agape woodworker said:
Ok
I have bin thinking and trying to work out how many hours I would put on it a week and cam to about 2 or 3 hours, in the summer.
Another thing is how hot does the hydraulic oil get in the summer say with 3 hours of mowing on the 180 would not the oil tank provide some cooling. And since it seems that the pushing power is close to the same for the 180 and 422. and with the 180 i would have more to spend on implements.
And could some one tell me how the snowplow and the sweeper is angled left to right on the PT 180??
Mr. Woodworker, unfortunately there are not many 180 owners on this site, at least not many that post. There are a few names you can do a search for, that post on the PT-180. You can look up all posts by Bill Croasmun. I believe he used his to mow. I used my precious hours to do landscaping and snow removal. Also Beechwood and Rivco, which are the same guy. He has done some incredible things with his 180, including building his own mini hoe.
If I remember Bill recommended the single blade setup so he would have more power for hill climbing on his 180. There was another guy that used his 180 for business, even though it´s not recommended he did landscaping. My 180 would run hot after a few hours in 98% weather the handles on it would let you know as they would get really hot to the touch after a while. I had an out door fan hooked up. I just pulled over to it for a few minutes and she cooled right down. You could also add an after market fan to the back cage just a thought.
Most of the guys on here are great guys and most will help you with any problems you might incounter. They will also steer you towards either the 422 or 425. Even though I really liked my 180 and it did everything I asked it to. When I saw the chance to get all of my money back with the exception of a few attachments. I sold it to my neighbor for the lack of a mini hoe. He rides it over to my place once in a while and still wears a big smile when he's on it. He couldn't be happier with it.
It was and still is a tough little machine. With that said... if I may help you spend your money. I feel you would be better off in the long run going ahead if you can swing it and, buy the 422. The 180 will do anything you mentioned on your list but, it´s funny once you own a PT how that list of uses grows and grows. As you can see my colors have changed to orange.
I'm sure these guys wish I would go away.
Before I got my little BX I was going the 422 route, the only reason I went orange was winter was coming on fast and I got a deal I couldn't refuse. I'm very happy with my Bota so far it's proved to be a little a very dependable and rugged little tractor and of course if I want to spend the money Woods, makes a nice little back hoe for it.
But, a PT has some advantages in fast implement change and attachments. Good luck with your decision which ever PT you get you'll wonder how you ever got along with out one.
