Goodbye Kubota, Hello Power Trac

MChalkley · Jan 12, 2002

Re: The Chalkley Syndrome: Power Trac 1845

Charlie - Thanks for the info. I don't think that valve was for me. As I said, the 2465 I looked at already had one on it. Chris said they had done it for somebody who wanted to see their big grapple bucket, I think. At any rate, it's been done, and they've done it, so I don't see why it should be a big deal to rig yours up that way. I can tell you one thing: It's a lot more convenient to have the 4-in-1 on the same lever, actuated by a thumb-button. The biggest reason is that to really use a 4-in-1 effectively you have to roll the bucket at same time. You still can't do that literally with the thumb-button, but you can come close. I don't think you'll be happy with the other lever so far away from the joystick if you plan to use the 4-in-1 very much. Just my experience, though - YMMV.

I'd like to see your PT rig when you get everything. How far from D.C. are you? Maybe I could bring my EF-5. I could tear up something, and you could fix it. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Charlie_Iliff · Jan 13, 2002

Re: The Chalkley Syndrome: Power Trac 1845

Mark:
I am at 455 W. Joyce Lane, Arnold, MD 21012. Mapquest can give you precise directions and distances. I'm 6 mi by road north of Annapolis.
The guys at Folcomer said you had a GPS nav system in your car, which will also nail down the locaion. I have a nephew who has been beta testing a Microsoft moving map display with a gps. It's fine if you have someone in the car to read it for you.
I'll let you know when the 1845 comes in.

MChalkley · Jan 14, 2002

Re: The Chalkley Syndrome: Power Trac 1845

Charlie - I shouldn't have any trouble finding that! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

With several EarthForce machines sitting there when you visited Folcomer's, couldn't you guys find something besides me to talk about? /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif I have a Garmin StreetPilot GPS, one of the portable ones that you can easily transfer between vehicles. One of the slickest little gizmos I ever bought...

Let me know when you get your PowerTrac goodies...

Charlie_Iliff · Jan 15, 2002

Re: The Chalkley Syndrome: Power Trac 1845

Mark:

<font color=red>With several EarthForce machines sitting there when you visited Folcomer's, couldn't you guys find something besides me to talk about? </font color=red>

Maybe it's profiling. You are one of those guys with a Garmin GPS and an Ammbusher. Got to be high on the suspicion list.
I use a handheld Garmin attached to a laptop with moving map display for a boat. It works fine in the car, too, but really is more a curiosity than a real help. Maybe I don't go to enough strange places - Earth Force dealers, etc.

Anonymous Poster · May 19, 2002

Re: The Chalkley Syndrome: Power Trac 1845

New to this discussion list. Does this Chris guy regularly not return calls? I was very turned off when he did this to me 2 times in a row. Most everyone has good things to say about this company. What gives about not returning calls?

I was very interested in their machines.

marrt · May 19, 2002

Re: The Chalkley Syndrome: Power Trac 1845

Power Trac is a small company and I think they often get overwhelmed with phone calls, factory tours, and other general calls. My impression is that they only have a couple sales people (Chris and Sean I believe) and they field a lot of calls. Due to the product’s price point and relatively unknown nature, I suspect prospective customers (like me) call several time with questions before they purchase. This also contributes to the call volume. With all that said, they have been responsive with me. Next time you call, if you have to leave a message, mention you have called twice before without a response. You may also want to ask for Sean instead of Chris (Chris seems to stay very busy). If you are just looking for brochures, you may be able to convince the receptionist to send you some by noting you have called before with no response.

For what is worth, I visited the factory and was very impressed with the overall operation. These guys make very good stuff and have plenty of spare parts. I have even called the service department to ask a couple of questions and got right through. Also, on their web site<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.power-trac.com> Power-Trac.com</A> you will find all their pricing. Please note, however, that they are currently updating the web site and it is sometimes down during the day. Good Luck.

Charlie_Iliff · May 19, 2002

Re: The Chalkley Syndrome: Power Trac 1845

Lance:
As suggested, if Chris isn't there, ask for Sean, If he isn't there, ask for Don or Terry. Don os the parts guru, and Terry is in Service, I think, but Terry did the demo and sold me the PT 1845, so on that day, at least, he was in sales.

Tak · May 20, 2002

Re: The Chalkley Syndrome: Power Trac 1845

Thanks for the references. By the way, doesn't anyone from pwertrac follow this discussion section. Seems like it would be in their best interest to do so.

MossRoad · Feb 16, 2018

Bump of an old, nostalgic thread.... lots of old members with great info.... this is one of the threads that got me turned away from a traditional tractor and tuned in to what I really needed. A good read while the olympics are on.

cqaigy2 · Feb 20, 2018

Oh man! What a blast from the past. I think i remember reading thru these "older" threads when i first got on TBN and interested in Power Tracs.

MossRoad · Feb 20, 2018

Isn't it? :laughing: good stuff!

dragoneggs · Feb 20, 2018

MossRoad said:
Isn't it? :laughing: good stuff!

Sitting on an airplane and read through this thread for reasons unknown... but I did enjoy it. Some things have changed in 17 years... some things not! Thanks for bringing this to life again. I’m gaining an appreciation for Powertracs.

airbiscuit · Feb 21, 2018

Would I rather have a Power Trac than a riding lawn mower? Absolutely! Would I rather have a Power Trac than a CUT? Not so much. They have their place, but not for me.

4570Man · Feb 21, 2018

airbiscuit said:
Would I rather have a Power Trac than a riding lawn mower? Absolutely! Would I rather have a Power Trac than a CUT? Not so much. They have their place, but not for me.

I only see a fine line that they serve between a skid steer and a tractor. That’s they’re better at mowing ( that’s assuming they’re comparable to a ventrac because I’ve never actually seen a power trac ) than a tractor or skid steer and they’ve a lot more turf friendly than a skid steer. I’d have to have a T18 model to have the lift height to load my dump truck. That would make the power trac a lot less appealing. I think the biggest problem for them or any other tractor competitor is the implement cost.

MossRoad · Feb 21, 2018

airbiscuit said:
Would I rather have a Power Trac than a riding lawn mower? Absolutely! Would I rather have a Power Trac than a CUT? Not so much. They have their place, but not for me.

They are hardly riding lawnmowers. They make several models of increasing size. From 18hp gas engines to 65hp diesels. Talk to some Power Trac owners. Many of them have conventional tractor experience and still own conventional tractors. They'll tell you where a conventional tractor excels, and where a Power Trac will do a better job.

Back in 2001 when I was shopping for a machine, I compared to NH21D. The PT425 had stronger hydraulic PSI, twice the GPM, weighs 200 pounds less, and could lift 50 pounds more with the FEL. It can go 8mph forward AND backwards. And I can change/drop an implement and pick up a different implement in less than 15 seconds without getting off the machine.

Don't knock em till you try em.

MossRoad · Feb 21, 2018

And it always makes me laugh a bit, when someone with 4-5 tractors tells me my one machine won't do much work.... :laughing:

4570Man · Feb 21, 2018

Who claimed a power trac can’t do any work? And how can you dispute the implement cost part?

SpringHollow · Feb 21, 2018

I have had 5 CUTs of various brands and for most if you do not doing farming, the PT's are a nice solution. Mine is the 65 HP version. As far as cost of implements go, you get the best of both worlds. I have 3 pt implements and hydraulic ones that I use with it. It is easy to adapt. Until you have owned one, it is hard to appreciate what they are like.

BrokeFarmerJohn · Feb 21, 2018

Lol the T18 class of power track that I would need to do what I do starts at 25k, then attachments on top of that. Pricy little buggers.

If I bought a new machine, it would be something to consider being most of my work is loader work or moving snow.