How much do I need?

[ericm979]

Turf tires would be better but I think they're still going to compact soil that isn't really dry. These tractors are heavy. It really depends on your soil though.

 

[bigcut]

I am a complete tractor newbie. We are currently building a house on what was 5 acres of pasture land. It is essentially a level piece of property.

I plan on making the lawn about 1.5 to acres, and leave the rest as is. I will be using the tractor for general upkeep, digging holes for fencing and to help with digging holes for trees. I will do some earth moving, but nothing excessive.

Do to allergies and heat, I have decided on a cab model. I am currently trying to decide on the 4720CH or the 4225CH. The 4225CH is $300 less at the dealer I am working with.

Do the added benefits of the 25 series outweigh the extra 5 HP?

Any advice is welcome.

TJ,
Take this for what it's worth, but, the 25 series is a newer model here in the US. ptsg from Portugal stated in a different post that the 20 series is no longer sold in Europe. ptsg correct me here if I'm wrong on any of this. The speculation is that Branson is working down the inventory on the 20 series, and selling it in the US. This might explain the narrow gap in the 4720 and the 4225 pricing.

Owners of both models have posted glowing reviews. So, I don't think you could go wrong with either.

 

[ptsg]

Yes bigcut, you are right. We can only speculate since Branson doesn't give much info to anyone.

It seems that they are focusing the European market more than the US market, judging by the updates from the European dealer Facebook pages.

I saw some pictures of a newly and updates 25 series tractors. I posted the pictures on another thread.

As bigcut said, both are great and robust machines.

 

[TJSlice]

Thanks for all the input. While I think the 15 series is all the tractor I will need, there is no cab option.

I've looked at other brands and it seems like all of those options would be much more expensive than a Branson, even for a smaller one.

Right now, I am leaning toward a 3725Ch, 4225Ch, or a 4720Ch.

I am also leaning toward turf tires. My lot is essentially flat, so I'm thinking they wouldn't be too much of a hinderance.

 

[PapeCAT]

If you're not in a hurry, I know the 15 series has a new cab option overseas. Only time will tell when we get that cab here. (If you're not in a huge hurry)

 

[bigcut]

Thanks for all the input. While I think the 15 series is all the tractor I will need, there is no cab option.

I've looked at other brands and it seems like all of those options would be much more expensive than a Branson, even for a smaller one.

Right now, I am leaning toward a 3725Ch, 4225Ch, or a 4720Ch.

I am also leaning toward turf tires. My lot is essentially flat, so I'm thinking they wouldn't be too much of a hinderance.

TJ,
I think the turf tires will be easier on your lawn, but, may not be ideal for front end loader work, depending on how much you plan on doing. Keep in mind, that hp will just spin those tires, if you can't get sufficient traction to move or pickup objects, no matter how much hp you have.

From what you've described thus far, sounds like the 3725 with the hydro cab maybe more in line with your needs. You didn't mention a backhoe specifically. There is a front end attachment I've seen advertised for digging holes for trees, bushes, etc. It looks like the spade portion of a shovel and attaches to the FEL. Might be worth exploring for planting those trees.

Whatever you wind up buying, I'd keep it off your septic field.

 

[TJSlice]

Whatever you wind up buying, I'd keep it off your septic field.

Are talking about damaging the septic sprayers?

 

[bigcut]

Are talking about damaging the septic sprayers?

TJ,
I was referencing your septic field for the treatment of human and household waste....but, maybe you're connecting to the city sewer system. In which case you'd have nothing to worry about.

 

[ericm979]

It's not a good idea to operate on the leach field. Some people do and some of them damage it. It depends on how deep it is and the soil conditions. And of course stay off the tank. Falling in would be bad.

 

[Cougsfan]

I would lean toward r-4 industrial tires. They are an intermediate between R1 ag tires and R3 turf tires. They don't tear up the ground too much, yet give much better traction that R-3 turf tires. Either tractor is to heavy and big for mowing a quality lawn. I'd get a riding lawn mower to handle the 1.5 acres of lawn. Either of the tractors you described would probably be fine for whatever else you need. I personally would lean towards the 4720. The 4720 is heavier with more hp. HP never hurts. Weight in a tractor is always better. Don't let the $300 be a factor. But I am me, and you are you. So if you go a different direction, I certainly wouldn't criticize you