Buying Advice PT1445 talk me off this fence

[Toomanymaples]

Hello everyone! I have been enjoying reading up on Power Tracs here on TractorbyNet. Lots of fantastic information here. Thanks!

My wife and I bought a five acre farm. We have a pony, a horse, four ewes, a ram (last month) and a couple of livestock dogs. So far we have been getting by with doing all the farm chores by hand.

The wife has been on me to buy a tractor to help out with bigger jobs around the property, she also wants to start feeding round bales (800lbs) to help save on costs once we start lambing in the spring. Mind you, neither of us have never owned or operated a tractor. She is a real believer in Kubota, we have been to a few dealerships and she is ready to pull the trigger. I have some serious concerns about a 40hp tractor on our land since it is so sloped. So I have been looking into slope capable CUT. I liked the Ventrac but its lack of lifting capabilities would make round bales impossible.

I have spoken with Tazewell and the 1445 seems like a good fit for our needs. After reading up on these forums and learning all I can about the product, I suddenly find myself on the fence. There seems to be a lot discussion regarding issues with these machines. I understand that PTs are simple to maintain when compared to tractors and from what I can tell most folks here really love them.

What concerns me is the amount of posts I am seeing regarding issues with PTs. I understand that without local dealer service and support, there is a need for an online community to come together, and for that reason I understand why more posts about problem solving for PTs might be expected. It is concerning though to see so many issues from Power Tracs. I read one post that said only the ROPS and the tub are non-wearable. I have read other posts about how improperly changing the hydraulic filter puts air in the hydraulics causing issues. I have never worked with hydraulics.

I really want to like Power Trac and I want it to work for us. But after reading these forums, I am struggling with the idea that the machine sounds like it will be failing on me regularly. Who is gonna tell the livestock they can not have dinner until I fix the tractor. I also would not want to deal with the headache of me pushing for this machine, it breaking down at a critical time, and my wife telling me we should have got a Kubota and the sh**storm of other comments I will be getting.

I am very trainable and willing to learn. In the past couple years I have picked up a few trades, basic electrical, plumbing, drywall, etc. I have been a woodworker most of my life and learned to weld in school. I do not have much experience with vehicles, just tinkered around a bit with my 56 Chevy jalopy fixed a couple starting issues. Also worked on my JD lawn tractor replacing the regulator/rectifier. So not a lot of experience mechanically. I also have two grade school kids so time is precious.

I am looking for guidance to see if a PT is a good fit for us:

I need to know what I am in for if we decide to buy a PT so I can prepare my wife.

Not being tractor owners, it would be great to hear from people who have owned both advantages/disadvantages.

With so many posts about issues, it would be great to hear from people what the longest stretch they have owned their PT without any issues.

How long have people owned their PTs?

Are they less or more expensive to maintain than a tractor?

Any advice on how to get the most out of these machines is appreciated.

Many Thanks!!

 

[Citydude]

Welcome to TBN! I don't have a power track but there is a number of people here that can answer your questions. Mossroad is the most active PT owner here and he will be along shortly

 

[jeff9366]

Useful to known your proximity to Tazewell, Virginia.

 

[Toomanymaples]

Very far away – Seattle Area

 

[Toomanymaples]

This is what our pasture looks like

 

[ernemats]

What are your plans for using a tractor , lifting round bales and mowing are probably high on your list. Your land looks steep in places for a regular tractor . See if a dealer will let you demo a tractor or rent one to see if it will do what you want. I have a pt 422 and a pt 1845 slope and I love them as my land is also very steep in places to mow or gather firewood, they are very good for my purposes , I also have a regular farm tractor which I will not take on a lot of my land. Be sure to get 4 wheel drive as they are almost a necessity on steep land.

 

[Toomanymaples]

Good to know.. We need to mow, lime, seed and spread manure. How long have you had your PTs?

 

[Toomanymaples]

See if a dealer will let you demo a tractor or rent one to see if it will do what you want

this is great idea by the way!

 

[Incline]

Welcome to TBN - I'm a fairly new PowerTrac owner myself (425 model/6 months/100 hours) and shared your concern prior to purchase.

Others on here can comment better than I about maintenance issues so I'll defer to them for further input. I think your observation about the number of posts is right on - this site is a big part of the otherwise lacking "dealer network" so you see a lot of posts. I don't necessarily believe that means there are proportionally more problems than say a Kubota - maybe less. In fact, even with a tractor backed by an extensive dealer network, I know I would be disinclined to drag the tractor to the shop anyway due to expense and hassle. In that regard, many PT owners seem to have picked up the skills, with help, to just do it themselves. Seeing many owners with 1000, 1500, 2000+ hours offers some comfort as well.

I CAN vouch for the versatility and stability of the machine. Love it. My property, like yours is all 15-20 degree slopes - hopefully this doesn't kick of a sideshow debate about grade vs. slope The utility of a tractor capable of performing the various tasks needed on a slope was enough for me to take a chance and I'm really glad I did. In fact, now that I've had a chance to experience the versatility of the machine, I would have no problem committing the extra money to purchase a 1445 if I had to do it over again.

Good luck with your decision process and stay tuned for more input from others.

 

[Toomanymaples]

Thanks for the response Incline. I did check out the Kubota forms on here and noticed they have a whole section on issues with their tractors, as I would imagine that is the case with any tractor. I like your point about dragging it off to the dealer for a service. Got to review a neighbors maintenance receipts for their old Kubota, it can add up quick. Good to hear there are owners with high hours that high, that does give some comfort. I spent my early childhood a few towns over from you in Santa Rosa, miss the 707...

 

[MossRoad]

Welcome to TBN! :thumbsup:

First, do not purchase a PT unless you sit on one, operate it, drive it around, and do some work with it.
Repeat after me...
Do not do it.
Do not do it.
Do not do it....

Until you actually touch one.

Okay? :laughing:

Of course, the same applies to the Kubota, or any other brand you are considering, but more so with a PT, because once you purchase it, you're on your own to keep it moving. Factory phone support is fantastic. Parts arrive quickly when ordered. The machines are deceivingly simple to maintain and repair. There are no electronics to go bad. There's no sheet metal or plastic to dent or crack. There's full skid plate under the entire machine. Nothing to hang up or rip off. They are excellent loaders. The FEL and quick attach comes standard. The ROPS supports the solid steep canopy, which also offers overhead protection, and comes on all but the very smallest two models as standard equipment.

Yes, you will read a lot about repairs in here. That's what this place is for, especially with us being the mechanics. You'll also see that a lot of those repairs are on used machines that the owners picked up over the years. But you'll also read about repairs to newer machines. And I think you'll see more repairs on the gas powered machines VS the larger diesels for two reasons. One, it's a lawnmower engine. Two, small machines doing big work get damaged more often.

You won't hear too many "took my PT to my dealer for a fluid change", though. :laughing:

Yes, we break our machines. Is it because of the way they are built? Or because we beat the crap out of them? Probably a combo of both, for sure. They have their strengths and weaknesses.

To address the hydraulic filter issue.... it's pretty simple, really. You change the filter. Disconnect the spark plugs on a gas model (don't know about the diesels), connect a bleeder hose from the tram pump and drop the end into the hydraulic tank, crank the starter until the air bubbles stop. Remove the hose and close the bleeder. Reconnect the spark plugs and off you go. Check for proper operation.

Yes, if you put the filter on incorrectly, you'll introduce air and may damage the pump. If you put the oil filter on any tractor engine incorrectly, you may lose all your engine oil and ruin the engine. This applies to lots of equipment, not just PTs.

As to capabilities, if you need to plow dirt or pull stumps, conventional tractors are pulling machines. The chores you describe do not involve those activities. The PT would excel over a standard tractor in those chores, hands down.

Now.... the real issue why you're asking these questions...... happy wife happy life. If she's not comfortable with the purchase, don't do it. Part of marriage is a business partnership 50/50. If both partners aren't in agreement, it'll come back to bite both of you. It's not like you're choosing peas over carrots. This is a big purchase to do big chores.

A nice Kubota has some very good advantages. You have dealer support locally. You'll have people near you that know how they work and can show you how to do things right there in person. The resale value of a Kubota is darn near purchase price even with a thousand hours on it if you keep up on the maintenance.

My suggestion for you would be to go with the Kubota (if it will do your hills safely, of course), and get used to tractoring on your place with that. See if you enjoy working on it and other machinery yourself. If working on machinery seems like a chore and a necessity, then a PT is probably not a good choice. I personally love to get greasy and work on machinery, so mechanic work is something I actually look forward to. I'm decent at it and don't get frustrated too easily. Perturbed, maybe, but not frustrated. Also, I don't have animals depending on me to feed them daily other than cats and a Russian tortoise.

So think about it hard. Do not buy a PT unless you and the spouse sit on one and operate it. Do not buy a PT if the spouse is not comfortable with it. Don't hold it against her later, either.

Personally, I'll never go back to a traditional tractor. I have no need for one and never will. But I don't push PTs onto people that won't enjoy them or won't be a better choice for them.

So please ask as many questions as you can come up with. Not just here, but about the Kubota, too and by all means, let us know how your decision making process is playing out and what you end up with.

Again, welcome to TBN! The tractor adventure begins. :laughing:

 

[MossRoad]

....hopefully this doesn't kick of a sideshow debate about grade vs. slope...

Was that directed at me??? :laughing:

 

[Toomanymaples]

Thank you MossRoad, this is exactly what I needed to hear. I especially appreciate your point on trying one out first. I think perhaps even more so your pearls of wisdom on a happy marriage, which, like you said is the real reason I am posting.

You also make an excellent point on the resale value of the Kubota, I suppose we could buy one and sell it off, if I find myself enjoying the maintenance on that machine.

I am concerned about driving a standard tractor on our pasture. When we bought the place we had the previous owners tractor guy come out and give us some tips on how to take care of the pasture... and of course throw his hat in the ring to do the work for us. We talked a bit more in detail about liming, he told me we would have to do a portion of it by hand and that he wanted me to keep an eye on him while he was out there, said there were a few places he wasn't comfortable with. This was coming from a professional heavy equipment operator who has been on tractors most of his life.

We have a JD 25hp riding mower 600+hrs that I have used to mow down the pasture grass when it gets too tall for the animals. I have definitely put myself in some questionable situations on that machine.. sliding out of control on a turn into the fence line, almost getting hung up on a blind rise, going down hills I had no business going down. Those hills make for some great sledding when we get the occasional snow storm. Kids love it, I'm not at all convinced a tractor would.

Maybe I should do like ernemats suggested and have Kubota give us a demo or heck even ask the tractor guy to come out and lime/seed for us to see what that would look like.

I appreciate all of the information, it has given me a lot to think about. :reading:

 

[jeff9366]

Got to review a neighbors maintenance receipts for their old Kubota, it adds up quick.

There are several well developed threads in the archive on the cost of operating a compact tractor. Those that keep meticulous records calculate the full cost of operating a compact tractor WITHOUT IMPLEMENTS, with the owner performing routine service but purchasing OEM parts and fluids at circa $25 per engine hour. I concur.

I have numerous implements. I fuel and grease my tractor, the Kubota dealer or the welding shop perform all other maintenance and repairs, including transportation. I calculate my operating cost at $35 per engine hour.

I predict your Power Trac operating cost will be somewhere between $25 and $35 per engine hour.

I appreciate all of the information, it has given me a lot to think about. :reading:

I am a retired marketing guy. In marketing it is given: "Anticipation is 50% of satisfaction."
Careful pre-purchase research will pay.

 

[jeff9366]

I am concerned about driving a standard tractor on our pasture. When we bought the place we had the previous owner's hired tractor guy come out and give us some tips on how to take care of the pasture. We talked about liming, he told me we would have to do a portion of it by hand and that he wanted me to keep an eye on him while he was out there, said there were a few places he wasn't comfortable with. This was coming from a professional heavy equipment operator who has been on tractors most of his life.

We have a JD 25hp riding mower 600+hrs that I have used to mow down the pasture grass when it gets too tall for the animals. I have definitely put myself in some questionable situations on that machine.. sliding out of control on a turn into the fence line, almost getting hung up on a blind rise, going down hills I had no business going down.

A traditional tractor with small front wheels and large rear wheels will be less stable than your riding mower with four equal size wheels.

 

[ernemats]

I have owned my pt 422 for almost 20 years and have over 2,900 hours on it, I just replaced the original engine this summer and had several of the wheel motors rebuilt other than that no other major repairs, overall a very dependable machine. The 1845 I bought used with over 1,200 hours on it and it had been abused. I had to have the brake system repaired and recharged when I purchased it, have had to replace hydraulic lines, rebuild wheel motors, new tires, . It now has over 2,500 hours on it and I have owned it over 10 years.

 

[MossRoad]

Thank you MossRoad, this is exactly what I needed to hear. I especially appreciate your point on trying one out first. I think perhaps even more so your pearls of wisdom on a happy marriage, which, like you said is the real reason I am posting.

You also make an excellent point on the resale value of the Kubota, I suppose we could buy one and sell it off, if I find myself enjoying the maintenance on that machine.

I am concerned about driving a standard tractor on our pasture. When we bought the place we had the previous owners tractor guy come out and give us some tips on how to take care of the pasture... and of course throw his hat in the ring to do the work for us. We talked a bit more in detail about liming, he told me we would have to do a portion of it by hand and that he wanted me to keep an eye on him while he was out there, said there were a few places he wasn't comfortable with. This was coming from a professional heavy equipment operator who has been on tractors most of his life.

We have a JD 25hp riding mower 600+hrs that I have used to mow down the pasture grass when it gets too tall for the animals. I have definitely put myself in some questionable situations on that machine.. sliding out of control on a turn into the fence line, almost getting hung up on a blind rise, going down hills I had no business going down. Those hills make for some great sledding when we get the occasional snow storm. Kids love it, I'm not at all convinced a tractor would.

Maybe I should do like ernemats suggested and have Kubota give us a demo or heck even ask the tractor guy to come out and lime/seed for us to see what that would look like.

I appreciate all of the information, it has given me a lot to think about. :reading:

Well, from that description, it really IS steep. In all honesty, most people come on here and exaggerate the slopes. When they actually measure them, they are much-less steep. But seems like you really do have slopes that do need to be considered. So, what do we do about that? :laughing:

I've never seen the slope rating for the 1445 anywhere, and I don't know if any of our current members have that model. So that's something to look into.

 

[Incline]

Was that directed at me??? :laughing:

naw......but it does seem to be one of those topics, like "best oil" and "turf vs bar" that we love to debate!


Seriously though, assuming the 25% (1 in 4) depicted in Maple's map are grade not slope, they're significant but very doable in a Powertrac. Maybe not so much on a conventional tractor. If a demo of a Kubota could be arranged on site - that would be really good to experience.

For reference, this picture is of roughly 25% grade (15 deg slope). I've had to take dirt from the pad I've carved out up top down to the retaining walls below. Straight up and down hill, maybe a regular tractor could handle. Going sideways and dumping a full bucket of dirt on that grade maybe not. .

I fell in love with a Mahindra prior to the PT. It could lift more, felt like a "real tractor", but it could not have performed the stuff I wanted to do on my property. The plus side would have been very limited maintenance dollars since it would be spending most of the time idle in my garage.

The happy wife concept should not be under-rated though and Dr. Moss makes an excellent observation.

 

[MossRoad]

A little humor as a side note. I've told it before, but what the hey....

"We" decided to get a new machine, our PT425. So we went to the credit union to get a home equity loan. We sit down in the loan officer's office and chit-chat for a bit, then he asks "How much money do you need?" So I say "Well, the tractor is $X, the attachments are $Y, the shipping is $Z. And we'll eventually need a trailer to haul it all, so....hmmmm..... " I look over into my wife's eyes and say, "About $15,000 should cover it." Kinda sheepishly, as we never really discussed actual price and I was waiting for an adverse reaction.

So I'm still looking at her after saying $15,000 and she turns her head to the loan officer and says "We need $30,000 because I'm getting a car."






:laughing:

 

[cqaigy2]

Lol, i guess tit for tat on that one, but as long as you both are happy. :laughing: