422 versus 425

Phil_VA · Jun 1, 2005

Hi All,

I've been looking at Compact Tractors for the last couple of months and came across Power-Trac through this forum. Everyone here sounds very happy with their machines and seeing what they can do is making me rethink my original plan of a regular CUT.

What are the primary differences between the 422 and 425? This is what I've been able to gather so far:

22HP versus 25HP
52" versus 60" lift
No ROPS versus ROPS (is a ROPS available for the 422?)

Other than that, they look very similar, including the 800lb lift capacity. Almost all of the attachments are the same between the two models.

This would be for homeowner use only so I wouldn't need a commercial warranty.

I'm sure Power-Trac doesn't just increase the price by $2,500 to get a couple of HP and a commercial warranty. What am I missing? Is there anyone on the board that regretted getting the 422 and thought they should have gone with the 425?

I'll post another message with some thoughts on projects I'd be doing with the PT, mostly loader/grading/digging work. I have a ZTR mower that I use for the grass I won't be replacing.

Thanks!
- Phil

stray · Jun 1, 2005

The last I looked at the factory the new 425 is now 8" longer than the new 422. The new 422 has only one stearing cylinder located on the left hand side. Where as the 425 has 2 one on eather side. I assume that the 425 Rops will still fit the 422. It cost $500 at the factory. Some one had a used ROP on PT's web site.

stray · Jun 1, 2005

I forgot to mention the 30% stronger wheel motors that the new 425 has. NICE!!!!

bbabineau · Jun 1, 2005

I too have been going through the same evaluation. Besides the items that you list, from what I can see there are the following differences:
1. Weight 1260 for 422 and 1387 for 425
2. Length 83 vs 90
3. Wheelbase 48 vs 56
4. PTO same 8GPM at 2500 PSI
5. ROPS optional on 422
6. Speed 8MPH vs 10 MPH
7. One inconsistency between the web site and PT brochure is the Hydraulic oil tank stated at 5 gallons in the brochure and 10 gallons on the web for the 422 while the 425 is at 10 gallons on the web and the brochure.

I don't know if the difference is in the wheel motors or some other aspect of the machine but I as you think there has to be something that is attributed to the $2500 difference.

Perhaps those who recently purchased can give us feed back to help us make the final decision.

Bob

bbabineau · Jun 1, 2005

Stray snuck his reply in while I was typing and has answered some of my questions - the 30% more powerful wheel motors and the second steering cylinder certainly make up some of the difference. Thanks

bob

MuncyBob · Jun 1, 2005

What advantage is there in having 2 steering cylinders??

MossRoad · Jun 1, 2005

Welcome to TBN! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Phil_VA · Jun 1, 2005

Thanks for the welcome.

Anyone close to Leesburg, Virginia with a 422 or 425? I'm pretty close to the MD and WV borders so it could be closer looking outside VA.

-Phil

J_J · Jun 1, 2005

One of the cylinders is pushing. and one is pulling. Less effort is required. A larger single cylinder is required to do the same work.

pairodime · Jun 1, 2005

Hi Phil. Previous discussions on the differences were here and also here

There have been no design changes to either model since these postings

Good luck!

BobRip · Jun 1, 2005

I have an early 422 (year 2000). I love the machine, but my biggest complaint is wheel motor torque. I have gotten stuck in places where the extra torque would have pulled me out. I have actually considered upgrading the wheel motors. In about 5 years I will probably buy a 425 for this reason. I have a ROPS on my machine and highly recommend it for safety and sun reasons.
If your property is flat and even the extra torque is not as needed, but it still helps when pushing dirt. My property has many ruts and a swamp.

I live near Richmond Va. (actaully Powhatan county). You are welcome to try out my machine and attachments if you like.

Bob Rip

BobRip · Jun 1, 2005

I heard a number of 50% more powerful wheel motors instead of 30%. Does anyone really know.

Bob Rip

Phil_VA · Jun 2, 2005

pairodime - Thanks for the links. I had looked back about a year and hadn't seen anything. Looks like I should have gone a couple of weeks further!

BobRip - Thanks for the response and the offer. I suppose if I was going as far as Richmond I would probably make a trip to the factory, but much appreciated.

- Phil

FOURTEEN · Jun 2, 2005

( Is there anyone on the board that regretted getting the 422 and thought they should have gone with the 425!)

 I got the PT-425 and have never regretted spending the extra $2000. (The $500 for the ROPS in mandatory!)!! Most things about the PT-425 I consider minimal, and anything less would be marginal or inadaquate!

It is like "Should I get a Honda or an Acura?"! The Honda will do the job, but the similar Acura is just plain better in most respects!

A tractor is most likely a long term investment. Over time the extra money isn't much. You will be using your PT for nearly every job that you do outside, and when you mount your PT, you want to be able to say to yourself "

Boy, this is great!", rather than "

Gee, maybe I should have gotten ........!!".

Get the best you can afford!
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

MossRoad · Jun 2, 2005

The reason we went with a PT425 over a PT422 back in 2001 was simple... I like to get the largest powerplant available. Back in 2001, there weren't as many differences. They were identical except for the engine and ROPS. Today, they are quite different, with the steering rams, length, lift height, wheel motors, engine and ROPS. If faced with the choice today, I would still go with the PT425 for our needs.

FOURTEEN · Jun 2, 2005

( The reason we went with a PT425 over a PT422 back in 2001 was simple... I like to get the largest powerplant available. I would still go with the PT425 for our needs. )

 Me too!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Also, the nice Kohler engine /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif rather than the ....... Oops, /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif sorry, /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif that's no longer a valid reason!! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

BobRip · Jun 2, 2005

In my opinion two cylinders will put less stress on the structure than one. The unsymetrical forces with one cylinder will put more forces on the joints between the machine halves. Rather than the machine just pivoting on the joint (with on cylinder pulling and the other pushing), the joint will take the force of steering. I fail to see how this could be a good thing. My engineering experience says that making things symmetrical eliminates a lot of problems. The one steering cylinder is something new for PT and I am not sure they have enough experience with doing this. People have broken one of the joints (very rarely) and this will not help. If your land is flat and you are not one to force a machine, it's probably going to be fine. I am an electron pusher by trade, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.

Bob Rip

Marks481 · Jun 2, 2005

SOmeone who bought a 422 recently said that his had two cylinders.

Has someone who has bought a 422 or has been to Tazewell recently provided a reliable report that there is only one steering cylinder?

I wish that Power Trac provided a better description on their website of the features of their tractors (including some high res pictures... I learned more about their tractors ging to Mossroad's site). Doubly so since you can't just walk into a local dealership to look at one.

BobRip · Jun 2, 2005

I thought only the 418 had one steering cylinder. My old 422 has two steering cylinders.

Get the 425, it's the sweet spot of Power Trac machines. One of the sales guys at PT told me that when the 422 were sold to professionals, after about two years they would come back and complain about wheel motor torque. The same complaint that I have. I expect this is one of the reasons that they recently upgraded the wheel motors.

Bob Rip

FOURTEEN · Jun 2, 2005

( Get the 425, it's the sweet spot of Power Trac machines.

 For sure!! Best compromise of power, weight, capacity, size, ability, and price for most people doing most jobs!! 

One of the sales guys at PT told me that when the 422 were sold to professionals, after about two years they would come back and complain about wheel motor torque. The same complaint that I have. I expect this is one of the reasons that they recently upgraded the wheel motors.

 Even the 425 comes no where near having too much wheel power. It is adequate for most jobs, but I haven't been able to spin a tire on any surface, and when it faces an obstruction, or too much resistance, it just stops!! Never have to worry about chewing up the lawn or driveway!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Like I said, it is no bulldozer!! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Bob Rip )