply remove it and keep going? If that's the case, then I don't think I will be looking at other brands.

 

[ptsg]

Just to clarify. These things do not have ECM's running them and if the DPF starts screwing up on you, you can simply remove it and keep going? If that's the case, then I don't think I will be looking at other brands.

Yes that's the case with Branson tractors. Gut the DPF or replace it with a muffler, unplug/remove the DPF Datalogger and you're good to go. Idle as much as you want, run whatever RPM you want and a slight increase in power as well, since it will breathe better.

 

[desertdog71]

Modding cars after the warranty runs out is not a new thing for me, why not my tractor? :laughing:

 

[ericm979]

Just to clarify. These things do not have ECM's running them and if the DPF starts screwing up on you, you can simply remove it and keep going? If that's the case, then I don't think I will be looking at other brands.

Yep. Mine was accidentally delivered with the "data logger" unplugged. It ran fine.

But the vast majority of EFI and DPF tractor models perform just fine. In fact if you will be running your Branson at low RPMS all the time and not working it, I'd suggest one of those. The Branson emissions system works well if you work the tractor hard enough often enough. A regular DPF with regens tractor won't care if you idle it for days, it'll just do regens more often. The Branson system is probably not quite as fuel efficient as an EFI tractor but for our kinds of use that's not really an issue.

As far as modding I've done that to many of my vehicles. With CUTs it's harder because there's zero aftermarket. For a Branson you'd need to find someone who can tune Bosch VE type injector systems. I think there is knowledge out there since those pumps are common. Even with that you'll be pioneering when it comes to how much you can push Kukje engines. Pioneers often blow engines.