Branson Tractors is a relatively new brand in the U.S. agricultural market, making its début in 1998. Its parent company, Kukje Machinery, is based out of South Korea and boasts 42 years of agricultural manufacturing history. Kukje Machinery has strategic agreements with both John Deere as a distributor/builder and with Cummins to design and produce the Cummins A Series engines. Branson Tractor’s 2012 line-up includes subcompact, compact, and utility tractors ranging from 24-78 hp. These tractors are imported from South Korea and assembled at one of two distribution and assembly plants based out of Rome, Georgia, and Plainview, Texas.
The 2400h is the 24hp hydrostatic member of Branson’s 00 subcompact series of tractors. The 2400 model made its debut in 2008 followed by the hydrostatic model in 2010 placing it in competition with more seasoned competitors such as Kubota’s B Series and New Holland’s Boomer Series. All three tractors have base prices around $13,000 and based upon experience, there is little discernible difference in the overall feel and layout of the tractors. Branson Tractors markets the 2400 as having a heavier weight than competitors due to its heavier frame and driveline coming in at 1,810 pounds. A quick check of comparable models shows a difference in weight of 300 pounds when compared to the Kubota B2320 and 100 pounds when compared to the New Holland Boomer 20.
Branson Tractors 2400h specifications:
Engine: The 2400h has an A1100N2 naturally aspirated, 4 cycle, water cooled, 3-cylinder diesel engine producing 24hp. Rated for 2600 rpm, the engine has a displacement of 1175cc feeding from a 6.2-gallon fuel tank at a fuel consumption rate of 1.4 gallons per hour. In cold temperatures, the A1100N2 uses a glow plug heating system that is automatically activated upon turning the ignition to the run position.
Steering and Driveline: The 2400h uses a hydrostatic power steering system. The hydrostatic transmission has two drive ranges with a top speed of 11mph and is operated by a forward and reverse foot pedal. The 2400h comes standard with four wheel drive, differential lock, a dry single plate clutch, and wet disc brakes.
Hydraulics and PTO: The 2400h comes with a mid and rear PTO. The mid PTO is button operated and operates at 2500rpm. The rear PTO is lever operated and rated at 540/960rpm with 18hp and a 6 spline shaft. The 3-point hitch is a Category 1/position hitch with a lift capacity of 1,500 pounds.
Warranty: The engine and powertrain are covered by a 2 year/2,000 hour warranty. The rest of the tractor is covered by a 1 year/1,000 hour warranty.
BL00 Loader Option: The optional loader is a quick detach style with a max lift rating of 705 pounds and a breakout force of 1,106 pounds. The maximum lift height is 71.8 inches and can dig 3 inches below grade.
My experience with the Branson Tractors 2400h:
Since I purchased my 2400h, I have logged 20 moderate use hours. Among the implements that I have used on this tractor are: 4ft grader box, 4ft finish mower, and a 4ft grader blade. The tractor’s primary use has been to maintain a 1000ft gravel driveway, maintain a 3-acre pasture, snow removal, and various odd jobs around my property such as moderate dirt work. The operator’s area is well thought out and comfortable for long periods providing easy access to most controls. My only complaint is that the differential lock pedal is too close to the seat to provide easy manipulation. The adjustable high back seat provided ample comfort and support to stave off moderate back pain while working rough terrain which was a complaint I had with my previous tractor.
This tractor has performed exceptionally well for snow removal. During our last heavy snow, approximately 11 inches, the tractor was able to easily move snow with both the grader blade and loader bucket. Some drifts of heavily packed, wet snow measure four-plus-feet deep. The loader was able to easily lift and move the drifts with packed snow heaping out of the bucket. I never needed to engage the differential lock, but it was necessary to engage the four wheel drive while operating on slopes and while loading the bucket from large drifts to prevent wheel spin. After a later thaw, rain, and re-freeze, our driveway became coated in about three inches of ice, using the rippers on the grader box; I was able to easily break up the ice while in four wheel drive with no discernible wheel spin. On our coldest day of the season, temperatures dropped down to 3 degrees Fahrenheit. The tractor started easily after cycling the glow plugs and smoothed out from the cold start relatively quickly.
The 2400h had no trouble operating the 4ft finish mower or moderate dirt-work. The finish mower made quick work of the three-acre pasture with no noticeable change in drivability. The cruise control was also a welcome feature making the job a little more comfortable. The loader had no trouble digging into loose packed dirt piles moving full bucket loads and back dragging was easily controllable. Digging below grade was a little more difficult requiring the use of the differential lock. This loader works fine for smoothing out some high points, but the maximum three inches of below grade digging was all the tractor could handle in the densely packed ground due to wheel spin. While I don’t have any hard data, the loader’s below grade ability appeared closer to two inches than three in my opinion.
The tractor performed extremely well grading and leveling the gravel driveway. I often had to use four wheel drive while using the grader box for long distances with a heavy load, but wheel spin was minimal and the tractor never bogged down excessively.
The only issue I’ve had with this tractor was after a heavy rain followed by freezing temperatures. The tractor would not start at first, but I was able to track the problem to the clutch position switch. After operating the clutch several times, the switch began to operate fine and the tractor started. I can only assume that the switch had ice build-up on it causing the problem.
Overall, I have been very happy with the 2400h’s ability to handle tasks typical of a 10 or less acre property owner. I wouldn’t consider the tractor suitable for any major agricultural use which is typical of the compact and subcompact series of tractors. The price range was ideal as well coming in at a retail price of $15,900 with the BL00 loader and before dealer incentives. After dealer incentives, the price was substantially lower. The only consideration that I would recommend for a perspective buyer is ensuring dealer availability. Parts are relatively hard to come-by outside of the dealer network and so is Branson specific maintenance knowledge; although the tractor seems pretty typical in design of similar brands.
