Comparison Replace 1956 MF TO 35 with compact

[rScotty]

Sorry don't know how to do the quote function yet...

The quote function should be automatic. When I read a message on TBN, just to the right of "Reply" is "Reply with Quote".

Sure wish I knew more about Branson.... Frankly all the makes of tractors are worth a look in my opinion. What nicer way to spend an evening? Just don't buy too quick.

As long as you are looking below the top tier, take a look at them all. TBN is a tremendous resource. For example I haven't much knowledge about Kioti - but there are several around here and the owners like them. At the same time, keep your eyes open or run an adv. for a good used Kubota of that size. Emphasize homeowner and low hrs. They have to be out there. Lots were sold.
rScotty

 

[ptsg]

have you flipped a coin yet? i find plenty of info on branson.com - they are owned by the same parent CO as TYM tractors - great WTY, better than Deere not sure what kubota offers - 2 yr bumper to bumper and 6 on engine/trannie on the branson is nothing to sneeze at, not knowing on the used one that is Out of WTY is a tough one.]

I talked to the Kubota dealer and they don't know a lot about the machine besides a customer traded it in for a bigger tractor. They do not seem willing to work on the price at all. For this much $ the hours do make me a bit nervous without knowing the use/maintenance. I am likely going to be off work tomorrow to go sit on at least one. They are both opposite directions from each other so will probably only make it to one. The Branson dealer is closer, it has the shuttle trans, and is new with warranty. I think I need to go take a look and judge it in person. If I knew I could find parts for the Branson I'd likely buy it. The warranty is attractive but not so much if parts are unavailable or dealers are not around me. So, I will be judging the tractor as much if not more the dealer and parts. Searcyfarms - You said you could find a lot of info online. Not questioning you but i've had little luck. Do you have a link or two you have found to parts for Branson? I also posted this question to the Branson forum.

I have been intrigued by Kioti but have not had a chance to make it to a dealer yet.

Thanks a ton guys.

- Nick

Parts are available for Branson tractors. Your dealer should help you when you need. There are also some dealers that frequent this forum and a lot more on Branson Facebook groups that are willing to help whoever needs help with. Most will ship parts to you if you need to.

There used to be a website with parts diagrams and where you could buy parts from but they are currently changing ownership and closed the website for now.

 

[searcyfarms]

Searcyfarms - You said you could find a lot of info online. Not questioning you but i've had little luck. Do you have a link or two you have found to parts for Branson? I also posted this question to the Branson forum.

I have been intrigued by Kioti but have not had a chance to make it to a dealer yet.

Thanks a ton guys.

- Nick[/QUOTE]

i meant i found a lot about the company/history/dealers/warranty/features and specs not to mention seemingly upfront about who they are and where they came from and who makes their tractors/where i was not able to find any parts info however it sounds like that is forthcoming - i do not have a facebook account so not sure what is out there

 

[Nickak8]

I'll be curious to hear what you decide to get and why. And if the discussion here on TBN has helped you to form any opinions.
rScotty

Alright guys, after a lot of research, test driving, and all of your guys help, I ended up getting the 2018 Branson 3515R tractor. I had them load the rear tires prior to delivery. Attached is a picture.

Why did I get it?
- Cost - 17,900 for a new tractor is hard to beat. I had a firm budget of 20K. As much as I would have loved a JD or Kubota, new was not feasible.
- Size - The size of tires, weight of tractor, and capacity of loader I would have had to go up a size on most other brands.
- Features - I really prefer shuttle shift and this had it. Getting harder to find. Had nothing I didn't want and everything I did want, 4x4, rear locker, power steering, enough weight/HP to replace my TO35 and use same implements.
- Resale - I don't plan to resell the tractor, hopefully ever. So resale value was not a big factor for me.
- Branson Forum - I joined and chatted with a few guys on Branson forums to see their experience with the machines and part availability.
- Lack of used JDs or Kubota in my area in similar weight/size for a reasonable price. Most I could find were well over 20K with over 1000 hours and who knows what maintenance.
- Family - I have a 16 month old girl and a pregnant wife due Christmas day with our second. As much as I like fixing things I don't have the time for it right now. If I get 2 hours to spend outside, I want to be making progress on a project, not fixing my tractor to then hopefully work on the project next time. With most used tractors in my size range having 1000 hours, that is about 8-9 years of use for me. I'd rather be the one to put on those hours and know the maintenance has been done right.

I have only had the tractor for a couple days and put a couple hours on it so I obviously can't talk about longevity, but so far its exactly what I was hoping for. I have a very hilly property and with the appropriate sized loader and 4x4 I already feel more confident on the new tractor than I ever did on my massey. I will miss it, but it is now up for sale.

I want to thank all of you for your advice and willingness to help out a newby to the compact tractor world and TractorByNet forum.

Thanks again,
Nick

 

[Nickak8]

Can't get the picture right but i tried. Lol

 

[Blue14]

Congratulations on your new tractor,it will serve you well.when you click on the picture it comes on right side up,no problem.

 

[searcyfarms]

well congrats on the new child first and foremost - then conrats on the tractor I can assure you the child will cost you more than the tractor from start to finish LOL!!!!

Enjoy them both and be careful on the hills - you will be thrilled with the branson I know I wished they had a dealer here when i was looking but they did not.

 

[rScotty]

It looks like a dandy. I hope it turns out to be as good and long lasting as that old MF TO 35. I'm sure it will be a lot more handy to use; those old converted ag tractors were not built to be easy to use like all the modern utility tractors are. I bet you love it, & agree on the shuttleshift. A F/R shuttle shift is a nice simple feature that makes any transmission more convenient for chores. Especially good for a loader tractor.
Keep us updated. There aren't enough Branson dealers around where we live to consider them. But I'm still real curious as to how they work.
rScotty

 

[Nickak8]

Hi all,

I just completed the 50hr maintenance on the 3515R and realized its been just over a year and I figured I’d give you guys an update. So far the tractor has been great and has been just what I wanted. No wrenching and all projects. I’ve noticed after having our second little girl that I have even less free time, shocking. I’ve done too many projects to list them all but mainly bush hogging, slow plowing, discing, gravel driveway maintenance, etc. It has handled everything well.

Issues/things I have disliked:
- about a week after purchase I noticed one FEL lift cylinder was leaking. I noticed a small gap and tighter the cap. Has not leaked since.
- rear tires were loaded when purchased. If I run under 20lbs they will leak beet juice around bead. I’d like to run a little lower psi.
- loader is powerful but it won’t curl and lift at the same time.

Other than that I can’t think of anything else. Only been a year and 50hrs but do far I’m happy. I’ll update when I remember.

- Nick

 

[Nickak8]

Hi all,

I just completed the 50hr maintenance on the 3515R and realized its been just over a year and I figured I’d give you guys an update. So far the tractor has been great and has been just what I wanted. No wrenching and all projects. I’ve noticed after having our second little girl that I have even less free time, shocking. I’ve done too many projects to list them all but mainly bush hogging, slow plowing, discing, gravel driveway maintenance, etc. It has handled everything well.

Issues/things I have disliked:
- about a week after purchase I noticed one FEL lift cylinder was leaking. I noticed a small gap and tighter the cap. Has not leaked since.
- rear tires were loaded when purchased. If I run under 20lbs they will leak beet juice around bead. I’d like to run a little lower psi.
- loader is powerful but it won’t curl and lift at the same time.

Other than that I can’t think of anything else. Only been a year and 50hrs but do far I’m happy. I’ll update when I remember.

- Nick