They are more expensive, true, but return on investment might be better, imo. And yeah the operator in that first video is quite slow.. I don't think it shows the full potential. But also it is a flail, which is gonna be a lot slower (but rewards a much finer mulch and can take a punch from a rock no prob).
To be clear, I wasn't trying to say that this flail is "faster" than a PT-style deck and to only compare them in that way is kinda facile. Where's the PT flail mower video, by the way? But, what I want to point out is the far superior hydraulics and controls, the excellent balance and turning radius, the superior fit and finish. If you put the same PT brush cutter on the Avant you would rip just as fast if not faster with the more efficient and intuitive hydraulics controls. And yeah yeah it is more expensive, etc. But give credit where it's due!
There is a 420 machine from 2016, hardly used, on ebay right now for $30k and several 600 series models, several years old, going for around 35-40k. Stacked against the brand new prices of PT1430 or the slope mowers.. I dunno which I'd choose. Spec em out and compare. The implements might be pricey but you could alwasy adapt for other brands and I have to say that there are some pretty innovative ones by Avant that might be worth it for some specialized purposes. Hopefully the prices keep going down as more used machines pop up, which seem to be happening. I think these mini loaders are the future of this class machine, but they are only just beginning to catch in the US. Anyway. I am just involving y'all in my own inner monologue debate on the pros and cons of various machines. Who knows, I may still wind up with a PT flavored tractor. Right now I am leaning toward the Avants, for the reasons described above.
Also, I got hypnotized by this county fair show-off and that's some impressive bale handling to say the least--
