Power Trac's Attitude Toward Modifications

BobRip · Oct 17, 2006

I was just wondering what people have heard from Power Trac representatives about people modifying their machines. My personnel experience from someone at PT (I am not sure who), was that they have seen people make a lot of changes. The comment was that some machines do not even look like PT's anymore. I was wondering what others had heard. Also let's have a little contest about who has made the biggest change to the appearance of their machine. No prize, just a congradulations.

So, let's discuss PT's attitude and pictures of your much modified machine. Maybe we need two awards, one for the most appearance change and one for the most change by function.

BobRip · Oct 17, 2006

An additional comment. The warranty where PT sends you parts and you return the old one and they rarely look at the machine eliminates much of the normal discouragement of modifying a machine while it is under warranty. Of course if you had to take it back they would see your changes.

I had a situation where one of the bolts on the quick attach front plate that holds the plate locking dogs on (you know, the ones that are essentially studs going thrugh the plate and them welded to the plate on the front side) came loose. I called up PT and they said I could have somebody weld it back, and if that did not work I could send it to them and they would fix it. I felt this was a very open attitude toward self repair. I did not have a welder at that point, but this kinda got me going in that direction. Since then I have had to weld the other bolt. This was not an easy weld to make and cannot be very thick or it interfers with the attachment. It took several attempts and I had to grind grooves in the bolt holes to get enough surface area to hold.

Charlie_Iliff · Oct 17, 2006

When I first got my 1845, I cut off the pin hitch in back and welded a 2" receiver (the whole hitch from a '78 Cadillac) across the back. PTs reaction to the picture I posted on TBN: "That looks as if it will work pretty well."
It's one of the reasons I like Power Trac. They'll tell you if they don't think something will work, but if you make a change that helps you do the jobs you have, they are happy that the machine suits your jobs even better. Not many manufacturers are like that.

BobRip · Oct 17, 2006

Charlie_Iliff said:
When I first got my 1845, I cut off the pin hitch in back and welded a 2" receiver (the whole hitch from a '78 Cadillac) across the back. PTs reaction to the picture I posted on TBN: "That looks as if it will work pretty well."
It's one of the reasons I like Power Trac. They'll tell you if they don't think something will work, but if you make a change that helps you do the jobs you have, they are happy that the machine suits your jobs even better. Not many manufacturers are like that.

I remember that, but I can't seem to see your picture. Anyone know why?

Charlie_Iliff · Oct 17, 2006

BobRip said:
I remember that, but I can't seem to see your picture. Anyone know why?

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/customization/3209d1012187419-powertrac-customizations-37-104081-unpainted.jpg

MossRoad · Oct 18, 2006

I haven't heard anything from them because they don't contact me and I don't contact them unless I need parts.

My machine is approaching 5 years old and I have no problems with modifying it now that it is out of warranty. I fully understand why any company would not approve modifications when in warranty and would never "officially" condone modification of their product... it opens up a whole can of legal worms.

The machines made by Power Trac are just begging to be modified. Look at them:

Solid, thick plate steel.
Simple design.
No fancy lines or curves to mess up.
Just a raw machine waiting to live up to its potential and that potential is whatever you want it to be. They are a tinkerer's dream come true. Now where's my torch and welder???

MossRoad · Oct 18, 2006

One other thought....

I'm waiting for someone to weld the articulation joint solid, split the steering and add tracks... who's gonna be first?

Charlie_Iliff · Oct 18, 2006

MossRoad said:
One other thought....

I'm waiting for someone to weld the articulation joint solid, split the steering and add tracks... who's gonna be first?

Bite thy tongue. The articulation joint is what sets us apart from the masses.
But, with normal hand tools ......
MATTRACKS rubber track conversion systems - all-terrain rubber tracks for 4X4 vehicles.

BobRip · Oct 18, 2006

MossRoad said:
One other thought....

I'm waiting for someone to weld the articulation joint solid, split the steering and add tracks... who's gonna be first?

I had planned that for yesterday afternoon, but I had to work 15 minutes late.

BobRip · Oct 18, 2006

MossRoad said:
I haven't heard anything from them because they don't contact me and I don't contact them unless I need parts.

My machine is approaching 5 years old and I have no problems with modifying it now that it is out of warranty. I fully understand why any company would not approve modifications when in warranty and would never "officially" condone modification of their product... it opens up a whole can of legal worms.

The machines made by Power Trac are just begging to be modified. Look at them:

Solid, thick plate steel.
Simple design.
No fancy lines or curves to mess up.
Just a raw machine waiting to live up to its potential and that potential is whatever you want it to be. They are a tinkerer's dream come true. Now where's my torch and welder???