Power trac Vs ZTM

J_J · Feb 1, 2005

If you only had one choice between a PT and a ZTR. I would pick the PT everytime. Why, I just retired from the lawn service business. I own both a Dixie Chopper, and a PT-1445. If most or your work is cutting grass. then the ZTR would be my choice. A Dixie Chopper, 60 in cut to a 72 in cut will cost about $8,700.00 to $9,500.00.

If you want to a little bit of everything, then a PT would be worth every dime you put into it. The more implements you have, the more you will find to do. It really does make things easier. It only takes average intelligence to maintain the PT. You don't have to be a hydraulic expert, just pull out the part and take it to a hyd shop.

All the implements I have used are well made and should last
a long, long time. Some say it is built like a tank.

You really need to test drive and look at all the implements that are available to better see which ones will fit your needs.
I believe there is sufficient data on this forum , plus a visit to POWER-TRAC will help you with your decision. Good Luck

MuncyBob · Feb 1, 2005

Have to agree with either the visit to Tazewell or find somebody that has one and take it for a test drive. I was very leary of buying "sight unseen" even though there is so much info here on the PT..but after a fellow TBN'r allowed me to visit him and take it for a spin I was sold(it's so much more than a grass cutter!)....the only reservation I would have is the slopes you have to cut, but I guess you'll figure that out once you take the actual measurements.

dbetts · Feb 1, 2005

Joe, if your hills are as steep as you estimate then I would recomend against a 425, although I have yet to use mine with the wheels reversed, however the "slope mowers" from pt can handle up to 45 degrees. Scott Gentry said today unofficially up to 50 degrees for the 1850. They have a nice display in there new showroom of an 1850 with a slope meter on a hydraulically lifted "hill" to show what a 45 degree slope looks like. If you go there they will take you somewhere to test one on a slope that steep. The 72" finish cut deck is for use with the 1845 as was stated in another post. The seats automatically adjust to keep the driver vertical,I've not driven one, but they look cool. If you're wanting to do much other than mowing like anything with a front end loader I'm betting the significantly sturdier design of the pt would be an asset.

Bob999 · Feb 1, 2005

I have an PT 1845 with a 72" finish mower. I replaced a ZTR with the PT because I could only mow about 80% of my property with the ZTR. I was unwilling to risk the ZTR on slopes greater than 20 degrees. The PT handles all my slopes safely and comfortably--up to 30 degrees. While I worked 20 degree slopes with the ZTR it turned into a sled when turned downhill on wet grass at 20% slope and could be a bit exciting. I have never been sorry to have sold the ZTR and gotten the PT 1845.

I have an PT 72" finish mower with about 10 hours total use that I would like to sell. It is posted in the TBN classifieds. I ended up buying an articulated mower for my PT from another poster on this board and no longer have use for the PT finish mower.

rmcconnell · Feb 2, 2005

I was interested in ZT Mowers when I first bought my house due to their cutting speed. The dealers suggested trying the mower on my hills before buying (which I didn't do but should be done). A ZTM is wide and low to the ground so it is unlikely to flip. However, it has the two real wheels for both traction and steering. You have wet grass on a hill an things can become difficult. I decided that a 4 wheel drive mower was my only choice and went with the Powertrac 422. On my 20 degree hills it is stable but could use more power.

pequeajim · Feb 2, 2005

Jack had suggessted the same thing to me a little while back and I went to Harbor Freight and bought this Angle Meter for $4.99 on sale. I think the regular price is $5.99.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=34214

Piece of plywood and it works great!

ernemats · Feb 2, 2005

I have the same angle meter from Harbor Freight with the magnetic base and I have it mounted on my power trac behind the left headlight. It works ok if you stop , but moving the needle jumps around too much to tell what the slope is.

stray · Feb 10, 2005

Has any one with the newer 425 higher toque wheels used their mower on steep slopes. How well will it pull going up them while mowing.

smartguyz · Feb 10, 2005

Hi -

I have one of the newer PT425s with the higher-torque wheel motors. It does quite well climbing hills. With anything running off the PTO, it does fine, but as we all know, keeping the speed down will keep the engine from straining as much. That said, I think that you'll be limited to a 60" deck with the 425. I have the 48" deck, as I have less lawn. It does just fine, even on hills, if you keep from trying full-throttle. It will still do full-throttle, but you can tell the engine is straining.

Sincerely,

Rob /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif