How does your Pt handle box blades and scraper blades? I would think the pushing action would beat the puss out of the linkages. How about pond scoops or carrying round bales of hay which get into the 1/2 ton+ range? How high does the loader lift compared to a tractor? Does it handle a boom pole?
I think there are quite a few limitations to that PT which even the cheapest of traditional tractors can do. I do agree, for a specific purpose that is a useful machine, especially for mowing and bush hogging, but it seems to lack the overall usefulness of a traditional tractor. It almost looks like slightly modified skid steer, which have their uses but certainly aren't tractor-useful by any means.
I do think a 'tractorized' version of your PT would be the best of both worlds. A guy I know has a ride-on trencher which is not far from your PT, but higher up, with off-road wheels and a back hoe. If that was made to hold swappable attachments (both front and rear), I think that would truly be a winning combination.
Let's compare some tasks.
Plow a dirt field... tractor wins.
Plow snow... Power Trac wins.
Mow a field... tractor wins.
Mow a lawn... Power Trac wins.
Dig post holes... not even close. Power Trac wins.
FEL work... Power Trac wins.
Pallet fork work... Power Trac wins.
Brush hog a grassy field... tractor wins.
Brush hog a field with multiflora rose bushes as big as your pickup truck... Power Trac wins. (Remember, you can pick up the brush hog as high as the FEL can lift).
Brush hog fence rows, around trees, etc... Power Trac wins.
Pull stumps... tractor wins hands down.
That's just some tasks. As I mentioned, both machines have their place. Farmers may benefit more from a traditional tractor, but then again, most farmers have more than one tractor. One of each would be ideal.
Home and estate owners have different tasks than farmers. For instance, most home and estate owners rarely haul material off of their property. They bring it to their property. Things like mulch, landscape material, etc... The PT excels at FEL work, pallet fork work, mowing, snow clearing, etc...
They are also more stable on hills than a traditional tractor and they come with a steel canopy welded to the ROPS which saves your noggin in the woods. The frames are solid steel welded plate and there is no plastic. They are also made in America in Tazewell, VA.
Power Track makes several sizes of machines. Mine weighs about 1500 pounds and can lift about 800 pounds. The larger units, of course, weigh more and can lift more. If I had round bales to move, I'd have bought a larger Power Trac. I'm fairly certain that a Power Trac with a bale spike on the FEL arms could outwork a similarly sized conventional tractor with a bale spike on the FEL arms or 3pt hitch. In fact, if you go to the Power Trac forum here on TBN, you will find several members that have extensive experience with both traditional tractors and Power Tracs. They'll tell you exactly what tasks the PT shines at, and where a conventional tractor has the upper hand.
I don't have a box blade for my PT. I do scrape ball diamonds with my straight bladed bucket. I just put downpressure on the bucket until the front tires come off the ground and drive backwards. I then stop and scoop up my pile without having to turn around. That saves time. That also puts most of the weight of the tractor on the blade. You can't do that on a 3pt hitch rear blade. They don't have power down, only up. You have to rely on the weight of the implement, whereas the PT design you can push down on it bringing the entire weight of the tractor down on the implement.
I have a power angle snowplow on the FEL arms, too. Not only can I scrape down to the pavement, I can push snow and stack it 6' high. Can't do that with a rear blade on a similarly sized tractor.
They make a boom pole for the PT, too. I think they have about 40 different attachements.
I am in no way saying a tradtional tractor is lesser or better than a Power Trac. I just think you may not have the same tasks that I have to do. If you ever get a chance to operate one, jump on it and have a blast.
Check out their website at
www.power-trac.com. :thumbsup:
