Seeking long term reliability information

[MikeOConnor]

I'll refine BobRip's post -- a 5 is really good, a 0 is really bad.

I'd give my 1850 a 1 on that scale -- it's really unreliable compared to all the other cylinder-based devices.

The Kubota M6800 takes oil-changes and grease -- that's it. Never any down time. Whereas I've had all the same kind of issues that AltaVistaLawn is ranting about. Seals, hoses, wheels, tires, overheating, blah blah blah. The "Usual List".

But I love the machine anyway -- I really liked the "open source tractor" notion that appeared in a recent thread. Yep, it's unreliable, but it can be fixed pretty easily, and usually improved along the way so that the issue doesn't happen again.

 

[BobRip]

I'll refine BobRip's post -- a 5 is really good, a 0 is really bad.

I'd give my 1850 a 1 on that scale -- it's really unreliable compared to all the other cylinder-based devices.

The Kubota M6800 takes oil-changes and grease -- that's it. Never any down time. Whereas I've had all the same kind of issues that AltaVistaLawn is ranting about. Seals, hoses, wheels, tires, overheating, blah blah blah. The "Usual List".

But I love the machine anyway -- I really liked the "open source tractor" notion that appeared in a recent thread. Yep, it's unreliable, but it can be fixed pretty easily, and usually improved along the way so that the issue doesn't happen again.

To simplifiy this question try this: Would anyone not buy their PT again because of reliability issues?

 

[MossRoad]

To simplifiy this question try this: Would anyone not buy their PT again because of reliability issues?

Not me. I'd buy another PT425 in a heartbeat. It is no more or less reliable than any other piece of equipment I own, and does a heck of a lot more work than anything else. I was doing about 3 hours of yard work a week with small riding mower, shovels and wheelbarrow. My goal was to cut it down to 1 hour a week. PT425 has 250 hours on it at the end of 5 years. I hit my target, wheelbarrow is retired, so is riding mower. I kept the shovel in case the neighbor's dog comes to visit, if you know what I mean.

 

[pajoube]

To simplifiy this question try this: Would anyone not buy their PT again because of reliability issues?

Without a question, I would purchase again but much earlier that I did.
My 425 is as much a part of my daily life that I could not get along without it just as I could not get along without a vehicle.
PJ

 

[jfh28]

I'm just 1 year old and hit 50 hrs. I felt like I was such a light weight here compared to some of the hours you guys put on. But I see that MR averages 50/year so I don't feel so embarrased now. Absolutely I would buy again. This past weekend I used it to dig out 2 septic tanks to get them pumped. We're on rock so by hand this would have been hours or days with a shale bar. With the PT it was less than 15 minutes each. Probably could have been quicker if I was a better BH operator.Oh, by the way MR, you can toss your shovel too. That's what the LMB is for. Unless you have dogs like us, in which case I'd recommend the grapple bucket!Jack

 

[MossRoad]

.... Unless you have dogs like us, in which case I'd recommend the grapple bucket!Jack

Hahahaha. Those are some big dogs.

 

[Barryh]

I'm just 1 year old and hit 50 hrs. I felt like I was such a light weight here compared to some of the hours you guys put on. But I see that MR averages 50/year so I don't feel so embarrased now. Absolutely I would buy again. This past weekend I used it to dig out 2 septic tanks to get them pumped. We're on rock so by hand this would have been hours or days with a shale bar. With the PT it was less than 15 minutes each. Probably could have been quicker if I was a better BH operator.Oh, by the way MR, you can toss your shovel too. That's what the LMB is for. Unless you have dogs like us, in which case I'd recommend the grapple bucket!Jack

1 year 65 hours here. I've used mine for everything including picking up, and taking out the trash cans. I even pick little things up off of the ground with the forks, the wife laughs at me.

Last year during a snow storm I would go out in the garage get in the cab with my walkie talkie, garage door opener, big cup of hot Chocolate and I have a small mounted tool box inside where I keep some tools and extra items.

When I opened the garage door it was like being in the NASA moon rover, 4 wheel drive crawling through the white stuff everywhere with my electric arm on the front ( front end loader ) Loved it.

At this point if I didn't see my PT parked in the garage every day after work, I’m sure I would need therapy.

 

[Phils]

I've had my share of little problems, mostly the vaporlock thing but....

I only wish I'd bought my 422 years ago!

I haven't touched my wheelbarrow in the two years I've owned the PT. I just went over 200 hours (required service is nagging at me).

I still use a shovel, just not for much digging. I drag much less brush than I used to since getting the grapple bucket. My place looks much better now that the stump grinder has done its work (although my chainsaw keeps making more stumps).

And a GREAT unexpected benefit: when we have work parties at our archery club's 80 acre range, I take the PT in my pickup and use it while everyone else is doing work manually. I ALMOST feel guilty, but since I accomplish 20 times what everyone else does I'll live with the feeling.

Phil

 

[MuncyBob]

I too wish I bought my PT sooner. Have never regretted the purchase and have many times mentioned the phrase "best $$$ I ever spent". The machones have their issues though, from the heat/vapor lock deal to frame openings that need padding to avid hydraulic lines from wearing through...etc etc.....but these are all things that a person with limited mechanical ability(like me) can take care of. My only regret on the actual purchase was not getting the larger bucket and if I had to do it over I would get the 425 and no seat arm rests. But I'm happy with what I have!

 

[bbabineau]

To simplifiy this question try this: Would anyone not buy their PT again because of reliability issues?

I purchased my PT 1430 almost a year ago and now have 60 hours on the meter. Never having had a tractor before nor a piece of property needing one made me a bit nervous at first but the experience has been wonderful.

Had to remove a wheel motor and send it to PT for repair but that has been my only issue.

I have built a parking area with french drains for my trailers, a bridge to access my rear acreage, mowed the brush on the property and yes, I too take out the trash with my PT.

I know that there can be issues to resolve but having antique cars for the last 20 years has taught me that issues can be resolved.

I would buy a PT again without question.