new to tractors, thinking about a powertrac...
- Thread starter dukenyc
- Start date
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Charlie_Iliff
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2001
- Messages
- 1,890
- Location
- Arnold, MD
- Tractor
- Power Trac PT1845, John Deere 2240, John Deere 950, John Deere 755, Jacobsen Turf Cat II
I think I have a solution based on the pictures. Invite someone on the forum with each size machine to come live on your place - then you won't have to buy a tractor after all. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
There are some Connecticut and NY owners. If possible, visit a few and try out the PTs.
There are some Connecticut and NY owners. If possible, visit a few and try out the PTs.
RegL
Platinum Member
dukenyc, I'm located in Northwest corner of Ct., probably on your way to NY property. Your welcome to try out my 1430 as long as you don't mind looking at a dirty one.
pequeajim
Platinum Member
You have a very nice looking property!
I agree. There are enough PT owners up your way to go and try one out. That's what I did and it really made up my mind.
I really think that the 1845 would be the ticket for you. Remember that (I think) it already comes with the 72" finish cut deck, so that makes it around the same price as a 1445 or maybe even cheaper. And it is smaller than the 1445.
I don't know if you have anything that the 425 can't handle, it will just take longer.
Check these guys out:
Connecticut
1430 REGL
425 PTRICH
New York
422 SCARG
1845 SEDGEWOOD
422 NEWYORKTRAC
New Hampshire
425 POWERTROM 425
New Jersey
422 NJBILL
2422 LITTLEALICE01
Contact the ones that you want to try out. You will notice that there are 425, 1430 and 1845 owners in there.
I agree. There are enough PT owners up your way to go and try one out. That's what I did and it really made up my mind.
I really think that the 1845 would be the ticket for you. Remember that (I think) it already comes with the 72" finish cut deck, so that makes it around the same price as a 1445 or maybe even cheaper. And it is smaller than the 1445.
I don't know if you have anything that the 425 can't handle, it will just take longer.
Check these guys out:
Connecticut
1430 REGL
425 PTRICH
New York
422 SCARG
1845 SEDGEWOOD
422 NEWYORKTRAC
New Hampshire
425 POWERTROM 425
New Jersey
422 NJBILL
2422 LITTLEALICE01
Contact the ones that you want to try out. You will notice that there are 425, 1430 and 1845 owners in there.
Rip
Platinum Member
The PT model lineup can be a bit confusing at first. Note that in the diesel models the 1*** series is the Low Profile series where the operator sits down in front of the engine. The 2*** series has the operator sitting above the engine and has an optional true back-hoe (not mini-hoe) available that mounts/dismounts quickly to the rear of the machine.
If the immage of the "1445" you are looking at seems to place the operator up fairly high, you may be looking at a 2445 instead. While any of the 4** gas or 1*** diesel series will be quite stable on hills compared to any CUT, the 18** slope mower series are the ultra-low profile machines rated for the steepest terrain.
By all means take advantage of any and all invitations to actually look at and test drive the various models. You will understand and appreciate the differences much better than pictures or specs alone.
Keep in mind that an articulated machine takes a bit of getting used to, but once you get the "hang" of how to manouver it to best advantage it is hard to accept anything else.
From the pictures of your new place, I think you would be happier in the long run with one of the larger models versus the smaller ones.
If the immage of the "1445" you are looking at seems to place the operator up fairly high, you may be looking at a 2445 instead. While any of the 4** gas or 1*** diesel series will be quite stable on hills compared to any CUT, the 18** slope mower series are the ultra-low profile machines rated for the steepest terrain.
By all means take advantage of any and all invitations to actually look at and test drive the various models. You will understand and appreciate the differences much better than pictures or specs alone.
Keep in mind that an articulated machine takes a bit of getting used to, but once you get the "hang" of how to manouver it to best advantage it is hard to accept anything else.
From the pictures of your new place, I think you would be happier in the long run with one of the larger models versus the smaller ones.
Schultz
Gold Member
regarding the same mower size for the 425 and the 1430. I have an old price sheet that also has a 72" mower listed for the 1430. If your're interested in that I suppose you ask if it's still available for the 1430's
Thank for the replies. I really love this property, and I can't wait to move. I have only been there in the winter, and I have only a few pics from the summer.
Regl, I'll take you up on that offer, If it wasn't dirty, I am not sure if it it would be worth seeing. What part of CT are you in? I am in New Haven.
So, how steep do you think that back hill is? Is it 30deg, more? Will a 425 do the job?
The advantages of a small unit for me are: easier to store until I build a dedicated shed, easier to move around the trees, lighter, so easier to deal with if it gets stuck or breaks down.
The larger machines: more capable, faster at mowing (especially if the larger deck fits the 1430).
As a side note, I know alot more about gas engines than diesel.
I don't want to take all day to cut the grass, and I would like to periodically (once a month or so) clear a shooting range and a few paths through woods and along the pond. The FEl I'll use to transport firewood and other items. I am sure I'll do more in the future.
The only reason that I am in a bit of a hurry now is that I have to start maintaing the property April 1st.
Only one month to make the right pick!
I really appreciate any input.
Regl, I'll take you up on that offer, If it wasn't dirty, I am not sure if it it would be worth seeing. What part of CT are you in? I am in New Haven.
So, how steep do you think that back hill is? Is it 30deg, more? Will a 425 do the job?
The advantages of a small unit for me are: easier to store until I build a dedicated shed, easier to move around the trees, lighter, so easier to deal with if it gets stuck or breaks down.
The larger machines: more capable, faster at mowing (especially if the larger deck fits the 1430).
As a side note, I know alot more about gas engines than diesel.
I don't want to take all day to cut the grass, and I would like to periodically (once a month or so) clear a shooting range and a few paths through woods and along the pond. The FEl I'll use to transport firewood and other items. I am sure I'll do more in the future.
The only reason that I am in a bit of a hurry now is that I have to start maintaing the property April 1st.
Only one month to make the right pick!
I really appreciate any input.
pequeajim
Platinum Member
I was really undecided which PT I wanted. I REALLY wanted an 1845, but that was not in my budget. The 1430 is a nice tractor, but after driving the 1430 ad 425, I really did not see a huge difference between the two for what I wanted.
I only have 5 acres and 42 up in Maine. I think the 425 will do just fine for me.
Here is a thread of my trip. It has a ton of pictures of the tractors and facility, including the 425 and 1430 side by side to compare sizes.
The Trip to Tazewell Story
I only have 5 acres and 42 up in Maine. I think the 425 will do just fine for me.
Here is a thread of my trip. It has a ton of pictures of the tractors and facility, including the 425 and 1430 side by side to compare sizes.
The Trip to Tazewell Story
Bob999
Platinum Member
<font color="red"> So, how steep do you think that back hill is? Is it 30deg, more? Will a 425 do the job?
</font>
The picture you posted isn't the best for judging slope but I will hazard a guess that it is about a 20 degree slope. But rather than guessing you should get an instrument and actually measure it--I use an electonic level that has a number of alternative read out modes.
</font>
The picture you posted isn't the best for judging slope but I will hazard a guess that it is about a 20 degree slope. But rather than guessing you should get an instrument and actually measure it--I use an electonic level that has a number of alternative read out modes.
RegL
Platinum Member
[coRegl, I'll take you up on that offer, If it wasn't dirty, I am not sure if it it would be worth seeing. What part of CT are you in? I am in New Haven.
So, how steep do you think that back hill is? Is it 30deg, more? Will a 425 do the job?
lor:red] </font>
<font color="black"> </font> I'm in Salisbury, about 4 miles from the NY border.
As far as your slope, looks like it's being mowed now with no signs of wheels spinning and probably not with a 4x4 machine, so I don't think thats going to be a problem.
So, how steep do you think that back hill is? Is it 30deg, more? Will a 425 do the job?
lor:red] </font>
<font color="black"> </font> I'm in Salisbury, about 4 miles from the NY border.
As far as your slope, looks like it's being mowed now with no signs of wheels spinning and probably not with a 4x4 machine, so I don't think thats going to be a problem.
Rip
Platinum Member
RegL brings up a good point.... what is the current owner using to maintain the property? While whatever he is using may not be the optimum, it may be a useful guide.
May even be able to buy his equipment or use his contract service at least for a little while to give yourself more time to choose right.
Take your time and Good Luck.
May even be able to buy his equipment or use his contract service at least for a little while to give yourself more time to choose right.
Take your time and Good Luck.
- Joined
- Aug 31, 2001
- Messages
- 66,099
- Location
- South Bend, Indiana (near)
- Tractor
- Power Trac PT425 2001 Model Year
Just from looking at the pictures, and this is completely my opinion and not fact, I would have no problems mowing DOWN the hill /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
It also appears that I would have no problem driving UP the hill with the mower off. But I do not know how well it would work with the mower on. Remember, I have the older model with the weaker wheel motors.
As far as how steep it is...
That's the trouble with pictures... you just can't tell until you actually measure it. 30 degrees is a steep slope. If 90 degrees is straight up and 45 degrees is one foot up for one foot forward, 30 degrees is what... 1 foot up for two feet forward. That is still steep and uncomfortable to walk on. Also, the PT425 gas engine is rated for a maximum degree of operation due to the oiling system. On our Kohler, that is 25 degrees. What is it on the current Robin? That is a real number that you will have to consider, so the best thing to do is first measure the hill to get the actual slope, then purchase a machine that will handle it in all aspects of power, lubrication, etc...
As others have asked... What is currently used to mow it?
It also appears that I would have no problem driving UP the hill with the mower off. But I do not know how well it would work with the mower on. Remember, I have the older model with the weaker wheel motors.
As far as how steep it is...
That's the trouble with pictures... you just can't tell until you actually measure it. 30 degrees is a steep slope. If 90 degrees is straight up and 45 degrees is one foot up for one foot forward, 30 degrees is what... 1 foot up for two feet forward. That is still steep and uncomfortable to walk on. Also, the PT425 gas engine is rated for a maximum degree of operation due to the oiling system. On our Kohler, that is 25 degrees. What is it on the current Robin? That is a real number that you will have to consider, so the best thing to do is first measure the hill to get the actual slope, then purchase a machine that will handle it in all aspects of power, lubrication, etc...
As others have asked... What is currently used to mow it?
Dakar
Bronze Member
It might help Duke in his decision-making process if we could give him some rough estimates on mowing times with various types of PTs and mower configurations. With my 425, it takes me me about 4 hours on average to mow about 3 acres of pasture with a 48" brush cutter. That is doing it on a more or less biweekly schedule, so the grass and weeds do get fairly tall, and it includes a ditch that I move very cautiously in and probably takes nearly an hour of that time.
My actual yard is probably 2/3 of an acre and takes about 50 minutes to an hour, but it has so many trees that I feel like I mow most of it twice. That is done with a 48" finish mower. Hope that helps a little. For me, budget and storage space left me little option on what I was going to buy, but regardless of which model you pick, I can't imagine that you will regret it.
My actual yard is probably 2/3 of an acre and takes about 50 minutes to an hour, but it has so many trees that I feel like I mow most of it twice. That is done with a 48" finish mower. Hope that helps a little. For me, budget and storage space left me little option on what I was going to buy, but regardless of which model you pick, I can't imagine that you will regret it.
the owner has been using a John Deere model 4100hst w/ 4 wheel drive. It is a 1999 with 500hrs on it. He will sell it for $11,000 with a 54" mmm and a 47" snowblower.
He goes straieht up and down, never side-wise on the hill. In fact, he said he cant turn it on the hill. He uses 4wd to go up, then backs down, then back up. He specifically said that you need 4wd and that a gear tractor would be really hard to use on the hill.
He goes straieht up and down, never side-wise on the hill. In fact, he said he cant turn it on the hill. He uses 4wd to go up, then backs down, then back up. He specifically said that you need 4wd and that a gear tractor would be really hard to use on the hill.
Rip
Platinum Member
Duke, That JD 4100 would be at the small end of the CUT range with a 3 cyl 20HP diesel. Sounds like it is doing the job, but pretty well maxed out in the process. The PT 425 would probably do it as well, with the 1430 being a better choice IMO.
Also, that MM mower is a finish mower only, not a brush hog at all. 'Cource you can add a rear brush hog, but I would favor a front mounted unit like the PTs have for your trail maintanence tasks.
The price for this used machine sounds high to me, but I do not know the local market for such. Would still suggest a first hand look/drive at several PT machines that may be local to you.
Could also go down to Tazewell with your check book and see/drive all the various models. Too bad it is not a real easy place to fly down to, but not a bad drive down I-81 though. I went to Va Tech in Blacksburg many years ago and it is a real nice area. PT can arrange for delivery to your place at reasonable cost.
Also, that MM mower is a finish mower only, not a brush hog at all. 'Cource you can add a rear brush hog, but I would favor a front mounted unit like the PTs have for your trail maintanence tasks.
The price for this used machine sounds high to me, but I do not know the local market for such. Would still suggest a first hand look/drive at several PT machines that may be local to you.
Could also go down to Tazewell with your check book and see/drive all the various models. Too bad it is not a real easy place to fly down to, but not a bad drive down I-81 though. I went to Va Tech in Blacksburg many years ago and it is a real nice area. PT can arrange for delivery to your place at reasonable cost.
PTRich
Gold Member
I think you should get a 1430 or 1845 and if it does not work out I will reluctantly swap my 425 with you /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.
pequeajim
Platinum Member
You can buy a VERY cheap angle meter at Harbor Freight, (around $4-5 I think. It works great for measuring the angle of a slope. Just get a 2 x 4, put it on the slope and put the meter on it. you will be suprised at what you think is around 25+ degrees is probably closer to 15-20.
I cut my 2 acres of grass with a finish mower in about 90 minutes. I have a newer 425 with a 60" deck.
I cut my 2 acres of grass with a finish mower in about 90 minutes. I have a newer 425 with a 60" deck.
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