Kubota 7040 or Branson 6530?

[nathan812]

Thanks Hammy I think what it is going to come down to is me and going to the dealerships and looking at them closely and then getting a quote on the exact machine that I want. Thanks for all of your help and for the other input from the others.

 

[DavesTractor]

There are some major differences in the mechanics of the tractor. The Bransen is a sync shuttle that requires clutching between FWD and reverse, 95% of what Kubota sells is Hydraulic shuttles that you don't clutch. Kubota has the cheaper transmission available if you ask. You also have a dry clutch for the transmission, and probably the PTO as well (they don't say). If this is the case, your much more likley to be doing clutch replacments at $2,000 a pop, especialy with a sync-shuttle transmission. There is major expense in this stuff, its not as simple as picking two 60ish HP tractors as assuming they should cost the same. Thats not to say that there is not a place for an economey built machine, for your uses it may make sense. If thats what your after you can find other major brands, like New Holland and Deere that do offer cheaper high HP tractors with more simple technology (TD/TT-A). That way you'll have the more basic machine, but backed by a company who's ownership and distribution seems to change every 2-3 years.

Neil, I often take a different approach than you, but I must say I respect your opinions and the fact that you tend not to get into the worthless sarcastic rhetoric. Thanks.

The PTO clutch is a wet clutch on the Branson, and has been since the "i" models came out about three years ago. The main drive clutch is dry. A power-shuttle with no clutch is really slick, but not offered by Branson. If you look a Branson over, it isn't equipped as a economy model. They areally are a good machine, and not a cheapy model. Mahindra has an economy line, a utility line and a premium line, but Branson lacks that diversity.

As far as a $2000 clutch job, I'll take that any day of the week to do a Branson clutch...send me the jobs. Perhaps the Kubota clutches are that expensive? Are the Kubota hydraulic shuttles real reliable? I've not heard of any issues myself, but it is not a real simple system.

Your points on the change of ownership of distribution and such are accurate, but might mislead some people, as Kukje, who actually builds Branson, is the one that bought out Mark and Russ. So it went from private ownership to the manufacturer ownership.

 

[nathan812]

Davestractor thanks for the input. I agree with you on the fact that the Branson isn't stripped down. You get the 4WD standard, 12 speed trans, dual rear remotes, and alot of other small things that you have to pay extra for on the Kubota. Not to mention the loader on the Branson has a 1000 pound advantage on lift cap. One of the main considerations is the dealer is less than 20 miles from where I am moving to. I am just going to go tractor shopping once it warms back up.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Not to mention the loader on the Branson has a 1000 pound advantage on lift cap

No it does not. It lifts 3018 at the pivot pin. Kubota publishes a more honest bucket center measurement (where you actually lift the load) of 2536 lbs. Typically there is a 30% changes between bucket center and the pivot point, giving the bransen a real world ratting of 2100lbs... so really the Kubota has a 400+lb advantage. Of course your friendly dealer is not going to tell you that, nor will Bransens marketing dept. If you want to lift a 3000lb load with that tractor you'd be disappointed. It probably would not budge.

Having a dealer near by is an important consideration. If you feel comfortable buying there your probably making the right choice. Just make sure that you know what your money is actually buying you.

 

[DavesTractor]

No it does not. It lifts 3018 at the pivot pin. Kubota publishes a more honest bucket center measurement (where you actually lift the load) of 2536 lbs. Typically there is a 30% changes between bucket center and the pivot point, giving the bransen a real world ratting of 2100lbs... so really the Kubota has a 400+lb advantage. Of course your friendly dealer is not going to tell you that, nor will Bransens marketing dept. If you want to lift a 3000lb load with that tractor you'd be disappointed. It probably would not budge.

Having a dealer near by is an important consideration. If you feel comfortable buying there your probably making the right choice. Just make sure that you know what your money is actually buying you.

I grives me to agree with Neil , but the 30 series Branson in real world numbers lifts closer to 2000#, so the Kubota has an edge in that regard.

I do disagree that "your friendly dealer won't tell you that". I am a friendly dealer and I tell people how it is measured. The last thing I want is for someone to be disappointed after the sale.

If you want big lift numbers, the Mahindra 6520/7520 lifts 3900# at the pivot pins, for a real world capacity of over 3000#. They are very strong. But the full ton that the 6530 Branson lifts is adequate for most people.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

I do disagree that "your friendly dealer won't tell you that". I am a friendly dealer and I tell people how it is measured.

Apparently someone did not though. Your missing my humor

 

[DavesTractor]

Apparently someone did not though. Your missing my humor

Sometimes I'm a little slow!

 

[art]

Gee Arthur, Our Kubotas say manufactured in Japan all over the place. I don't see made in Korea anywhere (except on some of my cheapie throw away electronics devices). We all know of the execellent quality of those..

Sorry but I was just being a little sarcastic! I haven't seen any two pieces that can really be made quite the same much less tractor quailty being a flat line from brand to brand.
Many of the newer economy tractors are just old die's being used again.

 

[tydp]

Sorry but I was just being a little sarcastic! I haven't seen any two pieces that can really be made quite the same much less tractor quailty being a flat line from brand to brand.
Many of the newer economy tractors are just old die's being used again.

I agree. Sorry I didn't get it. My apologies....

 

[shvl73]

I also agree that you're not buying a tractor as an investment, they all depreciate, including Harley's.
Craig

I paid $7500.00 for my old Harley and it will still bring $7500.00.
The extra $20,000+- I've spent was just "maintainence".