Considering a PT-180

[Abitnutz]

I only have a few acres, all of it cleared, so there is not a real heavy duty chore. I need a new lawn tractor and am considering a PT-180. All I need right now would be a finish mower and a snow blade. I've looked at the Power Trac sight but there are few details about the 180. It doesn’t even say what 18 hp engine it uses….is it whatever Kohler/Brigs…whatever they happen to get cheapest? I see it doesn't weigh that much less than a 1425...so what's the real difference?
Can anyone give the stats on this machine?

Thanks,

 

[dturnmire]

It has a Robin engine made by Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. which also makes Subaru engines. It seems the main difference between it and the other models is the air cooled engine.

 

[tracdoc]

The PT-180 is the entry point in the PT line-up. Notwithstanding, it is certainly no slouch, but rather, a very capable, beefy compact utility tractor (CUT).

You mentioned that you were looking for a lawn tractor. The 180 will cut your lawn, and it will do a wonderful job. But as others on this Forum have observed time and again, if one is looking for a primary lawn maintenance unit, the PT maybe should not be your first choice. The value in the 180 is the line-up of ground engaging implements and a true FEL, unmatched by anything in its price range. IMHO, it is the spectrum of work capabilities that the 180 offers that should steer one to consider its purchase. There are a whole host of very well built LTs (lawn tractors) and GTs (garden tractors) which can mow beautifully and plow snow which I would consider if those were my primay or sole goals (and those units would presumably have local dealer support, which as you are probably aware, PT does not offer).

The 180 uses a quick attach system for its front-mounted implements. Unlike its bigger siblings, the quick attach on the 180 is manually operated, not hydraulic. Since all the implements are front-mounted in the PT series, they do not make for user convenience in some activities such as row crops, where you would likely be driving in reverse a good deal of the time. However, the PT shines in other arenas.

In summary, my $0.02 would suggest candid assesment of your current and forseeable future needs, and let that assessment prioritize your LT, GT or CUT selection.

 

[MossRoad]

As others have said, there are better lawn mowers than a PT. However, I really like the quality of the cut that my 60" finish mower gives with our PT425. It does a beautiful job. Never seen a PT180 cut grass, so I can't give you any advice there.

Now, combine the ability to mow the lawn with the built in loader lift arms and you have a winner. Your job of snow plowing is a perfect example. Piling snow with a plow that can raise up four feet is awsome. You can really pile the stuff up. A lawn tractor doesn't come close for that task.

Spend the extra $$ and get a bucket, too. You will never use a wheel barrow again. As to which bucket, that will be up to you, but at least get one. You will positively not regret it.

As for the differences in the machines, print out the spec sheets for all if the gas powered machines and really compare them. The PT425, for example, is bigger, lifts higher, has the hydraulic quick attach, supports power angle of powered implements such as snow plow and power broom, has heavier duty components, more powerful wheel motors, etc... all those bells and whistles add up in total price, but I find them worth it.

 

[Bob999]

Three significant features on the 425 that are not on the 418, beyond more power, higher lift and larger lift capacity, are an hydraulic cooler, ROPS, and power quick attach system. The added safety of a ROPS , along with the protection from the sun provided by the canopy make this a must have item for me. If you intend to use the tractor for extended periods of mowing or any other activity that uses the PTO then an hydraulic oil cooler becomes important. The power quick attach system includes a third hydraulic pump/circuit that is also used for attachments like the mini-hoe and power angle blade.

 

[Abitnutz]

I would love to have a PT-425 but I just can't justify the price. After all, it's twice as much as the PT-180. The suggestion to get a bucket instead of just a blade is a no brainer when you think about it. We plan to do a fair amount of lawn work, plant a bunch of trees and a bucket will really help. In all honesty, the PT-425 for the price, $9,600 should include a diesel or at the very least, a liquid cooled engine. Don't stone me for this but I think if you compare a PT-425 with any other tractor in the 10 grand price range, they all have diesel or LC engines. Maybe I'm comparing apples to oranges. I know Steiners cost a ton. Maybe the Power Trac is more in that class.
If I add up $4,800 for the tractor, $1,100 for the mower and $330 for the bucket....you bounce off $6,300. That's probably more than I can justify for how much I have to do but I really like the 4 wheel drive, articulated power steering, the front mounted mower and FEL.

 

[Dakar]

That is the beauty of having all those models to choose from: there should be a right one for everyone, and the right one for you just may be the 180. One other thing to consider though is hills. If your property is fairly flat, the 180 is probably a good way for you to go. Any steep slopes, and the 425 might become a better choice, due to ROPS, stronger wheel motors and engine.

I have to admit, I am with you on the diesel engine. If the 425 came with diesel instead of gas, it would be much easier to justify the price. Still, by the time I add up the PT425 and attachments, and compare it to any competitor with the same attachments, the price looks at least reasonable, if not necessarily a bargain. By the time I factor in the riding lawn mower I would still need if I got any other tractor, the PT looks pretty good. And of course, when I factor in the barn I would have to build for the tractor because it doesn't fit my garage....well, it became a no-brainer.

 

[MuncyBob]

I was leary of the 422 due to the hills that we have....but after learning how to properly use the treadles while the PTO is engaged I haven't had any problems.....the steeper grades do slow me down to a crawl..but I make it up them.

 

[davesisk]

Definitely get the bucket. You'll be amazed how useful a FEL actually is. I use my bucket to push snow in the winter...it puts a few scrapes on the driveway, but they disappear in a few weeks.

Don't sweat the lack of a 3rd hydraulic circuit either. If you ever really need it (like for the mini-hoe or some other attachment that requires a 3rd hydraulic circuit), you can always install a diverter valve...solenoid-operated is about $150, a manual diverter is about $60 or so (plus hoses, of course).

I think you're thinking the right way...the two most common tasks are always mow and load, right?

Happy tractoring!

Dave

 

[at_obuk]

I had a PT-184 that i bought in 1997. Got it with a 48" mowing deck, brush hog, bucket and plow. I live on 20+ acres in northeast PA. Came with a Briggs 18 HP engine.
I worked the livin' day lights outa that machine and it proformed well. I was very happy that I got it with the attachments mentioned above becaused I used them all every year.
I'm gonna miss it, traded for a Kobuta BX23. Needed a backhoe.

Eric