Power-Tracs are not cheaper in my opinion

[Gravy]

I thought I said it. I'll say it again. My PT425 was less expensive ( I don't like the word cheap when referring to my baby) than any CUT that could do the same jobs.

What I was trying to get at is that I don't recall anybody making a blanket statement that "PTs are cheaper than CUTs" and leaving it at that. The usual statement includes a qualifier like yours: "than any CUT that could do the same jobs" or "than anything else that will do what I need/want". In my mind, that is very different from just saying PTs are cheaper.

Actually, I don't see PTs and CUTs as being any more comparable than pickups vs. sports cars. There's just not enough in common to allow for a meaningful price comparison.

Gravy

 

[marrt]

WOW, I was away from my PC for a few days and this thread really grew.

Moss, I'm completing your form as requested. I just need to get a couple additional responses from some Chinese tractor dealers.

 

[MossRoad]

Great rant Kent, unfortunately there is Poperotsie footage floating around of you on your preferred CUT....

Uh-oh... SCANDAL!!!

 

[MossRoad]

Cool little tractors, I think we all have a few of them hanging around. Here is some footage of MR in transit with his little CUT, when he's not on the 425 ....

I told you it would fit in the back of a pickup truck!

 

[MossRoad]

O.K. I'll admit it... I, too have a second tractor that is dedicated to only one implement....

 

[horse7]

Having said this, I really want a PT1850 for the back several steep acres and terraces (terraces are TBD-- using a box blade to do the heavy moving). I'd use something else to obliterate the heavy brush (inch plus stems) first though, wherever possible. Having a front mower, the articulation mobility, and steep slope capabilities are definite positive features. Rapid loss in resale value is a definite negative unless, of course, I find a cream puff used one

Don't misunderstand -- I think a traditional CUT/SCUT is still MUCH better at working up the soil (plowing, disking, harrowing, and perhaps even tilling, etc.)... but I also think that fewer and fewer people are farming OR gardening these days, so that purpose is diminishing all the time, IMO....

I think this refers to the terraces-- the terraces are just growing grass. The UT I have with a box blade should be able to do the earth moving, I suppose a PT could do it, or a teaspoon, just take longer (longer or shorter depending on the PT model).

One thing that has occurred to me is that if a terrace-- the retaining walls are at most 36" tall-- has a wall failure while driving near the wall (uphill side), that is a problem with a high CG tractor, but an 1850 should just cant on its side and stay upright. Same thing if a wheel goes off the edge, try that with a tractor....

Now if just an 1850 could dig shallow holes....

 

[woodlandfarms]

Owning an 1850 I am not sure what you mean by digging shallow holes. The one I am digging to put my wifes body in (a future move, not current) is being dug by the 1850...

And YES, I am thoroughly grateful for the extra set of wheels. We had a major surprise this spring as I was clearing the edge of our common road o blackberries. Mower reaches beyond the tires so I am mowing the edge of the road... I keep looking to my right and suddenly there is nothing but air. Unbeknownst to the locals our 24" culvert failed and over the past years has been eroding the edge of the road to the point were it is now a 15' verticle drop only 1 foot from the edge of the road. If it had not been for those extra tires it would have been embarrassing if nothing else. Now i hang my tires over the edge, but it takes a bit of getting used to...

One thing on all of this. A bit of a shortcoming on the PT line is how the box blade attaches. In a 3 PT system you can tilt the blade, but on the PT this is not possible. Most people want to level, but I have some ditch cleaning and some unlevel places where tilting the blade would be nice. I ended up buying a 3PT adapter and doing a quick mod on it to raise and lower one side then bought a Woods Box Blade.... Don't use it like I thought I would but glad I did it.

Carl

 

[jfh28]

Actually Moss I believe I see TWO quick attach implements behind you

Jack

 

[Barryh]

O.K. I'll admit it... I, too have a second tractor that is dedicated to only one implement....

Whacha got growing in back of you there? a Garden? Cool picture, looks like the kiddies are having fun.... I can relate...

 

[Rivco]

I haven't been paying to much attention to this thread,, so I figured I should read through it ( based on the number of replies ).
In my opinion this is the bottom line. ( ARE POWERTRACS CHEAPER...NO!! ) PowerTrac decided to do away with selling their machines through dealers because they realized if they tried to compete with the other well known names within the same HP, load capacity range, and price range they would go out of business period!!!. PowerTrac ( at one time ) advertised on their web site SAVE 30% BY BUYING FACTORY DIRECT. If we take the current price of the PT425 $ 10,000.00 x 1.30 (30% MARKUP ) = $ 13,000.00. Now compare that to a dealer based machine ( whether it be the two orange machines the green machine, or the red machines within the same HP and price range ) with dealer based support & repair, Real owner & parts manuals, over the counter replacement parts, stable & known resale marketability, It's a no brainier period... the PowerTrac is not cheaper. I bought My PT180 knowing well in advance that I would have to do all repairs myself, I live in New England...not in VA,WV,NC,or SO.PA ( a little longer drive to Tazewell, VA. ) I would have get a quick education on hydraulics, and if I needed to find replacement parts such as wheel motors, pumps, hydraulic filters, engine filters ETC. it ( or any other parts that PowerTrac ripped the OEM labels off and stuck their own proprietary labels on ) would be like trying to find a needle in a frigging hay stack.
Am I happy with my 180 (former 180 owner ) yes. It is built like a mini tank, it is a no thrills no frills machine that lends itself to modifications as needed for ones own use, and finally.... would I buy another Power Trac...Yes ( and I plan to ).
Is The PowerTrac cheaper when compared to a similarly rated tractor ( again.. including the perks such as... dealer support, real owner and parts manuals, over the counter parts, stable and known resale marketability ) NO,NO,NO !!! I could go on... and on...and on, but why keep kicking a dead horse !!!