Highridge
Gold Member
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2005
- Messages
- 331
- Location
- Southeast, MA
- Tractor
- Power-Trac 1430 and Craftsman DGT6000
Congrats! Post some pics when you get it /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
425 or 1430?
- Thread starter MountainJJ
- Start date
- Views: 5286
bbabineau
Silver Member
Mountainjj
There are at least three PT owners in CA from the listings posted on this forum. One you may want to look up is Phils who is located in Cherokee, CA. There is also one in San Jose but I cannot seem to find his name at the moment.
I think I may have to make a trip to Tazewell as I would like to see and drive both the 425 and 1430 before making my decision and I don't think there are any 1430's in CA.
Bob
Bob
There are at least three PT owners in CA from the listings posted on this forum. One you may want to look up is Phils who is located in Cherokee, CA. There is also one in San Jose but I cannot seem to find his name at the moment.
I think I may have to make a trip to Tazewell as I would like to see and drive both the 425 and 1430 before making my decision and I don't think there are any 1430's in CA.
Bob
Bob
pajoube
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2001
- Messages
- 2,225
- Location
- Montana (Near Bozeman)
- Tractor
- Former Owner PowerTrac 425 (September 2003)
Welcome to the family, thank you for posting.
I like your comment about engine types.
What state do you live in? Fruit trees, with that many you must have a commerical operation that keeps you busy.
PJ
I like your comment about engine types.
What state do you live in? Fruit trees, with that many you must have a commerical operation that keeps you busy.
PJ
Hello,
I too made a visit to Power Trac last week. As noted in my earlier post last week, my primary function will be mowing. However, snow removal, and bush hogging will also be done.
I must admit, I was VERY impressed with the PT EXCEPT for mowing. Maybe it's me, but I had a very low opinion of the mowing deck. I thought the cut was very poor as it really doesn't discharge the clippings and I was covered from head to tow with grass due to the rear discharge. I'm surprised that the deck has absolutely no baffling.
If they offered a decent side discharge mower, I would have bought the 1430 while I was there. IMO, the 425 is an AWESOME unit, but GROSSLY underpowered.
As a result, I've decided to buy a Ventrac 4200.
Just my 2 cents.
Joel
I too made a visit to Power Trac last week. As noted in my earlier post last week, my primary function will be mowing. However, snow removal, and bush hogging will also be done.
I must admit, I was VERY impressed with the PT EXCEPT for mowing. Maybe it's me, but I had a very low opinion of the mowing deck. I thought the cut was very poor as it really doesn't discharge the clippings and I was covered from head to tow with grass due to the rear discharge. I'm surprised that the deck has absolutely no baffling.
If they offered a decent side discharge mower, I would have bought the 1430 while I was there. IMO, the 425 is an AWESOME unit, but GROSSLY underpowered.
As a result, I've decided to buy a Ventrac 4200.
Just my 2 cents.
Joel
pequeajim
Platinum Member
Well, best of luck to you with the 4200. It is a nice tractor and will do really well in the mowing department. I would suggest getting the duals with it too as this will give you much more stability on the slopes.
If you find that you need to do some loader work, go out and rent one. Don't waste your time in buying the FEL for the 4200. For what you pay, you can rent a real loader many times over and will not get frustrated as you will with the lightweight VT version.
Best to you. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Jim!
If you find that you need to do some loader work, go out and rent one. Don't waste your time in buying the FEL for the 4200. For what you pay, you can rent a real loader many times over and will not get frustrated as you will with the lightweight VT version.
Best to you. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Jim!
OP
MountainJJ
New member
Thanks for this note on the under powered nature of the 425. Do you mean it feels weak in all activities or is it low on power only for mowing? I ask as I have no mowing to do in my forest setting.
Thanks,
Thanks,
MuncyBob
Platinum Member
I doubt I would have bought a PT just for mowing...for me it's a FEL that also mows. I am however lost on your head to toe clippings situation...50+ hours of mowing on my 422 and my clippings are laying in the lawn.
SnowRidge
Elite Member
<font color="blue"> " I am however lost on your head to toe clippings situation...50+ hours of mowing on my 422 and my clippings are laying in the lawn." </font>
Happens to me too. My wife won't let me in the house if don't go over myself with an air hose first. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
Of course, a rear discharge was a requirement here. A side discharge just covers our little trees with grass clippings. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Happens to me too. My wife won't let me in the house if don't go over myself with an air hose first. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
Of course, a rear discharge was a requirement here. A side discharge just covers our little trees with grass clippings. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
MossRoad
Super Moderator
- Joined
- Aug 31, 2001
- Messages
- 58,093
- Location
- South Bend, Indiana (near)
- Tractor
- Power Trac PT425 2001 Model Year
<font color="blue"> 50+ hours of mowing on my 422 and my clippings are laying in the lawn </font>
Mine, too. There are lots of clippings on the front of the tractor, but hardly anything on me. Except when it is bone dry like it is now. Then the dust kicks up pretty bad. But that happens with a side discharge, too. I've only mowed three times this year; that's how dry it is. Only thing growing is weeds. I need to hack them down this week.
Mine, too. There are lots of clippings on the front of the tractor, but hardly anything on me. Except when it is bone dry like it is now. Then the dust kicks up pretty bad. But that happens with a side discharge, too. I've only mowed three times this year; that's how dry it is. Only thing growing is weeds. I need to hack them down this week.
Thanks to all for the info provided. A couple of things to follow up on here.
I'm aware of the limitations of the VT for FEL work. Having said that, I think the VT will be adequate in this area for me, since it is not what I will be using the machine for the majority of the time. Another advantage to the VT in my situation, is that the local dealer has most of the VT attachments available for rent, so I don't have to buy those that will be used infrequently, such as the FEL.
As for the grass clippings covering me up. Granted, I was mowing grass at the Tazewell location that had grown very tall and was mowed a couple of days before I arrived on the lowest deck setting, thus creating one **** of a mess in the only area they have to demo. Yes, after mowing for just a few minutes, I was absolutely covered with clippings, dust etc. Scott, did indicate that I could attach a rubber deflector on the rear of the 425 deck like the one they use on the 1430 deck that would probably help quite a bit. He was unsure why they hadn't already done this for the 425.
Regarding the power. In this tall, but very dry, grass on a level field, the mowing really pulled the engine down significantly. Further, I've read on this forum, that many complain that the 425 is underpowered while climbing slight inclines with the PTO engaged, particuarly while mowing or bush hogging.
The 1430 has no power issues at all. Again, my concerns with it was the way that it mowed. Unfortunately, perhaps I'm misjudging it because of the condition of the field in which I was mowing. However, that is the only thing I have to judge it by. I also would prefer something a little more maneuverable than the 1430. Having said that, if the cut had been comparable to the VT, I would have bought it on the spot.
After giving this additional thought last night, I'm not ready to abandon the PT quite yet. I had a couple of additional thoughts. I could buy a 425 and if I'm really unhappy with the mowing, then I could still buy a ZTR for mowing and have no more invested than I'll have in the VT 4200 series as some have suggested I do. In order to go this route, I really need to be comfortable that the 425 is capable of doing a very good job bush hogging, particuarly tall thick wet grass on some inclines. Can anyone comment in this area.
Another option is to reconsider the 1430. I could live with the lack of maneurability (still maneuvers much better than a coventional CUT), but I need to be assured that it mows better than what I experienced. Perhaps, the field I was mowing is to blame.
Having said all of this, Scott at PT, also thinks the 425 is underpowered for mowing and brush hogging applications. As far as the mowing cut, Scott said the decks do fairly well if you mow frequently, limiting the amount of grass being cut to around an inch. If that is the case, then maybe I'm off base. As indicated in my original post, I do mow frequently, usually every 4 days unless the grass slows down during hot dry periods. However, even mowing this often, during the months of April, May and June, often I'm cutting more than an inch even while mowing every 4 days because we tend to be fairly wet and grass grows quite quickly here during those months. And yes (as you've probably guessed) I like a well manicured lawn. That's not to say that the entire 4-5 acres needs to look that way.
Are any of you within a couple of hundred miles of Staunton, VA? If so, I would love to come in see you in person, if you would allow.
Are any of you available to talk with via phone a bit further?
I like the PT and of course the price. Like all of you, I want to try and be sure I buy the best machine for my application. Like you, I don't want to under buy, nor over buy. Further, I take very good care of all of my equipment so I expect it to last for a very long time. I fully expect the unit that I buy to last for at least 20 years and hopefully 30.
If anyone wants to call me they are welcome to call my toll free office phone at 800-736-7229 ext 224.
Thanks fellows.
Joel
I'm aware of the limitations of the VT for FEL work. Having said that, I think the VT will be adequate in this area for me, since it is not what I will be using the machine for the majority of the time. Another advantage to the VT in my situation, is that the local dealer has most of the VT attachments available for rent, so I don't have to buy those that will be used infrequently, such as the FEL.
As for the grass clippings covering me up. Granted, I was mowing grass at the Tazewell location that had grown very tall and was mowed a couple of days before I arrived on the lowest deck setting, thus creating one **** of a mess in the only area they have to demo. Yes, after mowing for just a few minutes, I was absolutely covered with clippings, dust etc. Scott, did indicate that I could attach a rubber deflector on the rear of the 425 deck like the one they use on the 1430 deck that would probably help quite a bit. He was unsure why they hadn't already done this for the 425.
Regarding the power. In this tall, but very dry, grass on a level field, the mowing really pulled the engine down significantly. Further, I've read on this forum, that many complain that the 425 is underpowered while climbing slight inclines with the PTO engaged, particuarly while mowing or bush hogging.
The 1430 has no power issues at all. Again, my concerns with it was the way that it mowed. Unfortunately, perhaps I'm misjudging it because of the condition of the field in which I was mowing. However, that is the only thing I have to judge it by. I also would prefer something a little more maneuverable than the 1430. Having said that, if the cut had been comparable to the VT, I would have bought it on the spot.
After giving this additional thought last night, I'm not ready to abandon the PT quite yet. I had a couple of additional thoughts. I could buy a 425 and if I'm really unhappy with the mowing, then I could still buy a ZTR for mowing and have no more invested than I'll have in the VT 4200 series as some have suggested I do. In order to go this route, I really need to be comfortable that the 425 is capable of doing a very good job bush hogging, particuarly tall thick wet grass on some inclines. Can anyone comment in this area.
Another option is to reconsider the 1430. I could live with the lack of maneurability (still maneuvers much better than a coventional CUT), but I need to be assured that it mows better than what I experienced. Perhaps, the field I was mowing is to blame.
Having said all of this, Scott at PT, also thinks the 425 is underpowered for mowing and brush hogging applications. As far as the mowing cut, Scott said the decks do fairly well if you mow frequently, limiting the amount of grass being cut to around an inch. If that is the case, then maybe I'm off base. As indicated in my original post, I do mow frequently, usually every 4 days unless the grass slows down during hot dry periods. However, even mowing this often, during the months of April, May and June, often I'm cutting more than an inch even while mowing every 4 days because we tend to be fairly wet and grass grows quite quickly here during those months. And yes (as you've probably guessed) I like a well manicured lawn. That's not to say that the entire 4-5 acres needs to look that way.
Are any of you within a couple of hundred miles of Staunton, VA? If so, I would love to come in see you in person, if you would allow.
Are any of you available to talk with via phone a bit further?
I like the PT and of course the price. Like all of you, I want to try and be sure I buy the best machine for my application. Like you, I don't want to under buy, nor over buy. Further, I take very good care of all of my equipment so I expect it to last for a very long time. I fully expect the unit that I buy to last for at least 20 years and hopefully 30.
If anyone wants to call me they are welcome to call my toll free office phone at 800-736-7229 ext 224.
Thanks fellows.
Joel
