Mahindra 5035 vs Branson 6225?

[NT5224]

Hi folks! Happy new year to all.

First time poster here. About to buy a first compact tractor so no prior experience with them... Seeking advice from the forum experts.

I'm an Australian -so slightly different dealer/service context from across in the States. I've basically whittled it down to two brands that seem to fit my requirements and budget. First the Branson (Kukje) 6225, 60 hp with Front loader and Backhoe. The second is the Mahindra 5035, again with Loader and Backhoe.

At present I'm more inclined to the Mahindra, its a heavier tractor with a less complex engine. It has larger front wheels and is about 10 inches wider -which will be helpful keeping it upright on the hilly country where we live. Mahindra also seem to have a more proven record of reliability (not to say the Branson isn't reliable) and parts supply.

My wife and I live in a remote wilderness area of northern Australia and have over a 1000 acres of pristine forest country. Its rocky, rolling country, occasionally steep in places and boggy down on the flood plains. Our tractor will help us with digging, earthmoving and landscaping around our camp, loading and unloading building materials. One of its primary uses will be maintaining our firebreaks, primarily by clearing and grading. We also have an all-weather airstrip that need to be kept clear and graded after the rains.

Another factor in our tractor decision is that both Mahindra and Branson dealers are approximately 2000 miles away. I've heard it said the Branson dealer does not have the best reputation. The closest tractor dealer of any kind is about 200 miles away -and they supply tractors that either do not suit our budget or requirements.

One final question. What do people think of buying a new tractor unseen? Flying down to inspect the tractors is just going to reduce my overall budget, and from what I've read in owner reviews both machines would suit my needs (although the Mahindra maybe a little better).

So, views on Branson vs Mahindra? Sorry if this has been asked before...

Cheers

Alan

 

[mike69440]

Mahindra and Branson dealers are approximately 2000 miles away.

Mahindra, but 2000 miles away, I sure hope your handy, because even if your lucky, little stuff will happen to the 5035.

Just check it rally good prior to shipment.

 

[Lagwagon]

Hi Alan
Did you end up purchasing one of the two?
I have some hilly country so flipped the rear wheels from standard for wider wheelbase, no issues so far.
From what i can gather after 80hrs is that the 6225c doesnt particlarly like the hot days, no overheating yet but mowing grass in summer causes radiator blockages, the fan sucks so hard that all seed and clippings block the front grill. Other crap has also been sucked into the radiator from underneath so it needs blowing out all the time.

Just something to be wary of.

There was nothing in this size even close to the price i got so was an easy decision for me.
Strong tractor, heavy for size and good features.
Cab is noisy though, soundproofing not the best, engine noise seeps right through so listening to stereo is a pain not a pleasure.

 

[Tractorable]

Can I just add that I hate the OP......1000 acres in Northern Australia with an airstrip....really dude?

I'm just joking of course...sounds absolutely amazing. You should fly us all in and we'll help you out on your giant tractor playground.

Joking aside, if I was buying new I don't think I'd have much problem buying a new tractor sight unseen. Just do a lot of research and inspect it closely before accepting delivery.

 

[NT5224]

G'day folks

Since somebody asked, I should come back to clarify that my tractor purchase went through fine! In the end I went with the Mahindra 5035, which was delivered to us in February 2017. Because I've been away, I have only put 50 hours on the Hindi and am just doing its first 50 hour service. But those fifty hours it has worked hard and I can honestly say I couldn't go back to managing our block without it. Indispensable!

So far the long distance purchase has worked out fine. My dealer has been excellent, the tractor arrived in perfect condition and has given no problems despite the strenuous work. In hindsight buying from a distant dealer at a fair price rather than buying from a closer dealer at a much higher price has so far proven a wise decision. I really couldn't be happier, so a big thanks to all those on this forum who offered me advice and gave me the confidence to buy unseen from a distant supplier.

Finally thanks for kind comments on my home. It is a pretty spectacular part of the world and we feel very privileged to live here.

Cheers

Alan

 

[Texasmark]

Hi Alan
Did you end up purchasing one of the two?
I have some hilly country so flipped the rear wheels from standard for wider wheelbase, no issues so far.
From what i can gather after 80hrs is that the 6225c doesnt particlarly like the hot days, no overheating yet but mowing grass in summer causes radiator blockages, the fan sucks so hard that all seed and clippings block the front grill. Other crap has also been sucked into the radiator from underneath so it needs blowing out all the time.

Just something to be wary of.

There was nothing in this size even close to the price i got so was an easy decision for me.
Strong tractor, heavy for size and good features.
Cab is noisy though, soundproofing not the best, engine noise seeps right through so listening to stereo is a pain not a pleasure.

If you are mowing raw terrain upto your eyeballs in weeds, expect blockage.....part of the package. Exterior grills get clogged too. Yes when it's hot and dry expect lots of suspended particles in the air. For what it's worth new neighbors across bought a 2016 JD 4052 and had to clean out daily, both outside the grilles and bewteen the radiators too.

I made up a piece of ⅜" tubing about 3' long with one end closed and the other with a valve (used an old gas valve like you would use to supply gas to a space heater) and a male air fitting. On the closed off end, on opposite sides of the tube starting about 1" from the bottom and an inch apart I put in 3 pair of holes about 0.150" in diameter.

The end fits between the radiator fins and does a great job of blowing out crud from between them.

On having your dealer 2000 miles away, I understand the problem there. If you are having problems with a supplying dealer, find another. Branson has a dealer locator on their www. Some are more diversified than others and are setup with full service parts and all.

I do my own work so all I need is parts. Common parts are stocked where I shop. Peculiar parts have to come from Korea. You'd probably get faster service there than I do here.....takes about 3 weeks on them. But, what parts I needed were a result of self inflicted problems, both with the 6530; one being a rock hitting my cab door and shattering it. Had a new one in 3 days (UPS) and the other was front end parts for the front axle I abused. Those parts were available like the door but the orings and a clip I thought I needed took about 3 weeks. As it was I didn't need either and had the thing back up and running in a couple of days (5 days total).

Cab is noisy as there is nothing to absorb the sound. I had a '79 JD 4230C with the Sound Guard cab and it had all that soundproofing and all and still I had to wear ear protection making the radio about useless. Might get yourself a set of stereo ear muffs.