New 425 and First Project

[pajoube]

Picked up my new 425 on Tuesday, September 2nd. Started my first project helping my friend landscape his home that afternoon. 4 days later we finished. We moved 35 ton of rock and 65 yards of dirt. Project would not have been possible if we did not have the 425. Used only two attachments for the entire project. Forks and the 4 n 1 bucket. Both performed to perfection, much better than my body.
PJ

 

[pajoube]

Shows rock pile and dirt pile at start of project.
PJ

 

[pajoube]

PT425 the workhorse that allowed project to be completed and manpower to remain sane.
PJ

 

[pajoube]

Sorting rocks.
PJ

 

[pajoube]

Setting rock into one of 4 walls we built.
PJ

 

[pajoube]

Another rock - used forks and 4 n 1 bucket during entire project.
PJ

 

[pajoube]

Shows rock and dirt piles.
PJ

 

[pajoube]

Two short walls with dirt fill inbetween.
PJ

 

[pajoube]

Placing rock.
PJ

 

[pajoube]

Working wall on steep slope. Had to cut trench to run up hill wheels so as not slide down hill.
PJ

 

[pajoube]

Another shot of the two trenches - I'm in the top trench.
PJ

 

[pajoube]

Trenches then became the rock wall bases.
PJ

 

[pajoube]

Good shot showing steep slope.
PJ

 

[pajoube]

Project complete.
PJ

 

[pajoube]

Close up of one side.
PJ

 

[pajoube]

Workers
PJ

 

[pajoube]

Final post - end of 4 days work and a dirty crew. Now have 28 hours on the 425.
PJ

 

[smartguyz]

PJ -

Congratulations - I am impressed. Looks like a very professionally-done job.

I was a lot like you. Picked up the PT425 right before the 4th of July, and ended up spending about 27-28 hours on it in the 3 day weekend, moving bark dust, brush hogging, etc. What a terrific machine.

I also have some steep slopes on my property. I found the lug tires to be essential. In fact, after mowing today, I find it is also essential on damp grass, especially when I'm on the steeper parts.

I thought the 4-in-1 would be good for picking up rocks. Did you use it for that?

Do you feel the 4-in-1 would be useful in some other ways? I figured it was mostly for things like picking up logs, etc. I wasn't sure if it was useful for just dirt. What's your take?

So, did you already do three maintenances?

-Rob /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[pajoube]

Did three 8 hour grease lubs. Had a heck of time finding the 5th zerk fitting. Actually it was missing, the one under the center console. Picked up one at hardware store and placed the two steel plates a little off center and the zerk is open to grease without removing any plates.
The 4 n 1 could not have been better used. With a standard 5cu bucket you have the problem when dumping of hitting the edge of the rock wall or side of a pickup. With the 4 n 1 you release the load (clam shell type opening) without hitting your project or side of pickup. I went to Tazewell figuring to purchase a 5cu bucket but after testing the 4n1 there was no other to purchase.
PJ

 

[marrt]

Power-Trac does not include a zerk on the center top link, even though the bolt they use is already threaded for one. I put one in as well. I also ended up drilling a hole in the top plate so the zerk fits through the hole and I don't have to take the plate off to grease the top link.

Totally impressed with your job and your pictures. Thanks for taking the time to document the project. Gives some of us, like me, hope that we too could be so productive some day. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif