new to tractors, thinking about a powertrac...

[Charlie_Iliff]

<font color="red"> I did not realize that the 1845 came with the mower deck, that does make it seem more reasonable. </font>

That's something to check with Power Trac. They change prices and packages periodically.

If they still have it, there's a used 1845 that has new engine and complete inspection, etc. I think it was there when I was last at Power Trac. -- completely apart, so it should be as good as a new one.

 

[pequeajim]

dukenyc

I agree with Charlie. I would verify that with PT to be sure. The 1845 is the only tractor that list a finish cut mower deck in it description. The 1850 lists a rough cut deck. All of the rest do not list a deck at all.

Here's the list of features from PT's web site:

PT-1845

- 45 Horsepower Diesel Engine
- 72" finished-cut mowing deck
- Lift Height- 6'
- Lift Capacity- 1,200 lbs.
- Maximum slope- 40 degrees
- 30 attachments
- Hydraulic Operated Quick Attach
- Articulated Steering
- Dual Tires

So what comes with the tractor and what doesn't?

I would remind them of this when you talk about it.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I am a bit worried about the lack of brakes on the 425, as well as the fact that the engine might not be lubricate if I am on steep slopes?)</font>

The 425 has a parking brake, but that is not as efficient as the one on the 1845. Maybe some of the 1845 guys can comment. If you're doing a lot of 20 degree mowing, the 425 may not be the ticket for you.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( How do you stop it if you are going down a large hill? )</font>

You can let off the peddle and the tractor will slow to an almost stop, but don't get off of it.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Also, how loud is the 425 vs the 1430?)</font>

The 1430 is louder for sure.

Just make sure you plan your budget for what you want to do. With a big property like that you probably want to get a snow blade at the minimum, what about a bucket, pallet forks, etc...

 

[MossRoad]

The 425 doesn't have brakes and doesn't need them. There is a forward pedal under your right foot and a reverse pedal under your left foot... that's it. As you press down on the forward pedal, the reverse pedal comes up and as you step on the reverse pedal, the forward pedal comes up. So, to slow down while going forward you can either let off the forward pedal or push down on the reverse pedal or use some combination of both with both feet. Either way, it's going to stop. The only reason you would need brakes is if a hose broke in the main drive circuit and the thing started to free wheel. This is not a concern for most of us, but you are correct to be cautious with the slopes that you will be working with. That is why the larger machine designed for that duty is more desirable.

I didn't see anywhere on the PT website that the mower was included in the price of the slope mowers. Anybody have a pointer to that?

 

[pequeajim]

Actually, the 425 does have a parking brake, but that is not something that I would want to rely on if a hose cut loose on me. Also, it's nothing like the brake tender included on the 1845. The little pin that used for the brake would probably shear off. The parking brake IS important to use when you get off the tractor, (hopefully not on a hill and not with it running).

You're right though, I have no problems with using the tractor on my steep hill in the back of my house just as you have described. I travel up a less steep slope to get to the top and then mow down on it. My hill looks almost exactly like his and just about the same size.

The text listed above was taken right from the PT web site. The only reason I brought it up is as a point of consideration and it should be denied or verified by PT. It would be silly to consider a purchase and not ask the questions why the 1845 and 1850 are the only ones to list mowers in their descriptions.

It causes the reader to think that the decks might be included. Especially since they are listed as "Slope Mowers".

I'm not saying that they are definitely included, just that they are listed.

On the link, go to the product page, then 1845 and read the description of the tractor features. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I did look at the attachment sheet and the same finish mower is listed there. I don't understand why they would list it under the tractor features?

Worth checking out. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[ElBubba]

OK, here I am on a wooded hillside hauling up a small log in my grapple bucket and the main hydraulic line pops. Does this mean I'm in for ride of my soon to be truncated life?

 

[Piedmont3]

It means you had better hit the joystick and drop the load to the ground to let it help stop you or keep you from sliding down the hill. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[pequeajim]

I did give Scott a call just now and confirm that even though it lists it, the finish mower is not included in with the 1845. He apologized for any misunderstanding. Pays to check to be sure... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

He said that he has had the same question raised before, but all they are trying to show is that they consider the 1845 more for finish mowing and the 1850 more for rough cut.

He also said that if you would give him a call at 276-988-6938, he would be happy to send you one of those angle meters that we have been talking about and you can measure all of your slopes when you get back there.

My slopes look similar to yours. Here is the slope behind my house. It measured between 18-26 degrees at different parts with one very small section at 30 degrees.

I used to mow this side to side with my Ventrac, but would not do that with the 425. Now I go around to the top and straight down.

 

[pequeajim]

Here is the left side that I drive up to get to the top of the hill. 10 degree slope, easy.

 

[pequeajim]

Here is the front hill. I can mow this side to side with no problems. I get a little shaky on a couple of spots. I am considering turing the wheels around like Fourteen has done for a little more stability.

The 1430 would probably be better here as it already has a wider stance.

 

[pequeajim]

Last pic of the front hill. I measured the slope from 14-23 degrees. The parts over 20 are very few and are dips that I will be correcting this summer now that I have a great tractor with good FEL capabilities. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif