Hello

[American Bulldog]

Hot plugs do not add any significant heat to the engine. They just have a better spark. This will not shorten the life of the engine, but the plug's life will most likely be shortened, and the ignition system's life may be shortened as well. All modern motors have electronic ignitions, which tend to last forever anyway.

 

[MossRoad]

-- factory difficult to contact during hunting season.
......

-- PTs are acceptable with several annoyances I can learn to live with

Ha! Those are both very true statements from a PT owner. :thumbsup::laughing:

 

[Ken AZ]

Well, I just came across this post on TBN.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/62842-horsepower-loss-vs-elevation.html

It looks like I'll be losing about 4.5 HP because of my altitude, which will give me slightly less HP than the 422 model. The above link doesn't really address hydraulics so I don't know how the reduced HP will effect the GPM, pressure and overall performance of the hydraulic system - which is what the PT's are all about.

IIRC, the main difference between the 425 and the 422 is greater FEL lift, HP and length, ROPS and independent wheel motors. Seems like the independent wheel motors would put more demand on the hydraulics. I also don't know if they use the same hydraulic pumps.

Paying for a 425 and getting the performance of a 422 is not attractive. Does anyone here use a PT 425 close to my altitude - 5740'?

 

[American Bulldog]

Wow that sucks.... I imagine there are HP issues with all the engines at high altitudes. I guess you need to get the mini hoe and excavate yourself back down to sea level, lol.

I can't imagine that the independent wheel motors adds that much load to the hydraulics. The thing that adds all the load is the weight of the machine. PT lists the 425 at only 50 pounds more than the 422, but I don't believe it. Bigger motor, longer lift arms, and rops should add up to more than that.

My 1460 has a 62 HP diesel in it, but it is so heavy that it needs all of that power to go up hills.

 

[MossRoad]

Well, I just came across this post on TBN.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/62842-horsepower-loss-vs-elevation.html

It looks like I'll be losing about 4.5 HP because of my altitude, which will give me slightly less HP than the 422 model. The above link doesn't really address hydraulics so I don't know how the reduced HP will effect the GPM, pressure and overall performance of the hydraulic system - which is what the PT's are all about.

IIRC, the main difference between the 425 and the 422 is greater FEL lift, HP and length, ROPS and independent wheel motors. Seems like the independent wheel motors would put more demand on the hydraulics. I also don't know if they use the same hydraulic pumps.

Paying for a 425 and getting the performance of a 422 is not attractive. Does anyone here use a PT 425 close to my altitude - 5740'?

You cannot look at it like paying for a 425 and getting the performance of a 422 because any machine you purchase will perform with similar losses compared to sea level. You chose to live at a higher elevation, so you know the pros and cons. Did you have to get appliances/HVAC equipment rated for altitude? Is your car tuned for altitude? Also, I would look at other folks with machinery in your location and altitude. See how they have compensated. See if there really is a noticeable difference. See if people purchased larger engines, etc...

Call Power Trac. Tell them your situation. Ask if there are any folks that run Power Tracs at altitude. The Smokey Mountains only go up to 6000' out in VA. Heck, the airport in Tazewell, VA where Power Trac factory is located is at 3000'. Ask if there is a larger Robin engine that could be fitted to your needs to make up for the horse power difference at altitude. If they agree, you will, of course, have to pay for the modification.

 

[pajoube]

Well, I just came across this post on TBN.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-buying-pricing/62842-horsepower-loss-vs-elevation.html

It looks like I'll be losing about 4.5 HP because of my altitude, which will give me slightly less HP than the 422 model. The above link doesn't really address hydraulics so I don't know how the reduced HP will effect the GPM, pressure and overall performance of the hydraulic system - which is what the PT's are all about.

IIRC, the main difference between the 425 and the 422 is greater FEL lift, HP and length, ROPS and independent wheel motors. Seems like the independent wheel motors would put more demand on the hydraulics. I also don't know if they use the same hydraulic pumps.

Paying for a 425 and getting the performance of a 422 is not attractive. Does anyone here use a PT 425 close to my altitude - 5740'?

I am at 5000 ft and have a 425. No problems with power lose or even with starting issues at 20 below zero. I do have a tank heater that I leave plugged in during winter months.
PJ

 

[Marks481]

Ask if PT would install the Robin 28FI engine in place of the 25 hp, same footprint of engine, only a few hundred dollars cost.

If you catch them on a slow day...

If enough people ask, maybe they will start offerring it as a factory option.

 

[Ken AZ]

Ask if PT would install the Robin 28FI engine in place of the 25 hp, same footprint of engine, only a few hundred dollars cost.

If you catch them on a slow day...

If enough people ask, maybe they will start offerring it as a factory option.

Tim,

I called PT and talked to Chris about the engine upgrade. Bottom line - no way.

That's too bad. I think the 28FI would be better suited to higher elevations than the 25 carb version - easier starts, more HP and better fuel efficiency.

 

[Ken AZ]

I am at 5000 ft and have a 425. No problems with power lose or even with starting issues at 20 below zero. I do have a tank heater that I leave plugged in during winter months.
PJ

Pajoube,

What attachments do you have and how are you using them? I'm looking at using buckets/blades for moving gravel and maintaining about 300 yards of road and using the brush cutter on about 4 acres.

Have you ever tested your 425 to see just how much it will lift? If it would lift a and transport a bucket full of gravel for a couple hundred yards, that would be fine with me, but it would also be interesting to see how close you could get to the 800 lb stated limit. If I end up purchasing a PT 425, I know I'm going to run that test.

 

[MossRoad]

I am at 5000 ft and have a 425. No problems with power lose or even with starting issues at 20 below zero. I do have a tank heater that I leave plugged in during winter months.
PJ

PJ,
I forgot you were at a higher altitude. :dance1:

Sorry about that.