OK, he is getting his Branson

horseygal · Aug 1, 2005

My husband and I are building a log home on 14 acres - part wooded, part pasture. Actually, we have contracted to have it built as we would like to have it done this decade. We currently have 3 horses and will need to brush hog, move shavings, and do general chores on the property. My husband has gone ga-ga over the Branson 2910 and, I must admit, it does seem like a sweet machine. Problem is that neither of us has ever owned a tractor before and although we have been talking to a lot of folks, I have two major concerns. First, is the 2910 undersized for what we are doing? The 3510 seems to be a much more popular model with you guys and doesn't appear to cost that much more. Second, he was born without a shopping gene and has only talked to one dealer. I on the other hand, am female. He was quoted $16,500 with 0% for three years or $16,000 cash - that is the 2910 with loader. Based on what I am reading on the forum and on e-bay, that seems a little high to me.

We are in Northwest Arkansas. Could you help me out with a little of your wisdom??? Don't get nervous on me - he IS going to get his tractor. He's a great guy, works hard, needs a tractor, wants a tractor, done deal. He just HATES to shop - that is my job. We would be willing to travel (within reason) to pick it up. I have requested quotes on line from a couple of dealers with no response. We are looking to take the tractor plunge at the end of the month when the barn is completed.

Thanks for your input. Have read a zillion posts and the website has been most helpful in providing useful information.
Based on what I am reading, there is such a thing as a male shopping gene - my husband just didn't get it. I'm out of my league here - we ain't talking a new pair of shoes. THAT, I don't need help with. If you do, I will be glad to return the favor. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Also need a brush hog attachment.

SnowRidge · Aug 1, 2005

Welcome to TBN. I've had my 3520 for a couple of years and really haven't kept up with the prices, but that sounds like a lot of money for that particular model. I'd shop around.

Bob_Skurka · Aug 1, 2005

Just general comments. While he is ga-ga over the tractor, are you going to be using it also? If so are you comfortable with it? Try as many models as you can to make sure your choice is the best choice for your conditions. Since you are already unsure of the size, I suspect you will always have that issue linger in your mind until you try the larger 3510 on your property. The life of the tractor is going to be 20+ years, is the price difference that big of deal?

As you are both new, then I would strongly recommend one thing, make sure you are very confident that whatever dealer you buy from is a quality dealer, make sure he stocks parts, has a good reputation in the community, and he has qualified and trained repair people to help you out of a jam if something breaks. No matter how good a price I could get from a distant dealer, I would be willing to pay more for a good dealer who will have what I need when I need it. Losing a tractor for a few days due to a problem is usually not a big problem, losing it for a few weeks because they don't stock parts or have poor service techs, or the shop is too small to handle their needs could be a big problem for you. Also, check to see if they will pick up/deliver the tractor for repair work or if you have to haul it in (which means you have to add the price of a trailer to the cost of the tractor).

LMTC · Aug 1, 2005

For the small difference, I would absolutely go to the 3510. Don't have any info on current pricing. I echo Bob on the local dealer though. A minor problem can become major if the dealer is 2 hours away (or more).

mudcat · Aug 1, 2005

3510 hands down. More than enough power for 14 acres. 16,500 seems a bit high, unless it is the 2910i(I'm not sure what they are going for). Good luck shopping. You will be pleased with either model.

Stimw · Aug 1, 2005

I have had my 3510 for 2 1/2 months and I still LOVE IT! I worked on Semi trailers for 30 years (supervised 3 shops) and now I have my own business working on construction equipment and am a Stone Equipment and Honda Engine Dealer. My point is I know quality when I see it and the Branson has it.
As for 2910 verses 3510 I was quoted $500. difference, well worth the money. Also you should get the industrial tires. They give a better footprint making the tractor very stable. I have an old 5' bushhog and when cleaning up an area at the back of my property I hit an 8" chunk of concrete and before I could stop the hog chewed it up. It didn't even slow down! Very powerful!
I paid $12,000. plus tax for mine W/O frontend loader. My dealer offered me the 3510 W/ FEL for $15,000. even. There was a price increase in May but I think it was $500. per unit. Good luck with your search. tim

SnowRidge · Aug 1, 2005

I'm very pleased with the R4s on my 3520, too.

bdog · Aug 1, 2005

If you are even thinking of going larger DO IT. I don't think I have seen a single post on here from someone wishing they had got a smaller tractor. Almost everyone wishes they would have got a bigger tractor. The 3510 sounds like a good size for what you are going to be doing.

kongs3510 · Aug 2, 2005

I went thru the same thing back in May... I was sold on the 2910 also, but for 500 bux more, I opted for the 3510... They are exactly the same size, and to look at them side by side, you wouldn't be able to pick one from the other.... just more horsepower on the 3510.... That was my choice, and I think it was a good one.... I gave 15,400 for mine just for a comparison for you.... good luck in whatever you decide, and you will be a happy tractor owner no matter what your decision.......Brian

horseygal · Aug 2, 2005

Wow! I had a feeling that I could count on you guys.

Looks like we have some work to do. Thank you all.

Seems white knights no longer ride in on horses - they drive in on Bransons!