Slope Climbing Capabilities

[MossRoad]

I wish PT offered grapple forks. I find my forks are my most used implement when moving logs, larger rocks, chunks of concrete. A single finger grapple over the forks would be ideal for holding things in place. It would also be good for moving piles of brush.

 

[ernemats]

For moving logs and large rocks plus digging trenches, etc. I would recommend the mini hoe with a thumb, I find it very usefull for a lot of jobs.

 

[MossRoad]

PJ had a trencher for his 425. He used the heck out of it, not just for trenching but for loosening up hard soil before hauling it out with his bucket.

 

[TheYard]

PJ had a trencher for his 425. He used the heck out of it, not just for trenching but for loosening up hard soil before hauling it out with his bucket.

That's a great idea - not sure it if would work around here with this rocky soil (loam with significant boulders every few feet). What happens when trencher hits a rock?

 

[TheYard]

For moving logs and large rocks plus digging trenches, etc. I would recommend the mini hoe with a thumb, I find it very usefull for a lot of jobs.

That sounds like something I would be able to put to good use.

 

[MossRoad]

That's a great idea - not sure it if would work around here with this rocky soil (loam with significant boulders every few feet). What happens when trencher hits a rock?

I believe it can jam. People have mentioned putting it on the ground and driving backwards with it off to remove the rock. I don't have one myself. No need for one yet.

 

[MossRoad]

One of the beauties of the PT machines is their quick attach system. You can actually change a non-powered implement in less than 15 seconds without getting off the machine. A powered implement requires you to set the parking brake, get off, connect a couple hoses, then get back on. Adds another 30 seconds to the task. :laughing:

It's so easy to change implements that I actually look forward to doing it. It makes what would be a chore with a 3pt hitch implement into a pleasure. So something like trenching soil to loosen it, then switching to a bucket to haul it off, then switching back to the trencher over and over all afternoon would be a piece of cake.

 

[Carl_NH]

I have a small property (little over an acre), and I'm just looking for a machine that can basically substitute for muscle as I get older - lift, dig, carry etc. (e.g. wallstone, mulch, 2' deep trenches for wires, drainage, holes for shrubs in loam with lots of good sized rocks, turn the compost pile). I won't be needing it to mow - I'll get an inexpensive rider for that can handle the leaf volume that we have around here.

The property has slopes of up to 20%. I don't need to do a lot on those slopes, other than get up and down the slopes to the areas where most of the work will occur.

The PT machines themselves look really useful, but I did see a video the other day of a 425 with a brush mower seemingly struggling to get up a hill that's similar to what I'd be dealing with.

If I had a loader full of wall stone (or a trailer), would a 425 be able to pull it up a 20% slope? Or would I need something more powerful?

Any experiences you can share would be appreciated!

Respecting this is the PT forum you should consider getting a backhoe too. Also with your stated needs take a look at the Kubota BX-25 series with a Backhoe and Thumb for those rocks, building walls, digging trenches, and the occasional digging for plantings. Your usage is very similar to what I use my machine for here in NH where we grow new rocks every spring, and I use the BH to pick and hold logs for cutting and more.

Are you in Hopkinton Ma or NH or another Hopkinton?

 

[MossRoad]

PT miniho $1350. Add $150 for a thumb.

 

[MossRoad]

Respecting this is the PT forum ...

Hahaha. Come on in! Many of us have (GASP) traditional tractors, too. :laughing: