PT Implement Choices / Questions

Sedgewood · Feb 6, 2003

Charlie Mowing in a nicely groomed area just increases the challenge to find things with which to do damage, but I'm usually up to the task. 

I'll second that.... er what I mean is so am I up to the task.

Sedgewood

Scott_F · Feb 6, 2003

How bout for scraping down and leveling a dirt/rock road base in preparation for seeding....do you think there is a major advantage over an angle blade? 

I'll second what Sedgewood said - and I also think you'd find that if trying to push an angle blade, it will dig in too much. I'll be using the tiller and box blade extensively /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif in a couple of months to redo our yard - lots of rough spots to smooth out and drainage problems to fix. Will report afterwards.

Scott

wasabi · Feb 6, 2003

Scott . Can't wait a couple of months....I need your wisdom now!....I've got the implement itch and, as you probably know, it has to be scratched when it comes up.... /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif. I have limited experience with the tilt blade, but it definately tends to dig in, and when booking along and you hit a root or rock that doesn't break free, it can sure make for quick stops, eh? I assume a box blade behaves differently....the weight aspect sure makes sense to help reduce the chatter factor....

Thanks to all for the feedback thusfar, but as MossRoad mentioned, more information sometimes muddies the waters....now at least I'm sure I don't know the difference between a "brushhog" and a rotary cutter. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Here's where I am after considering the above suggestions:

Sounds like the tiller is a must have and the PT version is a clear buy. I'll likely go with the 60" though the 48" would probably suffice. I've got the power, might as well use it! Gonna be fun! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

The box blade may be a go as well, but if I hear the feedback right I might be better off with an aftermarket brand retrofit to the PT. Good news is I have a rear 3pt, so perhaps I can find a used one or at the least a ready to hook up new one. If I do so, any suggestions as to heaviest duty/best brand? Does a rear box blade need a "float" feature to work best?

Now for the mower...I'd like to go for the 72" as after initial clearing it will be used to maintain pastures and occasionally cut brush to clear trails and such, but nothing outrageously thick. Multiple passes with partial bite would not really be a problem if necessary.....but this confusion over a rotary vs. bushhog is puzzling to me. Is the PT rotary not equiv to a brushhog? If not, am I better off looking at a non-PT mower or does PT offer a heavier "brushhog" version I am not aware of...all I saw listed was the "rotary cutter". Maybe, if it is between finish and brushhog, it will suffice. heavy enough?

As for the (basic) landscape rake, I guess I still need more info....I am not convinced it will dig up loose roots, rocks and stuff to be worth the admission price...I'm not ready to spend the bucks for a power rake....but am I expecting too much from a basic one?

Appreciate all the help. Want to make the best choices!

Charlie_Iliff · Feb 6, 2003

I'm sure I don't know the difference between a "brushhog" and a rotary cutter. 

 Ain't none. In Australia, they call 'em slashers, I think. Appropriate

Bird · Feb 6, 2003

( I'm sure I don't know the difference between a "brushhog" and a rotary cutter. 

 Ain't none. In Australia, they call 'em slashers, I think. Appropriate )

And in parts of Texas, at least, they call'em a "shredder". /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

wasabi · Feb 6, 2003

Ain't none. In Australia, they call 'em slashers, I think. Appropriate 

 And in parts of Texas, at least, they call'em a "shredder". 

So informed as to how to properly refer to them, I like 'em even more.

Sounds like ear pros, safety glasses, helmet and flak jacket might all be in order.../forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Now that you've helped clarify non-definition-definitions (kind of like one of those non-bank-banks, I guess), and I know fer sure I gotta have one of them beasts, (whatever you call em), can you give me hand decidin' just which one to git?

my criteria:

1) reasonable pricing (read: middle of pack), not premium.
2) quailty construction, at least on par with the tractor pulling it.
3) product weaknesses identified and solution inhand. (ie: poor wheel choice on PT, should be replaced)
4) easily adaptable...remember, PT custom attachment plates are $150 each. (think frugal like Bube, Rube)
5) efficiency, utility and likely amount of use must bear reasonable relationship to investment (yea, right) /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

thx, sabi

Bird · Feb 7, 2003

( can you give me hand decidin' just which one to git? )

I don't think so. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif The ones I'm familiar with are for 3-point hitch tractors and I don't know much about implements for the PT unless you just buy theirs.

Scott_F · Feb 7, 2003

Scott . Can't wait a couple of months....I need your wisdom now!.... 
My advice then is to buy them all immediately! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

When you get a chance, could you post some pics of your 3 point hitch? I seem to remember from way back that the PT 3ph was different than the "normal" type. Would be interested to see what it looks like.

Scott

Charlie_Iliff · Feb 7, 2003

my criteria:

1) reasonable pricing (read: middle of pack), not premium.
2) quailty construction, at least on par with the tractor pulling it.
3) product weaknesses identified and solution inhand. (ie: poor wheel choice on PT, should be replaced)
4) easily adaptable...remember, PT custom attachment plates are $150 each. (think frugal like Bube, Rube)
5) efficiency, utility and likely amount of use must bear reasonable relationship to investment 

Good thing intelligent criteria are easily overridden by the burns to buy something.
I am a devotee of mowers out in front of me, despite a little chaff, because I can see what I'm mowing. Conversion of a 3 point machine to go out front would not be cost effective unless you already have the mower. The adapter plate, hydraulic motor, brackets, hoses, etc. would be prohibitive. If your machine doesn't have a 540 RPM PTO in back, you'd also have to mount that to use a rear mower. There are hydraulic PTOs available, but probably pricey.
For your machine, I'd recommend first talking to Power Trac about the 60" rotary. The 72" rough cut is expensive, and can't be justified unless you're really doing a lot of mowing. (I probably did close to 100 hours with mine last year; Sedgewood probably did more than that.)
Look at MossRoad's videos of his 60" brush hog in action, and picture it on the front of yours...

wasabi · Feb 7, 2003

Thanks again Charlie. You advice resonates as practical. I am inclined to go with PT mower and tiller, but may stray to another brand with the box blade....still researching...

 If your machine doesn't have a 540 RPM PTO in back, you'd also have to mount that to use a rear mower ...we're not going there....3ph only, no pto. Any powered implements that we might want to have in back (such as tiller) will be hydraulic and take advantage of the aux hookups already on the back of the 2445...or I may use the 3ph for rear mounted non-powered tools like box blade.