cmedwards
New member
Hi All,
I'm new to this forum... but I did own a PT422 some 20 years ago... so guess I can't claim that I'm a newbie to Power Trac. Sold that tractor probably 10-12 years , but now I'm needing something that can lift 2000 lb occasionally, and will handle other tasks like trenching and drilling. I've pretty well narrowed things down to either a wheel loader or a skid steer.. and of course budget is a limiting factor. Last week I happened to notice a PT 2445 listed on the PT website (yea, their website is down again...), and I've almost talked myself into purchasing it because of the price / with accessories (it's a 2001 vintage machine). But before I pulled the trigger thought I would ask any current owners their opinions on a few things that still concern me. I have just spoken with Terry.. and he's really suggesting that a 1445 or 1460 would be a better fit ( I don't really need the BH, but it will come in handy a few times I'm sure...present owner actually has had it off for the last several years). This tractor is really tempting mostly because of the price... but I keep telling myself to focus more on "can this machine do what I need", because no doubt there will be some repairs and it's a lot of work to arrange delivery, check out all, etc.
Anyway... my questions are:
1) Does anyone have experience with the hydraulic systems holding up under really hot (100 degree + F) desert conditions? (moving to high desert area outside Palm Springs, CA in a year or so..) It's not always that hot there.... and won't be doing mowing...but thought I'd ask since most PTs seem to be in moderate climates.
2) I need to operate on small slopes, but no more than 10 degrees. It "looks" a little ungainly (sitting on the engine after all), thoughts or concerns about that? Again, if was just purchasing a new one I would go for the 14 series... but the 2445 is what is available.
3) Lift capacity... mostly I'll be moving pallets under 1500 lb, but I do have one piece of machinery that weights 2200 lb. Can I lift that much (once...) about 3 feet into the back of tractor trailer? I'm thinking that with the backhoe extended a bit I could do it... if the hydraulics are strong enough?
4) What trencher would you guys buy for sandy soil (24-28" to the bottom of the trench)? I'm not afraid to modify one with a skid steer mount if needed, the PT one looks a bit crude.
I'll have a few projects that could make use of the back hoe, but not enough to really justify buying one.... if it wasn't already there. SO a skid steer might make more sense for me (not worried about tearing up the grass in the desert... ), but I will use the planter head a lot, along with forks / bucket, and it's tough to find a decent skid steer under 10K. What other considerations might I be missing?
Please talk me out of this... :dance1:
Thanks all,
-Craig
I'm new to this forum... but I did own a PT422 some 20 years ago... so guess I can't claim that I'm a newbie to Power Trac. Sold that tractor probably 10-12 years , but now I'm needing something that can lift 2000 lb occasionally, and will handle other tasks like trenching and drilling. I've pretty well narrowed things down to either a wheel loader or a skid steer.. and of course budget is a limiting factor. Last week I happened to notice a PT 2445 listed on the PT website (yea, their website is down again...), and I've almost talked myself into purchasing it because of the price / with accessories (it's a 2001 vintage machine). But before I pulled the trigger thought I would ask any current owners their opinions on a few things that still concern me. I have just spoken with Terry.. and he's really suggesting that a 1445 or 1460 would be a better fit ( I don't really need the BH, but it will come in handy a few times I'm sure...present owner actually has had it off for the last several years). This tractor is really tempting mostly because of the price... but I keep telling myself to focus more on "can this machine do what I need", because no doubt there will be some repairs and it's a lot of work to arrange delivery, check out all, etc.
Anyway... my questions are:
1) Does anyone have experience with the hydraulic systems holding up under really hot (100 degree + F) desert conditions? (moving to high desert area outside Palm Springs, CA in a year or so..) It's not always that hot there.... and won't be doing mowing...but thought I'd ask since most PTs seem to be in moderate climates.
2) I need to operate on small slopes, but no more than 10 degrees. It "looks" a little ungainly (sitting on the engine after all), thoughts or concerns about that? Again, if was just purchasing a new one I would go for the 14 series... but the 2445 is what is available.
3) Lift capacity... mostly I'll be moving pallets under 1500 lb, but I do have one piece of machinery that weights 2200 lb. Can I lift that much (once...) about 3 feet into the back of tractor trailer? I'm thinking that with the backhoe extended a bit I could do it... if the hydraulics are strong enough?
4) What trencher would you guys buy for sandy soil (24-28" to the bottom of the trench)? I'm not afraid to modify one with a skid steer mount if needed, the PT one looks a bit crude.
I'll have a few projects that could make use of the back hoe, but not enough to really justify buying one.... if it wasn't already there. SO a skid steer might make more sense for me (not worried about tearing up the grass in the desert... ), but I will use the planter head a lot, along with forks / bucket, and it's tough to find a decent skid steer under 10K. What other considerations might I be missing?
Please talk me out of this... :dance1:
Thanks all,
-Craig