What have you done to your Branson today?
East Bench Ray
New member
Lights, Mirrors and Ammo Boxes.
I've had my 2003 3510 for almost 6 months now and it sure seems to be well put together and sturdy. Based on the neat things other folks have posted I've added a couple of gadgets that make it even funner to work with.
It's first job this spring was weed spraying in the annual campaign against the demon knapweed. The weed sprayer is powered by an electric pump, and trying to run the pump off the light wires didn't work too well because they were only kicking out about 10.5 volts. Running a fused 10 gauge wire from the battery solved the voltage drop problem, but got me to thinking that it might be nice to have a power center at the back for lights and the chute rotation motor when running the snowblower in the dark this winter.
The blower is a Lorenz 630 mounted on the 3 point hitch, which means a lot of time operating in reverse. I'm not flexible enough to keep my neck cranked backwards that long, so I figured that some big rearview mirrors would be the way to go. Amazon has 9 x 16 trackhoe mirrors for something like $20.00 so I mounted a couple of those on 1/2 inch conduit which is both cheap and easy to work with.
The 3510 has a work light for the 3 point, but it is pretty minimal. Looking through the forums at that the things other folks have done for lighting led me to the LED light bars on Amazon, and I rigged them up to the ROPS bar. These LED lights are unbelievable. The light bar and two spot lights cost a total of about $50.00 and they light things up like like it was daytime.
I wanted the power center for the lights, the sprayer plug, and the electric chute rotator for the snowblower to be housed in some kind of reasonably weather proof housing that won't shatter at -20 and that will last for a while. I also wanted a tool box to hold shear pins, hitch pins, wrenches etc. On the bi-weekly pilgrimage to Costco I saw a set of ammo boxes for $18.00 and thought hmmm.
It tuns out that the 50 cal. box easily bolts on to the right side of the deck if you remove the step frame.
I bolted the 30 cal. box to the left fender, and bolted positive and negative bus bars to the inside of the lid, so that it is easy to get things both wired and un-wired. The main power comes in to a relay on 10 gauge wire with a 30 amp fuse at the battery. The lights run through a paddle switch, and the chute motor runs through a big polarity-reversing DPDT switch with a switch lever big enough to work with heavy gloves or mittens.
I've had my 2003 3510 for almost 6 months now and it sure seems to be well put together and sturdy. Based on the neat things other folks have posted I've added a couple of gadgets that make it even funner to work with.
It's first job this spring was weed spraying in the annual campaign against the demon knapweed. The weed sprayer is powered by an electric pump, and trying to run the pump off the light wires didn't work too well because they were only kicking out about 10.5 volts. Running a fused 10 gauge wire from the battery solved the voltage drop problem, but got me to thinking that it might be nice to have a power center at the back for lights and the chute rotation motor when running the snowblower in the dark this winter.
The blower is a Lorenz 630 mounted on the 3 point hitch, which means a lot of time operating in reverse. I'm not flexible enough to keep my neck cranked backwards that long, so I figured that some big rearview mirrors would be the way to go. Amazon has 9 x 16 trackhoe mirrors for something like $20.00 so I mounted a couple of those on 1/2 inch conduit which is both cheap and easy to work with.
The 3510 has a work light for the 3 point, but it is pretty minimal. Looking through the forums at that the things other folks have done for lighting led me to the LED light bars on Amazon, and I rigged them up to the ROPS bar. These LED lights are unbelievable. The light bar and two spot lights cost a total of about $50.00 and they light things up like like it was daytime.
I wanted the power center for the lights, the sprayer plug, and the electric chute rotator for the snowblower to be housed in some kind of reasonably weather proof housing that won't shatter at -20 and that will last for a while. I also wanted a tool box to hold shear pins, hitch pins, wrenches etc. On the bi-weekly pilgrimage to Costco I saw a set of ammo boxes for $18.00 and thought hmmm.
It tuns out that the 50 cal. box easily bolts on to the right side of the deck if you remove the step frame.
I bolted the 30 cal. box to the left fender, and bolted positive and negative bus bars to the inside of the lid, so that it is easy to get things both wired and un-wired. The main power comes in to a relay on 10 gauge wire with a 30 amp fuse at the battery. The lights run through a paddle switch, and the chute motor runs through a big polarity-reversing DPDT switch with a switch lever big enough to work with heavy gloves or mittens.
Tex423
New member
Mowed pasture, greased all the fittings!
Helitech
Silver Member
Worked the heck out of it! 
smokin aces
Member
- Joined
- Aug 10, 2015
- Messages
- 44
- Location
- Sequatchie county TN.
- Tractor
- 2016 Branson 4520- BH76 backhoe
i swapped my back tires around so dished to the outside big improvement, much more stable, turns better. best of all much more room at 3 point hitch
LincTex
Silver Member
I broke it 
:yell:
:yell: 
ptsg
Super Member
Hey guys,
I'm from Portugal and I received my brand new Branson F36Rn last week. This is the same tractor as the 3515R in the USA, apart from the middle ROPS, no DPF and quick release lower link.
So far I'm really happy with it. I've put about 4/5 hours on it mostly some light trailer work and just playing with it.
I didn't realize how much of a toy I had compared to this one, I had a Kubota B7000. This thing is huge
I also got a 54" brush mower for it but I don't really have brush big enough to try it out at the moment and I'm planning on getting a rototiller and a transport box (very common here is Europe) on the future.
I will post more pictures and maybe videos of my machine as I get more time and experience with it.
I'm from Portugal and I received my brand new Branson F36Rn last week. This is the same tractor as the 3515R in the USA, apart from the middle ROPS, no DPF and quick release lower link.
So far I'm really happy with it. I've put about 4/5 hours on it mostly some light trailer work and just playing with it.
I didn't realize how much of a toy I had compared to this one, I had a Kubota B7000. This thing is huge
I also got a 54" brush mower for it but I don't really have brush big enough to try it out at the moment and I'm planning on getting a rototiller and a transport box (very common here is Europe) on the future.
I will post more pictures and maybe videos of my machine as I get more time and experience with it.
Mr Bitz
Gold Member
Congrats on your new toy(work tool). Love the pictures.
Sent from my XT1650 using TractorByNet mobile app
Sent from my XT1650 using TractorByNet mobile app
ericm979
Super Member
Is that a tool box built into the seat back? I wonder why Europe gets front ROPS and North America gets rear ROPS?
I went from a Kubota B7100 to a 3725. It felt huge as first but after a few tens of hours it felt normal. Even my wife (who has yet to drive the Branson) says it looks normal sized to her now.... it's been 6 months and 70 hours.
I went from a Kubota B7100 to a 3725. It felt huge as first but after a few tens of hours it felt normal. Even my wife (who has yet to drive the Branson) says it looks normal sized to her now.... it's been 6 months and 70 hours.
ptsg
Super Member
Thanks! I will post more pictures as soon as I have a chance.
This tractor didn't came with a toolbox. Even though I really miss having one. On the back of the seat it's just a little compartment for tractor documents or manuals. But it doesn't seem to be sealed so I won't use too much probably.
Eventually I will add a proper toolbox once I find something I like and a good place for it.
It's very common in Europe to have this style of ROPS because these compact tractors are used in orchards and vineyards which don't offer much space for larger ROPS. Most of the times the ROPS need to be folded down because of the branches.
As far as the size, yes, I agree with you, it feels normal after a while. I just have 5 hours on it anyway.
Texasmark
Elite Member
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2012
- Messages
- 3,762
- Location
- N. Texas
- Tractor
- Ford: '88 3910 Series II, '80 3600, '65 3000; '07 6530C Branson with FEL, 2020 LS MT225S. Case-IH 395 and 895 with cab. All Diesels
In retiring and downsizing, I don't go to the bulk fert. distributor anymore. Besides I sold my farm truck and no way am I going to take my good truck there.
This morning I'm fertilizing and using the 500# capacity conical 3 pt spreader. I take my little 2400 that I bought for purposes such as this and go over to the skid of 50# bags, set the bucket to match the height of the stack, slide them over into it and load the first 10 bags.
The spreader has to be fairly high as the PTO shaft will hit the end of the drawbar if too low and I'm not taking the bar off as I will use it to drag my harrow over the broadcast rye and fert before I drill in the field peas. Trying to load 50# bags at shoulder height is a bear without the loader. With it, I just drive up along side, slide, not lift, the bags over to the edge slit 'em open and in she goes. Slick and no back pain.
This morning I'm fertilizing and using the 500# capacity conical 3 pt spreader. I take my little 2400 that I bought for purposes such as this and go over to the skid of 50# bags, set the bucket to match the height of the stack, slide them over into it and load the first 10 bags.
The spreader has to be fairly high as the PTO shaft will hit the end of the drawbar if too low and I'm not taking the bar off as I will use it to drag my harrow over the broadcast rye and fert before I drill in the field peas. Trying to load 50# bags at shoulder height is a bear without the loader. With it, I just drive up along side, slide, not lift, the bags over to the edge slit 'em open and in she goes. Slick and no back pain.
Cougsfan
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2008
- Messages
- 1,647
- Location
- Eastern Washington State
- Tractor
- Ferguson TO35, Branson 4720CH
I washed my 4720CH. Not that I am **** about such things, but she was getting pretty grody looking. The slime spots along the tractors leading edges from mowing fields with milkweed (I assume that is what did it) was stuck on like paint. Never did get it all off. Not sure what it would take to get it off. Inside the cab was getting pretty dirty too, so I just took a hose inside and washed down virtually everything but ceiling and the dashboard. Was a little worried about doing that but it worked out just fine.
Branson Bob
Platinum Member
I don't know much about hay or North Texas but I'm curious.
Will this be the last cut till the spring?
ptsg
Super Member
I've been playing with the new toy. I've put 18 hours on it these week just mowing brush.
The first job was cleaning one land that was flat and had light to mid sized brush. The tractor handled just fine. No lack of power at all. I even used the 540E gear on the PTO and speed up the main gearbox to 3rd gear on low range. I'm really pleased with this machine. The engine runs really cool, probably because of all the airflow it gets to the radiator since the compartment has a lot of space.
The second job, that is not finished yet, is a lot more dangerous. I'm working on a almost a 30ｺ slope with a lot of hidden boar burrows which are pretty deep. This piece of land has a lot of heavy sized brush. I'm using the regular 540 gear and 1st on low range and once again the tractor doesn't lack of power at all. I think I still have 1 or 2 days worth of work on this land. I've spend 2 days so far.
I'm quite surprised to see that after 23 hours, the engine and gearbox/hydraulic oil still looks really clean, like if I just had opened a brand new jug of oil.
One thing that I really need to make when get the tractor to the workshop again, is a skid plate. I've almost ripped apart the fuel line and hydraulic return line with the heavier brush. Also got a stick stuck between the clutch pedal that almost broke the clutch sensor. I will also build some sort of bumper also so the brush doesn't scratch the hood.
And here is the video:
The first job was cleaning one land that was flat and had light to mid sized brush. The tractor handled just fine. No lack of power at all. I even used the 540E gear on the PTO and speed up the main gearbox to 3rd gear on low range. I'm really pleased with this machine. The engine runs really cool, probably because of all the airflow it gets to the radiator since the compartment has a lot of space.
The second job, that is not finished yet, is a lot more dangerous. I'm working on a almost a 30ｺ slope with a lot of hidden boar burrows which are pretty deep. This piece of land has a lot of heavy sized brush. I'm using the regular 540 gear and 1st on low range and once again the tractor doesn't lack of power at all. I think I still have 1 or 2 days worth of work on this land. I've spend 2 days so far.
I'm quite surprised to see that after 23 hours, the engine and gearbox/hydraulic oil still looks really clean, like if I just had opened a brand new jug of oil.
One thing that I really need to make when get the tractor to the workshop again, is a skid plate. I've almost ripped apart the fuel line and hydraulic return line with the heavier brush. Also got a stick stuck between the clutch pedal that almost broke the clutch sensor. I will also build some sort of bumper also so the brush doesn't scratch the hood.
And here is the video:
LouNY
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2015
- Messages
- 14,419
- Location
- Greenwich, NY
- Tractor
- Branson 8050, IH 574, Oliver 1550 Diesel Utility (traded in on Branson) NH 8160. Kioti CK2620SECH
Nice looking tractor and good job of brush hogging.
I notice that you don't have a loader on your tractor.
I see that you are mulching it right down to dirt level.
When I'm working brush, I often go into it in reverse with the mower cutting about a foot high the first pass,when I mow in a forward direction
i run my bucket about a foot of the ground with in curled back most of the way to act as a bumper and an indicator of something I might not
want to hit.
Enjoy and have a good day.
I notice that you don't have a loader on your tractor.
I see that you are mulching it right down to dirt level.
When I'm working brush, I often go into it in reverse with the mower cutting about a foot high the first pass,when I mow in a forward direction
i run my bucket about a foot of the ground with in curled back most of the way to act as a bumper and an indicator of something I might not
want to hit.
Enjoy and have a good day.
ptsg
Super Member
Thanks LouNY.
Yes I don't have a loader yet. I'll see if I really need one or not. Then I decide to either buy one or make one. I had one that I built on the previous tractor.
I usually do exactly the way you do for brush heavier or taller than the one you see in the video. I don't need to take the risk of break something underneath the tractor. But for some reason when I edited the video I cut most of the parts that I go reverse.
On the sloped land that I've been working, I always go in reverse about 10 Cm of the ground, then I go forward all the way to the ground. But the brush it's much heavier and thick. Even though the tractor won't even bog down.
Yes I don't have a loader yet. I'll see if I really need one or not. Then I decide to either buy one or make one. I had one that I built on the previous tractor.
I usually do exactly the way you do for brush heavier or taller than the one you see in the video. I don't need to take the risk of break something underneath the tractor. But for some reason when I edited the video I cut most of the parts that I go reverse.
On the sloped land that I've been working, I always go in reverse about 10 Cm of the ground, then I go forward all the way to the ground. But the brush it's much heavier and thick. Even though the tractor won't even bog down.
Branson3520R
New member
It's been a little over a year now, 72 plus hours and still going strong!! Changed all of the fluids and filters at 50 hours with no issues. Hydraulic fluid looked new and very clean. Since joining we have added another 7.5 acres to our almost 5 acres of land! We have done a lot of clearing of small trees, brush and the dreaded Wisteria vines!!
Used the backhoe to install a water line and dig up several stumps.
Love BIG RED, what a beast!!
Used the backhoe to install a water line and dig up several stumps.
Love BIG RED, what a beast!!
