With all of this discussion, I included stated Power Trac's customer support needs some rethinking and I stand by what I said earlier in this thread. If Kubota or Deere ever does come out with a similar product, you can bet the price will also be twice as much. The PT has some problems here and there, but try finding a tractor this versatile and with these capabilities at such a great price. For thier size the 180 / 422 / 425 are powerful little machines.Z-Michigan said:
SnowRidge said:
If you're willing to pay somewhere around twice the price (maybe more)for dealer support, commercial/industrial quality, then here ya go:Z-Michigan said:
I think that you are drawing conclusions from a few anecdotes that you have read here. Sure, there are two or three unhappy owners, but by and large most people like the machines. They are built like a tank (no stamped sheet metal or plastic cowlings in sight), and use off-the-shelf parts that you can get replacements for at any hydraulic shop (or easily order on line). The mechanical aspects are simple, and any problems easily repaired (although learning to MIG or TIG weld might be a good idea in the long run, mostly because then you can manufacture implements yourself).horse7 said:
Not quite sure what you mean. I think the machines are simplicity incarnate, and are very easy to repair. The top of the engine compartment folds off, exposing essentially all of the engine and components. Undo two bolts, and the gas tank lifts off, allowing you easy access to all of the hydraulics. I think the machines WERE designed for ease of construction.... and repair!horse7 said:
I have been reading this thread and neglecting to add an input, first I would like to say to Chris that I understand his feelings about pt receiving a new piece of equipment and have a major break down is a bummer and having the makers of that piece of equipment not show more zeal to see that this break down resolved as soon as possible. My pt 425 is about 3 or 4 years and had one break down and that was the boom roll over and they repaired it and I was real pleased with their service in this instance. I have noticed someone had a brush hog frame to crack and they repaired it seemed like a real easy repair most of the problems that pt owners have had seem to be problems that they have been able to repair without too much expense and the repairs have been reported here and the fix is also described here which is a big help for future repairs that mine might need. There have been some fixes that I might not have done it that way but if it works for them that is good. The appearance of ease of repair for my pt is one of the reason that I bought mine. When the pt company told me if I had engine repairs for the first two or three years [I don't remember the warranty length right now] that I should take it to a Kohler dealer for repair that did set me back for a little bit but I knew that there was dealers near me that sold and repaired Kohler engines and hydraulic shops around that could repair any hydraulic problem that I might have.The engine doesn't look too difficult to pull, the wheel motors I believe have 4 bolts and two hoses to take off to remove them that don't seem too complicated for a do it yourselffer to trade out parts, the pumps and other motors don't seem too difficult to take off either [might get a big surprise if I ever have to do it myself] I hope I don't have to do any of these for a long time to come. I have saw Kohler command pro 25 hp engines for around 2,000 bucks, wheel motors between 3 or 4 hundred bucks each , the pumps ouch I don't know how much they would cost but pricey I guess. Now if you get one of the dealer supported machines the warranty will also die and you will have to repair them eventually also. The hydraulic pumps on them would pricey also , I don't think repairing the transmission on one of them would be something that I would want to do myself and having someone come out to location and do it would be pretty pricey I'll bet. Those big rear tires on some of the other tractors would be expensive also I'd bet. What I'm trying to say is no matter which one you get eventually you will have a break down and I believe In the long run the pt would be just as cheap to repair if not cheaper. I know that since I got my pt I have learned a lot and I would say that a lot of you have seen your skill level rise also. I don't regret for one minute getting my pt it has done every thing that I have asked of it. I know it has its limitations as it is a smaller machine, the 1430would do more but it would cost more also. For the same price I don't believe I could have got a tractor with as many attachments as I got with the pt and the ease of changing out implements is a real good selling point. If pt offered all of the support that other tractors do the price would be a lot higher also.I do feel for Chris and his predicament and I hope he can get it resolved without too much problems and that he to will learn to love his pt as I do and will post his resolution for this crisis so that we can all learn. I would think that robin would make good on their engine failure, I think robin had a problem with their engines in the pt several years ago [I think it was a coil or something] and they made it right.horse7 said:
