tractor for small lot

TimOb · Apr 12, 2006

Hi,
I've got a 1/2 acre flag shaped lot with flat to sloping ground. The max slope is around 25 percent. I built my house last year and this year I want to lanscape. I have to do general grading, bring in 100 yds of topsoil, 3/4 inch drain rock, etc. I'll be building some steps and putting drains in. I'm thinking about a small kubota or new holland. Someone told me I should post to this forum to get some ideas on the power tracs. What do you think? Thanks, G

KentT · Apr 12, 2006

Welcome!

IMO, it sounds like a PT 422 or 425 would be great for you. I recommend those (instead of the 180) because with that slope you really need a ROPS just to be safe. A ROPS is standard on the 425 and can be added to the 422.

Sounds like you need a loader bucket (I'd recommend the inexpensive LM bucket or more expensive but more versatile 4-in-1) and a minihoe in addition to the finish mower. Get an easily detachable aftermarket toothbar for the bucket, such as the one made by Markhams.

You have 40+ attachments to choose from...

Check these threads:

Why PJ bought his PT 425

Mini-hoe usefulness

Also, check these two sites, in addition to the Power-Trac site:

Mossroad's PT-425 site -- check it out closely

Tim's PT-422 Page -- shows some mini-hoe work

BobRip · Apr 12, 2006

Just to give you some perspective. I put down 20 tons of top soil (large tamdem axle truck load) with my PT422 in about 2 hours with a neighbor's help. I believe that I used the light material bucket. He spread it with a rake and I moved it from a pile to the yard. Since it was for his yard, I expected him to help. I now mostly use the 4 in 1 bucket since it is easier to load. I think the 425 or 422 would work well for your purposes. Me, I would get the 425 for the 50% extra wheel motor torque. Both machines are much more manueverable than a standard tractor.

Bob Rip

HRDS · Apr 12, 2006

ROPS can be added to a PT-180

KentT · Apr 12, 2006

( ROPS can be added to a PT-180 )
Thanks for pointing that out and correcting me. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

I wasn't aware of that ... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

TimOb · Apr 13, 2006

Thanks for the info. I'm going to start another thread with some other questions.

G

BillCroasmun · Apr 13, 2006

I think the 180 may be your best bet. With only a 1/2 acre after your initial projects how do you see yourself using the tractor? I can't imagine the 180 being overly taxed maintaining the property. I have over 3 acres with a newly built house and the 180 has worked out well for me.

At $5,500 for the 180 vs $7500 for a 422 or $10,000 for the 425 there is a considerable price difference. If your long term needs justify the added power, greater lift height and stronger/bigger components then by all means you should pursue a bigger machine. If in the long run the 180 meets your needs it may be financially better doing as much as you can with the 180 and renting a Bobcat or whatever for the few immediate needs a 180 can't do. The attachments are cheaper as well which can offset upgrading some of the other items not standard on a 180 (ROPS, lights, etc.)

I've had mine about a year now. Last year I moved 10 tons of fill dirt and 15 tons of slag in just a couple hours. I rototilled approx 20'x40' area then "graded" it with my LMB. I used the LMB to cut in my front walkway as well along with many other tasks. I mow about 2 acres regularly. Towards the end of the cutting season I started to mow some steeper parts of the property as well. Not sure the grade but I can check. The steeper sections are about 25' at a moderate angle and it does OK and then a couple of shorter (about 8' long) real steep sections that it handles well also.

Good luck finding the right machine for you! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

TimOb · Apr 18, 2006

Bill,
Thanks for the useful info. I am now considering the 180, although it might be a wait to get one as they don't have any in stock.

This year, I'm needing to move about 100 yards of top soil and maybe 10 yards of drain rock about 300 feet and down a 15 degree paved slope. Which bucket would you use for this? Would the 180 give me enough traction to fill it?

The main thing I lose with the 180 is the mini hoe, which is something that I could rent.

Another nice thing about the 180 besides the price, is the tractor and attachments are slightly smaller which makes storage easier.

Barryh · Apr 18, 2006

Hi GregOb,

Don’t be afraid to buy the 180. These are tough and powerful little machines for there size. I have the small rock bucket for my 180, which works great along with the after market, Markem Toothbar.

When you’re talking 200 pounds less lift, I feel the LMB is better for loading up light material such as mulch, dirt or leaves.

The small bucket on the 180 is great for digging in hard clay and snapping off roots. I have even loaded mine up to the hilt with large rocks, not a problem.

As you will find out going down a 15 to 20% grade can be a little touch and go when the bucket is over loaded, with rocks and such, just keep it low to the ground.

The PT pucker may show it's self, if you try to turn or pick up a to heavy load going down hill. There are better ways to do this, as Moss has suggested, backing up with a load is faster and easier.

As you stated you will be giving up the back hoe, which is my only real regret, along with the 200 pounds of lift, which I have not felt is an issue. My 180 has lifted large trees and surprised me more than once with its power.

If you feel you really need the extra power, and can spend more, the 422 or 425 are also great machines along with there added attachments.

With PT there may not be dealer support, but just throw a question out there, and you will find a great bunch of guys here willing to help you out, if a problem should arise.

For a small lot you will do fine with a 180. I think it pretty much does anything the 400 series will do, maybe just a little slower. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

I will be updating my Web Site very soon to include some of the projects my PT has done. Some of them are still in progress. We are all PT'ers here, what ever you decide to buy I hope to welcome you to the club soon. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

BillCroasmun · Apr 18, 2006

Using the larger LMB for the 180 I can scoop up the full 600# limit with heavy material. It's more about technique than traction. When I lift from a pile I tilt the bucket up while pushing into the pile and it fills nicely. I'm sure it would be even easier with a toothbar like Barry mentions.

If you (or a friend) can fabricate you can add a valve and build a mini-hoe like Beechwood did here.

Right now the mini-hoe is the only attachment that I really wish I had but money is the main constraint and still would be even if it was available from PT.

I really need to think about renting one vs building one myself. Renting would get the jobs I need to do done that much sooner and cheaper but building one would allow me to use it for many small projects over time. Decisions, decisions... /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Barryh · Apr 18, 2006

GregOb,

Just in case your interested, you can see the 180 with a ROPS attached at my Web Site.

Just click on my name and the link. As I stated I am getting ready to update it with more heavy duty projects, along with snap shots of the 180. Just keep clicking (next) for more.

I don't have the LMB as of yet, but it is on my list along with the post hole digger.

As Bill just stated, the little 180 will load, and pickup a full LMB of heavy material. I did not know that, but then again it does not surprise me. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

MossRoad · Apr 19, 2006

When I lift from a pile I tilt the bucket up while pushing into the pile and it fills nicely. 

That is called CROWDING the bucket and is a good technique. It allows you to fill the bucket using the weight of the material and gravity to your advantage.

Also, here is a neat website that I found about quarrying. Scroll down to Lesson 8 and choose Part 1. It is about loading and excavating. Have fun reading. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

BillCroasmun · Apr 19, 2006

Thanks MR! I just skimmed the site so far. Another good reference site to bookmark. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

TimOb · Apr 23, 2006

Bill,
Is that ROPS from PT?

Tim

Barryh · Apr 24, 2006

Hi Tim,

Yes the ROP's was from Power Trac. If I remember right, it was around 500.00 extra.

I wouldn't be without it, for down hill travel it gives extra peace of mind. A big plus when you need somethng to hang onto going off camber. Barry

TimOb · Apr 24, 2006

Barry,
Why won't the mini hoe work with the 180? Is the attachment size different?

KentT · Apr 24, 2006

The 422/425 machines use an additional hydraulic control for their QA setup, that PT calls an Auxiliary PTO. The control for it is a lever by the right knee, and gives you an additional hydrualic circuit that's used for the mini-hoe and grapple bucket.

The 180 uses a manual QA setup, from what I understand, so that it doesn't have this additional control and circuit.

I don't know if there's a difference in the pumps used on the 180 vs the 422/425, but it appears that there's sufficient hydraulic flow to add a control and additional circuit to the 180 -- which is what Barry has done. If he changed his pump, I don't think he's mentioned that...

Barryh · Apr 24, 2006

Hi Tim,

My PT is all stock. No Mini Hoe as of yet. Kent explained it pretty well. For a modified 180 Mini Hoe look at this thread (HERE) There are other PTer's on here like J.J. that are very knowledgeable and can help you understand the inner workings of PT hydraulics, if you are interested in adding a Mini Hoe later to the 180. I have not looked into it as of yet. Good luck.

Barryh · Apr 24, 2006

Sorry wrong one. I guess it was this one that shows the modified 180 Mini Hoe he built. (HERE) If you do a search I believe there is also one showing him in the process of building it. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

TimOb · Apr 24, 2006

Barry,
That would be Beechwood's mini hoe for his 180. He did a fantastic job on that. My time constraints won't permit me to build one like his. I'm thinking though, if the mount on the 180 is the same as the 422/425, a pt mini hoe would fit, them I would just have to add the hydraulics.

Tim