Considering a PT180, some questions

[MarlandS]

Hi , I've been reading the PT forum for a few weeks now, and have a few questions for the experienced operators here, ok someone who has seen a PT could probably answer most of these but here goes anyway.

I'm starting to work on a small farm I own in So IL. just cleaning brush, scrub trees , mowing, tilling up food plots etc.

The main operator of the unit will be my step-father, he's a retired, left leg amputee, which brings forth the questions I haven't found answers to .

(1) Would he have difficulty mounting the operator station of a PT? The conventional C.U.T.s all present certain obstacles for his entry.

(2) Would the treadle offer any issues to a one-legged operator? If so, does a PT lend itself to any mods in that aspect ( ie: a hand rod to reverse or a "flipper" pedal for one foot operation) I have a full shop and the know how to fabricate but haven't seen a PT to know the layout.

(3) This is just a curious question, once he gets on it am I ever going to get to run it? The PT's look like they would be fun to operate and to add modifications to.

Thanks.

 

[Gravy]

Welcome to the forum!

1) I would think a 180 would be considerably easier to to mount/dismount than a conventional CUT. Grab the ROPS, sit on the seat, end swivel into place.

2) You'll probably want to rig some kind of alternative pedal setup. The stock one is notoriously touchy, particularly in reverse. Should be pretty easy to convert to a one-footed heel/toe control of some sort. Hand controls would be awkward, because there are already times when it would be helpful to have a 3rd hand.

There is very little that's complicated about these machines. If you've got fabricating capabilities, you shouldn't have any problems changing the setup. You may want to call Terry at PT to see if he's got suggestions.

3) Probably not. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif You may have to bring his meals out to him!

Gravy

 

[BobRip]

I have occasionally operated my PT422 by pushing up on the right pedal to make it go back. The normal operation is to push down on the right pedal to go forward. Basically this is one lever from the left to the right side with a pivot in the middle. They may have been thinking of your father when building it. I believe you could operate it with one foot with no problems. It's a little more awkward pushing up, but in a few minutes he should be able to control it. I recommend a test drive of course.

Bob Rip

 

[SnowRidge]

I think you and he need to physically look at a PT to see if it would be a likely candidate.

I don't think there is any question that mounting would be easier than a CUT. The treadle is another matter altogether. The only practical solution I can conceive of offhand is a heel and toe pedal arrangement in the appropriate foot well. This could be either an over center rocker pedal, or it could be two separate pedals. In either case, pushing down with the ball of the foot (or toes) would be forward, and pushing down with the heel would be reverse.

As you are probably aware, a PT's service brake is nothing more than a centered treadle. This would translate in your adaptation as simply letting up on the foot pedal.

I'm not sure if the PT-180 has a hydraulic treadle, as do the larger machines. If it does, I would think that would be much easier to deal with than routing cables to a new single sided pedal.

If you are a good fabricator, I think a PT conversion would be very doable, and I wish you the best of luck with it, should you decide to go ahead.

 

[NJBill]

Marland,
I have been operating my PT422 for over a year now, using right foot operation only, without any problems.
Initially I tried to follow both directions, and suggestions from many on the Forum. The reverse responses to the downward piush of the left pedal are extremely sensitive, and not having normal movements of the left leg, gave me no alternative but to use the right foot for both forward and reverse. I feel I have become very competent lifting the treadle on the right side with my toe, I even found there was more positive control than with my gammy left foot.
If you get the opportunity to test drive you will bne able to experience the use for yourself.
Best wishes and have no fear.
Bill

 

[BobRip]

I went out and drove my 422 with my right foot only and had no trouble. I tried adding a piece of 2X4 under the foot and this made it easier, but it was not vital.

I recommend getting two, one for you and one for dad
Actually, the 425 is my favorite. But it's your money.

Have you seen the list of PT owners by state on this site. I don't know the name, but it should be easy to search.

Bob Ripley

 

[BillCroasmun]

For a simple one footed conversion check out a bicycle shop. They sell "toe clips" that attach to pedals that allow you to slip your shoe in and then you can lift your pedals as well as push them. Here a link to see some styles and pricing.

I use them while mountain biking and they are quick to slip in and out even while pedaling (and falling! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif ) so attached to a treadle should be easy enough.

 

[MarlandS]

Thanks for all the great tips and suggestions !!

In response to a few..
I sent PT an email with a few questions and haven't heard back after a week or so..

I tried searching for the one owner listed in IL, didn't have any success, might now that I'm a registered user though.

A 422 isn't out of the question yet.

There's a bunch of decent , helpful and friendly people here, thanks.

 

[SnowRidge]

MarlandS, I've been thinking about your situation a little bit, and I think you should consider the ROPS issue as well as the foot controls.

I assume that an amputee would find it almost essential to be tightly belted in. Being belted in means a ROPS really should be installed on the machine. AFAIK, a ROPS is not a listed option for the PT-180, although it may be possible to fit one. It is an option on the PT-422 and is standard equipment on the PT-425. Those of us that have them also find they make a really good hand hold, too. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[MossRoad]

Welcome to TBN! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I think the PT would be an excellent platform to modify for anyone with our without a physical situation that has to be dealt with.

I frequently operate our PT425 with my right foot only. I just step down to go forward or slip my toe under the pedal and lift up to go backwards.

For a left leg amputee, I would suggest entering on the unit from the right side and pivoting around 90 degrees. The nice thing about the PT is that you can get on equally easy from either side, but there is that tunnel down the middle that goes between your legs. It will not be a problem for your step-father. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

As others have suggested, consider getting the ROPS. It is a great hand hold since it is naturally within reach of either hand. Many times I just reach out and grab it while mowing just for a change of position, but frequently use it on hills, or when entering or exiting the operator's seat.

Call Power Trac, tell them your situation, and see what they suggest.

 

[MarlandS]

I guess I will have to call them, since the availability of a ROPS and canopy for the PT180 was one of the questions in my email. He does pretty well with garden tractors and ATVs but does stay off of the off-cambers, things that I don't even slow down for since I can throw my weight to the high side easily. So yes a ROPS and belt are necessary even if I have to build one.

He's really jazzed about the prospect of the machine, and has all kinds of projects dreamed up already. I made the mistake of printing out some pictures and the price list before my last trip down, so he's got it all planned out, just how many attachments I could buy and still be lower than a base JD 2210 or some Kubota he was checking out.

And, he's planned how we could build a cab for winter ( I saw pics of one made by a member here but haven't told him yet) stating I'd stay warm from the chainsaw and he would be warm pushing brush... I can see that my life will be rough with few, if any , warm up breaks /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[BillCroasmun]

You may want to try PT by phone instead. They seem to be more responsive over phone. Ask them for local references for a 180 and 422. Also, I don't remember their locations but there has been mentioned on here rental outfits that rent PT's. If one of these is close then that would be a great way to see a PT even if it's not the same model.

When I was in Tazewell I drove a 180, 422 and 425 (although I was only interested in the 180 the 422 & 425 were down in the demo area for another couple to look at). They are all close enough to give you a feel for what the others are like.

If your land is flat and you do not need more lifting power and/or lift height than the 180 offers it may work for you. One pro is attachments are cheaper but the con is it because they are smaller. This means more trips with your bucket, more passes with your brush hog, etc. Also, their are more attachments for the 422 (and they are interchangable with a 425). The 425, 422 and 180 all share the same ROPS but you have to buy it separately for the 180 (and you won't find it on their pricesheet).

Lastly the third hydraulic circuit on the 422 and up allows for two things. It allows you to use the quick attach system from your seat. This could be a BIG benefit for your father. I actually don't get off of the seat for the 180 either but it requires me to lift the arms then lean way forward to "flip" the spring pins, something that may not be easy for your father to do. The second thing the extra circuit allows is to use attachments that use three circuits (grapple bucket, mini-hoe, etc.).

In my opinion the 422 has many advantages over the 180 if you can afford it but if those things are not needed or are not affordable to you the 180 is still the most versatile piece of equipment you can find in it's price range.

 

[MarlandS]

Bill, thanks for the insight and other things to consider.

Here's the layout of the place, Yard = 1 acre + or - with a slope of about 10 ft drop to every 300 ft, pretty gentle and easy.

Farm ground, 28 acres ,scrub trees around perimeter, mostly 5-6 inch dia. Elm.

A creek through the center grown up in hedge mainly,long limbs with light weeds in the shaded areas. 50% of the limbs are trimmed 6-7 ft high now.

A pond with a decent slope on one end and flatter slope on the other, perfect for circle mowing.

Loader work would be minimal just shoving brush into piles or washes and carrying some clay to cover the brush and tack it down. Other than that it might push a little snow but will generally be just a large toolbox.

Much of what isn't cropped will be put in food plots for wildlife so it might get mown once a year unless more is necesary for weed control. the balance woul be mown weekly or bi-weekly.

So really I'm thinking I could get by with a 180 with the LMB , the 45 in finish mower (have access to a large loader tractor and bush hog when needed) the forks , rake and tiller .

Might swap the finish mower for the 48 in brush cutter since he's already got a craftsman 18 hp 44 in cut lawn mower , I just haven't decided yet.

It's not too important how much he gets done in a day, what's important is he gets to do something. So the attachments probably wouldn't get swapped out more than once in a while unless I'm there working then he'd have help hooking hoses or locking pins, otherwise it'd just be a way to fill his day.

 

[tracdoc]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I sent PT an email with a few questions and haven't heard back after a week or so.. )</font>

Power Trac has generally not been timely in resonding to email queries, so don't take it personally. You will quickly get all the answers to your questions by giving them a call [1-800-THE-YARD] and speaking with Terry.

I agree with all the input here so far. It's definitely a do-able scenario. Good luck.

 

[BobRip]

As far as change out, you will be surprised how much you change attachments with the PT. On my old Kubotoa, I would put the snow blade on for the winter, and the bush hog on for the summer. It was not all that hard, but it was discouraging. With the PT, on some jobs, I will change attachments every 30 minutes or so. This increases productivity tremendously. Be aware that if the attachment has hydraulics hose (bush hog, mower, trencher, grappling bucket, etc.) you have to get out to connect and disconnect the hoses.

It is hard to appreciate how much can be done with a PT. I know your father has time, but the feeling of being productive is awesome. It's very interesting to go over to a neighbor who has two tractors and do something that he cannot. Mainly because the attachments are reasonable enough to justify more that you normally could and because of easy change out. Please read most if not all of the messages on this site. There is an incredible amount of information.
By the way, I have a 422 and paid extra for the ROPS. I like the shade, fall on protection, and rollover protection. There have been many improvements in the 425 since then, and that's what I would buy if I had to do it over again.
There have also been some cheaping of the 418 and 422 since then, although they are still decent machines with many happy customers.

You and your father should test drive them as much as you can.

Bob Rip

 

[toy]

When you go to Tazwell or at least try one out if there is one close to you, then I think your father can tell what might be needed to change it to suit his needs . Then when you talk to the people at pt they may modify your machine to fit his needs. That is one thing I like about the pt you can talk to the people that actually build the machine and they are very nice to deal with. When I bought mine I wanted the rops for mine so I saked how much the cost to add it to the 422 and then considered what else I would be getting for the extra money if I went with the 425 so I went with the 425 glad I did. Also the 425 looked easier to service than the 422 to me anyway so I got the 425. The oil cooler is also a benefit over the 180 but the 180 is a good machine also and which ever one you choose I beleive you will be satisfied with it.

 

[BillCroasmun]

Good point about the oil cooler Toy, I had forgotten that one.

MarlandS,
If you do go with the 180, you may want to lean toward the single blade mower or the brush hog. They will be less work for the 180 to run being direct driven vs the belt system used on the finish mower. As Toy mentioned there is no oil cooler for the hydraulics so the less strain on the system the better. I can mow about 2.5 hours straight with my 180/single blade mower combo without any noticeable power loss from the heat. Thats on pretty level ground with recent temps around 90 here in NE Ohio. Your mileage may vary. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Also, it's worthy to note the brush hog does do a decent job mowing (if your not talking about a manicured lawn) and then you don't have to worry as much about messing up your blades when mowing uncharted territory. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Bill