MossRoad
Super Moderator
- Joined
- Aug 31, 2001
- Messages
- 60,418
- Location
- South Bend, Indiana (near)
- Tractor
- Power Trac PT425 2001 Model Year
Here is my unbiased opinion after 10 years of owning a PT425....
It won't do the job you need it to do and you will be disappointed in the end.
Why?
800 pounds is the tipping forward limit of the machine at the quick attach plated. Ad an implement and the fact that anything you pick up will be forward of the implement and the lift capability goes down. You end up lifting the rear of the PT off the ground instead of lifting the load. You will be right on the hairy edge of what is fondly referred to as "The PT Pucker!". That's when you are driving happily along with a large load and then you turn the steering wheel. With an articulated tractor (that bends in the middle like the PT) when you turn the steering wheel, they unit bends and actually becomes shorter and the center of gravity moves rapidly, which can cause the load to drop to the ground fast and the rear of the unit to rise off the ground. The benefit of this is that all of the weight of the tractor then transferrs to the front wheels and you gain traction! Its a squirrely deal until you get used to it.
Also, the PT425 is limited in slope ability by the oiling lubrication capacities of the motor installed. I believe the current motors are different than my older Kohler engine's 25 degree angle limitation.
The PT425 with a heavy load will struggle on extreme slopes. Also, extreme slopes change the center of gravity and lift capacity may be affected.
The gas engines are loud and you need full throttle to take advantage of the full hydraulic power. Also, the gas engines are meant to be run at high RPMs for the cooling fan to work properly.
You are also limited in lift height to, I beleive, 60" on the current PT425. Make sure that the forks can be leveled at that height before purchasing.
You will be happy with the units easy footprint on turf.
I would investigate larger PTs if I were you.
Hope that helps. :thumbsup:
It won't do the job you need it to do and you will be disappointed in the end.
Why?
800 pounds is the tipping forward limit of the machine at the quick attach plated. Ad an implement and the fact that anything you pick up will be forward of the implement and the lift capability goes down. You end up lifting the rear of the PT off the ground instead of lifting the load. You will be right on the hairy edge of what is fondly referred to as "The PT Pucker!". That's when you are driving happily along with a large load and then you turn the steering wheel. With an articulated tractor (that bends in the middle like the PT) when you turn the steering wheel, they unit bends and actually becomes shorter and the center of gravity moves rapidly, which can cause the load to drop to the ground fast and the rear of the unit to rise off the ground. The benefit of this is that all of the weight of the tractor then transferrs to the front wheels and you gain traction! Its a squirrely deal until you get used to it.
Also, the PT425 is limited in slope ability by the oiling lubrication capacities of the motor installed. I believe the current motors are different than my older Kohler engine's 25 degree angle limitation.
The PT425 with a heavy load will struggle on extreme slopes. Also, extreme slopes change the center of gravity and lift capacity may be affected.
The gas engines are loud and you need full throttle to take advantage of the full hydraulic power. Also, the gas engines are meant to be run at high RPMs for the cooling fan to work properly.
You are also limited in lift height to, I beleive, 60" on the current PT425. Make sure that the forks can be leveled at that height before purchasing.
You will be happy with the units easy footprint on turf.
I would investigate larger PTs if I were you.
Hope that helps. :thumbsup: