Goodbye Kubota, Hello Power Trac

[caddison]

Mark,

If your interested in the tax deductible donation side /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif our fairboard is a 501C3 not for profit orginazation that would be glad to write you a tax deductible receipt for $100,000.00 /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif. Heck we'll even come pick it up!

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

Mark:
Over the weekend, I posted a note to Glenn's old "designed all wrong" thread about my visit Friday to Power Trac. My focus was on the 1430, and I came away as impressed as you have been. I am interested primarily in mowing, and would love to have the 1850 with the widest mower, but it will be a stretch to get the 1430 in the relatively near future. I plan to get the grapple bucket, 72" deck, tiller and posthole auger, if I can swing it. I have minimal need for a backhoe, and do enough slope mowing that the low cg of the turf machines is a requirement. I hope, however, to cobble up a junior varsity digger from a Cadplans and Metco kit, that will be carried around on the adapter plate, and powered by the Power Trac hydraulics.
Since I have no desire to do anything with a rear 3-point hitch, I don't have your interest in correcting the design and mounting one. I did, however, perceive what to me is a major problem with the Deutz diesel. Although it started and ran perfectly, and had ample power for my tests, it was so loud that it destroyed any chance of a conversation with the young man who was demonstrating it for me. It certainly would require ear muffs as a minimum if you spend any time at all on it.
I didn't test the 2400 machines. Did you notice the same with them? If I get the 1430, I will immediately cut and paste another muffler in series, which will no doubt be ugly, and with my luck interfere with something and have to be revised. It will reduce power slightly, but I hope increase comfort immeasurably. Although anything air cooled is necessarily louder than liquid cooled, my impression was that the noise is almost entirely exhaust borne, and the muffler simply inadequate.
Any progress in sale of your Kubota?

Charlie Iliff

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Is your machine too loud? Any complaints? I am looking at a 1422, I would like a diesel, but not for that much money. Bryce

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I am also looking at a power-trac. A 1422 is more in my price range right now. I need a loader and a three pt hitch. What was your idea on it? I always follow your threads on add ons. I also live in No. VA., near Marshall, which is off I-66. I hope you can give me some info! Bryce

 

[PTRich]

I use my tractor with ear protection when mowing, it is louder than a diesel (the motor is right behind you)
So far I love the tractor. My only complaint is more of a learning curve when you use an implement. When you turn the tractor the implement moves because the machine articulates. When you get used to it it is a handy feature for putting a bucket or mower exactly where you want with out moving the tractor back and forth but when you first use the tractor you can pin yourself agaist something.

Good Luck PTRich

 

[kcook]

Bryce, I am looking at a 2422 as well! Let me know what you have learned!
KCook

 

[kcook]

bryce711, PowerTrac told me they would have a vidio in a few weeks for the 2422. Just a FYI!
KCook

 

[JATO_RaT]

Just received my PowerTrac video. It took 4 weeks to arrive. The documentation accompanied the video and was less then specific. This is understandable since I believe that this company is small and cannot budget massive amounts of money to such.

It is a very nice, very well constructed machine. I wanted the info on the 65 hp 2465 but only got info on the 2445. The video was about the smaller 2400 series units. I'm very glad that I got a chance to look at them. It has convinced me that going to the standard sub compact is still best for my needs. I appreciate that it is a rugged, all USA constructed machine with the exception of some componets. It certainly fills a great niche for some folks. While I could not tell how loud it is, my thoughts are that it is louder then most diesel powered subcompacts from Kubota, JD, or NH. Since my primary concerns are using implements like a boxscraper and moving lots of dirt with a loader. This is where I find my needs are better addressed by a standard tractor. I know McChalkley has other needs, mobility must be one of them because these guys are very mobile and the ability for them to oscillate, is a tremendous ability. Rat...

 

[hayden]

Very interesting stuff - it leaves me with two questions.

On the oscillating front end, how is this different from a B or L series tractor that has a center pivot for the axle? It seems in both cases the front and rear wheels can be on different planes and still have full contact with all 4 wheels. I'm probably not understanding what you mean by "oscillating" in this case.

Also, how tricky is working with a front mower or loader bucket when you steer via articulation? As you turn, the front swings and the implement hanging out the front swings more. Where does this become a problem, if at all. Is it just a matter of getting used to it?

High techie, reciently founded a startup company and struggling for tractor time.

 

[MChalkley]

Hayden - On the oscillation issue, you understand the meaning of the term correctly. It's basically a matter of several degrees vs. 12 degrees - not small potatoes by any means. The Power Trac has way more flexibility in this regard than the pivoting front axle on a CUT.

As for the issue of working with front mounted implements, I'm not qualified to answer, since I haven't used an articulated tractor all that much. From my very limited testing, I suspect it's as PTRich stated - it's more a matter of getting used to the handling and utilizing the advantages while avoiding the pitfalls and/or disadvantages, as with most anything else.

MarkC