tractor for small lot

[TimOb]

Hi,
I've got a 1/2 acre flag shaped lot with flat to sloping ground. The max slope is around 25 percent. I built my house last year and this year I want to lanscape. I have to do general grading, bring in 100 yds of topsoil, 3/4 inch drain rock, etc. I'll be building some steps and putting drains in. I'm thinking about a small kubota or new holland. Someone told me I should post to this forum to get some ideas on the power tracs. What do you think? Thanks, G

 

[KentT]

Welcome!

IMO, it sounds like a PT 422 or 425 would be great for you. I recommend those (instead of the 180) because with that slope you really need a ROPS just to be safe. A ROPS is standard on the 425 and can be added to the 422.

Sounds like you need a loader bucket (I'd recommend the inexpensive LM bucket or more expensive but more versatile 4-in-1) and a minihoe in addition to the finish mower. Get an easily detachable aftermarket toothbar for the bucket, such as the one made by Markhams.

You have 40+ attachments to choose from...

Check these threads:

Why PJ bought his PT 425

Mini-hoe usefulness

Also, check these two sites, in addition to the Power-Trac site:

Mossroad's PT-425 site -- check it out closely

Tim's PT-422 Page -- shows some mini-hoe work

 

[BobRip]

Just to give you some perspective. I put down 20 tons of top soil (large tamdem axle truck load) with my PT422 in about 2 hours with a neighbor's help. I believe that I used the light material bucket. He spread it with a rake and I moved it from a pile to the yard. Since it was for his yard, I expected him to help. I now mostly use the 4 in 1 bucket since it is easier to load. I think the 425 or 422 would work well for your purposes. Me, I would get the 425 for the 50% extra wheel motor torque. Both machines are much more manueverable than a standard tractor.

Bob Rip

 

[HRDS]

ROPS can be added to a PT-180

 

[KentT]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( ROPS can be added to a PT-180 )</font>
Thanks for pointing that out and correcting me. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

I wasn't aware of that ... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[TimOb]

Thanks for the info. I'm going to start another thread with some other questions.

G

 

[BillCroasmun]

I think the 180 may be your best bet. With only a 1/2 acre after your initial projects how do you see yourself using the tractor? I can't imagine the 180 being overly taxed maintaining the property. I have over 3 acres with a newly built house and the 180 has worked out well for me.

At $5,500 for the 180 vs $7500 for a 422 or $10,000 for the 425 there is a considerable price difference. If your long term needs justify the added power, greater lift height and stronger/bigger components then by all means you should pursue a bigger machine. If in the long run the 180 meets your needs it may be financially better doing as much as you can with the 180 and renting a Bobcat or whatever for the few immediate needs a 180 can't do. The attachments are cheaper as well which can offset upgrading some of the other items not standard on a 180 (ROPS, lights, etc.)

I've had mine about a year now. Last year I moved 10 tons of fill dirt and 15 tons of slag in just a couple hours. I rototilled approx 20'x40' area then "graded" it with my LMB. I used the LMB to cut in my front walkway as well along with many other tasks. I mow about 2 acres regularly. Towards the end of the cutting season I started to mow some steeper parts of the property as well. Not sure the grade but I can check. The steeper sections are about 25' at a moderate angle and it does OK and then a couple of shorter (about 8' long) real steep sections that it handles well also.

Good luck finding the right machine for you! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[TimOb]

Bill,
Thanks for the useful info. I am now considering the 180, although it might be a wait to get one as they don't have any in stock.

This year, I'm needing to move about 100 yards of top soil and maybe 10 yards of drain rock about 300 feet and down a 15 degree paved slope. Which bucket would you use for this? Would the 180 give me enough traction to fill it?

The main thing I lose with the 180 is the mini hoe, which is something that I could rent.

Another nice thing about the 180 besides the price, is the tractor and attachments are slightly smaller which makes storage easier.

 

[Barryh]

Hi GregOb,

Don’t be afraid to buy the 180. These are tough and powerful little machines for there size. I have the small rock bucket for my 180, which works great along with the after market, Markem Toothbar.

When you’re talking 200 pounds less lift, I feel the LMB is better for loading up light material such as mulch, dirt or leaves.

The small bucket on the 180 is great for digging in hard clay and snapping off roots. I have even loaded mine up to the hilt with large rocks, not a problem.

As you will find out going down a 15 to 20% grade can be a little touch and go when the bucket is over loaded, with rocks and such, just keep it low to the ground.

The PT pucker may show it's self, if you try to turn or pick up a to heavy load going down hill. There are better ways to do this, as Moss has suggested, backing up with a load is faster and easier.

As you stated you will be giving up the back hoe, which is my only real regret, along with the 200 pounds of lift, which I have not felt is an issue. My 180 has lifted large trees and surprised me more than once with its power.

If you feel you really need the extra power, and can spend more, the 422 or 425 are also great machines along with there added attachments.

With PT there may not be dealer support, but just throw a question out there, and you will find a great bunch of guys here willing to help you out, if a problem should arise.

For a small lot you will do fine with a 180. I think it pretty much does anything the 400 series will do, maybe just a little slower. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

I will be updating my Web Site very soon to include some of the projects my PT has done. Some of them are still in progress. We are all PT'ers here, what ever you decide to buy I hope to welcome you to the club soon. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[BillCroasmun]

Using the larger LMB for the 180 I can scoop up the full 600# limit with heavy material. It's more about technique than traction. When I lift from a pile I tilt the bucket up while pushing into the pile and it fills nicely. I'm sure it would be even easier with a toothbar like Barry mentions.

If you (or a friend) can fabricate you can add a valve and build a mini-hoe like Beechwood did here.

Right now the mini-hoe is the only attachment that I really wish I had but money is the main constraint and still would be even if it was available from PT.

I really need to think about renting one vs building one myself. Renting would get the jobs I need to do done that much sooner and cheaper but building one would allow me to use it for many small projects over time. Decisions, decisions... /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif