Goodbye Kubota, Hello Power Trac
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OP
MChalkley
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Um, the end of this thread (for me personally) is kinda sorta under my latest post entitled "What a long, strange trip it's been..."
MarkC
MarkC
Griff
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New user here... been enjoying the many posts and ideas. Was wondering if your thought of adding a backhoe by mounting it to the custom attchment plate and using the hydro on the front was going anywhere. Currently have an Ingersoll 4016 that just can't do what I want (bought five years ago before I knew what I would really need it for). I'm looking to upgrade and the PT looks like the best all around machine for home projects. Currently attempting to feel out the 425 verses the 2422, saw your post and wondered if that would be an option on the 425. Could skip the drive-turn-dig-turn routine and just keep everything in front. Not sure if visability would be hampered by the front of the machine. I'll be visiting the facility this Saturday and is one of those things sitting in my mind. I could buy the 425 (more horsepower, $2K less) and buy a backhoe attachment later and mount it along your line of thinking. Just looking to see if this idea might work. Any further thoughts?
Charlie_Iliff
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Griff:
I haven't made any progress yet, since I haven't gotten the Power Trac yet. I am pretty confident, however, that I can put a digger on the front and make it work well. It won't be the equivalent of a backhoe like the one Mark Chalkley is getting, but for a replacement for hand pick and shovel work, I think it will be fine. The attach plate will be used mostly to carry it around, and tractor hydraulics to power it. The kit, based on a Cadplans design http://www.cadplans.com/index.htm
should be about $1800, and require a few days of welding and assembly. For digging beyond its capability, rental machines are available. I haven't set a time frame, since funds availability is not currently predictable.
Charlie Iliff
I haven't made any progress yet, since I haven't gotten the Power Trac yet. I am pretty confident, however, that I can put a digger on the front and make it work well. It won't be the equivalent of a backhoe like the one Mark Chalkley is getting, but for a replacement for hand pick and shovel work, I think it will be fine. The attach plate will be used mostly to carry it around, and tractor hydraulics to power it. The kit, based on a Cadplans design http://www.cadplans.com/index.htm
should be about $1800, and require a few days of welding and assembly. For digging beyond its capability, rental machines are available. I haven't set a time frame, since funds availability is not currently predictable.
Charlie Iliff
Griff
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I picked up an tip on something from another thread where I posted a similiar question (normally wouldn't do that, but am going to PT on Saturday and wanted to get some idea of what was possible). Check out http:// [url]http://www.northerntool.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=519693&prmenbr=6970 [/url] .
This came from Bryce under the 425 or 2422 thread. Perhaps we can move the discussion there? I called to get info on the unit. They will send what they have by postal mail. I'm too new at this to go about asking any really intelligent questions... I'll have to go through a few modification failures before I have any really good ideas. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif
This came from Bryce under the 425 or 2422 thread. Perhaps we can move the discussion there? I called to get info on the unit. They will send what they have by postal mail. I'm too new at this to go about asking any really intelligent questions... I'll have to go through a few modification failures before I have any really good ideas. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif
Brent_Griffith
New member
Griff,
The NorthernTool unit is made by Lackender Fabrications. Their website is: http://www.lackender-fab.com/index.htm
It shows the different models and options and gives some background info along with pricing. You can get info e-mailed, faxed, or snail mailed to you from the site. FYI.
Brent Griffith
The NorthernTool unit is made by Lackender Fabrications. Their website is: http://www.lackender-fab.com/index.htm
It shows the different models and options and gives some background info along with pricing. You can get info e-mailed, faxed, or snail mailed to you from the site. FYI.
Brent Griffith
Charlie_Iliff
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The Chalkley Syndrome: Power Trac 1845
Since no one in the 21st Century has any responsibility for his own actions, it certainly follows that I can blame my writing a large check to Power Trac yesterday on the Chalkley Syndrome. That is a medical condition in which people with certain genetic or environmental predispositions become infected through TBN with an uncontrollable urge actually to buy the things they have been researching and listing on various scraps of paper - sometimes for years.
In my case, I started looking for a slope mower several years ago, to cut the areas in which an aging JD 2wd 950 and 6' Woods brush hog have been scaring us for years, following a couple of decades with a Farmall 300 and similar mower. I hit the Power Trac web site in June 1999, and got some brochures, videos, price lists, etc. and started dreaming, er... rationally analyzing the strengths of the articulated all-hydraulic universe. By the time I added up what appealed to me on their lists, it was clear I couldn’t afford it. I still can’t, so writing the check was definitely just a symptom of the Chalkley Syndrome, and not an act of my volition.
I bought an 1845, with a staggering list of attachments, and will get the shipment in a couple of weeks if I can manage to get the financing to cover the check. Otherwise, I guess I’ll get a visit from some investigator about a large rubber check written in Tazewell, VA.
Pursuant to posts from the aforementioned Chalkley, and from Steve Carver, I am working with W.R. Long in Tarboro, NC to select a 4-in-1 bucket, to which they will weld the Power Trac Quick Attach plate. Sophisticated electro-hydraulic control systems are in preliminary design stages.
Although it is appropriate that the syndrome be named after Chalkley, MossRoad is certainly a contributing antigen to the Syndrome, preceded, of course, by WellingtonPizza and others. I almost bought a 425, which is smaller but immensely capable, for the reasons Mossroad has listed, and particularly because of his posts, videos, and evident satisfaction with the machine. I felt I needed a 6 foot mower, however. (MossRoad’s 425 pulling a 60" Acrease will probably mow wider and at least as well, preserving he flexibility of the smaller machine, at a lower price, but part of the Chalkley syndrome is a totally unreasonable desire for more weight, power and expense.)
So here’s the rationalization - you’ll all like it except for the lurkers who are keepers of the family exchequers. With the 2002 prices, the 425 went up by a percentage reported in earlier posts. The diesel 1430 went down $2,000, however, and the 1845 went down almost $6,000. How can anyone pass up savings like that?
So, I drove 7 hours back to Power Trac, where I had visited in September, got the questions answered I’d forgotten to ask last trip, drove an 1845 and pushed gravel around with a 6 foot blade. Then I wrote a check for enough to postpone retirement at least another decade, and asked them to ship the machine and various miscellaneous attachments when the money is deposited. (As has been pointed out during Mark Chalkley’s own brief Power Trac infection before he came down with terminal Earth Force, Power Trac powered accessories are expensive, because they are hydraulic. They are also very heavily and well built, however, and I think should only be compared with high-end commercial implements. The rough-cut mower, for instance, was $2,900, which is too much. It will last way beyond my lifetime, however, and do finish mowing and everything short of stands of trees, thus replacing both a finish mower and a brush hog. And no, Mark, I don’t need a Brush Brute and Ammbusher. We cleared the fields on our property 50 years ago, and the appearance of your equipment in any “critical areas” land in Maryland would bring a swat team of regulators and environmentalists.)
Now, I just hope that it doesn’t snow before the shipment arrives, and then snows hip deep to a tall fella so I can see if Terry at Power Trac is right that the turf tires that I selected won’t need chains.
The price sheets on their website don’t list quite everything available at Power Trac. I could have gotten dual small diameter bar treads, as listed, or single bar tread or the single turfs I bought. I think I could even have gotten a 1445, which isn’t listed on the website and for which there’s no brochure. It would be an 1845 without a couple of bells and whistles. They don't negotiate on prices, but they will try to mix and match machinery to suit your needs.
Mark Chalkley, if you’re still reading this, I almost bought an electric/hydraulic valve that Power Trac bought for your project and still has on a shelf. I decided to try the 4-in-1 just with the auxiliary PTO already on the machine before I add anything. Economy, you understand.
If anyone has any questions other than about my sanity, I’ll be happy to respond. I’ll also report when I actually get the machine whether buyer’s remorse, a known complication of the Chalkley Syndrome, sets in.
Right now, however, I’ll pass on advice which I received two years ago from a Power Trac owner, and which I unfortunately ignored. If you visit Power Trac, don’t take a check book or credit card.
Since no one in the 21st Century has any responsibility for his own actions, it certainly follows that I can blame my writing a large check to Power Trac yesterday on the Chalkley Syndrome. That is a medical condition in which people with certain genetic or environmental predispositions become infected through TBN with an uncontrollable urge actually to buy the things they have been researching and listing on various scraps of paper - sometimes for years.
In my case, I started looking for a slope mower several years ago, to cut the areas in which an aging JD 2wd 950 and 6' Woods brush hog have been scaring us for years, following a couple of decades with a Farmall 300 and similar mower. I hit the Power Trac web site in June 1999, and got some brochures, videos, price lists, etc. and started dreaming, er... rationally analyzing the strengths of the articulated all-hydraulic universe. By the time I added up what appealed to me on their lists, it was clear I couldn’t afford it. I still can’t, so writing the check was definitely just a symptom of the Chalkley Syndrome, and not an act of my volition.
I bought an 1845, with a staggering list of attachments, and will get the shipment in a couple of weeks if I can manage to get the financing to cover the check. Otherwise, I guess I’ll get a visit from some investigator about a large rubber check written in Tazewell, VA.
Pursuant to posts from the aforementioned Chalkley, and from Steve Carver, I am working with W.R. Long in Tarboro, NC to select a 4-in-1 bucket, to which they will weld the Power Trac Quick Attach plate. Sophisticated electro-hydraulic control systems are in preliminary design stages.
Although it is appropriate that the syndrome be named after Chalkley, MossRoad is certainly a contributing antigen to the Syndrome, preceded, of course, by WellingtonPizza and others. I almost bought a 425, which is smaller but immensely capable, for the reasons Mossroad has listed, and particularly because of his posts, videos, and evident satisfaction with the machine. I felt I needed a 6 foot mower, however. (MossRoad’s 425 pulling a 60" Acrease will probably mow wider and at least as well, preserving he flexibility of the smaller machine, at a lower price, but part of the Chalkley syndrome is a totally unreasonable desire for more weight, power and expense.)
So here’s the rationalization - you’ll all like it except for the lurkers who are keepers of the family exchequers. With the 2002 prices, the 425 went up by a percentage reported in earlier posts. The diesel 1430 went down $2,000, however, and the 1845 went down almost $6,000. How can anyone pass up savings like that?
So, I drove 7 hours back to Power Trac, where I had visited in September, got the questions answered I’d forgotten to ask last trip, drove an 1845 and pushed gravel around with a 6 foot blade. Then I wrote a check for enough to postpone retirement at least another decade, and asked them to ship the machine and various miscellaneous attachments when the money is deposited. (As has been pointed out during Mark Chalkley’s own brief Power Trac infection before he came down with terminal Earth Force, Power Trac powered accessories are expensive, because they are hydraulic. They are also very heavily and well built, however, and I think should only be compared with high-end commercial implements. The rough-cut mower, for instance, was $2,900, which is too much. It will last way beyond my lifetime, however, and do finish mowing and everything short of stands of trees, thus replacing both a finish mower and a brush hog. And no, Mark, I don’t need a Brush Brute and Ammbusher. We cleared the fields on our property 50 years ago, and the appearance of your equipment in any “critical areas” land in Maryland would bring a swat team of regulators and environmentalists.)
Now, I just hope that it doesn’t snow before the shipment arrives, and then snows hip deep to a tall fella so I can see if Terry at Power Trac is right that the turf tires that I selected won’t need chains.
The price sheets on their website don’t list quite everything available at Power Trac. I could have gotten dual small diameter bar treads, as listed, or single bar tread or the single turfs I bought. I think I could even have gotten a 1445, which isn’t listed on the website and for which there’s no brochure. It would be an 1845 without a couple of bells and whistles. They don't negotiate on prices, but they will try to mix and match machinery to suit your needs.
Mark Chalkley, if you’re still reading this, I almost bought an electric/hydraulic valve that Power Trac bought for your project and still has on a shelf. I decided to try the 4-in-1 just with the auxiliary PTO already on the machine before I add anything. Economy, you understand.
If anyone has any questions other than about my sanity, I’ll be happy to respond. I’ll also report when I actually get the machine whether buyer’s remorse, a known complication of the Chalkley Syndrome, sets in.
Right now, however, I’ll pass on advice which I received two years ago from a Power Trac owner, and which I unfortunately ignored. If you visit Power Trac, don’t take a check book or credit card.
pajoube
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Re: The Chalkley Syndrome: Power Trac 1845
Have enjoyed reading your posts. I will be a new PT buyer in another year so any comments suggestions after you receive your new PT will be greatly appreciated. I must say that you made a very large leep going with the 1845, you must have a large area to work.
I am most interested in your comments regarding any modifications you will be making.
Paul
Have enjoyed reading your posts. I will be a new PT buyer in another year so any comments suggestions after you receive your new PT will be greatly appreciated. I must say that you made a very large leep going with the 1845, you must have a large area to work.
I am most interested in your comments regarding any modifications you will be making.
Paul
Charlie_Iliff
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Re: The Chalkley Syndrome: Power Trac 1845
Paul:
The first two three mods are planned. I mentioned the 4 n 1 bucket in the post. I think it will be a bit more flexible than the grapple bucket available from PT. My first additions will be a 2" hitch reveiver on the back and an adapter to put 2" hitches on the quick attach. The latter is available from Power Trac, but I save $130 by welding up my own. I plan then not only to use them for various trailers, but will be mounting an electric winch on a 2" adapter, which I hope will pull logs, etc. to the machine as well as pulling the machine out of anywhere I might contrive to get it stuck.
I'll post when things arrive.
Paul:
The first two three mods are planned. I mentioned the 4 n 1 bucket in the post. I think it will be a bit more flexible than the grapple bucket available from PT. My first additions will be a 2" hitch reveiver on the back and an adapter to put 2" hitches on the quick attach. The latter is available from Power Trac, but I save $130 by welding up my own. I plan then not only to use them for various trailers, but will be mounting an electric winch on a 2" adapter, which I hope will pull logs, etc. to the machine as well as pulling the machine out of anywhere I might contrive to get it stuck.
I'll post when things arrive.
pajoube
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Re: The Chalkley Syndrome: Power Trac 1845
Thanks for the info - I like the idea of the winch on a plate. What do you mean by placing an adapter for a 2" hitch on the quick attach? Would you not need to weld the hitch on the plate?
I have not done much welding but like the idea of doing some adapting on my own. Thats half the fun being innovative.
Paul
Thanks for the info - I like the idea of the winch on a plate. What do you mean by placing an adapter for a 2" hitch on the quick attach? Would you not need to weld the hitch on the plate?
I have not done much welding but like the idea of doing some adapting on my own. Thats half the fun being innovative.
Paul
MossRoad
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Re: The Chalkley Syndrome: Power Trac 1845
As a recovering MCS patient I'll admit that I had to go through a 12 step program and several weeks of withdrawl after settling on the smaller PT425, but my family has a father and husband again/w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif.
Start up a seperate post on your 1845. I can't wait. Sounds like you have similar attachments to make, as I do. Yours will just be bigger, heavier and even more capable than mine.
Congratulations on a great machine!
As a recovering MCS patient I'll admit that I had to go through a 12 step program and several weeks of withdrawl after settling on the smaller PT425, but my family has a father and husband again/w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif.
Start up a seperate post on your 1845. I can't wait. Sounds like you have similar attachments to make, as I do. Yours will just be bigger, heavier and even more capable than mine.
Congratulations on a great machine!
Charlie_Iliff
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Re: The Chalkley Syndrome: Power Trac 1845
Paul:
Power Trac has an adapter for pushing aircraft, backing trailers into spaces, etc. It is merely a 2" Reese-type receiver welded to one of their quick attach adapter plates. I have ordered an extra adapter plate, and planned to weld my own. MossRoad's post may be a better idea, however. Welding up a receiver to a bolt-on plate or frame may keep the $150 Quick Attach plate useful for other applications, as well.
I forgot to mention, a brother has an old non-functional fork lift. I will be doing some measurelents and cogitating how to mount its adjustable-width forks to the quick attach plate.
If we keep this up, Power Trac may be able to sell the machines at cost and make their profit on quick attach plates. Even with a bolt up plan, I think I'll need a couple more.
Paul:
Power Trac has an adapter for pushing aircraft, backing trailers into spaces, etc. It is merely a 2" Reese-type receiver welded to one of their quick attach adapter plates. I have ordered an extra adapter plate, and planned to weld my own. MossRoad's post may be a better idea, however. Welding up a receiver to a bolt-on plate or frame may keep the $150 Quick Attach plate useful for other applications, as well.
I forgot to mention, a brother has an old non-functional fork lift. I will be doing some measurelents and cogitating how to mount its adjustable-width forks to the quick attach plate.
If we keep this up, Power Trac may be able to sell the machines at cost and make their profit on quick attach plates. Even with a bolt up plan, I think I'll need a couple more.
Charlie_Iliff
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Re: The Chalkley Syndrome: Power Trac 1845
Perhaps the Chalkley Syndrome is the only diagnosis other than pregnancy for which the patient receives congratulations. Come to think of it, however, that's a thought I'd rather not pursue further.
Perhaps the Chalkley Syndrome is the only diagnosis other than pregnancy for which the patient receives congratulations. Come to think of it, however, that's a thought I'd rather not pursue further.
MossRoad
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Re: The Chalkley Syndrome: Power Trac 1845
I don't know. Take a look at all of the pictures posted on this site of people with their new tractor. I hate to say it, but they probably have the same silly grin as they do with the pictures of their newly born children in the hospital. /w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif
I don't know. Take a look at all of the pictures posted on this site of people with their new tractor. I hate to say it, but they probably have the same silly grin as they do with the pictures of their newly born children in the hospital. /w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif
Charlie_Iliff
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Re: The Chalkley Syndrome: Power Trac 1845
Probably some other parallels, too. I suspect we can count on the members of this list to point out a few.
Probably some other parallels, too. I suspect we can count on the members of this list to point out a few.
MossRoad
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Re: The Chalkley Syndrome: Power Trac 1845
I took another look at the quick attach plate. You cannot bolt anything to it directly, as the back of the plate has to remain smooth to accept the male plate that is permanently attached to the tractor. To get around this, you could either weld some studs to the plate, or maybe some heavy box tubing and bolt to those. Anyway, I'll be experimenting over the next few months.
I took another look at the quick attach plate. You cannot bolt anything to it directly, as the back of the plate has to remain smooth to accept the male plate that is permanently attached to the tractor. To get around this, you could either weld some studs to the plate, or maybe some heavy box tubing and bolt to those. Anyway, I'll be experimenting over the next few months.
OP
MChalkley
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Re: The Chalkley Syndrome: Power Trac 1845
Charlie - Congratulations!!!!! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif /w3tcompact/icons/cool.gif
As for the comparison to pregnancy, there's not much difference. Except that, for us males, anyway, giving birth is a lot easier with real kids. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif
The main thing it seems you've proven in all this is that the "Chalkley Syndrome", as you've named it, is contagious. (I keep getting stuff named after me. First Harv with the cup, and now you with a tractor-purchasing-related syndrome. I hope this isn't the beginning of a trend. Hmmm...) I thought my "syndrome" was purely a one-of-a-kind sort of thing that you either have or don't.
Charlie - Congratulations!!!!! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif /w3tcompact/icons/cool.gif
As for the comparison to pregnancy, there's not much difference. Except that, for us males, anyway, giving birth is a lot easier with real kids. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif
The main thing it seems you've proven in all this is that the "Chalkley Syndrome", as you've named it, is contagious. (I keep getting stuff named after me. First Harv with the cup, and now you with a tractor-purchasing-related syndrome. I hope this isn't the beginning of a trend. Hmmm...) I thought my "syndrome" was purely a one-of-a-kind sort of thing that you either have or don't.
OP
MChalkley
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Re: The Chalkley Syndrome: Power Trac 1845
Charlie - Ok, time for a more detailed response...
First things first: <font color=blue>Mark Chalkley, if you’re still reading this, I almost bought an electric/hydraulic valve that Power Trac bought for your project and still has on a shelf.</font color=blue> I don't understand. Why did they buy a valve for "my project"? I'm trying to remember, but the 2465 I almost bought already had an electric/hydraulic valve on it for the 4-in-1 before they ever met me. Is it for something else that I gave them the idea for? /w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif
Did you talk to Chris? I guess I should call him. The last time I talked with him, he was going to double-check some prices and get back with me. Then, I called to tell him I'd decided to get an EarthForce machine, but he wasn't in, so I just left a message - never heard from him.
That 1845 is an awesome machine! Once you get that thing, ou're going to be hard to live with around here! I'd say it was an excellent purchase, considering your needs. Besides, like you said, how can you pass up $6k in savings. I mean, that's $6,000 you can go spend on something else you need, now. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif
FWIW, I've never known "buyers remorse" to be a complication of "Chalkley Syndrome". If you experience that, you've got something else, or are experiencing even further degeneration than you realize. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif
Charlie - Ok, time for a more detailed response...
First things first: <font color=blue>Mark Chalkley, if you’re still reading this, I almost bought an electric/hydraulic valve that Power Trac bought for your project and still has on a shelf.</font color=blue> I don't understand. Why did they buy a valve for "my project"? I'm trying to remember, but the 2465 I almost bought already had an electric/hydraulic valve on it for the 4-in-1 before they ever met me. Is it for something else that I gave them the idea for? /w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif
Did you talk to Chris? I guess I should call him. The last time I talked with him, he was going to double-check some prices and get back with me. Then, I called to tell him I'd decided to get an EarthForce machine, but he wasn't in, so I just left a message - never heard from him.
That 1845 is an awesome machine! Once you get that thing, ou're going to be hard to live with around here! I'd say it was an excellent purchase, considering your needs. Besides, like you said, how can you pass up $6k in savings. I mean, that's $6,000 you can go spend on something else you need, now. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif
FWIW, I've never known "buyers remorse" to be a complication of "Chalkley Syndrome". If you experience that, you've got something else, or are experiencing even further degeneration than you realize. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif
Charlie_Iliff
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Re: The Chalkley Syndrome: Power Trac 1845
Mark:
I was dealing with Terry, not Chris, who was away at a show. I was talking through possible ways to mount another electrically controlled valve to plumb the main PTO hydraulics to the 4 in 1 and control it with a rocker switch on the joystick. (I concluded that it will work, but I have nothing to lose by using the already-available aux PTO for a while to see how I like it. It will be clumsy, with an open/close lever by my right knee, requiring release of the joystick or the wheel, but may work OK until I decide how best to modify it.)
Terry told me that they had what might be just the valve I was talking about, which had been bought for a customer who ultimaely didn't buy the machine. I mentioned your name, and he said he thought it was correct. My assumption, perhaps totally wrong, was that it was to plumb the W.R. Long 4 in 1 to the loader hydraulics similarly to the setup on your Kubota. Maybe I did too much assuming and not enough fact gathering.
Incidentally, I told Terry that you hav bought the bigger, heavier Earth Force, but still highly recommended Power Trac.
So far, I have not come across an owner who hasn't recommended the machines highly. Most I have talked to have been commercial landscapers, some with more than one Power Trac. They won't match your EF5, but the 24 series give the smaller EF's a run. When next I need to dig a hole, I'll rent an EF from Folcomer.
Incidentally, the thing that finally sold me on the 1845 rather than the 1430 was its effortless power. Similar to your description on the EF, it simply didn't seem to have any load a all as I cheerfully bulldozed Power-Trac's hard gravel road into a mogul. Terry seemed pleased rather than irritated, and explained how smooth I could make it all again by back dragging the blade. He advised that the machine would also effortlessly peel up the adjoining blacktop, but asked that I not do that.
Finally, although still Deutz loud, the 1845 is quieter than the smaller 1430. As to the latter, Chris told me that they are talking about experimenting with a supplemental muffler and some engine compartment sound pads, but the air/oil cooled Deutz will inevitably be a bit louder than water jacketed machines.
In a couple of weeks, I'll post first impressions, and hopefully not buyer's remorse.
Mark:
I was dealing with Terry, not Chris, who was away at a show. I was talking through possible ways to mount another electrically controlled valve to plumb the main PTO hydraulics to the 4 in 1 and control it with a rocker switch on the joystick. (I concluded that it will work, but I have nothing to lose by using the already-available aux PTO for a while to see how I like it. It will be clumsy, with an open/close lever by my right knee, requiring release of the joystick or the wheel, but may work OK until I decide how best to modify it.)
Terry told me that they had what might be just the valve I was talking about, which had been bought for a customer who ultimaely didn't buy the machine. I mentioned your name, and he said he thought it was correct. My assumption, perhaps totally wrong, was that it was to plumb the W.R. Long 4 in 1 to the loader hydraulics similarly to the setup on your Kubota. Maybe I did too much assuming and not enough fact gathering.
Incidentally, I told Terry that you hav bought the bigger, heavier Earth Force, but still highly recommended Power Trac.
So far, I have not come across an owner who hasn't recommended the machines highly. Most I have talked to have been commercial landscapers, some with more than one Power Trac. They won't match your EF5, but the 24 series give the smaller EF's a run. When next I need to dig a hole, I'll rent an EF from Folcomer.
Incidentally, the thing that finally sold me on the 1845 rather than the 1430 was its effortless power. Similar to your description on the EF, it simply didn't seem to have any load a all as I cheerfully bulldozed Power-Trac's hard gravel road into a mogul. Terry seemed pleased rather than irritated, and explained how smooth I could make it all again by back dragging the blade. He advised that the machine would also effortlessly peel up the adjoining blacktop, but asked that I not do that.
Finally, although still Deutz loud, the 1845 is quieter than the smaller 1430. As to the latter, Chris told me that they are talking about experimenting with a supplemental muffler and some engine compartment sound pads, but the air/oil cooled Deutz will inevitably be a bit louder than water jacketed machines.
In a couple of weeks, I'll post first impressions, and hopefully not buyer's remorse.
MossRoad
Super Moderator
- Joined
- Aug 31, 2001
- Messages
- 66,209
- Location
- South Bend, Indiana (near)
- Tractor
- Power Trac PT425 2001 Model Year
Re: The Chalkley Syndrome: Power Trac 1845
The aux pto control down by my knee is not too bad, but you are right. A thumb lever on the joystick would be so much handier for angling equipment or controlling the jaws on a 4 in one or grapple.
The aux pto control down by my knee is not too bad, but you are right. A thumb lever on the joystick would be so much handier for angling equipment or controlling the jaws on a 4 in one or grapple.
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