Seriously considering PT . . .but

[MossRoad]

A small pond done with a trencher and bucket? I never would have thought of that! Part of my problem is that I can only tackle the jobs at home in small chunks of time because that silly thing called work gets in the way, so rental units aren't ideal. I guess my most pressing need is to dig lots of trenches for utilities and lots of drainage, next is footings for a deck . . . If the collateral damage is a call to help my neighbors maybe I should do their trenches first until I fully learn how to use the implements? That's pretty neighborly, right?

I've got till June, when I take off the uniform for good, to make a decision so I'm gonna keep searching for used PTs in the meantime.

One thing that comes with owning a Power Trac is you quickly learn that changing an implement is actually something you look forward to. Like using a fork to eat dinner, put it down and pick up a spoon for desert. Its just that easy. The quick attach system is what makes it so useful.

Watch this video. I change an un-powered implement in 15 seconds without getting off the seat.
http://mossroad.com/PT425Videos/PT425_15S01.WMV

Watch this video. It adds about 30 seconds if you change a powered implement because you have to hook up some hydraulic hoses.
http://mossroad.com/PT425Videos/PT425_PowerAngleHookup.WMV

Most people dread, and I mean seriously dread, changing 3 point implements often. Its a pain in the rear. With the Power Trac system, you'll take every implement you own out to every job you do no differently than you'd take your tool bag. Need a bucket, pop it on and use it. Swap to the forks, move some logs. Logs are out of the way, pop on the trencher and dig that trench. Trench is done, pop off the trencher and pop on a bucket and fill it back in. Oops, you forgot to put your pipes in the trench! hahahahaa :laughing:

 

[Digger 258]

That's really cool - those films. Thanks, and I'll crack into the hydraulics manual right away. I really appreciate all of your help so far. I am really interested in the wide array of attachments, and how easily they can be changed. I see myself (largely through a lack of experience) having to change implements a whole bunch.

 

[MossRoad]

I think you can ask pretty much every PT owner about the little smile they get in their head when changing implements... I've said it often here, I often catch myself in a happy mood with a goofy grin when operating my PT.

 

[MossRoad]

The PT (mine at least) basically has an engine that turns 3 pumps.

The 1st pump is a variable volume pump with a swash plate inside. That's the pump that provides motion. The plate is vertical when not in motion. Depressing the directional pedal tips the plate and lets fluid flow to the wheel circuits. Push it more and more fluid flows. Push it the other direction from vertical and you go in the opposite direction.

2nd pump provides high volume and pressure for the main PTO.

3rd pump is pretty much a second section of the 2nd pump and that provides a lower volume but same pressure for steering, front end loader and the aux PTO.

There's 4 wheel motors. Left front and right rear are in series. Right front and left rear are in series. Both of those circuits are in parallel. If you're sitting still and crank the wheel lock to lock to the left, the two left tires will roll towards each other as the two right tires will roll away from each other and they won't scalp the turf. Likewise the other direction.

If you've never driven an articulated machine, it takes some getting used to, but in no time it becomes 2nd nature.

 

[MossRoad]

You'll see examples of a variable volume pump in that manual I linked to.

 

[Digger 258]

So the older PT 1430 with the 3 pin set up can have the hydraulics that run the FEL and the main PTO running an implement at the same time . . . I somehow thought you could only run the PTO motor OR the FEL, but not both at the same time, which was scaring me some. I thought that the Hydraulic system that actuated the locking pins also powered an implement like a directional plow or trencher. SInce I was wrong, I can once again consider that older PT 1430 I have my eyes on. Anything in particular I should ask the seller about? It's one that is listed on the PT site. Thanks for all your help!

 

[J_J]

I believe the 1430 has a three spool valve like my 1445, using two spools for the FEL, and one spool for the aux hyd. My aux is a small handle under the dash to operate the valve.

It also has a PTO valve to run PTO attachments.

 

[ponytug]

Trencher: It has been great for trenching, but also;

• Making hillside terraces by cutting the soil in a plane
• Trail making by cutting the earth to the correct slope & level
• Using it to create in ground guides for excavation
• Using it to cut paths for the PT wheels to follow for slope/level in excavation
• As a power grinder to fracture the soil for the 4N1

I think of it as kind of a SawzAll for soil. A trencher and a PT will change your view of earth moving. A dozer would do it differently, but the PT is a powerful tool.

The post driver is a pretty amazing tool if you are building fences. For me, it paid for itself rather quickly.

All the best,

Peter

 

[Digger 258]

I'm convinced . . . I hope this 1430 is still available in late spring . . .it seems used PTs are hard to find.

 

[MossRoad]

I'm convinced . . . I hope this 1430 is still available in late spring . . .it seems used PTs are hard to find.

I'm not selling mine! :laughing: