Yes Terry had covered all that from the beginning. I’ve learned he’s very thorough as well as having a great wealth of knowledge. And he wants to take care of his customers.
2manyrocks
Super Member
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2007
- Messages
- 8,228
Sounds like the PT 425 was used instead of a skid steer. One way of looking at this is your wife's late husband has already gotten the money's worth using the PT425? $2500 for a pump. $2000? for a new engine. Then what else?We didn’t have a long conversation about it, but I believe it was easy to hear in his voice he was a bit saddened to see the condition this poor girl has come to in 24 years—it’s first 14-15 years it was pushed to its limits moving timber from the nearby woods—mostly hillsides, pushing, dragging, lifting, etc. Built nearly all of two homes with the lumber the late husband brought out and milled. Even the heavy metal that supports the rear wheel motors have fatigued to the point the wheels splay out some.
The poor motor has been run ragged as well—I’ve had to do a lot of work on it too. Honestly I think it’s just plain wore out…
So for about 2500 we would be back in the game, at least where we were before the movement issue started. Chancing the wheel motors and other systems on how long they might play along. Probably before long I’d think a new motor would have to be done…$$$$ and who knows…so we’ve been tossing around the idea of a new compact tractor—so many to choose from but all are a pretty big chunk of change. Hard to fathom 18 to 24 grand for a homeowner that uses a tractor for occasional projects. I really wished several times that our 425 had a heavier lift capacity and better digging ability. (We have lots of shale in our land)
It appears whatever we choose, it’s going to be a big chunk of change to have a tractor. (Note: I do have a 1950 IH T6 gas crawler/dozer that can really dig! But tears up a lot of ground and the wife would then tear up my arse…)
IMO, the question is whether a new PT425 fits your needs better than the other options like a new tractor. The PT425 is kind of a niche product that has a narrow turning radius and is low to the ground. I don't know of any similar 25hp farm tractors that could turn like a PT425 or be as stable.
If you already have other PT425 implements, that could be a cost savings instead of buying new tractor implements.
ponytug
Super Member
PT is very careful. They know their tractors well, and they do clean, pig, and flush their lines.
PT, and Terry, are very close to what their customers get into and experience with their machines. This isn't Deere, or Yanmar or Kubota. How many folks have the ability to have the company head of service on speed dial, and have that person be informed, helpful, and trying to do the best for the customer? I've tried to buy parts from him on occasion and he has not only told me to buy it elsewhere, but walked back into the stock area to get the exact part number.Yes Terry had covered all that from the beginning. I’ve learned he’s very thorough as well as having a great wealth of knowledge. And he wants to take care of his customers.
I have faith that @Modrob and his tractor are in good hands.
All the best,
Peter
2manyrocks
Super Member
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2007
- Messages
- 8,228
I would listen carefully to Terry's recommendations. From my limited experience, he doesn't appear to make unnecessary recommendations.
You know what to expect with another PT425 based on your past experience with your PT425. I think they may be about the same machine then as today except for perhaps a wheel motor upgrade somewhere along the production history?
When the 20hp V twin kohler started giving me real trouble on my Terramite, I replaced it with a new Kohler engine after reading comments that rebuilds may not have that much life expectancy. Small air cooled gas engines seem to have a finite service life.
You know what to expect with another PT425 based on your past experience with your PT425. I think they may be about the same machine then as today except for perhaps a wheel motor upgrade somewhere along the production history?
When the 20hp V twin kohler started giving me real trouble on my Terramite, I replaced it with a new Kohler engine after reading comments that rebuilds may not have that much life expectancy. Small air cooled gas engines seem to have a finite service life.
MossRoad
Super Moderator
- Joined
- Aug 31, 2001
- Messages
- 57,349
- Location
- South Bend, Indiana (near)
- Tractor
- Power Trac PT425 2001 Model Year
I'm fairly certain the newer models have better/bigger wheel motors and slightly higher lift as the 2001 model.
Well… yesterday wife and I drove back down to Power Trac and picked up the “body” to bring home for its “memorial” service. No cremation or burial—will be on display for the visiting public to pay their respects. Instead of flowers donations can be made to the “fund for a new 425”…
But seriously, Terry and the gang are super folks. After he forklifted it onto our trailer, he showed me the destruction that occurred inside the pump…real ugly. On a brighter note, the sun started to come out about then, he took us to the showroom and showed us all the models and implements. Wow! What a place! I believe the wife was impressed so much she’s talking about getting a new unit. Actually I believe she’s convinced.
So, one door closes, but another will soon open. More to come in this adventure…LOL
yesterday wife and I drove back down to Power Trac and picked up the “body” to bring home for its “memorial” service. No cremation or burial—will be on display for the visiting public to pay their respects. Instead of flowers donations can be made to the “fund for a new 425”…But seriously, Terry and the gang are super folks. After he forklifted it onto our trailer, he showed me the destruction that occurred inside the pump…real ugly. On a brighter note, the sun started to come out about then, he took us to the showroom and showed us all the models and implements. Wow! What a place! I believe the wife was impressed so much she’s talking about getting a new unit. Actually I believe she’s convinced.
So, one door closes, but another will soon open. More to come in this adventure…LOL
ponytug
Super Member
Good luck!
I remember the show room as being an amazing sight. The 1845 on a 45 degree slope table firmly set my respect for anyone who drives one on those kinds of slopes. 30 degree slopes are adrenaline inducing enough for me.
All the best,
Peter
I remember the show room as being an amazing sight. The 1845 on a 45 degree slope table firmly set my respect for anyone who drives one on those kinds of slopes. 30 degree slopes are adrenaline inducing enough for me.
All the best,
Peter
MossRoad
Super Moderator
- Joined
- Aug 31, 2001
- Messages
- 57,349
- Location
- South Bend, Indiana (near)
- Tractor
- Power Trac PT425 2001 Model Year
I was only 3 hours from Tazewell the other day, but unfortunately I was on a layover in Charlotte.
Some day......
Some day......
Yes sir—it is an amazing sight! Lots of great stuff, and well built. Heavy.
And I believe it’s “official”…when wife gets back from work in Detroit next week, she’s sure now she wants a new one. This time with a grapple-bucket and a post hole digger.
I’ve been thinking again (oh no!)
Since the old 425 has been retired, I’m thinking of trying to use 2 of the wheel motors and adapting to my towable HF trencher/backhoe. It would be great to be able to move the backhoe around without having to hook up something to maneuver it around…
I’m sure I’d have to put a bigger pump on the backhoe (or maybe not, since the other functions won’t be in use while it’s moving? But I believe the current pump is 4.3 gal.—maybe not big enough? EDIT: new info says stick pump is 2.7 gal.) and probably another, or additional “spool”—(is that what it’s called?) to control the motors? I know very little about hydraulics but will be digging in to study up…
Of course that’s after getting the new 425 (wife is now convinced she wants a new one) What do you think?
) Since the old 425 has been retired, I’m thinking of trying to use 2 of the wheel motors and adapting to my towable HF trencher/backhoe. It would be great to be able to move the backhoe around without having to hook up something to maneuver it around…
I’m sure I’d have to put a bigger pump on the backhoe (or maybe not, since the other functions won’t be in use while it’s moving? But I believe the current pump is 4.3 gal.—maybe not big enough? EDIT: new info says stick pump is 2.7 gal.) and probably another, or additional “spool”—(is that what it’s called?) to control the motors? I know very little about hydraulics but will be digging in to study up…
Of course that’s after getting the new 425 (wife is now convinced she wants a new one
) What do you think?
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