Considering a PT but concerned about support (A little Long)

MossRoad · Feb 13, 2003

Don't know how high the flatbed is, but it will load a regular pickup bed from the rear OK.

Don't know about narrow tires... it fits through my 4' gate and between the wheel wells of my full size pickup bed with turfs.

Probably depends on soil type for a ripper type attachment. I was able to push a plowshare through several inches of dry, hard soil. I should probably turn the blade around and see if it would be easier pulling.

I don't think it will lift anywhere near 1600#s. It seems around 700 to 800 is where it gets touchy.

That's all of the questions I can answer from your list. Maybe someone else has more info. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Tak · Feb 13, 2003

700-800# touchy? Does that mean tipping? I would imagine that the pts would be rated similar to skidsteers with a 2x factor of safety for tipping.

Any difference in wheel motors in the 422 vs the 425?

Tak · Feb 13, 2003

By the way, is there a setting that I could set so that I could be notified when posts are made to threads that I am following?

MossRoad · Feb 13, 2003

( 700-800# touchy? Does that mean tipping? )

Yes, it does mean tipping. Read the threads a little bit more in the Power Trac forum. There are many references to the PT pucker. The hydraulics are strong... very strong... so strong that you will probably pick up the rear of the unit before you exceed the relief valve setting. And the farther out you have the load, the longer the lever action it has. Also, the center of gravity can change as you turn, because it is hydraulically articulated. by turning, you move the center of gravity closer to the load. Keep reading, you'll find it.

I think the only differences in the 400 series are engines. Everything else is most likely the same.

MossRoad · Feb 13, 2003

( By the way, is there a setting that I could set so that I could be notified when posts are made to threads that I am following? )

Yes, scroll down to the bottom of the page. Towards the left under the list of moderators there is an option titled "Favorite Thread! (toggle). If you click this, it will add it to your list of favorite threads. Then, if you go into your "My Home" and scroll to the bottom, there is a Subscribe/Unsubscribe section. Choose the edit link to the right of that. When that comes up, read it and choose your options. You should be all set /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Tak · Feb 14, 2003

I did see the many posts regarding the PT pucker and the concept about moving the center of gravity when articulating makes complete sense.

What I was specifically wondering about was the factor of safety. Usually for skidsteers if the rated capacity is say 1000# then the actual tipping load is 2000#. i.e. you could actually pick up a load of 2000# but the machine would be on the verge of tipping over. This 2x factor of safety is pretty standard for skidsteers. I was wondering if PT has the same or similar factor of safety.

MossRoad · Feb 14, 2003

I don't think so.

Anonymous Poster · Feb 14, 2003

I think you bring up a good point...i.e., the question for PT would be what is the lifting capacity for a given model "in full articulation"...

For this discussion, the 400 series is sold as a "homeowner" grade machine(though performing quite well for commercial users) and I see where many "homeowner" offerings (from all manufacturers) are "oversold" on capability...

Anonymous Poster · Feb 14, 2003

skid steers really are different than the small PT
(even the bigger series except maybe the 2460) - a skid steer is very heavy which gives it the ability to lift so much - most weigh over 5000 lbs some
weigh over 8000lbs - with the 400 at 1300 lbs
you really can't compare the two - I am sure the PT, though
has a higher % hydraulic power to weight of the machine
- which is why (in addition to the articulation) it will
tip easier than a skid steer - (I doubt most skid steer will acutally lift 2/3 of the weight of the machine say 3500lbs)

On the other hand the PT is much better on turf with the lighter weight - and great on hills - that is what makes it such a great turf and utility tractor.

If you are going to use it primarily as a loader or fork lift type machine - Don't buy it - it is not designed for that as its PRIMARY use.