Power Trac's Attitude Toward Modifications

[BobRip]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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???

Those do encourage changes. Also the hydraulics makes it relatively easy to change the drive, PTO, steering, lift, etc. systems.

 

[RegL]

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.

Charlie, those Mattracks are cool but if I remember right the price for a set would set you back about the price of the tractor.

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

Charlie, those Mattracks are cool but if I remember right the price for a set would set you back about the price of the tractor.

Certainly would, but wouldn't you wow the neighbors.

 

[ClintBlake]

Certainly would, but wouldn't you wow the neighbors.

I'm waiting for MossRoad to put a set on his tractor and tell us all about it right after he welds the articulation joint and splits the steering. Moss, your public is waiting.

 

[MossRoad]

I'm waiting for MossRoad to put a set on his tractor and tell us all about it right after he welds the articulation joint and splits the steering. Moss, your public is waiting.

I gotta finish my grapple first... and backhoe, and clean the garages, and build a new house, and....

 

[MossRoad]

... and save enough money to send my kids to college ...

 

[MossRoad]

... and high school, for that matter ...

#1 daughter is getting courted by expensive high schools... REAL EXPENSIVE high schools....

At least she has some sense.... "Dad, for $41,000.00 a year you'd think SCUBA and horse back riding wouldn't be extra, but they are!" (dad faints).

 

[BobRip]

Move to Virginia, our high schools are free.

 

[MossRoad]

But do you have SCUBA and horseback riding?

 

[ClintBlake]

But do you have SCUBA and horseback riding?

Your point is made. I won't be holding my breath waiting on the MossRoad Mattrack Power-trac. Why does your daughter need SCUBA or horseback riding anyway. You don't operate a Power-trac under water and the Power-trac doesn't eat anything when you are not riding it.

 

[BobRip]

So, any other insights into Power Tracs attitude towards owner made changes in their PT? Has anyone been refused warranty work because they made a modification?