What have you done to your Branson today?

[Kentuckyfarmer]

I would like to have my exhaust exit out the top of the hood, and not down and in front of the radiator. I'd like to have a chaff screen in front of the AC condensor and oil cooler, not just the radiator. I'd like the air cleaner to be easy to take off and inspect. I wouldn't mind a bigger fuel tank, and a sight glass on the side for filling without overfilling would be nice too.

My AC/heat vents are adjustable, and my diff lock is on the left side on my cab model.

I have taken care of some of what you said but I agree with the bigger tank. At least twice the size. Also add have the throttle on the side over by the rear remotes controls. Other makes have them there. My idea is it should be like you driving your car and everything is within easy reach and not having to lean way forward or down to control anything.

 

[Mr Bitz]

Great ideas from all of you. I agree easy reach for everything. Bigger fuel tank is a must. However we have to keep in mind that these are utility tractors and not full size tractors,. I think that's limiting some of our wants.

 

[Kentuckyfarmer]

Great ideas from all of you. I agree easy reach for everything. Bigger fuel tank is a must. However we have to keep in mind that these are utility tractors and not full size tractors,. I think that's limiting some of our wants.

I know what you mean. I am truly happy over all with the Branson but just a couple small things like the light and blinker switch, the pto, cruise control and hazard switch and throttle moved to the side would be so much better. The handle for the three point extended because that control is probably used more than the two remotes with everyone that buys these size tractors. Little things that wouldn't cost hardly anything to the manufacture. I also seen where kioti tractors have a linked switch for their hst and throttle where you push the hst and it also increases the rpm's. That's also a nice option for loader work. For that you would probably have to have a computer though and I like the Branson because it mechanical. Anyway it's still lots better than what I've used in the past.

Mr Bitz it says in the manual the 4720ch has a fuel tank 10 or 12 gallons. When I am close to empty on the gauge and I fill it completely up it only takes maybe 5 or just a little over gallons. You think the sending unit is off a little? It's been that way since day one. I hate to keep running and don't want to run out of fuel just to find out if it is truly a 10 gallon tank. Reason I'm asking I was bush hogging a hill side and was almost on the empty mark and the tractor started cutting out, missing and I quickly turned it to flat ground and it ran fine. I did go fill it up and finished the hill side.

 

[Mr Bitz]

I haven't seen a fuel gauge yet that is right on the money. Some of the things you have described Branson has already upgraded such as the PTO, cruise, and hazard switch is now moved from below the steering and onto the right hand fender, also for almost a year now almost all hydro models went to the ( hydromax) which increases engine rpm as you apply the hydro pedals, it's purely mechanical and not electronic, however you cannot turn it off. The 3 point lever is still in same place and same height. The new 25 series has 12 gallon fuel tanks regardless of hydro or gear driven. I think Branson is hearing their customers, it just takes time to get some things done. I really think the new 25 series have hit a home run, I have yet to see any warranty issues. All the little quirks and fixes have been applied to the 25 series and they are awesome.

 

[Kentuckyfarmer]

The fuel gauge being wrong is just minor and I've lived with it now over two years so no biggie. I didn't know about the hst thing with the 25 series. I knew about the switches being moved. I know their getting better at making a better tractor of course it was good to start with in my book. I hope they continue and become even bigger than they are. Again thanks for your input Mr Bitz.

 

[Cougsfan]

the manual the 4720ch has a fuel tank 10 or 12 gallons.

It is actually claimed to have a 9.3 gallon tank. If that is true, mine reads totally empty when there is about 2 gallons left in it, but in reality you can't even run it that low if you are working around hills as it sputters and runs out of available fuel on any significant side slope. To avoid that, I usually refill her when the gauge reads 1/4 tank left, and it takes 5 or a little more gallons. That is not a lot of run time per tank if you are working her hard. One of the worst things you can do to a diesel is run it out of fuel.

When I go out to mow remote fields, I carry an extra 5 gallons of diesel in a can on the FEL, plus a tank full of compressed air to blow the chaff out of the radiators to keep her from boiling over and/or to keep the A/C working. This winter I am making a nozzle to put on the exhaust to redirect the exhaust elsewhere to help reduce the chaff in the radiator compartment. I am also looking at making an additional screen for the radiators like someone else mentioned.. not sure that is going to be easy.

The chaff in the radiators while mowing isn't a problem unique to Branson. Most other name brands suffer from the same problem. The only exception I have seen was my old grey market Yanmar had a sealed compartment between the grill in the hood and the radiator so all the cooling air had to come through the grill. (The grill served as a primary screen. It also had a secondary screen). It is the only tractor I have ever seen built that way and it sure worked well for mowing nasty fields.

 

[Kentuckyfarmer]

Your right about the radiator not just being a Branson problem only. I had a old 800 ford and had to watch the temp gauge when bush hogging in dusty and tall grass conditions. If it has a radiator it's going to get something in it. But with a cab and air conditioning with that condenser coil and the space between the fins being smaller than the radiator it seems to plug up a little quicker and needs attention a little more often. I made a screen to go in front of mine and the difference is night and day when cleaning it now. Just stop raise the hood and pull the screen and brush it off replace and go back to work. I don't know how a person could really keep it from totally getting some dirt, dust or what ever in the cooling system. Just the nature of the beast working in fields, the woods or where ever.

 

[brianb88]

Branson needs to design a factory tool box. Who all thinks so? Need to hear from people like you in order to make it happen.

I would buy one if they would make a useful factory toolbox. I still haven't mounted one on mine yet because I haven't found the right box or the right place. I like some of the pics I see here though and the ones mounted on the right hand step seem the most obvious place but I would like a little bigger tool box.

 

[ptsg]

Today I've assembled a 6000lbs hydraulic winch that I made on my Branson. I built this winch mostly to have as a backup plan. Since most of my work is done on some steep hills with some hidden holes and such, I find my self on situations that requires a lot of diff lock work and I've been getting away with it but I want to have another place in case the diff lock doesn't make it.

I've also mounted a toolbox on the tractor. It's probably the most requested item that any Branson owner has. I'll post some pictures of the winch. I need to take some better ones of the toolbox, winch and tractor but the weather is not cooperating.

 

[Mr Bitz]

Very very nice.