I have a Branson 4020 with 57 hours on the clock. At 49 hours a hydraulic line for the power steering system blew. It was a big mess but I got the tractor onto my trailer and after 3 weeks had it back.
Eight clock hours later, while still trying to brush hog the same field, at the same exact spot in the field, the swagged fitting on the replacement line blew! Another big mess. Worse was the fact that I had no steering at all. I tried dumping more fluid in the resevoir (at the dealers suggestion) to get enough steering to get the tractor on the trailer. No soap.
I finally got it loaded by backing the trailer up under the loader and using the loader to lift the front wheels off the ground then drove it on with the rears.
The dealer told me they have never had 2 failures of this hydraulic line on the same tractor before. Which means they have had other failures on the line on other tractors. So, if you've got one you might pay attention to those lines (left side of engine at rear of engine). Dealer also told me that the replacement hose (1st replacement) was made by someone in Georgia other than Branson because he had complained about how long the replacement part was taking. So, if it happens to you you might want to insist on Branson parts.
The good news for me is that I'm only going to lose one week this time! The dealer has been good to me on fixing the problem and it's under warranty. Other than that and a little electrical failure due to a bad ground this has been a real joy of a tractor to use.
Tony
Eight clock hours later, while still trying to brush hog the same field, at the same exact spot in the field, the swagged fitting on the replacement line blew! Another big mess. Worse was the fact that I had no steering at all. I tried dumping more fluid in the resevoir (at the dealers suggestion) to get enough steering to get the tractor on the trailer. No soap.
I finally got it loaded by backing the trailer up under the loader and using the loader to lift the front wheels off the ground then drove it on with the rears.
The dealer told me they have never had 2 failures of this hydraulic line on the same tractor before. Which means they have had other failures on the line on other tractors. So, if you've got one you might pay attention to those lines (left side of engine at rear of engine). Dealer also told me that the replacement hose (1st replacement) was made by someone in Georgia other than Branson because he had complained about how long the replacement part was taking. So, if it happens to you you might want to insist on Branson parts.
The good news for me is that I'm only going to lose one week this time! The dealer has been good to me on fixing the problem and it's under warranty. Other than that and a little electrical failure due to a bad ground this has been a real joy of a tractor to use.
Tony
