new pt

[markpin]

Greeting to All,
First, I need to thank all of you for the valuable info on the PT's. I am considering buying a 422, and have been reading your posts for a few weeks now. I am somewhat torn between buying the pt for is obvious usefullnes and the dreaded problems some of you have experienced. I have a smaller lot (2 acres) with one acre of it being a pond. I believe it would be a great machine to have just to Mulch, build some retaining walls, plow the drive etc...I don't think it would get some of the "tougher" use that many of you put them through, so maybe , just maybe I wouldn't have some of the problems. In any case, before I pull the trigger, I will try to find one a little closer than Tazewell to look at. A six hour trip just see one in Tazewell just hasn't been the easiest to schedule lately. Are any of you somewhat close to the Cleveland, Ohio area where I might be able to take a peak close up at one of these unique machines. Thank you.

 

[SpringHollow]

Remember we only post our problems (and our mods and projects0! I have never posted saying no problems in the last two months. And we save so much on the tractors that we can afford lots of repairs in comparison if we have to. If you do not mind repairs, the used ones are a particularly nice deal.

Ken

 

[markpin]

Ken,
Thank you for your reply...I am wondering if most PT users take the trip to Tazewell to see the machines for the first time, or have most of you seen them somewhere else first such as a show etc...
Thanks,
Mark

 

[SwampmanLA]

Welcome,
Maybe you have read some of the SwampmanLA post, that's me. I bought a 422 in February and found that the tram pump was faulty soon after. Well I was not going to drive the 800 miles to have them swap it out so I did it. Not easy but I learned a lot about my tractor. After that I just love the thing. I can't tell you how much time it has saved me, not to mention back pain. No way would I let it go. It is a great machine. As for the horror stories about Tazwell support, all I can say is they are great and very helpful. Terry has gone out of his way to help me. I doubt you will regret purchasing a 422.

SwampmanLA

 

[BobRip]

I have 600 hours plus on my 2000 PT with Robin engine. I have had few problems and all have been minor and supported well by Power Trac. They have excellent phone support. You are welcome to come use my machine, but I am in VA. I bet someone else will though.

 

[smartguyz]

I have had my PT for about 5 years (2003 model), and have had very very few problems with it. I've worked it plenty hard. It had a leaky wheel motor when it arrived (I had to take the wheel off and tighten a connector). I have had to do routine maintenance, but other than that, it's been absolutely flawless. I would not be that concerned. I do use synthetic oil and change oil and filters regularly. I also make sure the cooling fan (I have a PT425) comes on when it gets hot. I would consider getting the PT425 over the 422, but that's up to you. I find the 425 with the cooler and the ROPS, not to mention more power, etc. is exceptional.

Rob

 

[woodlandfarms]

I bought mine used and sight unseen. After having driven a few different tractors around I knew what I was getting into... I was not prepared for how manueverable they are, nor how stable.

I finally got some PT puckering happening last time i was up north... maybe just llight in the loafers more than pucker... Maybe also the reason I am replacing my bearings and spacer ;-)

This site will help you judge wether it is right for you or not. All indications by what you have written seem indicate this as a good purchase for you.

Carl

 

[SpringHollow]

I bought my PT without ever even having seen one. The decision was easy because of the information from this forum and knowing that its members could help with support.

Ken

 

[DCWhitley]

I bought my PT425 at the end of March after owning a CAT 216 Skid Steer for 5 years. Other than the 6 -12 times I need to lift something over 1000 lbs or spin around while in place, this machine could run circles around the CAT. The versatility is great.
I made my decision to purchase based mostly on what I learned here and from the features I liked about the skid steer, primarily being able to be up close to the work area. I did test the machine locally before I went to Tazewell , but this forum did more to convince me. I also would recommend the 425 vs 422 based on beefed up parts(wheel motors, 2 cylinders for articulating, etc.). Many years of experience has taught me that you are always better over-buying when you purchase equipment. There is less chance of wear or damage because at some point, we all push equipment more than we should and the machine with the extra "beef" will hold up better.
I only have 20 hours on my machine(doing my first oil change today), but it has exceeded my expectations. Good Luck on your decision.

 

[MossRoad]

Welcome to TBN!

I had the oppotunity to see one working and sit on it before I purchased. I really suggest you do the same. Also, do not discount other tractors. Do youself a favor by taking a long time to make your decision. Test drive as many makes, models, brands, styles as physically possible to make yourself an expert in what feel right under your seat.

I run our PT425 on 1 acre. It is crazy how fast you can get jobs done compared to a lawn tractor. Mowing, landscaping, hauling stuff around, plowing snow, etc... is so easy.

We also use it on our 20 acres outside of town to maintain the trails and haul wood out of the forest. Someday, when we build there, it will also do the lawn and driveway.

We've had it for about 7 years and are very happy with it.

 

[ernemats]

Welcome:
I have a 422 with almost 1,300 hours 8 + years of moderately hard usage on it and so far my only repairs have been to replace a treddle cable and a worn hub. I am located about 1 hour east of Pittsburgh which would be a little closer than Tazwell, let me know if you want to come down and test drive mine.

 

[valjo]

We JUST bought a PT. It's on the road to be delivered to us as I type this, WOOHOO! Just 3 more hours til it gets here, I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!
I guess everybody has a unique decision-making process, but my thought is that if you want to get talked into buying a Power Trac, go spend a little time with an owner/enthusiast.
We recently met a couple who own a 422, and that's how we discovered these machines. They love, love, love it, and only wish that they had splurged on the diesel, because they use it a lot, they have a large property and could use the extra power. When they showed us how easy the implements attach, and how easy the machine maneuvers, we were instantly enamored.
My husband had already been researching other tractor/front end loader options, so had an idea of what he was looking for. If we could have talked our friends into selling their used 422, we would have bought it for a 'starter model'. Since we were buying new, however, we bit the bullet and got the diesel because we have a big acreage with big projects to do.
We did go to Tazewell, just to 'kick the tires' so to speak, but we actually learned what we needed to know to make our decision from reading the posts on this forum and spending time with a PT owner. When I look at how much simple lawn tractors are selling for, I think the upgrade to a 422 (or 425) would be VERY easy to justify. Summary: find a PT enthusiast and spend some time with them and their machine. IMHO you may get more input for your decision that way than from going to Tazewell.

Valerie

 

[ldabe]

"PT 1430, brush cutter, finish mower, mini hoe w/thumb, utility grapple, 4-in-1 bucket, post-hole digger, trencher, tiller, core aerator, forks, and a rake."

Val,
I have great envy ;~)

Enjoy!

 

[markpin]

Thank you for all of your replies and advice. It seems as though this is the right machine, and with the help of PT and the willingness of the users of this forum to help each other, I believe I could probably tackle the repair issues if (or I should say when) they come up. I do like that it's center of gravity is low as I do have a few slopes to work on and around. I would still like to find someone within a few hours of Cleveland, OH who has one...If anyone knows of someone, please let me know... Thanks again for all of the help!
Mark

 

[markpin]

Ernemats,
Thank you for the offer to see your machine...
Let me check the map... Where are you (what town) east of Pittsburgh? I am about 2 hrs from Pittsburgh...
Mark

 

[ernemats]

I'm about 9 miles north of Ligonier on route 711, 47 miles east of the Monroeville, Pa. turnpike exit route 22 east. It takes me about 1 hour to get to Monroeville from my house.

 

[BillCroasmun]

markpin,
I have a PT-180 just about 45 min to an hour SE of Cleveland (depending on which area your from). It used to take me 50 min to drive to work in Independence.

I'll PM you my phone # in case you want to swing by and look at it. Basically, the major differences b/w it and the 422 are:

• Lack of third hydraulic circuit (limits the types of attachments)
• Lack of Hydraulic cooler (never been an issue for me and I have mowed 3 to 4 hours straight in 85-90 deg temps)
• Smaller (but cheaper) attachments (e.g. large material bucket isn't as large, mower not as wide, etc.)
• 4 less horsepower.

If you just want to see what a PT is and how it works you'll get the picture.

As everyone on here will tell you, you never want to buy undersized equipment and regret it but who knows you may just be just impressed enough with the 180 to get one and and have more $ for attachments!