Need help pt 180 or 422

[agape woodworker]

I am looking at a PT but am not sure if I need the a PT 422 or can I get by with a PT 180
I have ½ acres to mow I know its not much but the things is that I am the only one to clean the side walks on our street in the winter and there is a lot of sidewalk, I have a wheel horse 856 that works fine under 6in of snow. And once or twice a year I mow our churches cemetery that is 2 or so acres. Do I need the PT 422 or would the PT 180 do??

My budget is small and need some input.
Is the PT 180 big enough?.

I should mention that we have a good size hill on our street. With a sidewalk.

And I clear our neighbors drive way in the winter. They are all older and can not get out.

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Boy, after that story, I feel like I should buy you one. Welcome to TBN. Unfortunately, I can't answer your question as I am looking at PT also, just haven't pulled the trigger on anything yet. There are many here that will steer you in the right direction. If I were you, I would read back thru the older threads for some good pointers.
Andy

 

[agape woodworker]

Thanks
Its not that bad its a good way to help out the neighbors and to do the Lords work.
And I have gone thru the old post and found many that were helpful.
Its just that I would like some good suggestions.

 

[Gravy]

For basic snow clearing and mowing, as well as moving materials around, the 180 will probably do the job. It will take a bit longer than a 4xx machine to get the job done, but it will also work in smaller spaces and it sure beats a snow shovel and a wheelbarrow. I don't know how it compares for hill-climbing ability. The only practical way to judge that is by driving one of each.

The 180 has the virtues of being a simpler machine - manual quick-attach, and no oil cooler. That eliminates a number of hydraulic & electrical circuits. Parts that aren't there can't fail. It also has most of the lifting capacity of the 422 (50"/600lbs vs. 52"/800lbs) for a substantially friendlier price. We've got a couple of members who have done very well with 180's. That $2000 difference will buy a mower and part of a snow blade.

That said, if you can swing the cost of a 4xx machine and the attachments to get you started, you will have a much more versatile machine. There are at least 20 additional attachments available from PT for the 4xx series. In particular, the various grapples & grapple bucket options, the 4-in-1 bucket, and the mini-hoe are very useful for digging and moving materials. None of those work on the 180. I've seen a fair number of used 4xx attachments for sale in various places. I don't think I've ever seen a used 180 attachment for sale.

It all comes down to how you will REALLY use it. If what you really need to do is just mowing and snow plowing, I think the 180 will get it done. If you want to move brush, dig holes, trench, and maybe borrow from other local PT owners, the 422 will be better.

I'm sure others will have plenty to say about this, too.

Gravy

 

[agape woodworker]

Ok its sounds like the Pt 422 is better then the 180 for me. Here is another question can the PT 422 push any more then the PT 180??

 

[SwampmanLA]

I am looking at a PT but am not sure if I need the a PT 422 or can I get by with a PT 180
I have ｽ acres to mow I know its not much but the things is that I am the only one to clean the side walks on our street in the winter and there is a lot of sidewalk, I have a wheel horse 856 that works fine under 6in of snow. And once or twice a year I mow our churches cemetery that is 2 or so acres. Do I need the PT 422 or would the PT 180 do??

My budget is small and need some input.
Is the PT 180 big enough?.

I should mention that we have a good size hill on our street. With a sidewalk.

And I clear our neighbors drive way in the winter. They are all older and can not get out.

Welcome, I just went through the same decision and settled on the 422. I picked up my 422 in early February and already have 36 hours on it, this is one handy machine! Three things swayed me to the 422; 1) hydraulic quick attach, really nice if you are going to buy a few implements 2) the mini hoe 3) I live in South Louisiana, it is very flat here and I did not think I needed the extra wheel torque that the 425 has. You did not bring the 425 as an option but I considered it. The trade off was more wheel torque vs. $2500 in my pocket. I kept my money and am very happy.

 

[Barryh]

I am looking at a PT but am not sure if I need the a PT 422 or can I get by with a PT 180
I have ï½½ acres to mow I know its not much but the things is that I am the only one to clean the side walks on our street in the winter and there is a lot of sidewalk, I have a wheel horse 856 that works fine under 6in of snow. And once or twice a year I mow our churches cemetery that is 2 or so acres. Do I need the PT 422 or would the PT 180 do??

My budget is small and need some input.
Is the PT 180 big enough?.

I should mention that we have a good size hill on our street. With a sidewalk.

And I clear our neighbors drive way in the winter. They are all older and can not get out.

I owned a 180 for a couple of years and loved it. Just a few things to think about.

Pro's for me... can't beat the price, leaves more money for attachments will go (some) places the wider machines can't, gates etc, very maneuverable plenty powerful for any snow removal and, most other tasks. I dug out a small pond with mine hard shale rock clay. I've had no trouble climbing average size hills. Going by what others have said that own a 422. I feel it is equal to the 422 in pushing / climbing power.

Con's no hydraulic cooler ran a little hot but, all of them do just shut her down and let it cool off once in a while. 20 less attachments. The biggest con for me was no mini hoe. You can change out attachments in less than 30 seconds if you don't mind getting off of your tractor. Was no deal breaker for me. If you want to see what it is capable of. Here is a large stump I dug out with just the front end loader. Link below.

All that said, if you can spend the extra money and plan to do a lot of digging the 422 will give you added capabilities. Can't beat that Mini Hoe. If you do a search on some of my posts it will give you a better idea of the 180's capabilities Good luck with your decision.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/power-trac/80924-pt-180-digging-up-tree.html

 

[agape woodworker]

Thanks Barryh

That cab looks like it comes in handy in the winter.
I think I going to shoot for the PT 422.
I think the higher left capacity of the 422 would help as with the 20 more attachments. 600 verse 800lb I always need to move something in my shop.

 

[Barryh]

Thanks Barryh

That cab looks like it comes in handy in the winter.
I think I going to shoot for the PT 422.
I think the higher left capacity of the 422 would help as with the 20 more attachments. 600 verse 800lb I always need to move something in my shop.

All great machines enjoy. .

 

[MuncyBob]

Have you had any seat time in a 422? We are near Williamsport if you want to take a ride up and try one out...but all I have is the rock bucket and small mower to try. IMHO if $$ for the 422 can be had then go for it, but based on what you have listed as chores the 180 will handle them. I have found that "pushing" with the PT is not one of it's stronger points though.

 

[agape woodworker]

Thanks if I get your way I my take you up on that. I go to Grizzly indusial a few times a year. And no I have not seen a PT up close. I saw a PT in my area one day last year on some side street mowing I should have stopped and asked to look at it, but I have bad memory and cannot remember what street its on. I know this as probably be asked before but do the PT 180s have smaller wheel motors then the 422??

 

[Barryh]

Thanks if I get your way I my take you up on that. I go to Grizzly indusial a few times a year. And no I have not seen a PT up close. I saw a PT in my area one day last year on some side street mowing I should have stopped and asked to look at it, but I have bad memory and cannot remember what street its on. I know this as probably be asked before but do the PT 180s have smaller wheel motors then the 422??

I'm guessing they are the same motor give Terry a call he could confirm. Here is a good discussion on wheel motor torque and related info including some discussion of the 180 motors.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/power-trac/84778-422-vrs-425-a.html?highlight=180+422+wheel+motors

 

[ernemats]

There is a pt owner in New Holland, Pa. which would be close to you, he has a 425. I have not seen any posts from him for a while. His name on pt site is pequeajim, you could do a search for his posts and profile. I have a 422 but I am about 60 miles east of Pittsburgh.

 

[MuncyBob]

Thanks if I get your way I my take you up on that. I go to Grizzly indusial a few times a year. And no I have not seen a PT up close. I saw a PT in my area one day last year on some side street mowing I should have stopped and asked to look at it, but I have bad memory and cannot remember what street its on. I know this as probably be asked before but do the PT 180s have smaller wheel motors then the 422??

Good luck in your search for the right machine!! it took me awhile too! We took a ride down to see pequeajim and his 425 that sold me on the power trac.

FYI: we are less than 3 miles from Grizzly.

 

[agape woodworker]

Ok
I have bin thinking and trying to work out how many hours I would put on it a week and cam to about 2 or 3 hours, in the summer.
Another thing is how hot does the hydraulic oil get in the summer say with 3 hours of mowing on the 180 would not the oil tank provide some cooling. And since it seems that the pushing power is close to the same for the 180 and 422. and with the 180 i would have more to spend on implements.
And could some one tell me how the snowplow and the sweeper is angled left to right on the PT 180??

 

[Barryh]

Ok
I have bin thinking and trying to work out how many hours I would put on it a week and cam to about 2 or 3 hours, in the summer.
Another thing is how hot does the hydraulic oil get in the summer say with 3 hours of mowing on the 180 would not the oil tank provide some cooling. And since it seems that the pushing power is close to the same for the 180 and 422. and with the 180 i would have more to spend on implements.

And could some one tell me how the snowplow and the sweeper is angled left to right on the PT 180??

Mr. Woodworker, unfortunately there are not many 180 owners on this site, at least not many that post. There are a few names you can do a search for, that post on the PT-180. You can look up all posts by Bill Croasmun. I believe he used his to mow. I used my precious hours to do landscaping and snow removal. Also Beechwood and Rivco, which are the same guy. He has done some incredible things with his 180, including building his own mini hoe.

If I remember Bill recommended the single blade setup so he would have more power for hill climbing on his 180. There was another guy that used his 180 for business, even though it´s not recommended he did landscaping. My 180 would run hot after a few hours in 98% weather the handles on it would let you know as they would get really hot to the touch after a while. I had an out door fan hooked up. I just pulled over to it for a few minutes and she cooled right down. You could also add an after market fan to the back cage just a thought.

Most of the guys on here are great guys and most will help you with any problems you might incounter. They will also steer you towards either the 422 or 425. Even though I really liked my 180 and it did everything I asked it to. When I saw the chance to get all of my money back with the exception of a few attachments. I sold it to my neighbor for the lack of a mini hoe. He rides it over to my place once in a while and still wears a big smile when he's on it. He couldn't be happier with it.

It was and still is a tough little machine. With that said... if I may help you spend your money. I feel you would be better off in the long run going ahead if you can swing it and, buy the 422. The 180 will do anything you mentioned on your list but, it´s funny once you own a PT how that list of uses grows and grows. As you can see my colors have changed to orange.

I'm sure these guys wish I would go away. Before I got my little BX I was going the 422 route, the only reason I went orange was winter was coming on fast and I got a deal I couldn't refuse. I'm very happy with my Bota so far it's proved to be a little a very dependable and rugged little tractor and of course if I want to spend the money Woods, makes a nice little back hoe for it.

But, a PT has some advantages in fast implement change and attachments. Good luck with your decision which ever PT you get you'll wonder how you ever got along with out one.

 

[agape woodworker]

So you whet to the orange side. I thought about a Kubota, its easy for me to look at the dealer is a 100yds from our house. But I do not like the newer ones they do not look as tough as they once where. But I still like their diesel engines. I am sold on a PT. the big thing is my shop comes first big toys come second. And I sure that if I get the 180 I will out grow it pretty fast. I still have Ford 8n that does the big pulling jobs for me but its not small, and can not move snow at all. I like all the input that any one can give me.


I do not mean to be annoying, but the first time that I have been posting on any web site.

 

[smilindave]

i have a 425. it might be a little drive, but you are welcome to come and try it out.
60" mower
lm bucket
sm bucket
4 in 1 bucket
pallet forks
lifting boom
box blade
post hole digger

 

[smilindave]

i forgot! I live in Dayton, pa around Kittanning

 

[Gravy]

Hey BarryH -

You are a great contributor. Don't go away! I'm pretty sure that this PT crowd understands really well about choosing an "unpopular" machine if it fits your needs. We haven't had many members move away from a PT and continue to post here. The perspective you bring helps highlight the strengths and weaknesses, or just plain DIFFERENCES between a PT and a good "conventional" tractor.

I've got a suspicion that you may be a PT owner again someday, even if it's as a backup to your other tractor.

Gravy