Thanks to all, esp. Bob Skurka...

Phils · Oct 4, 2004

This forum has saved me much possible grief. I thought I wanted a small tractor (CUT) and was ready to cruise our local dealerships. Then I bought THE BOOK from TBN. After completely reading it, I realized I didn't need a CUT, that I'd end up hurting myself on my terrain (45 acres that sound similar to Bob's).

The "which is the best lawn tractor" thread taught me about brands and styles I've never heard of. Specifically Steiner, Ventrac and Power Trac.

I've ordered the video from Power Trac. I'm curious if anyone here has one, and has the attachments. I'd order the Ventrac but Power Trac has attachments that I'd really like, if they work well. Specifically the mini-hoe and the stump grinder, as I imagine the buckets and brush hog wouldn't be too complex to build reliably.

Probably the worst thing I see about the Power Trac is the shipping from Virgina to California. The fact that there are NO dealers I can deal with as I'd prefer to do any and all work myself anyway, so it's better that the factory would support and encourage that.

Any thoughts or suggestions from you great TUs (tractor users)?

shoppintractors · Oct 4, 2004

I've ordered the video from Power Trac. I'm curious if anyone here has one, and has the attachments.

Visit the Power-Trac forum here at TBN. You'll find all kinds of Power-Trac owners.

Don

Bob999 · Oct 4, 2004

You might want to put your post in the Power Trac forum on this board . There are many owners that post in that forum. I have a PT 1845 and have the mini hoe for it. I like it and think it does a good job. However--it is NOT a full fledged back hoe. I have also been very pleased with the 1845 for mowing my steep (up to 30 degree) slopes as well as more gentle slopes.

Bob_Skurka · Oct 4, 2004

esp. Bob Skurka... 

Gee, my head has swelled considerably . . . and I always thought most people thought that I was full of hot air!

Please go to the Power Trac forum on TBN, there are some really good guys there and while some are advocates, most really can be very objective about the machines. For 45 acres, I would skip right past the Ventrac and Steiners and go up for the larger Power Tracs, but that is just my opinion. The PT stuff is amazing and the larger stuff is slope capable, which seems like a concern for you. I really don't think the Steiners or Ventracs are the right machines for a property the size of 45 acres, but the larger PT are built like large Steiners & Ventracs with a much more versitile front end implement system.

daedong · Oct 5, 2004

Bob Skurka,

What can I say /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Comments like this from a first upper to you is tolerable I am sure your head won't swell that much/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Phils · Oct 5, 2004

I'm so embarrassed that I didn't even SEE the PT forum. Old age is the excuse I'm using, as feeble as it is (over 50 has gotta count for something!). I'd scoured the 'lawn and garden' and 'atv/utility' thoroughly, and never heard of the PT until the thread started by Bob looking for the best lawn tractor. Fortunately a moderator has duplicated my post here.

This category will give me ample reading for the next few days. I called Scott at PT and he is emailing a shipping estimate for all that I want tomorrow.

I'll either be back with questions in a few days, or find that my questions were all answered. The thing that surprises me is that I had put "power trac" in the search engine and got very few hits, with none in this PT catagory. (Today there are 4, 3 of which reference this thread). I must've done something wrong there too, as that should have brought up this PT catagory and slapped me in the face with it -- well, at least had several hundred hits.

Charlie_Iliff · Oct 5, 2004

Welcome
The PT forum has a lot of information, and there is some more on the modification and attachment forums that weren't moved over when the PT forum started.
For the small PTs, look also at MossRoad's own website - a link is in his sig.
Don't hesitate to pose questions. Even when they've been answered before, there might be some new slants.
I have an 1845 with a Lackender front hoe (the mini hoe wasn't available yet.) I don't have the stump grinder, but have it on my long term list.
Among the raves, you'll find some criticisms, but the PT is the most useful machine I have. For a place your size, the 1845 would be a good choice.

MossRoad · Oct 5, 2004

Welcome to TBN.

If you want, click on my animated tractor icon and that will take you to my website. There is some good stuff there that pertains to my thought process when searching for a tractor. Lots of pictures and movies of the PT425 in action, too. Then come back here to TBN and read ALL of the posts in the Power Trac forum. Take a few weeks and really get to know the machine. Be sure to compare other brands as well. Find a machine that you are completely comfortable with not only purchasing, but owning and operating. Lots of stuff to consider before purchas time. Start asking lots of questions in all of the forums here on TBN. You will get honest, intelligent answers from many folks.

Again, welcome to TBN and good luck in your search. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

BillG_in_TX · Oct 5, 2004

I had put "power trac" in the search engine and got very few hits 

Phils,

When you use the Search function, make sure you change the Date Range selection. The default is "newer than 1 week", which is likely the reason you didn't get very many hits.

MuncyBob · Oct 6, 2004

Funny, I found this forum the same way you did...and glad I did! My PT has been a real time saver...and about to use it for yet another project...getting ready to break ground on a 1 story addition(time for the game room!)........I'm sure the PT will be helpful in moving some dirt around and finish work before the ground freezes here. Good luck in your research! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif