Need help pt 180 or 422

[agape woodworker]

I am looking at a PT but am not sure if I need the a PT 422 or can I get by with a PT 180
I have ½ acres to mow I know its not much but the things is that I am the only one to clean the side walks on our street in the winter and there is a lot of sidewalk, I have a wheel horse 856 that works fine under 6in of snow. And once or twice a year I mow our churches cemetery that is 2 or so acres. Do I need the PT 422 or would the PT 180 do??

My budget is small and need some input.
Is the PT 180 big enough?.

I should mention that we have a good size hill on our street. With a sidewalk.

And I clear our neighbors drive way in the winter. They are all older and can not get out.

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Boy, after that story, I feel like I should buy you one. Welcome to TBN. Unfortunately, I can't answer your question as I am looking at PT also, just haven't pulled the trigger on anything yet. There are many here that will steer you in the right direction. If I were you, I would read back thru the older threads for some good pointers.
Andy

 

[agape woodworker]

Thanks
Its not that bad its a good way to help out the neighbors and to do the Lords work.
And I have gone thru the old post and found many that were helpful.
Its just that I would like some good suggestions.

 

[Gravy]

For basic snow clearing and mowing, as well as moving materials around, the 180 will probably do the job. It will take a bit longer than a 4xx machine to get the job done, but it will also work in smaller spaces and it sure beats a snow shovel and a wheelbarrow. I don't know how it compares for hill-climbing ability. The only practical way to judge that is by driving one of each.

The 180 has the virtues of being a simpler machine - manual quick-attach, and no oil cooler. That eliminates a number of hydraulic & electrical circuits. Parts that aren't there can't fail. It also has most of the lifting capacity of the 422 (50"/600lbs vs. 52"/800lbs) for a substantially friendlier price. We've got a couple of members who have done very well with 180's. That $2000 difference will buy a mower and part of a snow blade.

That said, if you can swing the cost of a 4xx machine and the attachments to get you started, you will have a much more versatile machine. There are at least 20 additional attachments available from PT for the 4xx series. In particular, the various grapples & grapple bucket options, the 4-in-1 bucket, and the mini-hoe are very useful for digging and moving materials. None of those work on the 180. I've seen a fair number of used 4xx attachments for sale in various places. I don't think I've ever seen a used 180 attachment for sale.

It all comes down to how you will REALLY use it. If what you really need to do is just mowing and snow plowing, I think the 180 will get it done. If you want to move brush, dig holes, trench, and maybe borrow from other local PT owners, the 422 will be better.

I'm sure others will have plenty to say about this, too.

Gravy

 

[agape woodworker]

Ok its sounds like the Pt 422 is better then the 180 for me. Here is another question can the PT 422 push any more then the PT 180??

 

[SwampmanLA]

I am looking at a PT but am not sure if I need the a PT 422 or can I get by with a PT 180
I have ｽ acres to mow I know its not much but the things is that I am the only one to clean the side walks on our street in the winter and there is a lot of sidewalk, I have a wheel horse 856 that works fine under 6in of snow. And once or twice a year I mow our churches cemetery that is 2 or so acres. Do I need the PT 422 or would the PT 180 do??

My budget is small and need some input.
Is the PT 180 big enough?.

I should mention that we have a good size hill on our street. With a sidewalk.

And I clear our neighbors drive way in the winter. They are all older and can not get out.

Welcome, I just went through the same decision and settled on the 422. I picked up my 422 in early February and already have 36 hours on it, this is one handy machine! Three things swayed me to the 422; 1) hydraulic quick attach, really nice if you are going to buy a few implements 2) the mini hoe 3) I live in South Louisiana, it is very flat here and I did not think I needed the extra wheel torque that the 425 has. You did not bring the 425 as an option but I considered it. The trade off was more wheel torque vs. $2500 in my pocket. I kept my money and am very happy.

 

[Barryh]

I am looking at a PT but am not sure if I need the a PT 422 or can I get by with a PT 180
I have ï½½ acres to mow I know its not much but the things is that I am the only one to clean the side walks on our street in the winter and there is a lot of sidewalk, I have a wheel horse 856 that works fine under 6in of snow. And once or twice a year I mow our churches cemetery that is 2 or so acres. Do I need the PT 422 or would the PT 180 do??

My budget is small and need some input.
Is the PT 180 big enough?.

I should mention that we have a good size hill on our street. With a sidewalk.

And I clear our neighbors drive way in the winter. They are all older and can not get out.

I owned a 180 for a couple of years and loved it. Just a few things to think about.

Pro's for me... can't beat the price, leaves more money for attachments will go (some) places the wider machines can't, gates etc, very maneuverable plenty powerful for any snow removal and, most other tasks. I dug out a small pond with mine hard shale rock clay. I've had no trouble climbing average size hills. Going by what others have said that own a 422. I feel it is equal to the 422 in pushing / climbing power.

Con's no hydraulic cooler ran a little hot but, all of them do just shut her down and let it cool off once in a while. 20 less attachments. The biggest con for me was no mini hoe. You can change out attachments in less than 30 seconds if you don't mind getting off of your tractor. Was no deal breaker for me. If you want to see what it is capable of. Here is a large stump I dug out with just the front end loader. Link below.

All that said, if you can spend the extra money and plan to do a lot of digging the 422 will give you added capabilities. Can't beat that Mini Hoe. If you do a search on some of my posts it will give you a better idea of the 180's capabilities Good luck with your decision.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/power-trac/80924-pt-180-digging-up-tree.html

 

[agape woodworker]

Thanks Barryh

That cab looks like it comes in handy in the winter.
I think I going to shoot for the PT 422.
I think the higher left capacity of the 422 would help as with the 20 more attachments. 600 verse 800lb I always need to move something in my shop.

 

[Barryh]

Thanks Barryh

That cab looks like it comes in handy in the winter.
I think I going to shoot for the PT 422.
I think the higher left capacity of the 422 would help as with the 20 more attachments. 600 verse 800lb I always need to move something in my shop.

All great machines enjoy. .

 

[MuncyBob]

Have you had any seat time in a 422? We are near Williamsport if you want to take a ride up and try one out...but all I have is the rock bucket and small mower to try. IMHO if $$ for the 422 can be had then go for it, but based on what you have listed as chores the 180 will handle them. I have found that "pushing" with the PT is not one of it's stronger points though.