Mowing Power-Trac Slope Mower questions

[ToolcatWonka5610]

Okay, I've been skimming through the Slope Mower threads and posts and I do have a few questions.

I've heard a lot of overheating problems for these machines. Advice?

Are there any 1845 or 1850 owners in here Michigan?

Does anyone have a link to the Cab for the TSM machines? The one on this forum expired or the "page cannot be found" or something.

 

[woodlandfarms]

Some machines handle clogging better than others (Clogging by the debris in the air). I think if you were to use an 1845 or 1850 for a large scale mowing operation (all day, every day and unsupervised), you would want to make sure either you had made some mods on the PT, either in the form of a reversible fan or screens or secondary engine oil cooler but for most applications just attention to the guages and a daily cleaning ritual will be all that you need.

If you read about other tractors, you will find this a common issue on a lot of them. Mowing is a dusty dirty job and seldom do designers seem to understand that. Having the mower out front does not help the dust and dirt issue, but I love it being there over being attached to the back.

There are a few cheap / free mods to the PT that can greatly help in dusty conditions.

I do not know of any advantage of the 1845 over the 1850 or visa versa. I will say that the 1850 has tons of guts, and it is pretty strong for the lift arms provided (meaning you can damage the tractor or implements if you are not careful). The tractor will go places you will not.

PT has a fit and finish issue that applies to all tractors. The Deutz is a rock solid engine, so generally not your problem spot.

As for oil leaks, there should not be any, but as we have said, the PT has some fit and finish issues that will leave you pondering why chinese brands are considered worse. But generally simple to fix.

Altavista had some serious issues with his PT. I am not sure if he kept it or sold it or just scrapped it. But when it was working for him he loved it, more than he loved his other machines.

As for the cab, that was the first time I had seen something like that. Not sure how that worked on that tractor as the cab is placed over the articulation, and the AC must have structurally adjusted the overhead.

I guess it is nice to have, but I have never felt the need for it. I would tell your dad to suck it up ;-)

 

[ToolcatWonka5610]

The cab was just a consideration. Summer here in Michigan are really Hot and VERY humid.
For winter use it'd be very good. Winters here are ****! It'd be good to have.

The overheating problem, I don't know if we'd be bushhoging. So far just regular mowing.
The only reason were looking into the 1845 is for it's slope mowing capabilities. We mow on some hills (30+ degrees) but not always. We like the 1850 but as you said "its a large machine for the lift arms provided" thats one reason we like the 1845, less power. I know if we get an 1850 me or my Dad will push it too far. It sounds like the 1845 can be pushed but not as bad as an 1850. For one don't need 65HP diesel. 45HP is good.

 

[ToolcatWonka5610]

Rather than making a new thread, I'm opening an old one.
We talked to the new owners of the property with the 40+ Degree hill. So now I guess we do need a Slope Mower (see our needs are always changing, thats why were jumping back and fourth betwwen models, be this should be the definite machine). So me and my Dad had a long talk last night. He feels the 1850 will be a lot better over the 1845 and it's only $1,000 more plus 20 more Horsepower and an almost 2 foot wider cut. As for attachments, We're sure we'll need these attachments; 90" Mower, Post Driver, Power Rake, Tiller, Mini-Hoe, and Stump Cutter. Now I have some questions;

1). Were getting a Post Driver, any experience with one? (Ponytug and Charile Iliff have one)
2). Also anyone use the Concrete Breaker foot on the Post Driver?

3). Do you run the Post Driver by just flipping the PTO switch and it starts pounding or do you have to individually move the auxilary hydraulic lever up and down?

4). I saw this on a video of MossRoad's 425, does the QA run of the hydraulic PTO so when you put like a Mower on, do you have to unhook the QA lines to attach a hyraulic powered attachment? It looked that way on the video.

Any advice, please give!

 

[ponytug]

Go with the 1850, I don't think you will regret the HP & you can always throttle down.

The Post Driver hooks up to everything, PTO IN & OUT, Q/A, and the drain line. First you set plumb from the tractor seat, then you square it up L/R with Q/A, then you set the parking brake, turn on the PTO, and stand next to the driver to operate the drive lever. Opening the drive lever raises the dead weight, and releasing the lever drops the weight. While Terry says that you can't lower the weight without driving a post, you can crack the valve and ease it down, but by default the valve lifts, and the moment it is released the weight comes dropping down- So watch out for fingers and toes. Basically, you are raising a 6-800lb weight up and dropping it on the post.

It is really important that you square up the driver, or you will get an out of square post. (As Homer Simpson says "Doh!") It is not hard, but do take a level out with you.

I use a heavy duty bungee cord to hold the post against the driver, with the hooks in front to roll along the post. It helps keep the post from shifting, and it keeps my hands well away from the post while driving. The only downside to the driver is that when people see how easy it is, they will want you to do lots. (So don't let your customer's see you operate it!)

If you are planning on do a lot of landscaping, you might want to consider a laser control on the power rake. It will get you to level or to grade rapidly.

Many attachments don't require the use of the Q/A hydraulics.

Have fun,

Peter

...We're sure we'll need these attachments; 90" Mower, Post Driver, Power Rake, Tiller, Mini-Hoe, and Stump Cutter. Now I have some questions;

1). Were getting a Post Driver, any experience with one? (Ponytug and Charile Iliff have one)
2). Also anyone use the Concrete Breaker foot on the Post Driver?

3). Do you run the Post Driver by just flipping the PTO switch and it starts pounding or do you have to individually move the auxilary hydraulic lever up and down?

4). I saw this on a video of MossRoad's 425, does the QA run of the hydraulic PTO so when you put like a Mower on, do you have to unhook the QA lines to attach a hyraulic powered attachment? It looked that way on the video.

Any advice, please give!

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

Go with the 1850, I don't think you will regret the HP & you can always throttle down.

The Post Driver hooks up to everything, PTO IN & OUT, Q/A, and the drain line. First you set plumb from the tractor seat, then you square it up L/R with Q/A, then you set the parking brake, turn on the PTO, and stand next to the driver to operate the drive lever. Opening the drive lever raises the dead weight, and releasing the lever drops the weight. While Terry says that you can't lower the weight without driving a post, you can crack the valve and ease it down, but by default the valve lifts, and the moment it is released the weight comes dropping down- So watch out for fingers and toes. Basically, you are raising a 6-800lb weight up and dropping it on the post.

It is really important that you square up the driver, or you will get an out of square post. (As Homer Simpson says "Doh!") It is not hard, but do take a level out with you.

I use a heavy duty bungee cord to hold the post against the driver, with the hooks in front to roll along the post. It helps keep the post from shifting, and it keeps my hands well away from the post while driving. The only downside to the driver is that when people see how easy it is, they will want you to do lots. (So don't let your customer's see you operate it!)

If you are planning on do a lot of landscaping, you might want to consider a laser control on the power rake. It will get you to level or to grade rapidly.

Many attachments don't require the use of the Q/A hydraulics.

Have fun,

Peter

I agree. I have the 1845. I think the 1850 will handle the post driver a little better, since it does tend to bounce the machine a little. If you have a pretty good eyeball, you can run a lot of fence in a hurry, even without a level, but it will be a bit wavy. Getting the base of the post in the right place and getting it vertical does take some care, but it is worth the care. If you just want to hurry, in soft ground like ours you actually can put in 15-20 posts per hour, and they will be much firmer than ones set in holes and tamped.

 

[J_J]

ToolcatWonka5610

Are you being serious about all this equipment, or are you just dreaming? Things don't just seem to add up. Do you and your dad have the contracts to support this kind of purchase in todays market? I don't think I would want my kids getting on the Internet making statements and such. I almost think you are just playing with us. No disrespect intended, but if you have cash, cash talks. Is it even legal for you at your age to operate this kind of equipment in a commercial environment. How about Workman's comp insurance for you, do they know your age. How about liability insurance. Like I said before, things just don't add up. How about a trailer for all this.

PT-1850---------------32,000

90" mower--------------4,500

POST DRIVER-----------4,000

POWER RAKE-----------3.000

TILLER-----------------2,400

MINI-HOE--------------2,300

STUMP GRINDER--------2,400

TOTAL----------------48,000


ADD BUCKET/GRAPPLE--2,500

 

[Rivco]

ToolcatWonka5610

Are you being serious about all this equipment, or are you just dreaming? Things don't just seem to add up. Do you and your dad have the contracts to support this kind of purchase in todays market? I don't think I would want my kids getting on the Internet making statements and such. I almost think you are just playing with us. No disrespect intended, but if you have cash, cash talks. Is it even legal for you at your age to operate this kind of equipment in a commercial environment. How about Workman's comp insurance for you, do they know your age. How about liability insurance. Like I said before, things just don't add up. How about a trailer for all this.

PT-1850---------------32,000

90" mower--------------4,500

POST DRIVER-----------4,000

POWER RAKE-----------3.000

TILLER-----------------2,400

MINI-HOE--------------2,300

STUMP GRINDER--------2,400

TOTAL----------------48,000


ADD BUCKET/GRAPPLE--2,500

Very well said and to the point !!!.If my Workman's Comp carrier & Liability carrier ever found out I was allowing a 14 year old kid to operate equipment like this for Commercial and /or Residential contracts ...they would drop me like a lead balloon. I agree that a lot of what this young Lad has said just doesn't add up. I will be very surprised if any PT and / or equipment will ever be purchased !!.

 

[T-storm]

I must agree with the above post by JJ & Rivco. I have a business & my insurance policy has a standard clause (this covers all 50 states) that probhits any minor under 18 to operate any equipment that is deemed commerical use. In additional an operator of such equipment must rec'd training from a authorized rep.

Now I know each state's workmans comp is different but insurance is basically standard

If I was a client & found a minor was operating such equipment. I would terminate the contract & may notify OHSA.

 

[ToolcatWonka5610]

Guys, I'm taken care of but thats really my own business, not to be rude

I'm actually a bit offended. This is not a dream and I'm not messing with you guys. I work hard in school and on the job. I don't really like the fact that just because I'm a kid doesn't mean I'm playing and all that other stuff And Rivco, we want a PT to replace all our bigger machines that are too big for our work (but a PT is just right) and get ready for a surprise, too, Rivco. But I come one here to get advice about Power Tracs. The only reason I'm on here instead of my dad is he doesn't have a a computer and internet (even though he could easily afford one) and he doesn't really like computers anyway. And yes we do have enough jobs to support and afford a PT-1850. But were still trying to find a decent used Slope Mower for a good deal and one that we can go see.
I'm sorry guys, not trying be mean here, I've been under a lot of stress lately (work, school, my grades,the end of the year exams, planning the trip to Tazewell) Sorry again I just wanted to get that off my chest and straighten things out

Now let's put this behind us and get back to Power Tracs

Anyone happen to have a picture of the Concrete Breaker Foot for the Post Driver?

 

[woodlandfarms]

Employing a minor is has some very interesting issues, generally handled by state law with general oversite by the feds (I employ minors all the time). Workers comp for family members is also an interesting issue. Some policies do not consider a family member an employee (part of the "owner") and thus personal health insurance would kick in unless you bought the bonus owner coverage. But again, workers comp is state by state. And the bonus, a family member who is a minor who is working for the family business gets very, very interesting, and very vague.

As for toolcat. Good for standing up for yourself, but I don't think anyone is going for the jugular. I took the comments from everyone as a healthy reality check. Right now I don't know of anyone who isn't completely loosing their S%#*()& over the economy. When it comes to equipment, boy toys, we tend to loose perspective quickly. "Whats a few thousand more" we tend to say. I see the comments as just a friendly reality check, not any sort of attack.

 

[ToolcatWonka5610]

Employing a minor is has some very interesting issues, generally handled by state law with general oversite by the feds (I employ minors all the time). Workers comp for family members is also an interesting issue. Some policies do not consider a family member an employee (part of the "owner") and thus personal health insurance would kick in unless you bought the bonus owner coverage. But again, workers comp is state by state. And the bonus, a family member who is a minor who is working for the family business gets very, very interesting, and very vague.

As for toolcat. Good for standing up for yourself, but I don't think anyone is going for the jugular. I took the comments from everyone as a healthy reality check. Right now I don't know of anyone who isn't completely loosing their S%#*()& over the economy. When it comes to equipment, boy toys, we tend to loose perspective quickly. "Whats a few thousand more" we tend to say. I see the comments as just a friendly reality check, not any sort of attack.

Thank you Carl! Now I kinda remember what it was like trying get me employed. I didn't start working until months after. I had just turned 12, October 2006. I really had to prove myself I was capable. I remember how happy I was we I was finally able to work.

Reality Check: I didn't really want it to seem like I felt it as an attack. I've just been under stress mainly from school. It's the end of the year and things start to get crazy. For one I'm trying to get my grade up in Algebra 1 and there's the exams. And today's been a long day for me, crazy day at school, then work. I apologize.

Well it's good to know that I'm not the only minor in the workforce.
Neat that some kids are working in the movie production business, Carl.
I myself am a bit of a Movie Director/Producer/Writer.
Does YouTube count?

 

[woodlandfarms]

Youtube counts. I am no fan of the small screen but it counts....

Glad you are suffering from pressure. Makes me feel good when a 14 year old wakes up at night in cold sweats. Don't feel so alone ;-)

Algebra blows. Never worked for me until someone showed me what it meant, physically, put it in my hands to explain. Same with Geometry. Theorums... Uggghhhh. but when someone said "OK, this is how we figure out how to get into outerspace" it kinda came together (too little too late to make astronaut training program).

As for kids, I employ them a lot, but they are employed as actors. California labor laws are tough on employing any minor. Also, the work we do is usually 12 to 14 hour days, and labor intensive, minor hiring limits hours of employment.

If you want some fun, follow what is happening on Jon and Kate - someone has filed a greivance with the state employment board. Are the kids actors (If so, some very specific laws are in force) or are they having their life unscripted and follwed with a camera... Discovery could be forced to pay millions in penalties if the producers set up anything and it wasn't free decision by the kids.

 

[ToolcatWonka5610]

Oh, makes sense now with the kids. Was almost impossible getting me to be able to work with equipment. But I'm a lot better with equipment than a lot of people my age.

I'm dreading going into Algebra 2. I have some friends, same grade as me, in there as an advanced class and they said it is h***. Imaginary numbers? What is it writen in invisible ink? And ii=2? WT* is this ****? I hope I can get through it but I don't know.

I saw you have a YouTube account. You got some video of your 1850. Thats a big machine I tell that. I also like your Dodge car commercial. I just like for the '69 Charger (I think it was a Charger) we I start driving. I want a Classic Car. Like a '67 Mustang or a GTO *Makes Tim Taylor Grunts*

 

[ponytug]

Deep breath now, slow breathing...
Geometry is just logic; often hard to get if you are 16...
(Speaking from personal experience.)
Algebra hmm- My $0.02 is not to worry about the words that people use, but look at the underlying concept. e.g. Pi- it is the number that converts a diameter to a circumference, or i, which is just something that when you multiply it by itself you get -1.
Speaking as a former math teacher, I can say that alot of math is not well explained, but when it is most people go "Oh, of course", rather like Carl and getting to outerspace.

Now back to our regularly scheduled slope mower discussions...

Oh, makes sense now with the kids. Was almost impossible getting me to be able to work with equipment. But I'm a lot better with equipment than a lot of people my age.

I'm dreading going into Algebra 2. I have some friends, same grade as me, in there as an advanced class and they said it is h***. Imaginary numbers? What is it writen in invisible ink? And ii=2? WT* is this ****? I hope I can get through it but I don't know.

I saw you have a YouTube account. You got some video of your 1850. Thats a big machine I tell that. I also like your Dodge car commercial. I just like for the '69 Charger (I think it was a Charger) we I start driving. I want a Classic Car. Like a '67 Mustang or a GTO *Makes Tim Taylor Grunts*

 

[woodlandfarms]

I wish I had had a good math teacher.. It is pretty amazing to me how much advanced math happens in my industry... You would think it would be all about art but mostly it is all about science and business...

 

[ToolcatWonka5610]

Now back to our regularly scheduled slope mower discussions...

Good idea Peter
Called Chris at PT today and discussed some things on the 1850 and attachments. I always get good advice when I call (well thats the intention right?) He said (like all you guys) the 1850 is a better value over the 1850 for only $1,000 more. Hes had guys buy a 1845 when they needed a 1850. I don't know of anyone on here who has recently bought a new 1845. Nor a new 1850 but there are some guys that recently bought a used one on here; Carl and Ken. Bigger engine, Wheel motors, Pumps, Hydraulic Flow and Deck size on the 1850. Now about everyone buys the 1850 instead (Gee, I wonder why? )

A few attachments for the 1850 I asked Chris about:

90" Mower: The 90" Rough Cut on the 1850 has the Stump Jumpers for Rough Cutting which can be changed to Finish Mower Spindles and Blades. Set up like that, the 1850 can mow about the same as a regular mower but the downside of the wider mower is scalping on uneven ground (already knew that) But on regular ground, the 90" Converted should cut pretty good.

Post Driver: Chris told me that the Post Driver is better than Augering and Tamping Posts (Taming? Correct me if I'm wrong) On the end of the Driver is a Rubber bushing for Post Driving, which can be removed and replaced with a Concrete Breaker Foot, which is just a Metal piece. Set up this way, Chris said Concrete Breaker on the Post Driver can break Concrete over 2 Feet Thick! Thats gotta be thicker than what a Hydraulic Breaker on a Skid Steer can bust up! Thats what I call Heavy Duty.

Wheel Trencher: A very useful attachment by allowing you to Trench in soil for Lines but can also make Clean smooth cuts in Pavement. Chris said it's the equivalent of a Hand-Held Pavement Saw. A good for Demolition so it should be a handy attachment for us!

If all goes well, the Trip to Tazewell will take place on Thursday, June 11th, or Friday June 12th. We may take J_J's advice and maybe find someone with a PT that can go the Tazewell with us.

 

[ponytug]

Well the new ones may have a rubber pad... I can tell you that mine doesn't. I would be interested if you can find out about it, e.g. location, thickness, hardness...

You had it right, it is tamping posts, which is the process of putting in 4-6" of soil or gravel around the post, and packing it down until it is solid, while keeping the post vertical, and then repeating it until you get back up to the top of the soil. Good tamping makes an enormous difference in the longevity of fences, which is one reason why the driven posts yield a better quality fence.

All the best,

Peter

P.S. I would take the 2' thick concrete with a grain of salt. That might be 2' of unreinforced, old concrete...

 

[ToolcatWonka5610]

Thanks. Chris said the rubber piece mounts on the driver somewhere around where the Driver hits the Post. It bolts in and can be unbolted and Replaced with a Metal Concrete Breaker Foot.
The Post Driver sounds like a better value over the Auger set up because it Puts in Posts firmer and is quicker. Fencing being one of our big jobs we need something like that.
Not to mention the ability to Breaker Concrete with it. Demolition is another good sized job.

 

[Gravy]

Just understand that the post driver operates by raising a big weight way up high, and then dropping it. If the machine is not very close to level, that big weight way up high may well tip the whole thing over.

Also, trying to drive a post through rocks is probably a completely different kind of adventure than trying to drill a posthole through rocks. Either one can getcha...