Why are TYM and Branson so much less??

[s219]

I don't know anything about Branson, but the TYM I looked at was a very nice machine. I saw a few things that could be better but overall it was a very nice machine.

 

[52wej]

I have a 2004 century 2535 (Branson 3510) and a 2015 Kubota MX 5200. Both are very good tractors, but the Century which is only 35 hp weighs almost as much as the Kubota. It is well made with heavy castings as others have noted. Each tractor has its various strengths and weaknesses. Biggest challenge for the Century is having a dealer located nearby. The nearest one is almost 50 miles from me yet within that radius there are at least 3 large Kubota dealerships. As for the cost, MGRRMD is accurate about the work ethic. When combined with a smaller advertising and promotional infrastructure and a less extensive dealer network you have opportunities for cost savings. Check out the Century/Branson forum for more information and perspectives. W. Jones

 

[Texasmark]

I bought a Branson because I liked their amenities. There wasn't a Kubota dealer close enough to me to consider them.

Speculation: Large companies have large overheads and popular ones have brand recognition....both add to the cost.

The only thing i initially disliked about Branson was their customer service was setup for dealer-customer interface. Before I knew where to ask the question to get the desired answer...complicated question, I attempted to get it from the Rome, Ga. facility and was not satisfied with the service.

On quality of the product, go and look at one and kick the tires. Plenty of quality there and now that TYM has bought Branson (as I have learned from others) the company is much larger and any concerns about having replacement parts in the future should be eliminated. I speculate that TYM bought Branson to eliminate a competitor and to get access to the Cummins engine license that Branson possesses.

 

[Tractorable]

I’ve been fairly impressed with the new RK tractors, built by Korean TYM with Japanese Yanmar engines. I see no reason why they’d be any less quality than a John Deere that’s made in Mexico (or wherever) and also uses a Yanmar engine.

 

[LouNY]

When I got my Branson I had checked out most all the other brands also as far as features and abilities.
The Branson's seemed heavier and beefier in the frames and rear end housing then any of their competitors,
as well as being less money and in most cases less money and more or better features.
As far as the TYM / Branson acquisition/merger the Branson at this time are still a heavier tractor in the same range.
While being heavier may not equate to better, to me a beefier housing is better then a light weight one.

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

TYM (Korea) makes Mahindra, RK, Branson, and also TYM-branded tractors. The price differences you're seeing may simply be the different pricing strategies you'd expect between more established companies like Deere and Kubota vs "up and comers." There may or may not be important differences between the actual tractors.

Well-known companies with longstanding reputations (deserved or not) such as John Deere and, increasingly, Kubota can market themselves as "we're the best" and therefore can charge more. To complete with this, less-well-known brands ("up and comers") may adopt a "better value for your money" strategy, thus the lower prices.

 

[rbstern]

It's pretty common in many markets for up and coming companies hoping to grow market share, to make less profit while establishing a brand. And, as was already pointed out, there may be less spent on marketing. From what I can see, Branson barely spends any money on U.S. marketing. Their web site is rarely up to date. I suspect their budget for trade shows, sales brochures, dealer support, etc., is dramatically lower than Deere, Kubota, etc. They pass that savings along to buyers, as part of a pricing advantage. If they win more market share and shore up their position in the market, they may change that over time. That would be normal.

There is more risk with a lower market share brand, that they will give up on the market, or the market rejects them. That was less of a concern when tractors were simpler. It's a greater concern now that it's harder to do shade tree work on a newer tractor.

 

[ptsg]

TYM (Korea) makes Mahindra, RK, Branson, and also TYM-branded tractors. The price differences you're seeing may simply be the different pricing strategies you'd expect between more established companies like Deere and Kubota vs "up and comers." There may or may not be important differences between the actual tractors.

Well-known companies with longstanding reputations (deserved or not) such as John Deere and, increasingly, Kubota can market themselves as "we're the best" and therefore can charge more. To complete with this, less-well-known brands ("up and comers") may adopt a "better value for your money" strategy, thus the lower prices.

Tym does not make Branson tractors. Branson makes it's own tractors.. Tym and Branson just completed an acquisition as a group so they are still two separate companies.

 

[jdlaw]

Bought a 2009 Branson 3820i in late 2009 after looking at and testing all other major brands, Kubota, MF, Kioti, Deere, NH, Mahindra, available in my area. I got the Branson because of the build and the "Cummins" engine. I have not been disappointed. Use it for grading 1/2 mile gravel drive, moving stone and dirt, hauling logs out the woods, flail mowing and bushhogging, snow removal and about anything else you can think of. No problems or failures other than a broken clutch pedal spring and a tail light that was knocked out in the woods by a limb. The heft of this tractor, along with the quality of the build really make a difference! While all the brands I considered were quality machines, I made the right choice for me. Dealer is about 30 miles away and has great service so that has been another plus.

 

[Tompet]

Guys looking for a tractor for my dad= It seems that the TYM and Branson are thousands less than - Kubota,MF etc- Since we do not have any dealers close by have to this long distance- Are the Kubotas,MF etc that much better or am I paying for the name and advertising $$$-
Also after doing some reading here it seems for mowing 15+ acres Hydro is rec. but is it that much better than syncro which is what he is used to-
Thks for all the advice

If not in a big hurry, keep doing your due diligence to come to a conclusion.

As far as your second question, I like shuttle for mowing and your dad would be fine with that transmission, preferably a 12/12 over an 8/8 with power reverser (power shuttle). Are you getting a FEL too for other tasks? Then hydro may come into consideration. For mowing 15 acres with hydro make sure it he tractor has cruise control.