Power Trac 180 post hole digging

The Trogger · Jan 26, 2007

Has anybody used the auger attachment with or without success with the 180. Looking to dig holes for decks and fences, and do small landscaping jobs. Would love to buy the 422 or 425 but need to know if a few extra horsepower (and thousands of dollars) would really make any difference when it comes to digging holes. Please help, looking to buy in the next 6 weeks!!!

BobRip · Jan 26, 2007

Trogger, to let us better help you, what other uses do you have planned? Is post hole digging your only use? What size holes do you plan to dig?
I used the post hole digger only once on my 422, so I don't know about the 180. It drilled the hole very quickly with little loading of the engine, but the ground was very soft.

Beechwood · Jan 26, 2007

Trogger- I have the 6-9-12" augers for my 180. The 180 has plenty of power to run those size augers, but 12" would be the max. I would want to use with the 180. If you run into rocks or hard clay a couple feet down the auger will bog down or stop- but I think that is true with the 422 or 425 as well. The one drawback using the auger with the 180 is the limited 50" lift arm Ht, when you are driving with the augers attached you have to tilt the auger up to clear the ground. You also have to start drilling with the auger slightly out of plumb because of the auger length and lift arm Ht. Once you get your hole going then you can move the 180 back and forth to plumb the auger.

The Trogger · Feb 2, 2007

Beechwood, thank you for the info, i have changed my mind, I am going with the 422 because of added engine power, hydraulic pump size, pump fan & cooler, and host of other available attachments. I was still wondering about auger height? will the extra few inches of lift height on the 422 correct the small poroblem you mentioned? Thanks in advance Trogger

Beechwood · Feb 2, 2007

If I were going to buy a new PT I would go with the 425, I know it's approx. double the price of the 180, but if you are planning to use the machine for commerical work like landscaping etc, the stronger wheel motors, higher psi. PTO, higher lift arm Ht, higher lift cap. and the 25 Hp makes a lot of sense. With regards to the extra 2" lift arm Ht. on the 422 for auger use I think it will work fine with no problems, but with that being said I would still strongly suggest buying the 425 if you can swing it.

BobRip · Feb 2, 2007

Beechwood said:
If I were going to buy a new PT I would go with the 425, I know it's approx. double the price of the 180, but if you are planning to use the machine for commerical work like landscaping etc, the stronger wheel motors, higher psi. PTO, higher lift arm Ht, higher lift cap. and the 25 Hp makes a lot of sense. With regards to the extra 2" lift arm Ht. on the 422 for auger use I think it will work fine with no problems, but with that being said I would still strongly suggest buying the 425 if you can swing it.

I agree, for a serious user the 425 is far superior. Many times I wish I had the stronger wheel motors.

I have used the auger on the 422 and it works fine. There is enough ground clearance. I only drilled one hole as I was just testing it for Clint Blake, who actually purchased it.

JD-Beach · Feb 3, 2007

Trogger, I agree with Beachwood and BobRip, ... go with the 425. After buying tools and toys for 30-some years I never regretted buying the bigger, better tool. Admittedly I experienced a little "buyer's remorse" for a day or so, but looking back it was always the right decision to go big. The differences are more than just horsepower, ... it's wheel motors, hydraulics, tire size, lift height, and more. When you go to Tazewell and see them side by side, the 425 is clearly a different beast than the smaller machines. Best of luck to you in your pursuit.

woodlandfarms · Feb 3, 2007

There is this one on Ebay...
eBay: Power Trac Model PT-425 - Comes with 4 Attachments (item 160028352279 end time Feb-04-07 13:36:47 PST)

Don't forget JD' picture is a little deceiving. He went with some very cool but modified tires from the factory..

KentT · Feb 3, 2007

woodlandfarms said:
There is this one on Ebay...
eBay: Power Trac Model PT-425 - Comes with 4 Attachments (item 160028352279 end time Feb-04-07 13:36:47 PST)

Wow! Price on that one seems very high for me... That tractor cost $8000 new, plus the cost of the attachments -- but the only expensive attachment is the tiller.

I doubt that whole package cost his $11k asking price new...

With a brand-new PT 425 with higher lift, FOPS, and high-torque wheel motors at $10K before discounts, I wouldn't be interested in this package...

MossRoad · Feb 3, 2007

I paid less than $12,600 for mine with two buckets, teeth, forks, 60" finish mower, 48" brush hog, power angle snow blade and loading ramps AND delivered from Virginia to Indiana. And where is his ROPS/canopy?

It DOES have the Kohler engine, though...