CUT Interloper

DAP · Apr 15, 2004

Ok ... Ok ... I come here and peruse the posts here too. I've always been able to find the sugar in the unorthodox.

I know some of the arguments you PT articulated types make for your PTs.

I've been reading about the PT1430 only because I'm making (perhaps foolishly) a comparison between that and a 30hp 4wd diesel cut, say a TC30 or a B7800.

Assuming I'm making the proper comparison ...

it LOOKS like the PT will have less traction due to surface area with the smaller footprint ...

it LOOKS like the PT will come out on the short end of the stick regarding ground clearances ....

it LOOKS like the PT has a much lower CG (always a plus)

it SEEMS like the PT has a less extensive warranty program ...

it SEEMS like data on longevity and durability is want ...

it LOOKS like they'd be enjoyable to operate and easier to work on

it SEEMS that you have little choice but to maintain them yourself unless you live near the VA shop ...

it LOOKS like that box blade attachment on their pages is ummm prissyfied ...

it SEEMS like finding the USED PT you'd like would be very difficult ...

and ...

if I knew the PT could handle my baddly rutted clay deposited pot hole ridge laden strip of off-roading trail known as the easement to my home, I'd prolly work on ownin one... maybe...kinda...perhaps.

Let me have it guys. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Charlie_Iliff · Apr 15, 2004

if I knew the PT could handle my baddly rutted clay deposited pot hole ridge laden strip of off-roading trail known as the easement to my home, I'd prolly work on ownin one... maybe...kinda...perhaps.

From what I understand, box blades, PT included, take some skill. Maybe that's why I don't have one. Power Trac buckets with teeth, however, do pretty well digging & smoothing, as does the 4 n 1. Again, some skill needed.
Bubenberg and I went down a couple of weeks ago with the intention of seeing their heavy duty power rake work. We didn't see because of a small malfunction in a demo to another customer. Terry tells us, however, that the power rake is the answer to level and smooth roads. I recommend you call him and ask about it. (Terry Estep - 800-843-9273)
Anyone who has one, please chime in.

Bob_Skurka · Apr 15, 2004

Doug

ACTUAL WORKING ground clearance is a mystery, but the fact that the PT units osillate and articulate you get a lot more USEFUL ground clearance than you can measure normally.

I agree about the front mounted box blade!

PS. . . I don't own a PT but I've got to admit they are nifty machines.

DAP · Apr 15, 2004

Bob, go ahead and get one. You've got everything else but...

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bob_Skurka · Apr 15, 2004

If my wife would let me build a barn then I probably would have to get a PT to help with the building. I figure the Kubota bucket would have stone, the NH would be doing some grading, and the PT could be moving dirt. I'd never have to change implements, I'd just change tractors!!!

toolz_not_toyz · Apr 15, 2004

( If my wife would let me build a barn then I probably would have to get a PT to help with the building. )

Heh. This is the logic I'm working on to eventually convince my wife that a PT could help me build that big deck on my own and save us twice what the PT would cost. Or something like that. I figure the PT with forks could help me lift those heavy beams over my head. Got plenty of time to work on this strategy. Doubt I'll get around to a deck this year.

Besides, I'm currently working on the "why I need a pickup truck" strategy. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Charlie_Iliff · Apr 15, 2004

I figure the PT with forks could help me lift those heavy beams over my head. 

But first the post auger will drill holes for the support posts and the cement mixer will fill around the posts.
And after the deck is built, the forks will lift the pallets of decorative stone to build the outdoor barbecue and ..... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

MossRoad · Apr 15, 2004

Let me have it guys. 

In answer to your questions... yep! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

You have to drive one and work with it a fe minutes. You will quickly learn to enjoy it. Amazing machines that are super productive. After two+ years of ownership, I still get that silly grin every time I hop on it and change an implement. I keep them all stacked in the garage and it only take me about two minutes to pull out both buckets, forks, mower, brush hog and snow plow. Pop on the proper tool for the task and off I go. Mow the yard, come back, drop the mower, pick up a bucket, haul some mulch. Drop the bucket, pick up the forks, move some wood. Re-stack everything in the garage and park it. If at all possible, if you ever get a chance to operate one, do it. Just for the fun. It is a weird feeling to have the tractor bend behind you. It is kind of like driving a catipillar(the insect). You just aim the implement and the tractor follows. It is very easy to back trailers attached to the rear hitch, too.

Have I mentioned that I really like this machine? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

smartguyz · Apr 15, 2004

This is a little fun.

( it LOOKS like the PT will have less traction due to surface area with the smaller footprint ... )

That's not my experience. I have driven the 7800, as my neighbor bought one last year, and I have spent an entire afternoon on it, using the brush hog, pulling logs, etc. I think I have a lot of respect for it.

Having said that, the PT-425 (which I own) is a MUCH smaller tractor. I would not say, however, that it is lacking at ALL in traction. For one thing, the PT is a lot lighter, and it has the same sized tires at each corner. Both my neighbor and I have lots on the side of a mountain - In my opinion, the articulation and oscillation and the 4 big tires make the PT much more stable, and give it a lot more traction, since the tires pretty much stay on the ground regardless of terrain.

( it LOOKS like the PT will come out on the short end of the stick regarding ground clearances ....)

That's not my experience. What kind of ground clearance is needed, and why? I needed to make sure that I could traverse rough terrain on my property without tipping over, or losing control of a load. In my direct experience, the PT does this better than the 7800. The 7800, while an outstanding tractor, is really built much more for row-crop kind of tasks, where you don't need to change implements very often - just occasionally as the season changes. The PT is designed to give much more stability and grip on uneven surfaces and is outstandingly versatile.

Are you trying to go over logs or something? Why do you need a lot of ground clearance? I find that ascending a steep slope with the 7800 has a LOT more drama associated with it than the PT. Really - the lack of oscillation makes the whole tractor tip when you are trying to crawl over something in the 7800. The PT just 'lifts' one wheel and goes over it. That said, I don't think either machine is much good for going over a log-covered ground. I certainly wouldn't advise it. What do you need to do?

( it LOOKS like the PT has a much lower CG (always a plus))

I agree here.

( it SEEMS like the PT has a less extensive warranty program ...)

I agree. The Kubota warrantee is better.

( it SEEMS like data on longevity and durability is want ... )

Frankly, I don't see much data on either side. There have been no quantitative studies on longevity and durability for any of the tractors you listed to my knowledge.

( it LOOKS like they'd be enjoyable to operate and easier to work on)

Certainly easy to work on. They are a KICK to operate - I always enjoy mine.

( it SEEMS that you have little choice but to maintain them yourself unless you live near the VA shop ... )

Very true.

( it LOOKS like that box blade attachment on their pages is ummm prissyfied ... )

I have no idea what you mean by this.

( if I knew the PT could handle my baddly rutted clay deposited pot hole ridge laden strip of off-roading trail known as the easement to my home, I'd prolly work on ownin one... maybe...kinda...perhaps.)

I think that MossRoad has stated this very often, and I agree with him. The PT is not for everyone. However, the "baddly rutted clay deposited pot hole ridge laden strip of off-roading trail known as the easement to my home" might be ideal terrain for a PT. I know that for my property, which is on the side of a mountain, and has several pucker-producing slopes on it, the PT is by-far the best choice for keeping things in order.

Have fun deciding what to get.

Sincerely,

Rob /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

pajoube · Apr 15, 2004

Charlie,
Your correct about the bucket doing a good job of leveling. Prior to my purchase of the box blade all my leveling was done by the bucket tipped and going backwards. Did an excellent job for general leveling of lose soil. Since the arrival of the box blade and a few hours on it I can safely say it is the way to go.
PJ