PT 1445

[SMJ]

PT 1445

I have put close to 50 hours on the 1445 so far. Would have more PT time if rain and work didn't get in the way. The grapple ahs been used the most. I have picked up and moved logs and boulders with ease. Some of these must have been heavier than 1800 lbs. Several loads of gravel have been spread, roads graded and drainage ditches dug. Just recently received the 72" brush cutter and the minihoe for the 1445. Both work well although I've only cut 3 acres of pasture with the brush cutter. Two problems have occurred. Early on the plugs on the inside if the wheel would be pulled out by vines ect. This was fixed with more firm rubber corks from the local hardware store. Second problem was the boxblade. Partly my fault. I was pushing forward with the teeth down on the boxblade and snapped it off completely from the quick attach plate. Powertrac fixed it for free by welding metal bars in place of the more flimsy tubular steel. I paid for shipping to Tazewell. They paid for the return trip. Seemed fair. The box blade works fine. The attached photos show where the break occurred. Otherwise the PT has been great. Always starts. Lots of power. Would buy it again in a heartbeat. I will post a couple of pics of then new attachments.
SMJ

 

[SMJ]

Re: PT 1445

Photo of the brush cutter up.

 

[SMJ]

Re: PT 1445

deck down.

 

[SMJ]

Re: PT 1445

minihoe

 

[Rip]

Re: PT 1445

Glad that unit is working out for you... it's nice to get a few more folks with the larger machines on the forum to keep my 1845 company.

I have an AnBo Grapple Rake with a mounted Warn hydraulic winch that has been my main attachment this summer and all has worked well. Glad to hear PT made good on the box scraper brackets.

Rip

 

[MossRoad]

Re: PT 1445

When my PT425 grows up it wants to be just like your 1445! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[IrTxRx]

Re: PT 1445

SMJ,

Glad to hear you finally got some hours on your machine. I must say looking at old e-mails, can't believe it took you 3 month to get the 50 hours. When I get mine, I hope to have that much the first week /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

I wanted to get your 50 hour opinion of the functionality of the BB (how does it work compared to a much heavier, higher capacity CUT BB)???

Also, In retrospect, do you ever wish you had gone with the 4-n-1 instead of the grapple. I am wondering if I could save some $$$ and get the 4n1 instead of the grapple and BB.

Thanks

 

[SMJ]

Re: PT 1445

IrTrRx:
I would still get the grapple. I have to move lots of large logs and brush. Otherwise, the 4in1 would work fine and do the grading also so you could skip the boxblade. PT's boxblade is light and the one for the 1445 is only 270 lbs. Consequently, the BB on comparably powered CUT could work better.

SMJ

 

[SMJ]

Re: PT 1445

They are fine machines. I just need a way to find more time to use it. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
SMJ

 

[MossRoad]

Re: PT 1445

Don't feel bad about seat time. Ours will be three years old in December and I just did the 150 hour maint on Saturday! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[Rip]

Re: PT 1445

Keep in mind that with a PT you can apply down pressure while you are relying only on gravity with a 3ph on a CUT. Still, a BB on a PT is not one of their better attachements although it probably works better than it looks.

 

[Sedgewood]

Re: PT 1445

<font color="red"> PT's boxblade is light and the one for the 1445 is only 270 lbs. Consequently, the BB on comparably powered CUT could work better. </font>

I bought a 6ft SBX720 Bush Hog box blade for my 1845 which if memory serves me right weighs 535 pounds. I used it for a year or so as is then laid an old log wagon axle across the top which must weigh close to two hundred lbs. The thing works much better now, but it's still only marginally heavy enough to limit chatter in ripping the hard stuff. Heavy is good in a box blade.

Sedgewood

 

[Rip]

Re: PT 1445

That is true, and there is only so much down pressure you can apply with a PT before the front wheels lift. One can add balast to the PT BB, but it is not real easy.

 

[Sedgewood]

Re: PT 1445

<font color="red"> That is true, and there is only so much down pressure you can apply with a PT before the front wheels lift. One can add balast to the PT BB, but it is not real easy </font>

And less down pressure means more weight on the wheels for traction.

Sedgewood