Power-Trac questions

[shvl73]

I've been checking out this board for a long time and I think you guys are having a lot of fun with your machines. I've been looking at the PT-180 and have some questions. I have a larger tractor (Mahindra 2810HST) and I'm looking for a good complement to it's abilities. My Craftsman GT5000 w/ 54" deck mows the lawn ok, but could be better. Mowing across the edge of the driveway pinches the deck against the frame and unloads the driving wheel which sticks the tractor and is a pain in the butt. The other issue is when the grass is somewhat wet (often lately in NH) the front wheels compress the grass and the mulching blades won't lift it back up, which leaves long streaks of grass mixed in with the shorter mowed rows. Sooo...
If I upgrade to a PT (180?) what is the feeling about the 45" single blade deck vs. the wider triple blade 48" deck? Will either take mulching blades (my preference)? I know it will out turn the craftsman but how well is it around small trees (tight radius)? Primary use is obviously finish mowing with maybe a bucket to help clean out a couple of stalls.
Thanks in advance for any opinions you can offer.
Torin

ps: I've been drawn like a moth to a flame to mossroads action videos.

 

[shvl73]

I've been checking out this board for a long time and I think you guys are having a lot of fun with your machines. I've been looking at the PT-180 and have some questions. I have a larger tractor (Mahindra 2810HST) and I'm looking for a good complement to it's abilities. My Craftsman GT5000 w/ 54" deck mows the lawn ok, but could be better. Mowing across the edge of the driveway pinches the deck against the frame and unloads the driving wheel which sticks the tractor and is a pain in the butt. The other issue is when the grass is somewhat wet (often lately in NH) the front wheels compress the grass and the mulching blades won't lift it back up, which leaves long streaks of grass mixed in with the shorter mowed rows. Sooo...
If I upgrade to a PT (180?) what is the feeling about the 45" single blade deck vs. the wider triple blade 48" deck? Will either take mulching blades (my preference)? I know it will out turn the craftsman but how well is it around small trees (tight radius)? Primary use is obviously finish mowing with maybe a bucket to help clean out a couple of stalls.
Thanks in advance for any opinions you can offer.
Torin

ps: I've been drawn like a moth to a flame to mossroads action videos.

 

[Barryh]

I wish I could give you some advice, but I didn’t buy my 180 to mow grass. Not to offend anyone here, this is just my opinion. Considering the money I shelled out for the PT. I prefer to put my precious hours on it doing other things. I use my throw away craftsman yard tractor for mowing with no problems at all. When that wears out I will be moving up to the GT like yours, but with the 48 inch deck I can’t wait.

I’m sure Bill who has a 180 can tell you all about the different mowers, and how well they do or don’t work with the 180, if that's what you intend to buy. In any case, hope you get a PT which ever one you decide on, so you can join in on the fun. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Barryh]

I wish I could give you some advice, but I didn’t buy my 180 to mow grass. Not to offend anyone here, this is just my opinion. Considering the money I shelled out for the PT. I prefer to put my precious hours on it doing other things. I use my throw away craftsman yard tractor for mowing with no problems at all. When that wears out I will be moving up to the GT like yours, but with the 48 inch deck I can’t wait.

I’m sure Bill who has a 180 can tell you all about the different mowers, and how well they do or don’t work with the 180, if that's what you intend to buy. In any case, hope you get a PT which ever one you decide on, so you can join in on the fun. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[BillCroasmun]

I've been mowing regularly with the single blade deck on the 180 since last spring. I can't compare it to the triple blade in quality since I didn't try it out during my trip to Power-Trac but I can let you know why I chose it.

During my PT research here on TBN I read about lack of power while mowing on inclines and also about hydraulic oil heat and the 180 doesn't come with an oil cooler like the bigger units. Since the single blade uses lets HP (you don't have any HP loss due to belts and such) I tested it for quality down there and was satisfied. I never inquired about mulching blades for it but my opinion is it does not have a lot of lift as is. Still cuts fine for me but every ones opinion varies on satisfactory quality of cuts. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif As an FYI I've never had any issues with mowing on my short slopes or any issues with power loss after running for long periods.

Don't have an exact radius on the cutting but I can get one for you. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I'll measure it tomorrow or Sunday and report back. One interesting thing I never thought of before getting it, although obvious when you think about it, is with a single blade the deck is just as deep as wide. Like I said it's obvious but it has plus sides and down sides I didn't think about. A plus side is greater reach under trees and bushes for trimming. The down side is the extra length out front can affect maneuvability in tighter spaces. Not sure what the difference is but it if you look at the picture of the two here you'll see that it is pretty decent difference. The front wheel configuration is what really makes it stands out.

 

[BillCroasmun]

I've been mowing regularly with the single blade deck on the 180 since last spring. I can't compare it to the triple blade in quality since I didn't try it out during my trip to Power-Trac but I can let you know why I chose it.

During my PT research here on TBN I read about lack of power while mowing on inclines and also about hydraulic oil heat and the 180 doesn't come with an oil cooler like the bigger units. Since the single blade uses lets HP (you don't have any HP loss due to belts and such) I tested it for quality down there and was satisfied. I never inquired about mulching blades for it but my opinion is it does not have a lot of lift as is. Still cuts fine for me but every ones opinion varies on satisfactory quality of cuts. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif As an FYI I've never had any issues with mowing on my short slopes or any issues with power loss after running for long periods.

Don't have an exact radius on the cutting but I can get one for you. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I'll measure it tomorrow or Sunday and report back. One interesting thing I never thought of before getting it, although obvious when you think about it, is with a single blade the deck is just as deep as wide. Like I said it's obvious but it has plus sides and down sides I didn't think about. A plus side is greater reach under trees and bushes for trimming. The down side is the extra length out front can affect maneuvability in tighter spaces. Not sure what the difference is but it if you look at the picture of the two here you'll see that it is pretty decent difference. The front wheel configuration is what really makes it stands out.

 

[shvl73]

Barry and Bill,
Thanks for the info so far. Another question, does the 5% discount PT offers, equal out the tax if picked up? I'm assuming hefty freight charges but no tax if shipped to NH.
I'm sure I'll think of more questions but, that's all I can come up with for now.
Thanks,
Torin

 

[shvl73]

Barry and Bill,
Thanks for the info so far. Another question, does the 5% discount PT offers, equal out the tax if picked up? I'm assuming hefty freight charges but no tax if shipped to NH.
I'm sure I'll think of more questions but, that's all I can come up with for now.
Thanks,
Torin

 

[Barryh]

I paid around 600 to have mine delivered by private carrier, here in Harpers Ferry WV. I don't recall any tax, but then again, I was too excited to really pay to much attention. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[Barryh]

I paid around 600 to have mine delivered by private carrier, here in Harpers Ferry WV. I don't recall any tax, but then again, I was too excited to really pay to much attention. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif