I live just north of Vancouver, WA. If you want to take a spin on one please give drop me a note. Which machine are you considering?
PT is not going anywhere soon. They make a ton of money off of mining equipment and this is a strong secondary business to them.
PT is crap about advertising, and publicity. They have internet, although I don't think there is one person in the office who knows how to use it.
But, they do know how to use the phone (which you will NEVER get from any of the big companies). You will speak directly with a mechanic, engineer, or sales person.
You should read through this forum. PT is a blessing and a curse. You either need to know a good mechanic, or be comfortable turning a wrench as if you need any repairs you are pretty much on your own (PT Will get you parts, and will talk to your mechanic for hours but you have to ship back). The PT are very, very simple as tractors go. Most of the work can be done by you if you just trust yourself. They are very, very versatile. But that said, they do everything good but nothing brilliant. If you are looking for plowing, look elsewhere, but if you are looking for a good do everything tractor PT is quite amazing. PT's have a fit and finish issue when they first arrive. If you decide to buy new, a flight to Tazwell and testing your machine would be a good idea. PT tends to sometimes miss tightening hoses and stress testing pumps. Once you pass the first 40 hours they become extremely reliable.
I am so very, very glad I bought my PT. I treat it like crap and it keeps going. It is a simple machine, engine pump and motors. It is highly manueverable, highly uncomfortable (no suspension seat). We all modify ours and buy implements from 3rd parties.
I think for most small farms this is an ideal machine, much better than a Kubota or Deer due to flexibility and ease of maintenance. It moves quicker, does more and is a nice all around machine. But, as I said, it does not do everything great. Lift is a bit low and anemic, ground moving is not great, it has one speed and it is slow and bumpy. It is low to the ground....
But if you know all this and can live with it you will be a happy bunny.
Carl