I was set on getting Branson, now thinking Kubota

Bob_Young · Mar 8, 2005

Uh...well...I guess we'll let you off the hook if you keep us updated and post some pictures /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.

Good luck with the Branson.

Durbob · Mar 8, 2005

( Just my two bits here, and I'll even throw out the disclaimer that I have a Kubota and a New Holland, but I'm considering taking back some farmland that is leased out to a "real farmer" so that I can hobby farm it. Because of that I've started looking for a larger tractor, something in the 45hp range.

So I looked a Mahindra, the local dealer is actually a garden center. They sell potted plants, cement bird baths, and oh yeah, Mahnindra. The tractors looked nice, but I'm not buying from that type of dealership. I want real mechanics to back me up.

I've seen a couple Kiotis and we got a dealership in the next county so on my way to the Tack store for some riding boots for my daughter, I thought I'd visit the Kioti dealer. Guess what, he has no Kioti's. That is the 2nd time I've tried to test drive one (in all fairness the first time was right after his name appeared on the dealer search on the Kioti website many months ago). He did have a bunch of little off brand lawn tractors and some GTs too.

Branson is now available from my local New Holland dealership. I'm taking my TC24 in this week to have them plumb the TNT setup for me so I'll be looking at the Branson. Based my other experiences with minor brand dealers, if I take over the farm field and if I buy a larger tractor, it will likely be one of these brands: Branson/New Holland (both from a high quality dealership) or Kubota/Case/Cub Cadet (all 3 from another high quality dealer).

My point is, you have to feel confidence in your dealership. Some guys will say that $$$ is gospel, and you need to buy the cheapest thing. I'm not one of those. I believe you need to buy what you can use, and you need to get the best deal you can for what you buy. Based on your Branson dealer, I'd suggest you bargain hard with the Kubota guy, see if you can get free pick & delivery during the warrenty period for any work needed. Or free oil changes. Or maybe just free filters and oil for the first one. I don't know the pricing for the model you are looking at but one thing I know is that if you choose the right dealership, they can make any tractor work for you because they will be there to stand behind it. Every brand has good and bad dealers, I would never buy a Kubota from a dinky shop that didn't have parts.

)

Do you happen to remember the name of those off brand lawn tractors Bob? Just curious on what they could be.

Thanks
Dur

Bob_Skurka · Mar 8, 2005

They had a bunch of stuff, from used Scotts LTs to new Ariens, Toro, and Great Dane professional mowers. Some new some used. If it makes a difference, many of them were in a nice straight row that looked neat. What I did find interesting is they are a Yanmar marine dealer too.

GerardC · Mar 9, 2005

( Well guys, I made a decision. I went with the Branson. I even decided to go bigger with a 4720 with 47 engine hp and 42 pto hp. I got it for $1500 less than the kubota with 45 engine and 37.5 pto. It was $4000 less than a 50 hp engine 44pto hp kubota. I talked not only to the local branson dealer but also called up the chain and talked to the regional manager and he made me feel more comfortable about the brand and the availability of support. The dealer even told me that during my 3 yr warranty period he will come to wherever I am at to fix the tractor and if need be haul it in and bring it back at no expense to me. I got the paperwork rolling and am supposed to take delivery tomorrow. )

Congratulations! Glad to hear everything worked out for you. I think you made the right decision. Keep us posted on how your new purchase is going. Gerard

P.S. Don't forget to post some photos.

db2 · Mar 9, 2005

 I got the paperwork rolling and am supposed to take delivery tomorrow. 

Congratulations...tomorrow will feel like Christmas. Have fun

LBrown59 · Mar 9, 2005

( I've been following this and I guess I have a different take on this. Kukje, The manufacturer of the Century and Branson tractors has been making tractors for over 25 years. They are now making cummins engines now and this is what they are putting in there tractors. the Century 3045 that I now have has the yammer engine 9same as the jd. When I looked at the big three I couldn't justify spending several thousand more for less tractor. 9make sure you compare apples to apples- like duel remotes, quickattachment loader, work lites, brushguard, etc that you pay extra for on the OTHER ones.
Even with the worst case, like the dealers in your area ALL go out of business for 2500 bucks you could BUY an alot of paid service form ony of those other dealers. They all would be very happy to work on it if you paid them. How many of you have a FORD truck and you take it to an indipendent dealer or shop? Same differents. Kukje is not going out of business.
)
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How many of you have a FORD truck and you take it to an indipendent dealer or shop?
leaddog
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I never take my cars to a dealer for repairs.

AndyM · Mar 9, 2005

I never take my cars to a dealer for repairs. 

Not even for warranty work?

NIXON · Mar 9, 2005

Funny as it may sound to You . But I take all my Vehicles to the dealer for service . (tractor included ) . John

Felix · Mar 10, 2005

Congratulations! I've been following this post as I had a similar decision to make a couple of years ago. I also went with the Branson ( though not as large as yours). It is a total piece of crap! Uh... just kidding. I really love it and think you will too. Go Red!!

LBrown59 · Mar 10, 2005

( Funny as it may sound )

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Funny as it may sound to You. But I take all my Vehicles to the dealer for service .
John
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I take mine to my own mechanic or my next door neighbor who is a diesel mechanic.
The dealers cost way too much more and their service is poorer.