Tractors for Dummy's

[Makato]

Tractors for Dummy\'s

I started out in the equipment forum but after several different recommendations, I looked into PT. Spent the last week reading and checking out the video's and pictures thanks to MR, Pajoube, JJ and many others.
The situation is I'm not a mechanic. I'm just a guy, who does stuff and does it outside. Some of the threads are a little intimidating since I've not owned a tractor before but then the support group is so outstanding and the product appears to be outstanding so I figure I need to find a way to work this out.
Here's my scenario.
I have a house I bought 4 years ago in Twin Mtn, NH (moving from Texas as soon as my house sells). My sons off to the USCG Academy and I'm ready to move. My property in NH is 85 acres of solid woods surounded by National Forest (big hunter), pine in the lower section 6 acres and hardwood up the mountain. My drive is aprox. 1500' of crush pack and is a continuous incline to the house with a few twists. The drive cost the original owner 30k to build so its important to maintain. An arial photo looks like a bomb was dropped in the woods to build the house. Hopefully this creates a visual, I'll try to scan a picture next go around.
I've had someone plow in the winter and I go back and forth as much as possible to keep it in order but I always rent some kind of cutter which sucks and takes days.
Now to the questions. I have searched so much till I'm brain dead for the right equipment to maintain long term. I need to be able to keep the sides of the drive cut down, the the run-off ditches cleared, the side hills around the house cut down and I want to be able to begin clearing the undergrowth around the house in the woods to open it up.
Snow removal is huge, not much stacking room on the sides of the drive or edges because of the woods and drainage ditches. Incline of the drive is my biggest concern.
At first I contemplated a SCUT or a CUT but since I don't have allot of open land to mow, I'm not sure if its a good investment.
Then I though about plowing with my truck and going the 2 wheel tractor route like (BCS) because it has so many attachments. One thing to note, lots of rock hidden in the woods under the growth and leaves. The thought is the best equipment right for the job which sounds like the PT with all the attachments available. PT425 appears to be the ticket. Long post but I thought the detail was important. I hope you guys have patients.
Thanks......Makato

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

Welcome aboard.
First, I think the 425 probably will do your jobs, with the right attachments. Given the size of the place, however, and the length of the driveway, more power and weight is likely to make things a bit easier. (One thing I'm sure you have noticed is that we are good at spending other people's money. )
Since you mentioned the word "mountain", an 1845 is worth a look if you can swing it.
425 or bigger, or another brand machine, I definitely recommend 4 wheel drive. A 2 wheel drive tractor can get a lot mor exciting than you may want. (They're great for work on the level, and traditional farm chores, which isn't what you're looking for.) With the limits on the sides of your driveway, you may want to consider a blower. I haven't used one, and for the few deep snows we've had, the blade and some bucket work have gotten our places clear. I'm sure others will chime in that all of the PTs work snow well. Some people prefer using just the bucket.
I hope you can get to drive a few different models and experiment with a mini-hoe, 4 n 1 bucket, etc. before making up your mind. As questions occur to you, fire away.

 

[Makato]

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

Thanks for the reply, I've seen you on the threads many times. From all the input I've seen, it sounds like the 425 with bars gets great traction. I haven't seen anything about the ability to use chains but I'm sure that would help more. I like this tractor and I had thought about using the plow and the thrower if it is worth the effort. Because the bucket can lift the snow, I should be able to keep it stacked instead of just pushing it like with a truck plow. I'm also thinking it may be best to stay out of the diesel catagory given my limited experience. Your right, with all the available attachments, this unit looks like it could do me justice. I see there are some guys in TX. Hopefully I can check one out.

 

[pajoube]

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

Welcome, your questions are right on track with what I went through prior to buying. I also am not a mechanic but after looking at what made up the 425 I figured the PowerTrac group would be able to help when needed. In truth my decision was made when I found that all the 425 parts were available from local dealers for the most part. That was very comforting and after almost 2 years I have only had one mechanical requiring parts. Now I must also say that I probably put my 425 in more rugged work outs than most, so having only one break down is very good.
I think this unit will work out very well for you. I would make my attachment list of essentials to the wish list. Then after you have worked the land for a year and also established your project list you can add attachments as needed. Work the unit without chains (I don't think you will need them) and buy only if needed.
We will be with you every step of the way both in spending your money and offering advise.
Good luck and keep us informed.
PJ

 

[rcrcomputing]

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

I was hoping Tractors for Dummy's was a new video set one of you guys had made. Now THAT would be sweet!

First video: Proper attachment and use of a boxblade. See Kioti John in live action!

 

[BillCroasmun]

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

Hello and welcome!

I am a very new PT owner myself but I thought I would at least give you the advice I can. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

If you haven't seen it already pajoube has compiled a good list of forum members by state. Here's a link: PT Owners by State

Also, you can contact Scott from Power-Trac and he'll also try to find owners in your area. He was very helpful and good to work with. You may want to have him find owners near your current house, so you can test drive it and also near your new home, so you can call them and get their opinions on land which may be similiar to yours.

As far as being a little intimidated by tractor ownership goes, I wouldn't worry too much at all. This is the first machine I've ever had with hydraulics but it is all put together really simply. You may want to check out if there will be a Robins dealer near your new place that can take care of any engine issues that could arise Robins Dealers by State.

Terry, the service guy from Power-Trac, always seems extremely eager to help with questions on service and you have this forum to help "talk" you through issues. If you'd still feel more comfortable with someone being nearby to help check for other places that service tractors or work on other hydraulic equipmment. I am sure any worthwhile shop around would feel comfortable working on one of these machines.

 

[johara1]

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

first off welcome, now the use of chains.i did it both ways,with and without.bar tires don't do as well with chains but turf tires do better with chains because of the flat tread.and nothing will have the traction you have with chains,nothing!!!.no crabing going up hill,or side ways.plus on ice they flat do it!if you plan to mow with it get the turf tires and two sets of chains and chain tightners for the grunt work /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Carpenter]

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

Welcome. I've done lots of snowplowing over the years. I used to live in a similar situation as you will be: wooded acerage in snow country with a 1/4 mile driveway. I had a 40hp Kubota with a snowblower and a blade on my pickup. Snowblowing will work well where your drive is lined with trees but it won't get down to the road surface like a blade or bucket and the snow will pack and by spring thaw you could have a mess. I would always snowblow the drive and then go back and plow the remainder but in a really bad winter I still had to have the neighbor bring down his D4 and knock down the banks. I now live in a location with less snow and a shorter drive and have a PT 425. I use the large material bucket to clear my drive and the parking lot of our business. It works well as long as you have a place to pile the snow. I would think you would be ok with a 425 with a snowblower and a blade or bucket but I would opt for a larger machine if you can afford it. BTW I've never needed chains (knock on wood).

 

[Makato]

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

Thanks for the welcome to you and everyone else. I try to explain the camaraderie that goes on this site and she doesn't quite get it. Anyway, thanks for the recommendation. I probably need the bar tires also because I plan on allot of work in the woods. It can get somewhat soft in the pine area because its at the bottom of the property where all the run-off is.
Any good recommendations on where to find quality chains to fit the tires would be appreciated.

 

[MossRoad]

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

Welcome to TBN! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Sounds like a really nice place you have there. The PT425 is great machine.

If you are considering making trails through the woods and such, you may want to consider the 48" brush hog. Ours works great for creating trails in a hurry. The 4 wheel drive, articulation and oscillation of the unit make it outstanding in the woods. We have turf tires on ours and traction is never a problem. However, punctures from large thorns and debris do happen. I think the bar tires may have a heavier ply. The turfs appear to be only 2 ply. ANYONE ELSE WANT TO CONFIRM THIS? /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Chains are available in our tire size, however, I'd do like suggested earlier and try it without, first. You'd be surprised what it will do.

Our snow blade works great and will pile snow 6' high. I don't know if anyone on the board has the blower for the PT400 series.

The BCS units look really nice and you are correct about the number of attachments. I've heard nothing but praise for them by their owners. However, the FEL and quick attach on the PT425 is what sold me. Everything out front where you can see it. Exremely easy impliment changes. Very simple design and easy to work on. The hardest part is the engine compartment because they have everything in such a small place. That's the price you pay for a compact tractor. If they made it all open and airy in there, the tractor would be wider and not so compact. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif It is a tight fit to get to some of the hoses and such in the engine compartment if you need to.

I'd say if you have basic knowledge of hand tools, combustion engines on the lawnmower scale and a little common sense, you should be fine working on this machine yourself.

As for the incline of the drive, you need to actually measure it. That's the only way to be sure what the steepest sections are. If if is very steep, you may only be able to plow downhill, mow downhill, etc... in which case, a different model may be needed.

Looking forward to hearing about your search process. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[tracdoc]

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I think the bar tires may have a heavier ply. The turfs appear to be only 2 ply. ANYONE ELSE WANT TO CONFIRM THIS? )</font>
MR,
You are correct on the difference in ply between turfs and bar tires, with one caveat. The mfr weasels a bit and uses the term "ply RATING" as opposed to telling the consumer the actual number of plies. Anyhooo, turfs are 2 and bars are 4 ply rated.

 

[tracdoc]

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

A hearty welcome to the PT Forum, and good luck in your search process to find the tractor best suited to your needs. Here's hoping that it will boil down to one of the PT's.

When we lived in CT, we loved the "Live Free or Die" State. The raceway at Loudon was our home track, though a bit of a drive from New Haven. Lots of fantastic, but unpretentious places to eat. If you enjoy smoked stuff (bacon, sausage, cheeses), look up the Loudon Smokehouse. Yummy! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

For either, I think Slime, or better, Gempler's bulletproof sealer are advisable.

 

[tracdoc]

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

Great advice, Charlie. I had never even heard of "Gempler's" until I read one of your posts mentioning them, and that they carry the Ultraseal Bulletproof. I tucked that one away, and when I took delivery of my PT, I had the 2 Gal of sealer from Gempler's (plus a bunch of other "must have" items they carry) in the garage ready and waiting. No leaks so far and we're approaching the 1 year mark /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Makato]

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

MR,glad you got in. From reading the tons of threads you've been in, you obviously have allot of experience. I know I'm going to be doing allot of woods work so getting flats all the time would be a real hassle. I hate to have 2 sets of tires but it may be bars in the off winter months for the woods may be the ticket. This is going to be a big decision.
The brush mower is definitely on the list and I may go after the boom mower to reach across the ditches. Need to keep things clear so the run-off stays away from the drive but I need more info on its capabilities. If its for grass only, it probably won't do me any good.
Next the snow blade obviously. I have been fighting with myself over a snow thrower thinking I could avoid any stacking issues but with a 6' stack capability and a bucket to move snow, it probably would be a waste of money. I haven't seen to many people with this much to plow working with one, Especially since the drive is crush-pack rock.
Mini Ho, oh ya, lots of ditch work
Forks, yup
Salt Spreader Kit???? Any feedback on this?
Box Blade???? Any feedback, I need to keep a good crown on the drive. Might be to light.
Last but not least, the bucket. 4in1 probable gets it done. Sure wish they had just a grapple. I saw your plans, JJ and some from you other guys, I probably can hold till I get going but for cleaning out the woods, it would be huge.
A question on the TR8 price sheet. What is in the K151 Brush kit that makes it $200 more than the T3026Brush cutter. I saw the same extra $200 on the 60'' blade and salt spreader kits. Guys, I appreaciate all your help in advance!

 

[MossRoad]

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

I've received far more good advice than I've given here at TBN. These folks are the best. I'm more like the PT cheerleader than the coach! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[J_J]

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

You can save a lot by buying the bar tires off the internet. Ebay has some good deals some time. Same with the rims. The bar tires can be 2,4,6 ply. I use 26x12x12 , and I have about three complete sets. Found a broke Ditch Witch, got all 4 tires and rims for $40.00. Before I found the other tires, I had a local rim company make me up a set of rims for my 1445 with solid center, not pressed steel. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[Makato]

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

Good point JJ, I think I'll save the cash and start with the turf tires and see how they work. Charlie mentioned "Gemplers" to seal them and if I need chains in the winter it sounds like the best option.

 

[FOURTEEN]

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

<font color="blue"> 4in1 probable gets it done. Sure wish they had just a grapple.
</font>


<font color="red"> For mostly dirt work and a few trees the 4in1 Bucket will work fine, but for a lot of trees in rough woods and a little dirt work the PT Grapple Bucket is the only way to go!

The PT-425 with the PT Grapple Bucket is a beast out in the woods!! Sort of like a big motorized alligator - big mouth, sharp teeth, all fours digging in, head and tail snappin' back and forth, and a mighty roar echoing through the trees!!

The PT-425 with the PT Grapple Bucket, and Bar Tires on Reversed Wheels, is absolutely amazing in the woods! Nothing stops it! Not sticks, logs, stumps, water, mud, hills, ditches, bushes, vines, holes, whatever, all while barely leaving a tire track, even on the lawn!! It grabs huge piles of brush! It lifts logs in the center, or at the end, or by the tip with equal ease! It snakes around trees like at an Olympic slalom! Carries large logs zigzag between trees that are spaced closer together than the length of the logs!! It pulls long large logs lengthwise out of tight places by just gripping them with one fang! It rakes the forest floor! It feeds and tends the fire! Really, it is a sight to behold!!!! Safe, stable, powerful, agile, fast, FUN!!!!

Spend a few extra dollars now! Get just the rugged 4 ply Bar Tires! Add sealant! Inflate to 11# front and 7# Rear! Mount Reversed! They will do 99.9% of everything you need!

Will the 4in1 do these jobs as well??

</font>

 

[Makato]

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

Fourteen, I appreciate the pictures. Looks allot like the kind of work I need to do clearing forest areas. I've seen your many comments on the reverse tire opportunity and since traction is going to be a big deal during the winter when plowing, I'll definitely keep that in mind. I think you've proven the value of the Grapple bucket. Thanks
Guys, looking for feedback on the following.

Boom Mower- need to mow across ditches, scrub not grass
Salt spreader- for drive during winter
Box blade- crown maintenance on drive
1 other thing, I don't see any dialog on the available trailer??