Comparison Kioti vs Branson: ck3510hst vs 4015h

Jamesarcher · Mar 4, 2018

Hello,
I'm new to the forum. I'm can't decide on what tractor to get. I have narrowed my search down to the kioti ck3510 Hst and the branson 4015h. Both tractor FEL specs are almost identical (1800 lbs @ max height). The branson is about 300 lbs heavier at 3000lbs without fel. And lifts 700 lbs more with the 3pt (2420).
Now for the tricky part. The branson is $21,500 vs the kioti at only $17,665. The branson 4015 is only $500 more the the branson 3515 so that's why I'm considering it (500 for 5hp seems like a no brainer). I liked the linked throttle and the cruise control on the branson but the kioti offers them as optional equipment for about $120 each. The kioti also has a mid pto kit for $250 which is not an option on the branson, not that I'm really even considering it.
I really like the placement of the FEL control on the kioti (down by your leg)but it has some really cheap plastic on it around the seat that the branson doesn't. The bransons loader controls are up by the steering wheel. The branson dealer is about 45 miles away and is the oldest branson dealer in the nation. 75 miles for the kioti dealer and has only been selling tractors for less than a year.
Thanks

ericm979 · Mar 4, 2018

How much more is a 3520? It's a heavier larger tractor than the 4015 and that has its advantages. Also has better ergonomics.

What will you be using your new tractor for?

Jamesarcher · Mar 5, 2018

$1000 more. I do like the 3520 better but think the 5hp would suit me better.

I plan on finish mowing 5-7 acres and maintain another 25. My brother just bought 25 acres and I sure it will be used there to clean it up.

Texasmark · Mar 5, 2018

Your 5 hp loss may not be. Engines are rated at 2600 (usually) The fuel pump is usually setup higher than spec which is what you do when manufacturing and have a spec to meet. My 6530 is factory set to 2900 vs the 2600 spec. That's over a 10% increase in hp with a flat torque curve which these engines have.

The weight is most always an advantage if traction is the requirement, which on a tractor is usually the case. Check out all the farming tractors and pictures of such with external weights mounted for the reason stated. Branson has served me well and I am not sorry in the least for my purchases.

Good luck in your purchase.

Jamesarcher · Mar 5, 2018

The kioti is set up like the 3520 which I prefer. The 15 series branson is not my favorite. The 3520 weights 1300 lbs over the kioti but cost more. Price is an issue for me. But now the kioti dealer sold his last 2017 and can only find 2018 the price goes up to $18,800 and would like to add a couple options to it that are standard on the bransons. They would add about $500 to it. So now the kioti is 19300. And the 4015 branson is 21500 and 3520 is 22500.

I plan on financing about 10k on what ever one I decided on so I can keep my payments around $150 a month. So the cheaper tractor I buy the more money I can hold on to and perhaps use for some implements.
I'm so tired of thinking about it and I'm driving my wife crazy. Thanks for the input

ericm979 · Mar 5, 2018

How big a mower will you run? The rule of thumb is 5hp/foot but it'll vary with how thick and tall the grass or brush you're mowing is and how fast you want to go. According to that rule of thumb you could run an 8' mower on the 4015... which might be a lot for a tractor that size.

The only time I wish for more HP is when I am chipping large material in the PTO chipper. But currently I have a 5' rotary (for manuverability- I mow a number of small areas) which does not stress the 3725 at all.

Jamesarcher · Mar 6, 2018

I probably will use a 6' finish mower. 7' mowers are a little harder to find. I'm gona try and get a used one to save some money. I will be using it to mow my grass at my house probably once a week in the spring.

I started this journey looking for a used compact (some easily trailored) with a 12k budget, but I'm finding out that they are scarce and the ones available are almost at new prices.

ericm979 · Mar 6, 2018

Had that same experience last year when looking for a larger tractor. I ended up buying new. Seems there's a lot of people who want tractors. The good thing was it was easy to sell my old tractor at a good price.

Once you have enough HP to turn your mower in the thickest grass you cut and at the speed you're comfortable cutting at, more HP won't change anything. It's not like in a car or truck where with more power you can accellerate faster or go faster up hills with a load or have more fun.

Jamesarcher · Mar 8, 2018

Well I have decided to go with the kioti ck3510hst, but through a different dealer. I narrowed it down to 3520h (branson) and the kioti. It was a hard decision, but in the end the price was the deal maker. I equipped the kioti with cruise control, linked pedal, right arm rest, fel blade and a canopy and saved 4k. I think most of them options are standard on the branson.

I probably won't be able to pick it up until next week, do to them having to order a couple of the optional equipment. Thanks for the help guys. I think I will be happy with my purchase. Now on to find a good used finish mower. Any recommendations? Or any to stay away from?