buy 425 or 1430 ?

[Anonymous Poster]

Obviously, this is a good problem- choosing between a PT 425 and a PT 1430.
If any of you have experience with both and care to share your opinion as to the better choice and why, I would much appreciate the advice.

Thanks,
RAS

 

[duane]

Rasras,

I only have experience with the PT422, but it fits my needs perfectly. Tell us a bit more about your situation and what you intend to do with it.

Duane

 

[pajoube]

rasras:
To give us a better idea of how to help with your questions, can you please update your bio.
Thanks
PJ

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I have become very interested in one of these Power Trac models. I have 6 acres, most of which will need to be brush hogged until I can make it into a smooth grassy yard. I don't expect to do much loader work--this is not a working farm, I just want it to be nice to look at while sitting on the back deck. Also, I have no mechanical ability whatsoever. For this reason, I am fearful of buying anything that I can't have fixed by the nearest repair shop. In summary, I am looking for a tractor that will be able to turn my somewhat rough 6 acres into beautiful pasture, and then maintain it. What do you think is right for me?

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

First, find a post by MossRoad and click on the link to his Power Trac site. Look at the videos, particularly the one running through high stuff with a rotary mower.
A 425 would do you well, as would a 1430. For peace of mind, however, you'd need to find a mechanic who has a bit of hydraulic experience and isn't afraid to figure some things out for himself. Most of us haven't had much trouble, but a few things have needed fixing, and some interest in figuring it out and doing it will overcome the lack of dealer network. They're really pretty simple machines, particularly for anyone who has hydraulic experience.
That being said, there are a lot of new and used conventional machines that will do your job. Any good compact with a brush hog and finish mower can. Power Trac just does a lot of things more easily.

 

[MossRoad]

Here's the link to my website. Just click on the animation of my tractor /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

MossRoad,

There is no doubt that my first choice would be one of the Power Tracs, either the 25 hp gas tractor or the smallest diesel one. However, given my complete lack of both ability, desire, and time to work on it myself, I have to question whether maintaining a Power Trac would be possible. I know that the Power Tracs would be perfect for my needs. I had already seen your website and animations--they're great! But would I be better off with a Mahindra or Kubota (both local dealers)? If there's a problem, someone else can fix it. That's my only problem with the Power Trac. What do you think?

 

[hazmat]

<font color=blue>However, given my complete lack of both ability, desire, and time to work on it myself, I have to question whether maintaining a Power Trac would be possible. I know that the Power Tracs would be perfect for my needs. I had already seen your website and animations--they're great! But would I be better off with a Mahindra or Kubota (both local dealers)?</font color=blue>

Given your lack of ability, desire & time to work on a tractor, I'd stick with one of the big three (In no particular order) Kubota, Deere, or New Holland. Nothing wrong with the Mahindra, but the big three have the best dealer network.

 

[MossRoad]

That is a major problem. If you have no desire, ability or time to work on a piece of equipment, at least you are being honest with yourself /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

You really can't go wrong with a JD, Kubota or NH. You won't be sorry or regret anything. I don't know enough about the Mihandra or other newcomers, but from what I've read here, they seem very well built and dealer supported, too.

I'd say you should go with your comfort level. Test your local dealers. See if you can get along with them and if they impress you as good, honest folks that will treat you right. Then test drive them until the dealers are sick of seeing you come in and give you a good deal. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Thanks for the honesty. I really wanted you to tell me that they run like clockwork 24 hours a day, never break down, and in the unforeseeable event that it did break down, the tractor repair guy in town would have no problem fixing it. Oh, well, back to the conventional tractor forums. Thanks!

 

[MossRoad]

No problem. They really are great, dependable machines. But they are machines and machines do break down sometimes. Glad to be of help in your decision. Keep us posted as to what you decide. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Hope this doesn't muddy the waters but a lack of "ability, desire or time" to MAINTAIN (change oil,clean debris from radiator,lube bearings,clean air filter,etc.) will probably make for a bad tractor experience,no matter the brand or dealer...

One can get away with no ability,desire or time to REPAIR...

The best research you might do right now could be finding repair guys in the area to handle specific REPAIRS(e.g.,hydraulics,engine,electrical) This can include dealer service facilities,too.

Another philosophical way of expressing all this; For a successful tractor(anybrand) owning experience--One must possess a DESIRE to MAINTAIN it.(not necessarily fix)...

No, I don't want to start a new TBN forum on philosophy...
(I think there already is one)/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Oh, I'm afraid I have mislead you guys with my "maintain" statement. I have no problem with the "maintenance" part of the equation. That's just part of ownership, and the regular maintenance I can handle. The "fixing" part is what scares me.

 

[pajoube]

I really feel that you could still go with the PT and have no problem finding someone in your area to complete any repairs needed. As already mentioned, most of the parts are standard and can be found in most repair shops. I had a 30hp White and the closest dealer was 40 minutes away. The local repair shop for small engines had no problem doing what I needed.
PJ

 

[Anonymous Poster]

How would I go about searching for a repair shop? What are the questions I should ask when inverviewing repairmen? And, given my minimal skills, would I be better off going with the 25 hp Kohler or the 30 hp diesel?

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

<font color=red>would I be better off going with the 25 hp Kohler or the 30 hp diesel? </font color=red>
I have the 1845, which is bigger, but am constantly impressed with the capability of the 400 series machines. As you go bigger, you get a bit higher lift and a little more power margin to swing bigger mowers, but you trade off a little maneuverability. For your size place, you certainly can use either the 1430 or the 1845. I don't think it's a question of maintenance or repair. The biggest factor is money. The diesels are more expensive and Deutz diesel mechanics aren't everywhere, but you can find them.
The 422 is a tremendous bargain right now, I think. Any repair shop that deals with commercial lawn equipment, Exmark, Gravely, Toro, etc. should be able to work on a 422 or 425. With the 425, almost any lawn equipment shop will have experience with the Kohler.
First, I'd call Power Trac and see if they can identify an owner near you. I was lucky to come across a couple near here that I could talk to, Bubenberg being one.
Then, look in the yellow pages for Robin, Kohler and Deutz engine factory designated repair shops.
For interviews, just ask if they have experience with hydraulic and hydrostatic systems. If they tell you they know everything, keep looking. If they say thay have some experience and probably can figure the systems out, you may have found the right place.
Ask if they've worked on a Power Trac. It's like the old Maytag ads, PT mechanics don't get much work, but you may find someone who has heard of the machine.
Check Dave Sisk's posts. He has an old machine, and found a place to work on it. He hasn't posted results, so maybe his experience wasn't great, but apparently the shop he found was willing to pull the engine from his and work on it without any hesitation.
Part of the fun of a Power Trac is doing this kind of information gathering. The next step is test driving. I hope you can get to Tazewell or to a PT owner and try the machines, along with testing of a lot of conventional tractors. You learn something with each test and conversation - and your money's still in the bank.

 

[MossRoad]

I agree with you. There is a big difference between changing engine oil filters and changing engines /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

As long as you do the regular maintenance, there probably won't be any need to do major repairs. But thing do happen, because it is a machine. I've been very lucky to ahve machines that ran for 20 or more years with nothing but putting gas in them. However, I believe that is the exception, not the rule.

If you have people that can do the major repairs for you, then go for it. If you do not, stick with a brand that has a dealer/service support network like the big three, JD, Kubota and NH.

 

[pajoube]

Charlie's comments could not have been more on track. As far as type of engine, my 30HP was a diesel but my new purchase will be a 25 Kohler. My selection is based on long-term needs.
PJ

 

[Anonymous Poster]

...Whew....
That was a close one....Thought we lost you there for a moment....

On repair, even if you chose a dealer supported machine...
that respective service dept. is more important than the brand name on the store front.(opinion)/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif