silverking said:
I have got some hours on these--->
Steiner - Videos
And it was a heck of a machine with dual wheels we mowed lake banks that were extremely steep.
LOL after watching that video....
Guess they've never seen a PT, Goldini, Antonio-Carrera, etc -- since they have "the most powerful 4WD articulating tractor" in the industry... talk about a lot of sales hype!
I've driven a Steiner -- got a chance to play with one with a "slip scoop" on it at a tractor show -- and it is a nice homeowner-type machine. I'd classify it as an articulating garden tractor, based on the size of its implements and their specs...
Yet, I sold a Kubota SCUT to buy a PT, for lots of reasons. In comparison, my PT seems "crude" in many ways, compared to the Steiner. The Steiner is much, much more refined, and more maneuverable due to its shorter wheelbase. In comparison, the PT is simple, unrefined, heavy plate steel. The only "plastic" on the machine, other than its seat, are the dash knobs... even the dashboard itself is steel plate.
But, my PT has over twice the FEL lift capacity -- and the FEL is standard, just choose your bucket (4-in-one, HD rock bucket, grapple bucket, light material bucket, etc.) For the Steiner, it is a $3000-plus option that adds over 750 lbs of weight to the machine.
The PT-425 has 40 attachments available, compared to the Steiner's 20. Most PT attachments seem to be about half the cost (or less) of the Steiner attachments, though they too, are not as polished and refined. You can also readily adapt non-powered 3-PT attachments to a PT -- I have a 5ft Howse landscape rake and a 4 ft King Kutter BB adapted for mine... You can also adapt and use mini-skidsteer (Toro Dingo, Kanga, etc.) hydraulic-powered attachments for the smaller PTs or regular skidsteer attachments for the larger ones. Note, though, that PT does not offer a high-flow hydraulic PTO like is optional on some skidsteers -- everything is "low flow."
PT doesn't offer a dealer support network, either. If that's a major sales point, then the PT is not a player. However, every part I've ever needed to order has arrived at my doorstep in less than 3 days (typically two) -- usually faster than my Kubota dealer could get parts for my Kubota if they didn't have them in stockm -- and that's to my door.
PTs aren't for everyone -- but for those willing to "think outside the box " they offer the most versatility for the $$$ of anything I've found...
