1400 Series on hilly terrain?

wasabi · Nov 8, 2005

A while back I posted about the possibility of getting a ZTR. I did try one out and was able to get a lot done, but I did not end up buying one.

The more I consider our needs, the more inclined I am to buy another PT. In talking with the factory, we're now narrowing in on a choice between a 1430 and a 1445. The tipping point will be attachment compatability with my PT2445. (box blade, tiller, trencher, auger, roto-tiller, blade, buckets, scrape blade and forks)

My question relates to slope mowing. I know Charlie is thrilled with his 1845, but that is more mower than we want to buy. PT says 30 degrees is no problem with the 1400 series. Can you guys with 1430 or 1445 relate experiences as to how has it performed as a mower?

Best,

Sabi

KentT · Nov 8, 2005

Couple of questions:

1. Will Tazewell approve the use of either dual wheels or reversed wheels on the 1430? If so, that would significantly improve the stability on sideslopes....

2. Will the Class 8 attachments fit a 1430? If so, the option to upgrade from a 425 to a 1430 also becomes enticing to me also....

Any way, I'm pretty sure that the 1430 will have more stability on sideslopes than a 2445 or a 1445, due to their higher center of gravity.

Charlie_Iliff · Nov 8, 2005

My question relates to slope mowing. I know Charlie is thrilled with his 1845, but that is more mower than we want to buy. PT says 30 degrees is no problem with the 1400 series. 

I do like my 1845, but despite its rating at 40 degrees with duals, I'm not going there. You'll find 30 degree hills scary enough to avoid, if given a choice, particularly if there are the usual hidden holes, low stumps, roots, etc.
I'd think for hill work the 1445 would be better because of the power. It's a good bit bigger, so you'll want to do some measurements and CG estimates to make sure it isn't tippier, however.(With either, I suspect you'll slide long before rolling, but a slide sideways can be followed by tripping, so you want it wide and low.)

wasabi · Nov 8, 2005

Don't know about putting dualies on a 1430 or 1445...nice concept but 1) I'd bet it would void warranty and 2) I'm not convinced it is worth the hassle. I've heard the basic machine is fairly stable on hills as is....which may suffice.

I am certainly inclined to go for the extra oomph of the 1445, but my wallet is biased toward the 1430. The final decision may actually rest on other factors....

A main reason I'm considering another PT is the possibility of sharing attachments. I'm informed that older models PT2445 used the same attachments as the current PT1430, but somewhere along the line that switched ...so there is a chance mine uses implements that match the PT1445. This weekend I'll locate the PT serial number so we can confirm which attachments match up.

I'm convinced the lower center of gravity and grab of four powered turf tires will at least make for safer mowing on hills. I have no illusions about eliminating slip-sliding altogether....I'm just trying to factor some some momentum management features into the equation. I suspect it would take a lot to tip one of those low-slung, wide footed PT Deutz Diesel beasts over....not that I want to find out /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif.

I sure do love the smell of diesel first thing in the morning /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

wasabi · Nov 8, 2005

Will the Class 8 attachments fit a 1430? 

I don't know the answer for certain, Kent, but I suspect not. My impression is the implements get beefier as you move up the ladder. I think there are also different quick-attach sizes.

Reversing the tires is a good thought....

J_J · Nov 8, 2005

The Quick-Attach plates are different for the different machines. The low end machines may use 1/4 steel, and the thickness gets larger as you go up in class. I believe they did this for this reason, so a larger machine would not hook up to a small class attachment, and exceed its limitations, or a small machine would not hook up correctly or loosely fit. A 425 trying to use the flail mower from a 1850 just wouldn't work out. A larger machine could not even hook up to a 425 attachment because of the physical size.

Just about all things can be adapted, but take care in your endeavors, and be safe.

RegL · Nov 8, 2005

( A while back I posted about the possibility of getting a ZTR. I did try one out and was able to get a lot done, but I did not end up buying one.

The more I consider our needs, the more inclined I am to buy another PT. In talking with the factory, we're now narrowing in on a choice between a 1430 and a 1445. The tipping point will be attachment compatability with my PT2445. (box blade, tiller, trencher, auger, roto-tiller, blade, buckets, scrape blade and

I have a 1430 and as much as I love this tractor, I have been disappointed with it's hill climbing ability. Just not enough HP. Just from looking at the specs, I think the 1845 would be right. Looks like it's close in size and weight to the 1430 but with 45 hp. I've even been eyeballing that new Deutz 2011f , 47hp. I think it's only about an inch longer than the 30hp. Trouble is, I think their something like 6 grand and you still would not have dual wheels, tilt seat or ( drum roll please ) BRAKES!
So, seeing you already have the 2445, I would not consider 14xx. If you really want a second PT, I would pick one of the side hill models. But if the main use is finish mowing you can buy one heck of a commercial mower for a lot less than the tractors you are looking at. I have a mowing business and you will never see a finish mower on my PT.

My question relates to slope mowing. I know Charlie is thrilled with his 1845, but that is more mower than we want to buy. PT says 30 degrees is no problem with the 1400 series. Can you guys with 1430 or 1445 relate experiences as to how has it performed as a mower?

Best,

Sabi )

toolz_not_toyz · Nov 9, 2005

( Just not enough HP. )

Can you add a turbo to these diesel engines?

wasabi · Nov 9, 2005

Thanks for the insights RegL. You've got me thinking about this differently.

Since the 2445 and 1445 are the same width (56 inches) with the same basic power configuration, a core issue is COG calculations. My sense has been that mowing on hills with the 2445 is less than optimum as it looks more top heavy and feels more so (sitting a couple feet higher than a 1430 or 1445)....but I wonder what COG reality is? With a gross weight of 4260 lbs, most of it in the engine and carriage with a fairly low COG, how much difference can my 190 lbs actually make.

The other important issue you raise is improved brakes. My experience and impression is that the PT doesn't freewheel. Is there evidence to the contrary? Under what conditions would a PT without disk brakes face potential trouble?

If I can get past the COG perceptions, and satisfy myself that I'm not at significantly more risk by sitting slightly higher, I may just buy a rough cut mower and see what I can do with our PT2445 whilst sitting askew. Thouhts?

Sabi

WeedPatch · Nov 9, 2005

I have had a 1430 for 18 trouble-filled months. I would never drive it on a 30 degree slope; it feels tippy on a 15 degree one. In fact, this tractor tipped over on perfectly level ground while my husband was snaking a log out of the woods. We are mystified as to why it happened; it just flipped as he was backing up while turning. Too much angle on the tow chain, maybe. My husband survived unscathed, but the engine, which was spilling oil and fuel all over itself, would not shut off! The ignition was inoperable. The engine just accelerated in RPMs until it was screaming at full throttle. Entirely too much excitement! I was certain that the thing was going to burst into flames (and since we've had so many problems with it, my immediate thought was "good riddance") but it finally quit. I was sure that the engine had been ruined, but we righted it, cleaned it up, replaced the oil and fuel, and it started right up. As for mowing, I have given up trying to mow my 15 acre pasture with the 1430. One malfunction after the other. I have to hire my neighbor to do the mowing.