New owner 4720ch! questions on top-n-tilt kit

[madpuma13]

After a good long time of lurking and researching and kicking tires at dealers I finally purchased myself a tractor! It was a hard decision between the 4720ch and the 4225ch. Figured I would stick with the tested engine than the new one and end up with more hp for about the same price.

In any case, I am very interested in getting a top-n-tilt kit. Does anyone have a kit they have been pleased with? Where did you get it?

 

[sikmusicfreak8]

Branson factory remotes are very cheap and OEM. Awesome deal.

 

[madpuma13]

I have the remotes. Does OEM have top and tilt cylinders?

 

[ericm979]

The top and tilt cylinders I got with my 3725 were done by the dealer. Top cylinders are pretty common, tilt are harder to find. Or you can go with Fit-Rite, who posts on this site.

 

[boggen]

oem/factory rear hydrualic valves/remotes might look better / easier to operate due to custom brackets. for the valves and rear remotes.

third party rear remotes and valves for them. can also be had.
surpluscenter.com might have something third party.
verify type of tractor you have for hydrualics (no idea about tractor, but guessing "open center" vs "closed center") for type of valves to get.

was also going to say Fit-Rite.

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adding remotes and valves can be a bit of a job and might be easier left to dealer to install. due to needing tools that you most likely will never be-able really use once you get stuff installed. in order to deal with bending metal pipe, to installing fittings on metal to rubber hoses for the hydraulic lines.

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if you get the remotes / valves installed, then you are more likely more open to third party hydraulic cylinders.

you can go with 1 top, and/or 1 side, and/or both sides with hydraulic cylinders. depends on your demands.

 

[LindenBruce]

OP
I am looking at that class of tractor. How loud is the Hydrostat on your unit? Bruce

 

[madpuma13]

OP
I am looking at that class of tractor. How loud is the Hydrostat on your unit? Bruce

Loudness of the hydrostatic transmission I'd have to say is a weakness of the Branson models (or at least my 4720).

There is a distinct whine with the hydrostatic when you first press either acceleration pedal.

Once the tractor is up to speed with how far you have pressed in your pedal, I feel it is still a little louder than those of competing models.

This is not to say it feels underpowered or that it is going to break. Besides the loudness of it, it feels absolutely solid and gives you no doubt there is more power available, if needed, by just pressing the pedal further.

The sound doesn't bother me much as I wear hearing protection that has a radio/Bluetooth in it. My cab has a radio in it but it is just habit for me to put on a headset while I work with machinery.

Good luck !

 

[madpuma13]

Also, if any one researches this post, I went with the dealer and just got a top cylinder.

It is a 3" and got it cheaper (including labor) and faster than fit rite could supply it.

I love it! Maybe I'll post some pictures soon.

 

[LindenBruce]

That's what I thought. I have viewed some videos of Branson hydrostat tractors and that was the one big thought that stood out. Their transmission is loud. Thanks for the info. B.

 

[ericm979]

I only tested some Kubotas and had an older Kubota before I bought my Branson. The Branson's HST is quieter than the Kubotas were. I've noticed that it's louder (and the pedal is hard) when you're trying to put a lot of torque through it at low wheel speeds. For example starting from a stop in 3rd range. HSTs are happier when you use a lot of pedal so I tend to use the lower ranges and more pedal. It's quiet then. The Kubotas were loud all the time.