Comparison 422 VS 425

[Frank Sorbello]

Other than having more horsepower, larger wheel size, and a higher lift, is the 422 pretty much the same machine as the 425? The 425 is considered to be a commercial tractor according to Power Trac's web site and the 422 is more home owner. Would you have any reservations about purchasing the 422 vs the 425? Hoping to purchase a machine whether new or used in the Spring.

Thanks

Frank

 

[Phils]

I bought the 422. I don't believe the HP difference has been a problem. I can't use the ROPS because of my forest.

BUT...

The two-ram steering makes me wish I'd gotten the 425 and taken the ROPS off. I've only ripped out my single ram once so far but it could happen again, probably it'll pick the most inopportune time.

Phil

 

[Marks481]

Higher torque wheel motors.

PT425 comes with a ROPS (which cost me $500 to add to my PT-422). So the PT-425 is really "only" $2k more.

If I was doing it again, I would come up with the extra cash for the PT425. Dual steering cylinder design is far superior. 3 people on this forum have had their single ram mount on the PT-422 rip out. I dislike this design, since there is a "false floor", which hides the hydraulic attachment point. Grass and debris collect in there, which can contribute to rust which leads to failure.

Extra 8" of lift is a bigger deal then you might think... I have ran out of lift height a number of times, especially when dumping a bucket.

A few years ago, the PT425 had a Kohler 25HP, and the PT422 had the Robin 22HP. Conventional wisdom was that the Kohler was a better engine then the Robin. Or at least easier to start in cold weather. Current PT425 come with Robin 25.

Keep your eye on the used-PT page on the power-trac... sometimes they have some good deals on used PT-425.

If you buy a new one, try to sweet talk Terry into delivering it with the Robin 27 HP fuel injected engine. Same engine as the Robin 25, but with FI. Exact same dimensions, so it is a drop in replacement. If enough people pester him about it...

 

[BobRip]

The extra wheel motor torque is worth it. There have been many times when I could have used it.

 

[cqaigy2]

I would probably spring for the extra if i did it again, but I love my 422, oh and i sprung for the rops too. It's taken some good hits from stuff falling out of tree.

 

[MossRoad]

Look at it this way....
PT422 - $8500 = $386/HP
PT425 - $11,500 = $460/HP

Back in 2001 when I bought my PT425 the price per HP was almost equal between the two models and I got a free ROPS.

The only differrences between the two units back then was HP, engine manufacturer, included ROPS and canopy, and dual steering cylinders.

Today, the differences are HP, dual steering cylinders, ROPS and canopy, higher torque wheel motors and an 8" higher lift capacity.

Is that worth $3000 more? Let's say you deem the ROPS mandatory, so that brings the price difference down to $2500.

Wheel motor torque:
I can tell you that my 2001 PT425 has the same wheel motors as the current PT422 and there are times when I could use more torque going up and down the hills in the forrest on our rural property, or powering over logs on the forest floor. That would be a big plus.

Dual steering cylinders:
As mentioned, several folks have found single cylinder steering on the 422 to be a design flaw, as it has torn out. Plus you have the added false floor to deal with, not on the 425.

Higher lift capacity:
My 2001 PT425 has the same lift height as the current 422. There have been a few times I could have used it. 8" is a lot when you're talking about 4'4" VS 5'.

So, I would say, if you can afford it, spring for the extras in the 425.

 

[Frank Sorbello]

What is a "false floor" ?
Did the 422's ever have two cylinders for the steering?
Can you regulate the output on the hydraulics? For example, when using the stump grinder can you spin the blade as fast or as slow as you want it to go?

 

[cqaigy2]

False floor: On the 422 the steering cylinder is attached on the left side of the front tube, right were you would put your foot, so PT put a plate of steel elevated above the cylinder on both sides so your feet are at equal height. The down side is that dirt and trash can accumulate underneath and should be cleaned out from time to time.

I don't know about the stump grinder, im guessing it on or off.

 

[SpringHollow]

Engine RPMs will affect the speed of the stump grinder.

Ken

 

[J_J]

What is a "false floor" ?
Did the 422's ever have two cylinders for the steering?
Can you regulate the output on the hydraulics? For example, when using the stump grinder can you spin the blade as fast or as slow as you want it to go?

I believe all the newer machines are solenoid operated, instant on full flow.

My 1445 is an older machine, and had the lever valve for variable speed on the PTO.

However, there is no reason that you can not feed a valve like mine and then that valve will vary the PTO speed.

This is the valve.

Surplus Center - 1/2 NPT HYD FLOW CONTROL VALVE W/RELIEF RDRS150-16

Engine rpm will dictate the GPM to the PTO.

 

[Marks481]

What is a "false floor" ?

In the picture below, the black steel floor plates (with nonskid) are bolted by 4 bolts each with risers, creating a cavity about 4" deep in which the steering cylinder operates.

Did the 422's ever have two cylinders for the steering?

I believe that is 2003 or 2004, the redesigned the PT422, switch from Kohler to Robin, and eliminating one of the steering cylinders. I bought mine in 2005.

 

[coolconnection]

Tim_in_CT, you have to tell me what is your dash is used for. I see a warning light and a switch and a couple gages. What do these connect to. Looks like a good install.

 

[Marks481]

temperature sender on the hydraulic cooler, temp sensor on engine oil, red light/buzzer/switch connected to low engine oil pressure warning.

My installation, not a factory option.

 

[Frank Sorbello]

I have been doing my best to educate myself on the Power Trac 422 and 425 by reading many past and present posts on this forum. You guys have done a great job posting and gathering information on these tractors so that new bees like myself have a resource with a great bank of information to learn about them.

Here are some of things I have learned so far.
1 Overall, most PT owners seem to love these machines. I think it is evident because there are so very few used machines for sale.

2 I am a little concerned about the Subaru Robin engine. I wish there were more options for engines.

3 I haven't read about anyone rolling one of these machines. I have a Steiner 420 and have come very close to rolling it. I have a few friends with Steiners and they have rolled theirs at least once. Also, the PT seem to be more operator friendly than the Steiner.

4 For some one on a tight budget, you aren't giving up a great deal purchasing the 422 vs the 425. I know you get the ROPS with the 425 and a little more HP. It seems as though most of the 422 owners that have posted on this forum seem pretty happy with their tractor.

I guess if I can't find a good used pt-425, I will probably pursue purchasing a new 422 in the future.
Thanks for all of your advice. It is much appreciated.
Frank

 

[MossRoad]

I think a few have put their PT400 series tractors on their sides. The ROPS does its job.

The ROPS with canopy has kept many falling dead branches off of my head in our woods. It also makes a great hand hold for either hand when operating in rough or hilly terrain.

It keeps some snow and rain off of your head and chest, but your knees will still get wet.

It keeps my bald head from baking in the sun, too. :thumbsup:

It also makes a nice "BONG" sound when you hit your head on it climbing off or on the tractor.... you only do that once or twice before you remember.
:duh:

 

[BobRip]

I have rolled, actually put it on it's side, my PT 422 three times, I just don't like to talk about it. I bought the ROPS as an option, thank God. At this point I would gladly pay $2000 or $3000 extra for the extra wheel motor torque.

 

[MuncyBob]

The Robin engine has held up fine so far for me(650+ hrs). It is hard to start in really cold weather, I usually run a kerosene heater next to the PT for about an hour before starting on days below 25 degrees and she'll start up fine. I wish I had more torque, higher lift, etc. but I've always found a way around those limitations. I don't have the ROPS due to very low branched fruit trees that I need to run under so I am extra careful...have been on 3 wheels and a few times have felt like I might roll, but knock on wood(taps head) so far so good.

All that said, if I were to buy again I would probably go the 425.