Difference between the Branson 2515H and the 2515R?
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DGZRT
Silver Member
One is Hydrostatic drive and one Gear driven . Other than that I believe the stats are the same on the loader and three point .
DGZRT
Silver Member
I own the 2515H . Ask any questions you would like and I will do my best to answer.
I was getting ready to close the deal on the 2515H with the front loader and fork lift and filled tires for $20k. Hoping that’s fair.
Torvy
Super Member
Just for comparison, my dealer (NE of DFW) has the following deal listed for that tractor. It is a package deal.
tacticalturnip
Super Member
The prices on TractorHouse vary wildly by region, but that price would be excellent here in Maine.
2manyrocks
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TYM t474 HST with loader was selling for $25,900 in Middle Tennessee last month. The extra $5,900 buys 48hp.
Thank you so much. I will for sure!
2manyrocks
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2515
Mid-sized Series 2 tractor designed for lasting durability. This robust and efficient tractor is fit for a range of applications of varying intensities.
tym.world
T474
Take on harder tasks in smaller spaces with the T474, proven to be durable and engineered to be efficient. This tractor is a workhorse that is easy to control in greenhouses, orchards, and more.
tym.world
There is a big practical difference between 25hp and 48hp when it comes to operating something like a rotary cutter. IMO, a 25hp tractor would run about a 5' cutter where 48hp can easily run a 6' cutter with power to spare. The T474 also has dual hydraulic pumps and is a heavier tractor.
2manyrocks
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I just spent 5 hours mowing today with my new to me Kubota MX5200 52hp tractor after trading in a 35 hp Mahindra 3525. My experience with a 6' cutter cutting fairly thick vegetation is that the 35hp tractor struggled in places with the 6' cutter. The 52hp machine using the same 6' cutter doesn't struggle.
In fact, I have a hillside area that I haven't touched in probably 10 years that is overgrown with briars and honey suckle taller than the ROPs on the MX. The MX in 4wd backed right over it and cut it without slowing down or stalling going uphill in reverse. I was operating around 2100 rpm, so I wasn't using all of the available HP, either. In my personal experience, there's a very substantial difference in speed and ease of operation going from 35 hp to 52.
I wouldn't even have tried this with my L2501 (25hp).
If you are considering the 2515, I very much believe you should consider the T474, even if it means working extra hours to pay for it, because the extra HP will give you a machine that is capable of doing much more and doing it faster where 25hp would choke trying to do the same work.
In fact, I have a hillside area that I haven't touched in probably 10 years that is overgrown with briars and honey suckle taller than the ROPs on the MX. The MX in 4wd backed right over it and cut it without slowing down or stalling going uphill in reverse. I was operating around 2100 rpm, so I wasn't using all of the available HP, either. In my personal experience, there's a very substantial difference in speed and ease of operation going from 35 hp to 52.
I wouldn't even have tried this with my L2501 (25hp).
If you are considering the 2515, I very much believe you should consider the T474, even if it means working extra hours to pay for it, because the extra HP will give you a machine that is capable of doing much more and doing it faster where 25hp would choke trying to do the same work.
DGZRT
Silver Member
20 k is a good price . All I can say is the extra HP the guys are telling you about is worth it only if you have the extra money. All I can say is I have not any problems with the 25 hp . I’m sure there will come a day when I wonder but it has done everything I’ve asked and more . But hey if 6 k means nothing then buy the bigger tractor. I would. 
ptsg
Super Member
We don't really know the OP's needs. 25HP may be just fine for him.
I keep seeing people suggesting go bigger, go higher HP on just about every thread about buying a tractor and then can't fit the tractor where they need to or can't put enough load on the engine to keep the emission stuff happy.
Going bigger is not always better, from experience. I went a little bit too big with my tractor and that required a lot of work on the various orchards I maintain till I could till those orchards up close to the trees. In my case, I knew it was too big but the deal was just too good to pass.
I keep seeing people suggesting go bigger, go higher HP on just about every thread about buying a tractor and then can't fit the tractor where they need to or can't put enough load on the engine to keep the emission stuff happy.
Going bigger is not always better, from experience. I went a little bit too big with my tractor and that required a lot of work on the various orchards I maintain till I could till those orchards up close to the trees. In my case, I knew it was too big but the deal was just too good to pass.
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2515R Dude
Platinum Member
He actually asked what was the difference between the H and R, not what tractor to buy.
I tried both, for me it is a day and night, it is why I have what I have
I tried both, for me it is a day and night, it is why I have what I have
2manyrocks
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Are you going to tell him about your personal experience with yours?
2515R Dude
Platinum Member
He did not ask for experience nor opinions, he asked about the difference, an it was answered already.
And if he want to see performance difference, this is a good start.
BTW. my experience the same
And if he want to see performance difference, this is a good start.
BTW. my experience the same
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2manyrocks
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My recommendation to a new member is to use the search tool to read what 2515 owners have actually posted about their personal experience with their tractors and then search for what T474 owners have posted.
Slowpoke Slim
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Ah yes, I love that "test".
Intentionally tanking the results by setting up the hydro in high range. He ended up getting quite a bit of back blast after that "test". Must have had a backlog of gear tractors sitting around not getting sold.
Beautiful.
In low range, as well as medium range, my tractor (hydro) will pull until it loses traction and starts spinning tires, like any other tractor. Regardless of which transmission you have. Then it just comes down to weight, contact patch with the ground, available surface traction and tire type.
Tests are fine, but keep it real world. No need to intentionally fake a test like this. We all know gear tractors lose less power through the drivetrain than hydro will. No need for all this B.S. fakery.
But in the context of this OP's question (with all the extra "commentaries" besides the answer),
If choosing the hydro tractor means your "work" isn't getting done, but the gear tractor gets it, you're looking at too small of tractors anyway. That 15 series should probably be upscaled to something heavier and larger, if you actually do need to pull something so hard.
Texasmark
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I am an old school guy and wanted a little 25 hp to do odd jobs around the place since I am 82. I went with the Branson 2400 which is a stick shift with a transmission driven PTO.....you have to engage it and then let the clutch out for it to rotate. Additionally I am a big guy and over time it was cramped.
Over time I happened on a LS2 25s which has lots of cockpit room, tilt wheel which solved the get in and out thing and was a hydro with an independent PTO.
Hands down the hydro with the ind. PTO is the way to go regardless of the color for an odd job companion....if you are plowing acreage shuttle shift/synchro geared gets it done in the higher HP categories.
Over time I happened on a LS2 25s which has lots of cockpit room, tilt wheel which solved the get in and out thing and was a hydro with an independent PTO.
Hands down the hydro with the ind. PTO is the way to go regardless of the color for an odd job companion....if you are plowing acreage shuttle shift/synchro geared gets it done in the higher HP categories.
2515R Dude
Platinum Member
Just curious, how do you know?
K5lwq
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Start with post 135 of this thread. There were other threads debating that video. It was a poorly done test.
Buying Advice - HST vs Gear Transmission - which would you recommend on this tractor ?
Of course if you get off a gear machine and leave it running it needs to be in neutral, so no difference when left running. That's what I was going to say, you beat me to it. I always make sure that my bucket and/or implement are grounded before I get off. Of course my seat has a safety switch...
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