422 vrs 425

2deeskip · Jul 29, 2006

I am a relatively new member, and this is my first post to this (Power Trac) forum. I've been shopping for several months now and have sked a few questions on some other brand sites, but I keep comming back to Power Trac.

With out getting too wordy, I'll just say I've got several acres (11) of more hilly (western Pa hilly) than flat, land I want to play on, so it will be a little of everything, mowing, digging, hogging, hauling etc. My question; is the 425 worth the $2,5K difference over the 422. Near as I can tell the specs are the same except for the 3 HP. I've been to Tazwell and driven both & still can't tell much difference.

I've enjoyed this site and the conversations between what appear to be old friends. The insight, opinion, & advise is great.

BillCroasmun · Jul 29, 2006

The advantages of the 425 include:
3 more HP (roughly 13.5% more HP)
ROPS included (I think it's about a $500 add-on to the 422)
8" more lift height
Double steering ram vs single in the 422
Stronger wheel motors (makes a big difference on hills according to other posts)
Commercial warranty (may not apply to you but it says something about the unit)

I think thats it... Good luck in your decision!

toy · Jul 30, 2006

2deeskip said:
I am a relatively new member, and this is my first post to this (Power Trac) forum. I've been shopping for several months now and have sked a few questions on some other brand sites, but I keep comming back to Power Trac.

With out getting too wordy, I'll just say I've got several acres (11) of more hilly (western Pa hilly) than flat, land I want to play on, so it will be a little of everything, mowing, digging, hogging, hauling etc. My question; is the 425 worth the $2,5K difference over the 422. Near as I can tell the specs are the same except for the 3 HP. I've been to Tazwell and driven both & still can't tell much difference.

I've enjoyed this site and the conversations between what appear to be old friends. The insight, opinion, & advise is great.

When I was going through the buying process I looked at both machines and evaluated between the differences between the two. My wife said that the rops was a must regardless which one I got so add that to the price of the 422 then I took into consideration the difference in the height that each would lift and that was a definite plus for the 425 then I considered the 3 extra horse power and the higher torque wheel motors and thought that was worth quite a bit of the extra 2500 then the real considerations began , at the time I got mine you had to take the manifold off the engine on the 422 just to change the battery, the oil filter and the hydrolic filter was up higher in the engine tub in the 425 which was a plus to me because it was easier to service that is on the model that I got. At the time I got mine the gas tank was metal built into the hood which I liked because it swung out of the way when you opened the hood if you had to work on it that also opened up the engine compartment to make it easier to work on. Another thing I wanted to get the most machine that I could afford at the time{ the attachments that fit one would fit the other so that didn't factor in but if I had went to the 1430 I beleive the attachments are some higher in price. At the time I bought mine both machines had two steering cylinders that is something else to consider. All that being said both sizes of machines would be a fine machine and I would have been pleased with either. I really like my 425 they are a good simple machine and American made and I would buy one again without any hesitation.

MuncyBob · Jul 30, 2006

I live in Central Pa. and it's hills here too(we have 9 acres of which 4 or so is maintained by the PT). Our 422 is just over 2 years old and approaching 200 hours(time for oil and filters change this week!). While I wish I had the extra $$ at the time of purchase for the 425 I have no regrets on the 422. ROPS was not a factor for me as I needed something with low clearance. To change the oil filter I do need to remove the heat shield and move the plastic gas tank out of the way(6 bolts total I think)...not hard just a bit time consuming. The battery also is not as easily accessible as I would like but again no major problem(have not needed to get down to it yet). I was concerned about the lift height as I have a small manure spreader that I load with the PT. To solve this I made a dirt/manure ramp to reach well over the sides of the spreader allowing me to fully tip the bucket into the spreader. The bucket will clear the tailgate of my F-250 allowing me to unload large rocks, etc. Hills have not been a major problem although sometimes I must run the mower downhill if the grade is too steep especially after the fluids have run hot. I have read that even with the 425 the unit will "bog down" a bit on steeper grades running the PTO. Going uphill in reverse also helps! I have not had a problem climbing any hills if not running the PTO. If you are ever in the Williamsport area feel free to look me up to try the 422. Another TBN member allowed me to test drive his PT and that's all it took for me to place the order...now I need more attachments!

BobRip · Jul 30, 2006

I have the 422, and while I love the machine, I would gladly pay an extra $2500 for the 50% extra wheel motor torque. In fact, in about 4 years, I plan to buy a 425 for just that reason. Since you have a lot of hills, to me it's a no brainer.

If you do get stuck with either machine, working the steering left and right while applying wheel power will get you out of most stuck situations.

MossRoad · Jul 30, 2006

I liked the size of the 400 series tractors. So I got the largest engine size available for that size tractor when I bought. Back then, the only differences between the 22 and 25 were the ROPS and the engine HP and a thousand bucks. Now, there are more significant differences and more significant dollars.

Also, I think the 425 is longer than the 422. Check the specs closely. I'd say, if you can afford it, go for the 425.

pajoube · Jul 30, 2006

Skip,

Welcome to the PT forum. Really glad you are taking a close look at the 400 series. As you have read, those that own the 400 series PT's are very happy with them. Please keep the questions coming and I hope we can answer so that you have the base needed to make your decision.
Those already have answered your question regarding the differences between the 422 and 425.
PJ

2deeskip · Jul 30, 2006

Thanks to all for the responses. The things that really jump out, that I didn't know about, are the wheel motor torque & the double steering cylinders. Those alone are probably worth it, especially with the hills. All those other issues like access for service etc are also factors.
I have an old Jacobson articulated, dump bed, mechinical 4 wheel drive machine that climbs the hills real well. I think the PT would do just as well & I could do work with it, not just drive around!
Thanks again for the input on this specific issue as well as all the other info you guys put out in this forum. I will post when & if I get hold of a PT. I'm half tempted to go to Florida and get that used trailer kit, but 600 hrs seems like a lot to start out with and I really don't need all those attachments, not to mention a 2K mile round trip $3.10 a gal.
What I want is a retirement toy & am considering is a 400 machine with mower, brush hog, 4-in-1 bucket, forks, & minihoe. I am comparing this with conventional 20-25 HP tractors with FEL/hoe.

Skip

MossRoad · Jul 30, 2006

As we are all big fans of articulated machinery, we'd love to see a picture or two of that Jacobson you mentioned...

2deeskip · Jul 31, 2006

I'll come up with some and post them after I figure out how to post pictures. I'm a motor head not a techie!
By the way I'm enjoying your running installments on the backhoe build, quite an undertaking & one that I had thought about doing some time ago, but then I came to realization of my talent limits.

Skip