Bad Power Trac Experience

[SnowRidge]

One of the reasons for two valve stems is that the 1845 and 1850 use dual wheels and the way they are mounted requires a valve stem on one side of the wheel for the inner tire and on the other side of the wheel for the outer tire.

Yes, but we are talking about the small machines which don't have dual wheels. Those inner valves stems are nothing but trouble. Most small PT buyers don't even know they are there, until one gets ripped out in the middle of a field.

It's poor design and the to heck with the customer attitude. If they can't buy suitable rims with holes on only one side, Power Trac could at least put metal stubbies in there and save their small machine customers endless frustration. At a minimum, they could mention it to their customers. They choose not to do any of that.

 

[J_J]

Why? The extra offset is only a few inches. Now dullies, that's another story, but going a bit wider by reversing rims (while paying attention to tread directionality) shouldn't radically change torque on the studs. I ask because I have the one wheel nearest to the grass discharge in that position for the added clearance. Might have to reverse that one back after I get a discharge block and extra height wheels on that puppy.

Thanks,
Chris

It is sort of logical, that if you think of the lever principle, the further out you go, more force is put on the bearings and frame of the motor. Keep lifting heavy loads with the wheels reversed, and it will get expensive. It looks cute, and may add more stability, but there is always a trade off. It probably voids any warranty on the wheel motors, and I am sure that PT monitors this forum .

 

[Barryh]

It is sort of logical, that if you think of the lever principle, the further out you go, more force is put on the bearings and frame of the motor. Keep lifting heavy loads with the wheels reversed, and it will get expensive. It looks cute, and may add more stability, but there is always a trade off. It probably voids any warranty on the wheel motors, and I am sure that PT monitors this forum .

I suspect they do also. If they do you would think they would make a few changes here and there. Seems to be a lot of minor reoccurring problems / design flaws that lead to larger problems if not nipped. Since I sold my 180 I have been comparing features and price on other tractors.

I have been comparing other (small tractors) brand new. Nothing even comes close to the versatility of a PT in the same price range. I've looked at every model of Kubota ,TYM, Cub Cadet etc, in the sub compact, or compact range with 4x4.

I still can't find even one under 12,500 which is the best price I've found unless, it´s a used machine. And that's just with a simple loader..... with the exception of one, the TYM. None will lift even to the 180 600 pound spec's. Even at that price nothing else comes with the tractor except a loader.

 

[SnowRidge]

I suspect they do also. If they do you would think they would make a few changes here and there. Seems to be a lot of minor reoccurring problems / design flaws that lead to larger problems if not nipped.

They don't seem to take this forum seriously. At least they didn't a few years back when I bought my machine. I mentioned TBN to them in sales and got something like, 'Them! Oh those guys on there are just crazy. They are obsessed with stuff.' I dropped the subject fast.

Since then, they have started advertising here, so maybe the attitude has changed a bit. Then again, maybe not.

 

[Barryh]

They don't seem to take this forum seriously. At least they didn't a few years back when I bought my machine. I mentioned TBN to them in sales and got something like, 'Them! Oh those guys on there are just crazy. They are obsessed with stuff.' I dropped the subject fast.

Since then, they have started advertising here, so maybe the attitude has changed a bit. Then again, maybe not.

Let's hope so, they could make a good product a great product... with a few changes in quality control and design. While thier at it, some good financing options would help greatly.

 

[BobRip]

They don't seem to take this forum seriously. At least they didn't a few years back when I bought my machine. I mentioned TBN to them in sales and got something like, 'Them! Oh those guys on there are just crazy. They are obsessed with stuff.' I dropped the subject fast.

Since then, they have started advertising here, so maybe the attitude has changed a bit. Then again, maybe not.

I have not seen the advertisement. Where did you see it. I resent being called obsessive. I am more extreme than that .

 

[SnowRidge]

I have not seen the advertisement. Where did you see it. I resent being called obsessive. I am more extreme than that .

It ran on TBN's home page. I don't remember when it was or how long or how often it ran.

 

[IslandTractor]

I have been comparing other (small tractors) brand new. Nothing even comes close to the versatility of a PT in the same price range. I've looked at every model of Kubota ,TYM, Cub Cadet etc, in the sub compact, or compact range with 4x4.

I still can't find even one under 12,500 which is the best price I've found unless, itｴs a used machine. And that's just with a simple loader..... with the exception of one, the TYM. None will lift even to the 180 600 pound spec's. Even at that price nothing else comes with the tractor except a loader.

There was a thread about this over the summer. There are in fact a number of small CUTs with diesel engines, greater lift capacity and 4 year real live warrantys as well as dealer support for the same money that you'd spend on a new PT425. Heck, the CUT loaders even come with a bucket as standard equipment! If you look back at the thread it was pretty clear that while PTs have some specific advantages in some settings, that economics is not one of them when compared to a CUT.

 

[MossRoad]

I promise not to pound this subject into the ground like I did in the other thread.

So, I will just mention a few key points in favor of the PT425 VS a CUT from my point of view from that other thread which can be viewed here....all 181 replies.

Most of those tractors weigh a TON more than the PT425, won't mow the lawn in twice the time, can't reach the mower deck under overhanging landscaping like weeping trees, can't mow an inside corner of a fenced in yard, won't plow snow well, won't fit in the back of a pickup truck with an attachment attached(or without an attachment, for that matter), take a long time and strong back to change 3pt implements and generally have almost all of the attachments on the wrong end of the tractor!

For most homeowner tasks, the PT425 is a better choice than a similar sized CUT. You have to compare weight, HP, versatility, etc... Yes, a Kioti CK20 will outpull a PT425 and it will lift higher than a PT425 with its loader. However, I will venture to say that a PT425 will move a 20 yard pile of landscaping material from your driveway, across your lawn and to the back of your house twice as fast as the CK20 with 1/8 the lawn damage.

For ground engaging things that require putting traction to the ground, like plowing a field or pulling a stump, a conventional tractor is a better choice. For other things, a lighter weight, more maneuverable machine that can change attachments in less time than it takes to put on a pair of pants is the better choice.

That was mostly said tongue in cheek, of course, but a lot of it is true, as is what was said by Island Tractor.

People need to get out of a "tractor" mentality and get into a "tool" mentality. Be sure to choose the tool that will best do the jobs that you need to do. You can take our words for it, but you definately need to get your rear end in the seat of both and test them to get a feel for what they both can and cannot do.

 

[Barryh]

There was a thread about this over the summer. There are in fact a number of small CUTs with diesel engines, greater lift capacity and 4 year real live warrantys as well as dealer support for the same money that you'd spend on a new PT425. Heck, the CUT loaders even come with a bucket as standard equipment! If you look back at the thread it was pretty clear that while PTs have some specific advantages in some settings, that economics is not one of them when compared to a CUT.

Tractor Island,

I'm in-between tractors right now and looking at both types with an open mind. I would like to see the thread you're talking about concerning price of a new Sub-Compact if there is one. I am looking for something small but powerful. I really like the TYM Sub-Compact. Not really interested in a regular Compact. So far the TYM is the only one I've seen that can out lift a PT- 422 / 425 in the small tractor category.

If there is another around for the price of a 425 brand new with loader? I would love to know what it is PM me on this if you would. And once again, we are basing everything on a PT- 425 as far as price and ability.

I'll say it again, no one can argue the 425 is a great machine but, it's not the only PT with punch. The 422 is in the 8,000 dollar category can also lift 800 lbs also has 40 attachments. While looking I'll be doing my comparison using that machine not the more expensive 425.