KentT
Elite Member
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2005
- Messages
- 2,928
- Location
- Sevierville, TN
- Tractor
- 1993 Power Trac 1430 w/Kubota diesel engine
Since I've asked so many questions about it, I thought I'd follow-up after a week spent using the PT-425 and grapple bucket in the woods.
First -- let me say that it out-performed the Kubota B6000/FEL that I had before so badly that I can't adequately describe the difference. The thing really impressed me, and impressed the folks working with me even more, since they'd never see a PT before.
Second -- I don't have any pictures of the PT in use. I forgot my digital camera, and ended up buying a disposable just to get some pics of the clearing work -- and then it was impossible to take pictures with me operating it.
I spent two long days using only the PT, one day before and one day after bringing the heavy equipment on site. I had a Komatsu dozer for three days and a Samsung excavator for two days -- though there was only one operator so both pieces weren't running at the same time.
Initially, working with a couple other guys, I used the PT for one long day to clear enough of the downed brush from the logging work to give the larger equipment some working room. Then, once the "heavies" were gone, I used it for another long day, gathering up and moving smaller stuff onto the brush pile. While the heavy equipment was running, I used the PT to go into the woods and pull out brush from areas that I didn't want the heavy equipment tearing up.
At the risk of sounding like Fourteen, the grapple bucket is simply a great attachment for brush and logging work. I picked up a 16 foot long freshly cut yellow pine log that was 15" in diameter on the small end. I picked up 12 foot long logs that were even larger. This was on level ground, and the PT pucker would kick in when I was articulated. With fluid in the tires AND 40 lb wheel weights on the rear, I have yet to get the lift cylinders to bypass -- it lifts the rear of the PT instead.
The PT 425, with Amsoil 20w50 for hydraulic oil, handled the slopes much, much better than the Kubota did. Though I got it into places where I'd have to waggle it out with a heavy load in the bucket, I was never really in danger of getting it stuck. Nor did I ever get it in a position where I felt "tippy" -- but now that the "heavy lifting" is over, I am considering reversing the wheels just to see what difference it makes.
I was also pleased with the Amsoil -- even when very hot (afternoon temps were 85-90), I could still either spin or stall the motor. That said, I still would like to have more low-end torque on these hills.
All in all, I was very pleased. I may have "sold" another PT. One of the guys, having seen it in action is seriously looking for a larger, diesel one for himself... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Here's a link with some pics of the end results, in case you're interested:
Major Site Clearing Pics
First -- let me say that it out-performed the Kubota B6000/FEL that I had before so badly that I can't adequately describe the difference. The thing really impressed me, and impressed the folks working with me even more, since they'd never see a PT before.
Second -- I don't have any pictures of the PT in use. I forgot my digital camera, and ended up buying a disposable just to get some pics of the clearing work -- and then it was impossible to take pictures with me operating it.
I spent two long days using only the PT, one day before and one day after bringing the heavy equipment on site. I had a Komatsu dozer for three days and a Samsung excavator for two days -- though there was only one operator so both pieces weren't running at the same time.
Initially, working with a couple other guys, I used the PT for one long day to clear enough of the downed brush from the logging work to give the larger equipment some working room. Then, once the "heavies" were gone, I used it for another long day, gathering up and moving smaller stuff onto the brush pile. While the heavy equipment was running, I used the PT to go into the woods and pull out brush from areas that I didn't want the heavy equipment tearing up.
At the risk of sounding like Fourteen, the grapple bucket is simply a great attachment for brush and logging work. I picked up a 16 foot long freshly cut yellow pine log that was 15" in diameter on the small end. I picked up 12 foot long logs that were even larger. This was on level ground, and the PT pucker would kick in when I was articulated. With fluid in the tires AND 40 lb wheel weights on the rear, I have yet to get the lift cylinders to bypass -- it lifts the rear of the PT instead.
The PT 425, with Amsoil 20w50 for hydraulic oil, handled the slopes much, much better than the Kubota did. Though I got it into places where I'd have to waggle it out with a heavy load in the bucket, I was never really in danger of getting it stuck. Nor did I ever get it in a position where I felt "tippy" -- but now that the "heavy lifting" is over, I am considering reversing the wheels just to see what difference it makes.
I was also pleased with the Amsoil -- even when very hot (afternoon temps were 85-90), I could still either spin or stall the motor. That said, I still would like to have more low-end torque on these hills.
All in all, I was very pleased. I may have "sold" another PT. One of the guys, having seen it in action is seriously looking for a larger, diesel one for himself... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Here's a link with some pics of the end results, in case you're interested:
Major Site Clearing Pics
