I was set on getting Branson, now thinking Kubota

bdog · Mar 7, 2005

I was set on getting a 4220 Branson, even went down and filled out the paperwork for the loan but then decide I should talk to the Kubota people one more time before I pulled the trigger. Looking at the tractors I think the are very equal and I would be pleased with either one with a slight edge to Branson for more bang for the buck. Talking to the Kubota dealer he was of course trying to sell me his tractor but he kind of got me scared of Branson. He did not knock their product at all just said that they don't have the service dept and dealer support like kubota. Our local Kubota dealer has been there 30 years and has a large shop with service dept, parts dept, about 30 tractors etc. The Branson guy is really friendly and seems honest but it is pretty much a one man show and he has to order parts but he said he can get them overnight. I trust the guy and he will back up his product but I am worried if he moves on or leaves the area I will be hosed. A 4220 Branson is $17,000 and a Kubota 4400 is $19,500 both 4wd with FEL. Should I pony up the extra $2500 for the confidence in having a brand I know is going to be around? I really like the Branson but honestly before I really started looking for tractors I did not even know they existed. Kubota is going to be here.

DmansPadge · Mar 7, 2005

I really don't know much about Branson, however, I've never heard anything bad about them. IMO, when you are spending that kind of money, I want to go with a trusted name that has a wide spread dealer network. The dealer you buy from has a lot to do with it also. If you have doughts about the Branson dealer being around in years to come that is a bad sign. You will always be able to find service and parts for the Kubota. If it were me.. I'd pony up the extra cash! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

RoyJackson · Mar 7, 2005

The Kubota dealer has a good point...and it's why I steer folks away from the lesser known brands unless they're reasonably mechanically inclined and are willing to do most of their own work. I am reasonably adept at doing my own work, but I don't want to have to wait weeks for parts. So, the brand with the better dealer support has my vote.

Of course, Branson is in the same position Kubota was 20 some years ago...

Do you want to be a pioneer?

NY_Yankees_Fan · Mar 7, 2005

How far to the next Branson dealer?? If it is a long way then perhaps the Bota would be the way to go. What about resale on the Branson vs. Bota?? You may want to check on the Bota dealer price with other Bota dealers and see if the $$$ is really that much between the 2 tractors.

rockyridgefarm · Mar 7, 2005

Go to each of their websites and do a dealer locate. Do three. Try and move somewhere where there ISN'T a Kubota Dealer in reasonable distance. 5 years from now the $2500 will seem like nothing if you can't get support.

And don't be afraid to ask the Kubota dealer to sweeten the pot. He might not come down on price, but what about pickup and delivery for warranty service, or a set of fluids and filters, or a cool toy?

You'd think each tbn Kubota owner would send you $5 not to lose a great member to the branson ranks... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Soundguy · Mar 7, 2005

( Talking to the Kubota dealer he was of course trying to sell me his tractor but he kind of got me scared of Branson. He did not knock their product at all just said that they don't have the service dept and dealer support like kubota )

He wasn't really lieing to ya.

It's well known that for dealer support, warranty, and general 'percieved' corporate support even over dealer support.. the 'big 3' are hands down the winners.. and that includes MF as well.

While individual dealers vary.. and you may have a great branon delaer.. etc.. You'll never go wrong on a big 3 unit.

That said.. if you like kubota.. but also like the hp per dollar of the branson.. check out kioti.. plus if you close one eye and drive by fast it looks kinda like a kubota!

Soundguy

DK35vince · Mar 7, 2005

Then maybe someone can explain to me why my dad was complaining to me just the other day about waiting 2 months for a backordered turnbuckle ( broke the turnbuckle on the 3 point sway chains) on a L-3000 Kubota /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

rdln · Mar 7, 2005

You'd think each tbn Kubota owner would send you $5 not to lose a great member to the branson ranks... 

Rocky, you must have visited this site lately /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

save toby

thcri · Mar 7, 2005

Check your area for other Branson and Century Dealers. Both are the same. If your uneasy with what you find and am still worried about parts then go Kubota. Pretty much all of the tractors out there today are good, but worthless without after the sale service.

murph

Dargo · Mar 8, 2005

( Of course, Branson is in the same position Kubota was 20 some years ago...

Do you want to be a pioneer? )

I agree completely with RoyJackson. Not saying anything bad about Branson, but there certainly isn't a proven track record by any means. They may make it and be a good tractor company. They may not. And don't try to read in any emphasis here. There isn't any. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif