Power Trac PT425

pajoube · Mar 18, 2002

Re: Power Trac PT425 Bent The Pallet Forks!

MossRoad, just read the thread from PTRich about the seat on the 425. Did you change yours out? If not are you going to? I assume the factory seat is not that great?
Paul

MossRoad · Mar 19, 2002

Re: Power Trac PT425 Bent The Pallet Forks!

The seat I have is fine. It has thick padding and I got the armrests as well. I spent 4 hours on it Saturday doing a lot of loader work. I made about 50 trips out and back across the outfield of a softball diamond so the arm rests proved valuable on those long runs. The rest of the time was tight maneuvering in my back yard. The real test is how my rear end and back felt at the end of the day. They are fine /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif. (The seat even has a cool Power Trac logo embossed on the vinyl /w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif ) It is fine for me and I have no plans to replace it. I'll let you know how I feel about it after the mowing season begins. But then, I plan on only spending about 1/2 hour twice a week on it mowing. That's why I bought it, to cut my mowing time down. Right now I use a late 60s Simplicity Yeoman 627 with a 26" deck and it takes me around an hour and a half to mow my one acre. I figure the PT425 with the 60" deck will get it done in less than half the time due to larger deck and higher speed. And by cutting twice a week, I won't have to bag any clippings, as the grass will never get that long. We'll see, won't we?

Scott_F · Mar 19, 2002

Re: Power Trac PT425 Bent The Pallet Forks!

Paul,
Sounds like MossRoad is pretty happy with his seat, but (when I finally buy) I was thinking about just getting the regular seat and buying a better seat from Northern Supply <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.northern-online.com/>http://www.northern-online.com/</A>. They have one that looks pretty much identical to the $100 upgrade seat that PowerTrac offers (without the cool PowerTrac logo/w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif) for about $80, and they have LOTS of other seats as well. Just something to consider.

Scott

pajoube · Mar 19, 2002

Re: Power Trac PT425 Bent The Pallet Forks!

Thanks MossRoad, one more item in the PT file.
Paul

pajoube · Mar 19, 2002

Re: Power Trac PT425 Bent The Pallet Forks!

Thanks Scott, at least this is an item that can be changed out after the fact.
Paul

MossRoad · Mar 19, 2002

Re: Power Trac PT425 Bent The Pallet Forks!

I talked to Power Trac about the upgrade seat. I believe they only have one seat now. I paid for the armrests(yes, they were too expensive). According to the person that I talked to at Power Trac, I would have gotten the same seat, with or without the armrests. You might want to call them and ask for your self. Hope this helps.

Scott_F · Mar 20, 2002

Re: Power Trac PT425 Bent The Pallet Forks!

For those of you who've bought PTs recently - were you able to get any price break on implements by buying several along with the tractor? Also, I'm starting to consider whether or not I need the ROPS if I get the 422. My place is pretty flat so I'm not too worried about it in general. The only consideration is the change in CG when using the bucket. That one is taxing my feeble brain a little because on an articulated vehicle, the CG not only moves up and down with the bucket, it moves side to side with turning, right? It also seems that if a PT starts to roll, it's probably going to go farther than 90 degrees. Since the 422/5 doesn't raise the bucket that high, what are your thoughts on the necessity of the ROPS?

As you can tell, I'm starting to emphasize the cost a little bit more now... we just locked the rate and payments on the construction loan conversion on our new place yesterday. /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gifYIKES!/w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif

Scott

Charlie_Iliff · Mar 20, 2002

Re: Power Trac Pricing and ROPS

Scott:
Before I bought my 1845, I had beeen researching and watching Power Tracs for over two years. Their prices changed up and down, and there was at least one combination promotion. I haven't seen any such promotion recently, and when I asked about a discount since I was interested in a lot of implements, they politely refused to negotiate prices. They do have some price breaks on the trailer packages, and some flexibility on what goes on the trailers, but you end up buying a trailer to get the package. It is a very high quality trailer, but really aimed at professional landscapers.
The ROPS also is a canopy, with a little sun and rain protection, and good FOPS. (Falling object protection system.)
Once you learn not to hit your head on it while getting in or out, it is comforting to have it. You are unlikely to turn the machine over, but it is possible, and if you have any woods, the ROPS/FOPS gives good protection from branches you knock down, etc. I like mine, and recommend it, but I am sure there are a lot of PT owners who are happy with their machines without it.

MossRoad · Mar 20, 2002

Re: Power Trac PT425 Bent The Pallet Forks!

Price break? Nope. Like Charlie said, that's their price and they are politely stickin to it.

You are very correct about the CG changing. If you get a chance, read my earlier post or look at the video on my website about moving the REALLY BIG LOG. When I had a really big log on the pallet forks and lifted it a few inches all was well. Then when I turned the unit, that made the back end swing to one side a little and the unit tipped forward. I'd straighten it back and it would set down again. I was right at the hairy edge of the CG and just swinging the rear half that was also bringing it forward an inch or so. Also, I have had several really big loads of dirt and raised the bucket way too soon before I got to a pile. If you would hit something with the front tires with a full bucket of heavy stuff while going too fast, the unit would want to tip down flinging you forward. That is true with any tractor. So be aware of that.

ROPS? YES! Get one. And wear you seatbelt always always always. Why? Because we would miss you here at TBN if you got injured or worse... There are some excellent threads here about safety. What's $500.00 compared to death anyway?

I really like my canopy. It is nice to work in light snow and not get soaked. And the canopy is dark underneath and that casts a shadow on your eyes, making it easier to see out without squinting on bright days. Just like sitting in the shade. Also, the lighting on the PT400 series leaves much to be desired. The lights are OK, but are too low. Under the front of the ROPS/Canopy is an excellent place to relocate them and I will be doing that as time permits.

PTRich · Mar 20, 2002

Re: Power Trac PT425 Bent The Pallet Forks!

I agree with MossRoad on the ROPS. They are good to have and I would consider it even if it cost $1,000. Think about how much money you would lose if you couldnt go to work for a few days. The bucket is very close to the drivers seat, I have had large piles of logs on my bucket and had them fall and work there way towards the drivers compartment. I have lights under the canopy and they work great. One thing to always keep in mind on any piece of equipment, keeep the bucket as low as possible.
PTRich