Backhoe Anyone own a 2425 without the backhoe?

[Caddyshack]

Power Trac's Fall Sale is listed on their web site and it shows a 2425 tractor for $ 10,000. Anyone here use a 2425 for mowing and FEL work but don't own the backhoe?

I'm wanting a 425 but is the 2425's flexibility worth the extra cost? I didn't think so at $2,500 difference but $1,500 is tempting.

Not completely sure of all the differences - the 2425 is missing the ROPs and the engine compartment looks much tighter but you do pick up 2 extra feet of lift. The center of gravity seems higher as well but it looks like the 2425 has a step through design without the bulky center section of the 425. Any other differences I'm missing?

With all the success you guys have been having with the mini hoe, I'm not sure I will ever have need of the larger hoe.

Maybe its me but a sale is hard to pass up - maybe that is PT's purpose /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Any other reason beside the backhoe which would justify the additional costs of the 2425? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Thanks...

Caddyshack

 

[pajoube]

To me, the only reason to buy a 2425 is if you have need for the back hoe. If your needs are limited for back hoe and the mini hoe would do those projects then save the money. The extra lift would be nice but so far I have not had a need with my 425. With the hills and angles that I seem to find the higher center of gravity would be a hinderance. All in all, the extra money does not get you enough over the new 425.
PJ

 

[Edward_DiMaria]

Also, not sure but if you are looking to mow - the 2425 would not be the machine of choice - it is just taller, heavier and not really a mower - as the 425 is - just a thought - so really you have to look at your primary tasks - ie what you will do with the machine 80-90% of the time and for one or two times you need the extra lift height - you find another way - otherwise you may end up with a machine that solves the 4-5 times a year problem at the expense of a lesser machine for the 80-90% use - I don't know but just a thought.

Another thought - if anyone is interested in my backhoe - I will consider selling it - it will fit any machine - including the 2425 (just remove the custom plate and seat I bolted on) for use on the front mount machines - it is great for occasional use - and of couse it is a stock fit for the 2425.
I am looking at going to the larger backhoe 2445 - I am going to build a few houses on the side with my brother in law and I need a larger machine.

 

[Caddyshack]

Ed,

Mowing would be my primary function - but I've never seen anything in print which implies any of the PT units shouldn't be used as mowers.

Should some models not be used with certain attachments? Even if PT sells the attachment for the model?

I am starting to think the $1,500 difference would be better spent in more attachments. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Edward_DiMaria]

No I am not saying you can't mow with it - just that if mowing was the primary task - the 425, 1430 etc type machines are better vs the bucket loader type machines for mowing - the problem with these and many other machines is trying to find that happy medium in terms of use - if you want a machine that does more than one task vs a dedicated machine

- if you only wanted to mow and do nothing else - there are much better dedicated mowing machines vs the PT - but of course you can't move a pile of topsoil -

Anyway - if you are going to use it 90% for mowing - buy the best PT mower for your needs and compromise a little on the bucket loader / backhoe

IF you are going to use it 20-30% mowing and the rest bucket loading / backhoe - go with the bucket loader.

 

[yooperdave]

Can you put on dual wheels (like the ventrac) to minimize the tipping?

I am also looking at this sale. I have a nice mower, but could really use a loader and little backhoe for lots of projects.

Yooper Dave