Sold a Power Trac

[MossRoad]

Thanks for the kind words. I owe several people from 18 years ago a big debt of gratitude for their insights on tractors, and how there were other (and better) choices for my needs. Still very happy with my decision back then. Would do it again today. No regrets. :thumbsup:

 

[MossRoad]

This is the thread that got me to thinking.... it's all their fault! :laughing:

Compact Tractors are Designed All Wrong
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...ct-tractors-designed-all-wrong.html#post51412

 

[m5040]

I am looking for a machine for brush cutting that has a front mower, articulated blades, hydrostatic trans, 4x4. So I look into the PT options. Why not the PT418? When I called the factory, they didn't really have a lot of good things to say about it, no oil cooler, low on HP, small mower etc. I almost asked why they have them for sale. Big price jump to go up to the PT422 or PT425, just to cut brush. I guess I am in a holding pattern looking for a used one.
Also they should have more videos showing their products (look at Ventrac). Maybe have some ala-cart options like an oil cooler...If that is the weak link on the PT418.

 

[MossRoad]

The 18 will spin the blades. The 25 will keep them spinning.

Grass is much harder to keep the blades spinning at speed VS brush, too. I have had the PT425 since 2001. It's a beast on the brush cutter. Scariest piece of equipment I own. I also wanted the 60" finish mower for my lawn. PT recommended the 25 over the 22 for the larger deck. They said the 48" finish mower would be fine on the 22, but the 60" wouldn't perform well on the 22 in thick grass. I believe them. I can bog the 60" in really thick lawn if it gets too long and wet.

 

[m5040]

The 18 will spin the blades. The 25 will keep them spinning.

I hear you, but why sell a $8000.00 tractor if it can't keep the blades spinning?? (8k for tractor, mower & small bucket)

Really, how much more would it cost to offer the economy lift arms/manual Q-attach etc but with a 22 or 25 hp engine so you can use a mower???

It seems the primary use for the PT18 is for mowing.

 

[MossRoad]

I've always been a fan of getting the largest engine size available in a platform. I never saw the reason for the 418 either.

 

[m5040]

I agree as long as the price per horse power is reasonable. The PT180 is $6500, add 4 horsepower PT422 is $9000. Hard for me to justify, IF the PT180 would cut brush, thats all I need.

 

[MossRoad]

Back when I bought mine, the price per HP was almost the same for each model. Today, it's $361 for the 18 and $500 for the 425.

There was a post about here on TBN many years ago.

 

[Rustyiron]

I just saw one listed in PA. Iirc it was 700 hours(ish) and came with several attachments. $6500 I think was the asking price and it was at a tractor dealership. Let me know if you'd like me to look for that ad, I'll post a pic with the number for you.

 

[m5040]

yes please look for number

 

[Marks481]

Hard for me to justify, IF the PT180 would cut brush, thats all I need.

I have a PT422. I have spent a lot of time with the brush cutter. Have to drive slow to keep the rpm up. Can't imagine doing it with a 18 hp engine.

Wish I had bought the P425... winter project one of these years is to slap in a bigger engine.

 

[m5040]

PT180 has a 45" brush cutter, PT422 AND PT425 list a 48" brush cutter. If you are familiar with the effects of putting larger tires on, you need more HP to turn them. I would say it is the same for the cutters, since the 180 has a smaller cutter it may do better then the 422 even know the 422 has a larger engine. Maybe someone good at math can figure out which is actually more efficient.

 

[ernemats]

Look on power trac's web site there are several used 422 for sale. One I looked at several years ago was in not bad shape but was an older machine with low hours. Owner is asking about the price of 418 , located near Pittsburgh, Pa. It is listed for$6000. with bucket and 48 inch brush mower. Les Daugherty is the mans name, phone number listed .

 

[m5040]

Yes, I gave that one serious consideration but it is a 29 year old machine so a lot of updating has occurred since. Other things like no quick disconnect, controls are in the way of swinging your feet over the center tunnel. I think I would rather have a new PT180/

 

[BobRip]

Yes, I gave that one serious consideration but it is a 29 year old machine so a lot of updating has occurred since. Other things like no quick disconnect, controls are in the way of swinging your feet over the center tunnel. I think I would rather have a new PT180/

I would gladly pay the difference on my 19 year old 422 to upgrade to the 425. The 40% increase in wheel motor torque alone would be worth it. Have you considered a walk behind bush. I think somebody makes one.

 

[Rustyiron]

yes please look for number

I just spend the last 1/2 hour looking through 4 sections of that paper, Gotta take a break but I'll check again. I was sure it was in this weeks issue.

 

[m5040]

Thanks Rustyiron for looking. As far as a walk behind, a hydro Billy Goat or Little wonder is above $3k, so double for a PT rider w/FEL is attractive if it works.

 

[cqaigy2]

I would gladly pay the difference on my 19 year old 422 to upgrade to the 425. The 40% increase in wheel motor torque alone would be worth it. Have you considered a walk behind bush. I think somebody makes one.

I agree. If i was to go back in time, i would get the 425 over my 422. Especially when you factor in, how long you keep these machines.