Moving up to a big red one....

toolnut · Jan 12, 2006

Well, I've FINALLY decided to make the investment in either a 1430 or a 1445. I currently own a PT-422, which has done eveything I've asked of it around the home.

But as previously posted, I want to do some weekend commercial work as I get ready for retirement and have decided after a lot of reading and discussion to go for a bigger PT. I considered a number of alternatives, but so far I have been unable to find anything better suited to the type of hardscaping / small driveway / large tree planting jobs that I think I'll have access to.

This forum has been a great source of ideas and I hope to contribute by more posting once I take delivery and get a few hours on my next machine. After the 422 sells, I'll be going to Tazwell to kick the tires again and decide between the 2 machines.

Yep, I'll be posting the details of my PT-422 package in the classified.... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

tracdoc · Jan 13, 2006

That's great. Those machines are pretty incredible workhorses.

That 1445 is a heavy bruiser, indeed. It "costs" a weighty 100# per each addn'l HP (15 more HP than the 1430, and weighs ~1,500# more) while the 1845 costs only ~60#/addn'l HP. Of course, there is the $ cost of the 1845 vs the 1445 /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif You do get the real brakes with either 1445 or 1845, and for my money I would like to have them if/when I ever move to a red machine.

Decisions, decisions /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif. Please keep us posted on how you arrive at your ultimate choice.

Highridge · Jan 13, 2006

Hey congrats! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Now just chant the word diesel and all will be well! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

toolnut · Jan 13, 2006

Yep, I'm a big diesel fan as well. I drive a Jetta TDI as my commuter car, and have an older Suburban TD I'm fixing up.

Lift capacity is an important parameter for me... really the only reason I'm considering the 1445. No large scale mowing or other really taxing uses for the aux hydro. For me, a large disadvantage is the higher cost of the attachments for the 1445.

We'll see how the budget holds up over the next couple of months...then it's off to Tazwell.... /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Spiffy · Jan 14, 2006

A diesel fan? /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif I'm afraid your choice is already made regardless of needs, specs, or budget between the two:

The 30 is pretty nice, but if you fire up that 45 after the 30.....it's like the "song of the sirens." /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Have Fun! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Rip · Jan 14, 2006

I'll put in a good word for the 1445 with the smoother 3 cyl 45 hp engine, "real emergency" (not just parking) brakes plus all the other things you and others have mentioned. Many of those attachments rated for the 1445 series are larger, heavier duty or faster than those for the 1430 series so you get what you pay for.

The 1445 machine would also be a better candidate for many of the numerous skid steer attachments available both in weight capacity as well as PTO flow. If you can afford it, you would not regret the larger machine.

Good luck in any case!

IrTxRx · Jan 15, 2006

Toolnut,

I am between 12 and 24 months away from either a 1430 or a 1445. Please keep us informed what, how and why you decide on the 1430 or 1445. I have pretty much decided that the 1430 is for me, but it may be because it is only 12 months away /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Thanks and good luck.