BWSwamper
Bronze Member
- Joined
- May 6, 2018
- Messages
- 71
- Tractor
- PowerTrac
So, I went ahead and purchased a PT1430 for my do-it-all home/residential machine/mower. This is a new machine with the 37 hp gasoline Kohler Command Pro engine (and green paint). The machine has the same specified lift capacity, lift height, and FEL as my PT1850 (1,200 lbs. to 6 ft.)
When I got the machine home I was unloading some pallets with implements from the trailer. The guys at PT had cautioned me about turning and backing with that load (54" Grapple Bucket and 60" Finish Mower) strapped together on a single pallet. Nonetheless, I was a little surprised when the rear wheels got light and the pallet tipped down lifting the rear end. I'm pretty sure those two implements aren't 1,200 lbs. and even out on a pallet that seems a bit wimpy.
I have been thinking about it and I believe the new machine with the gasoline engine may be "stronger than it can carry" due to the difference in engine weights. I looked at a couple of sources and the Kohler engine weighs 132 lbs. I found a range on the two-cylinder Deutz diesel, but it appears that engine as installed would be at least 400 lbs. So, we're looking at a difference of more than 250 lbs. at the very rear of the machine. That is significant.
No complaints here, the Deutz engine just isn't available. But, I've been thinking of adding a setup for standard tractor weights at the rear of the "tub".
On my PT1850 I have installed a plate with a standard 2 inch receiver which has proven very useful. I'm thinking I could do the same on the PT1430. Then set up a "suitcase weight" rack welded to a 2 inch mount carried low. I could then add rear weight just when doing loader work.
Any thoughts?
When I got the machine home I was unloading some pallets with implements from the trailer. The guys at PT had cautioned me about turning and backing with that load (54" Grapple Bucket and 60" Finish Mower) strapped together on a single pallet. Nonetheless, I was a little surprised when the rear wheels got light and the pallet tipped down lifting the rear end. I'm pretty sure those two implements aren't 1,200 lbs. and even out on a pallet that seems a bit wimpy.
I have been thinking about it and I believe the new machine with the gasoline engine may be "stronger than it can carry" due to the difference in engine weights. I looked at a couple of sources and the Kohler engine weighs 132 lbs. I found a range on the two-cylinder Deutz diesel, but it appears that engine as installed would be at least 400 lbs. So, we're looking at a difference of more than 250 lbs. at the very rear of the machine. That is significant.
No complaints here, the Deutz engine just isn't available. But, I've been thinking of adding a setup for standard tractor weights at the rear of the "tub".
On my PT1850 I have installed a plate with a standard 2 inch receiver which has proven very useful. I'm thinking I could do the same on the PT1430. Then set up a "suitcase weight" rack welded to a 2 inch mount carried low. I could then add rear weight just when doing loader work.
Any thoughts?