Is Branson and Kioti technology dated?

[kybota]

I have several questions for the Branson forum since I looked at the older models a while back (3520 and 4520) and they appeared to be solid machines, but I am a total tractor novice so take that for what it is worth (just about nothing). I was concerned that they were older designs, lacking in features (not essentials) that appear to be standard on new lines of CUT, like the telescoping hitches and movable pto covers, independent pto and loader control location. If things you can see appear to be a little behind the times, it's not too much of a leap to say that things you cannot see, like engine technology and gears may also be older technology.

Can anyone offer any observations about the design of the Bransons, as to whether they are dated or nearer the leading edge?

Also, when I spoke to a Branson dealer a couple of months ago, he said they were going to be using essentially the same engine that Kukje was building for Cummins Asian markets. Since the new models all had horsepower boosts and none were turbocharged, they appear to be an entirely new line.

I would think that if the Cummins were new design motors just put into production, that would be a plus from the technology point of view. Anyone know if that is the case?

I've never seen a direct comparison of the Korean models sold in the U.S.A. Are they comparable? When I went to the local Kioti dealer, he had just received (and sold) his first CK30HST that week. This appeared to be a much more modern design than the LK? (the alphabet soup is all starting to run together).

I've also been to the Case, JD, Agco and MF dealers, and I love the Korean product prices. But just don't know what you get for the extra dollars with the Japanese products.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I doubt the technology is too dated, but some, and only some of the designs are dated. There is a different philosphy in how some are built and that determines a lot of things about the characteristics of the various machines.

I think your best bet is to figure out what size tractor you need to complete the tasks you want to do, and then look at all the different tractors in that size range. You will find some bargain machines that have lots of features and some that do not. You will find good and bad to all the machines. But it will help you prioritize what is really important based on your tasks.

For example, if you are doing a lot of mowing you will want turf or R4 tires. If you are going to plant a field you want R1 ag tires. Mowing is faster with hydrostatic transmissions. Plowing is better with one of the gear machines. If you are planning on using the front end loader quite a bit, then pay attention to all the specs, but if the FEL work is going to be 10 to 15% of your uses, and you expect it to be light work, then you can pretty much ignore all the loader specs because any loader is 1000% better than a shovel & a bucket. Loader work is typcially easier done with a hydro transmission. Tilling the garden might be better with a creeper gear.

Kioti builds heavy tractors, New Holland builds modestly heavy tractors, Kubota builds light tractors. Each has its place. Weight is not good or bad and certainly shouldn't be a selling point unless you have the specific need for a really light or overly heavy machine. Weight equals traction, but it also eats up hp and excess weight is pointless. On the other hand, too light a tractor won't get the traction of a heavier machine but will tread lighter on the grass. So weight is a job specific thing, if you are moving round bales of hay, a 45hp heavy tractor is an asset. When using a FEL heavy weight is not as important as proper ballast for safe and efficient use of the machine.

 

[wart]

very well said. wart

 

[dbear]

I think that many of the people who say that are trying to justify having paid a heck-of-a-lot more for their well-known name brand tractor to themselves. Although I haven't seen a Branson, I have climbed on and over a Century and many Kiotis. I can't find any major differences between them and what most people consider to be the industry standards (the "big 3") for modern. Now Chinese tractors are a different story...

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Our local New Holland dealer is also a Branson dealer, and the Bransons certainly appear to be nice machines. But most any new tractor seems to be a nice machine to me! I think some features are there and some are missing. The question is do you need or want those features? Also, some designs are modern looking like the CK series Kioti but the LK series is about as modern looking as a 70's era Ford . . . but the LK tractors are made for different users than CK tractors and they are suited to different purposes, and they are very functional and strong machines so the dated look may have nothing to do with dated technology. As far as the pricing goes, in my area the "big 3" seem to compete on price very effectively and the "minor" brands don't seem to have as much of a price advantage as they might in other areas (consequently we don't see a lot of them around here either).

The thing to really look at is the intended us of the tractor and is the tractor well suited for the tasks you want done. Branson or Kioti may be the perfect fit for you, or they may be big bulky machines that lack the features you need. Again, it goes back to what you want to do.

 

[DK35vince]

I can't speak for Branson, mostly because I don't know much about them. (though I would like the chance to try one out).
But I do know a little about Kioti.
The LK's are older designs.
The CK and DK's are newer designs.
I have a DK 35, and no I am not lacking any features.
I have
4 wheel drive
sycronised shuttle transmission
tilt steering /power steering
position and draft control
adjustable seat with reclinable back
independant PTO and mid PTO
extendable lower link arms
hydraulic rear remotes
top and tilt
foldable ROPS
rear work light
loader has heavy duty bucket with skid steer style quick attach
etc..
Hydro is not an option on the Kioti DK's, but I really wasn't interested in hydro, so for me it was a non-issue.