hill climbing ability

[Eaglepb]

I have been lokking at the PT Units for several months now. My dad bought a huntvee last Feb and likes it but for the fact it does not have any parking brake. This is a much needed item here in WV.
My questions is on the 1445 tractor (first unit with a braking system more then parking brake) how steep of a grade should it climb with bar tires and running a rough cut mower.
I thank you all for your input. Bob in Charleston,WV.

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

I am afraid any estimate would just be a guess. I have the 1845. It and the 1850 are actually marketed as slope mowers, at 40 degrees and 45 degrees respectively. I don't know if that is intended to mean that the machines will mow up the hill, or assumes that you will mow cross hill. My 1845, with single tires does get out of breath about the same time I lose traction mowing straight up the steepest hills, and I can go only at a creep. Sedgewood has reported that he mows a hill or two that his 1845 doesn't have enough power to climb. We both have taller tires than the duals. The 1445 has the same engine, but I believe torquier wheel motors and single tires, but heavier weight and a bit higher cg. It probably has the power to mow up a 35 or 40 degree hill, but will most likely have traction problems and be close to the limit of its power.
Frankly, however the machine(s) may be configured, I don't like to mow near the limits of traction, although the PT has minimal rollover risk. My 1845, and I'll bet the 1445, will mow up across or down any hill I have any interest in trying. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[SMJ]

I have a 1445 with turf tires and a six foot brush cutter. If the ground is dry I can mow going up a 30-35 degree slope. You need full throttle and low speed. An occasional wheel will slip.

SMJ

 

[J_J]

I really don't have any hills to test my 1445 on here in Fla, mostly flat land. It seems to do every thing I ask it to do. Mine is one of the older 1445's with the gas engine. The diesels are much louder than mine. I also have the three point hookup on all my implements. Quick attach is better.

 

[BobRip]

I have a 422. I would like more torque for getting up hills. There is a technique( wiggling) I sometimes use when going up a steep hill or stuck in the many logging ruts on my land. I turn the steering wheel back and forth (sometimes lock to lock) and apply power to the wheels. Until I learned this I was getting stuck quite often. Now I only get stuck when I go somewhere I really should not (like in the swamp). I got my Kubotoa stuck in the same places.
Of course the minhoe is great at pulling or pushing me out of a stuck place, if I have it with me. The bucket can also help, but not a well.
Is this technique commonly used? (the wiggle)

 

[Phils]

I had a 2WD Pug (also articulated for steering) and used that "wiggle" method many times to get unstuck.

So far, I've not even been close to getting this PT stuck so haven't had to use that method, but I do remember how and will if necessary.

 

[Rip]

Bob,

From experience I can confirm that my 1845 will work all day on 30 degree plus rocky slopes pulling and carrying logs and slash but I am not running a mower. I have foam-filled 26" turf tires and high-torque wheel motors set 4" wider overall.

The 1445 can be equipped with super wide turf tires instead of the standard loader tires which may be better for mowing operation.

Regarding your dad's HuntVee, the PJ-6x6 mining version is equipped with "automatic parking brake" which is probably internal wet-disc on two or more wheels similar to what the 1445 comes with. I would talk to Scott or Terry to find out if it would be possible to retrofit your unit with that system. I agree with your safety concern ragarding a unit without ANY parking brake. If you can not work something out with them, a good hydraulic or machinery mechanic should be able to rig up something similar.

Good luck and have a happy Thanksgiving!

 

[BobRip]

I'll send you a few loads of swamp and ruts. I had the tractor for six months before learning this. That's when I started carrying a winch and come along at all times. I hope more know about it now.

 

[MossRoad]

I use the PT wiggle often, especially when excavating. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[PowerTrom425]

Indeed, the PT Wiggle has gotten me out of a bind or two... The first time was shortly after I got it. I was pretty well up to the belly plates in wet sandy, marshy gunk, and the old reliable forward/reverse action that I'd used for years wasn't doing the trick. And I was getting in deeper and deeper. And wouldn't you know three neighbors were watching and talking and probably taking bets on the chances of my getting out....And then I turned the wheel a little and I was surprised that it almost climbed out (I am no longer surprised at anything Henry does /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif ). So I turned it the other way, and Henry literally popped out of the hole. Needless to say, the neighbors gained some new respect for the guy with a painted on smile on the funny looking tractor /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif