Power Trac and grass cutting

smartguyz · May 25, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( OK...I'm just about convinced on the PT(of course, I had to wait for the prices to increase..duh! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif...probably looking at the 422 due to $$and the 425 is out of stock for apprx 4 weeks!)..I think the 422 will do all I need...but another question I have is your opinions on 48" mower deck vs 60"?? Seems the 48" deck barely covers the width of the wheels(which are 45", right?)...and I DO want to cut all grass in front of me before I roll over it...but, with the uneven terrain I have will the 60" deck be too wide to give me a good finish cut? I would rather the wider deck with the 4 acres or so I need to cut every 4 days, but the belly mower on my Farmall is 60" & sometimes I need to recut a pass just to even it out...any thoughts on this...got a feeling I'll be part of the PT Owners club this week...thanks again to all for your input! )</font>

I have the 425 with the 48" mower. I think the 60" mower benefits from having more overhang, so that you can trim more closely around obstacles. The 48" deck exactly matches the width of the 425 (which I assume is the same as the 422), so I don't have an issue with having uncut grass as I mow.

Both decks have a full-floating deck design, with the ability to both pitch and yaw depending on the surface being mowed. It's something that companies that sell mowers make a BIG deal about. I think it leaves a nice cut - certainly nicer than my 318, which does a decent job.

I would seriously consider getting a ROPs. It has certainly saved me from falling stuff before.

Sincerely,

Rob /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

MuncyBob · May 25, 2004

Rob, thanks.....probably will get the ROPS but is it easy to take off/put on? I have a lot of areas with low overhangs(apple trees, etc) and the ROPS would make it too high to get under them....of course, would only take off for those areas which happen to be about the only areas that are flat here!

MossRoad · May 25, 2004

The ROPS/canopy on our PT425 comes off with 4 bolts. Even with it on, it is very low profille. I am 6' tall and can stick my nose on the top of the canopy when standing next to it.

MuncyBob · May 26, 2004

Well, we are about the same height...so that "picture" helps! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif It looks kinda heavy?, is the removal a 1 person job? Some of the fruit tress that I need to clear give me only about a 5' clearance......also, I've seen pic of the 4 way bucket...what are the 4 ways?? ...and, I see teeth are available on the web site...will these attach to the light material bucket also? Making my order on Friday(I think) esp. since the doctor told me I need a knee brace....so that's the straw that did it for me!..no more pushing!! Ahhh, the joys of getting old!! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

ernemats · May 26, 2004

I have the 48 inch mower and we mow 5 acres in about 3 hours, a lot of the mowing is hillside 10 to 20 degree slope and not real smooth so we do not mow real fast. We have no problem with wheel area not being cut as mower is slightly wider than the tractor wheels.

DML · May 26, 2004

I got the PT180 with the small finish cut mower. I'm pretty satisfied with it, but wish I had the money for an upgrade and here is why.

As noted in previouse posts, I've had some troubles with the engine oil overheating. I was, however, trying to tackle waist high grass, some of it on a slope. I think that it was just a bit much. I did get it wacked down to a reasonable size by a group of boys with weedeaters. It was then much more manageable, and I expect to be able to mow it all next time before having to let it cool down.

To remidy this, as suggested to me earlier, instead of upgrading, I think that I will put on a hydrolic oil cooler. It will be less than $200 and I think well worth the price.

eambrose · May 26, 2004

Hi Farmall - I had the 48 inch mower and traded in for the 60 inch
- the 60 does a nice job as does the 48 - I added a roller to mine which improved to overall finished look.

I could not imagine cutting that much grass with a 48 inch

There are photos of my 60 inch somewhere in the archives

MossRoad · May 26, 2004

Here's a link to pictures of my ROPS being removed. It is not heavy, but is a two person job so you don't get conked in the head. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif