PT in Pacific NW?

[OffBalance]

Hi -
I will be buying a CUT soon, but before I jump on the Orange/Blue/Green bandwagon, I wanted to check out the PowerTrac, especially considering my hilly terrain.

Is there someone in the Pacific NW (western Washingon, NW Oregon, or the BC Lower mainland) who would be willing to show me a PT in action? Preferably on hills, working in the woods, etc.

Also I have a few questions...
1. The PT-425 seems the right size for me. But I would like a backhoe, so I want to know if the PT-2425 is as stable on hills as the 425?
2. Does anyone make a chipper/shredder with hydraulic motor that can be attached without too much modification?
3. What is the deal with the mini-hoe? I presume it can't pivot left/right. Is it useful? I want to dig up stumps, plant trees, and dig the occasional ditch.
4. Are there recommended max slopes for traversing and going up or down? I have some 22 degree hills (I measured). Can you fit the 425 with duallies like the big mowers?
5. Are all the mechanical parts standard? So that they are available locally?

Thanks!

 

[Gravy]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Hi -
I will be buying a CUT soon, but before I jump on the Orange/Blue/Green bandwagon, I wanted to check out the PowerTrac, especially considering my hilly terrain.

Is there someone in the Pacific NW (western Washingon, NW Oregon, or the BC Lower mainland) who would be willing to show me a PT in action? Preferably on hills, working in the woods, etc.

Also I have a few questions...
1. The PT-425 seems the right size for me. But I would like a backhoe, so I want to know if the PT-2425 is as stable on hills as the 425?

<font color="red"> </font> The 2425 is taller than the 425. I wouldn't want to use one on MY hills.

2. Does anyone make a chipper/shredder with hydraulic motor that can be attached without too much modification?

<font color="red"> </font> Don't know about this one, but I'd like one, too.

3. What is the deal with the mini-hoe? I presume it can't pivot left/right. Is it useful? I want to dig up stumps, plant trees, and dig the occasional ditch.

It doesn't really need to pivot, because the articulating motion of the PT will swing the bucket far enough off center to dump just by turning the steering wheel. Remember, the PT bends in the middle. <font color="red"> </font>
4. Are there recommended max slopes for traversing and going up or down? I have some 22 degree hills (I measured).

<font color="red"> </font> AFAIK, the slope limit spec for the 425 is 25 degrees.
Can you fit the 425 with duallies like the big mowers?

<font color="red"> </font> I believe Power Trac says "NO" to duals, but I have heard that they're OK with reversing the wheels for a wider track, at least on the current version. If you're going to be mowing across slopes a lot, you might want to consider the 18xx series,

5. Are all the mechanical parts standard? So that they are available locally?

<font color="red"> </font> This is one of the things PT does best. Anything they can't build out of steel plate, bar or tube is probably a standard item. If you have a Robin engine dealer, a tractor or hydraulic shop, and a Tractor Supply Co. or equivalent store nearby, you're probably at least 95% covered. For anything else, try mcmaster.com or Surplus Center.

The PT's are definitely WYSIWYG - there are no plastic "beauty covers" or "styling elements". They are quite simple to work on, but they are best for somebody with enough mechanical interest and ability to be able to remove a hose, or pump, or motor and take it to a shop if needed.

Thanks!
)</font> <font color="red"> </font>

 

[dbetts]

Good questions, sorry I'm no where close to you. I can help answer some questions though. As far as your slope 22 degrees is the upper limits of slope the 425 is useful on but you can certainly mow across that , just not anything steeper. The wider stance you get turning the wheels around will make this much better, just be sure to get the 60" mower or your tires will be wider than the mowing path. What do you want a backhoe for? If you only need to go 4' deep and 9" wide bucket is adequate the mini hoe is for you. It's much easier to learn to use than a backhoe, and is way better for picking up logs rr ties etc. and moving them. The articulated steering gives your l-r swing and once you get used to it it works very well. If you need a backhoe you won't be happy with it, if you need to dig 2 or 3 foot depp trenches across the lawn you will be very pleased with the mini hoe. Going through th woods is great on the PT because of the articulated steering . Parts are either easily available locally (like standard hydraulic hoses) or readily shipped from Tazwell. The two warranty issues I've had with mine were handled in a timely fashion by Terry. They are good , no frills workhorses and a great value. There's a used one on the PT site now that appears to be an excellent deal. db

 

[FOURTEEN]

<font color="blue"> PT-2425 is as stable on hills as the 425? </font>


<font color="red"> No!! Get the PT-425 with bar tires, and reverse the wheels!! </font>

 

[FOURTEEN]

</font><font color="blueclass=small">( Does anyone make a chipper/shredder with hydraulic motor that can be attached without too much modification? /quote]


<font color="red"> If you really want to chip, the best is the DR Chipper !

I bought the 16 HP model in September with a 20% discount. Then I got the PT-425 with the Grapple Bucket, and discovered that it was easier to grapple brush to the burn pile than to chip it!! After 8 months use I sent the DR back, and got all my money back including shipping both ways!!

DR Chipper

</font>

 

[FOURTEEN]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( What is the deal with the mini-hoe? )</font>



<font color="red"> The MiniHoe will dig anything except a well, a basement, or a pond unless you have lots of time! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

It also won't rip up your sod driving across the yard! It will get into places that a backhoe can only dream about! With reversed wheels it will straddle the ditch, and if it falls in, it will climb back out!!
</font>

 

[FOURTEEN]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Can you fit the 425 with duallies )</font>



<font color="red"> Forget the duallies!! With reversed wheels and bar tires, it will go just about anywhere you dare!! </font>

 

[SnowRidge]

<font color="blue">1. The PT-425 seems the right size for me. But I would like a backhoe, so I want to know if the PT-2425 is as stable on hills as the 425?</font>

No! It sits higher.

<font color="blue">2. Does anyone make a chipper/shredder with hydraulic motor that can be attached without too much modification?</font>

No, you would have to adapt one.

<font color="blue">3. What is the deal with the mini-hoe? I presume it can't pivot left/right. Is it useful? I want to dig up stumps, plant trees, and dig the occasional ditch.</font>

It is swung by pivoting the whole machine. Obviously, that limits where you can deposit what you have dug. I don't have one, so I can't comment on its usefulness. PT had a problem with mini-hoes cracking a pivot tube on the PT-425. I don't know if that has been addressed yet.

<font color="blue">4. Are there recommended max slopes for traversing and going up or down? I have some 22 degree hills (I measured). Can you fit the 425 with duallies like the big mowers?</font>

You need to check with engine manufacturer for the sump angle limits of the engine. 20-25 degrees tends to be around the limit for this general class of engine. A low oil level lowers the limit.

You can't install duallies. A few owners reverse their rims. PT does not recommend the practice, and it certainly will increase the load on the wheel motor bearings. A bearing load chart is available on the White Hydraulics website.

<font color="blue">5. Are all the mechanical parts standard? So that they are available locally?</font>

Some are standard, some aren't. Power Trac has had a practice of removing or hiding the OEM part numbers, apparently to force owners to buy parts from them. Generally, you can find most of the stuff that PT sources from other vendors either locally or on the web, but you may have to research the part numbers. This forum is always a good source for that information.

Much of was PT manufactures in-house is nothing more than a steel weldment, which can be repaired locally. Hydaulic hoses can be made up for you at any decent hydraulic shop.

I would add that an owner needs to be a fairly decent mechanic, or be prepared to pay someone to do it for you. Since any freelance mechanic or repair shop will probably never even have heard of a Power Trac, let alone seen or worked on one, you may end up paying for someone's education.

The manuals that accompany the machine are a joke. They rate just above useless. Most, if not all implements come with no instructions or manuals whatsover.

The fit and finish of Power Tracs is strictly industrial -- at best. Don't expect anything to shine.

 

[Phils]

Buncha good replies from our group! I may be the closest one so far to offer my PT as a demo, Northern California wasn't exactly in your list but I might be only (?) 8 - 10 hours away. Of course, another cupple of hours and you can visit San Francisco! If you drive the speed limit add some to those estimates.

I DO have hills, trails and woods. I don't have a chipper/shredder. I prefer to burn and I like to have guests for my bonfires. Another forum I frequent is at www.idos.com (international dutch oven society). My favorite activity is clearing brush all day, and cooking over the coals with friends that night. If you can make it here before bonfire season is over you are welcome. Be forewarned: after brushing all day, and having a few beers, I can be a little off-balance myself into the evening.

[on edit] the International Society of Dutch Oven site has been slowly transferring itself to www.idos.org instead of the above mentioned site... just checked and the .com one may be history soon.

Phil

 

[SnowRidge]

<font color="blue"> Be forewarned: after brushing all day, and having a few beers, I can be a little off-balance myself into the evening. </font>

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[FOURTEEN]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( <font color="blue"> PT-2425 is as stable on hills as the 425? </font>

<font color="red"> No!! Get the PT-425 with bar tires, and reverse the wheels!! </font> )</font>



<font color="red"> Reversed Wheels have worked beautifully for me for over 200 hours!! On my terrain I would not consider using a PT-425 without them!!
For a complete discussion of the pros (many) and cons (maybe one), see </font> REVERSED WHEELS !!

 

[OffBalance]

Thanks for the offer Phils! I get to northern CA about once every two years, but this is the off year.

We used to burn, but unfortunately, I live in the 3 county area around Seattle with burning restrictions. Our fire district now allows no more outdoor burning, except for campfires with split firewood. They no longer issue any burn permits, even for large logging operations. And on certain days, we can't even fire up the wood stove indoors unless it is our primary source of heat! So, essentially, burning brush is out of the question. Kind of like I am required by law to spend my hard earned money on a chipper/shredder...

 

[dbetts]

The most rececnt posts on PT pros and cons address the issue of cracked pivot tube on the 425. They replaced the broken piece with a heavier duty one , and I've had no problems since. When I was in Tazwell a couple months ago I asked Scott about reversing the wheels and he said that it should be fine to do and wouldn't cause any problems with the new wheel motors, they did recomend against this with the old motors, and they still recomend you don't put dual wheels on them.db

 

[FOURTEEN]

<font color="blue"> ( I asked Scott about reversing the wheels and he said that it should be fine to do and wouldn't cause any problems with the new wheel motors) </font>


<font color="red"> I am delighted to hear that Scott has joined the Reversed Wheels Society!! But, frankly, with the advantages so far exceeding the disadvantages, I did not hesitate to do it even without a 'Scott Blessing'!! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

The PT-425 is 45" wide OEM, or 52" wide with Reversed Wheels.
"That makes the tractor wider than the Finish Mower!" /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Well, just the 48", not the 60"! I don't own a Finish Mower, but I do have a 48" Brush Cutter which is 48-1/2" wide. So my tire extends 1-3/4" beyond the side of the cutter deck. So what!! If I mow so close to an object that my tire would touch it, 1-3/4" clearance from the steel side of the deck sounds just right!! With the articulated PT, I can swing the deck to get as close as I want! The reversed wheel PT won't fit through a 4' gate, but a 48", or 60", mower won't either!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

"Reversing the wheels will damage the wheel motors!" /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Apparently NOT!! Has anyone actually had any wheel motor trouble that can be definitely traced to having reversed wheels?? Not that I know of!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Reversed Wheels not only dramatically increase PT stability and utility, but the resulting "Wide Track" look is sooooo COOL!! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

</font>

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

<font color="red"> the Reversed Wheels Society! </font>

Enough already!!
They're not bad machines even with the wheels on properly! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[SnowRidge]

<font color="blue"> They're not bad machines even with the wheels on properly! </font>

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[FOURTEEN]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( They're not bad machines even with the wheels on properly! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )</font>


<font color="red"> You are absolutely right!! They are excellent machines with their wheels properly reversed to the Wide Track position, and certainly often adequate OEM for flat landers!! </font>

 

[pequeajim]

phew..... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif