What is it about a Power Trac

[3238dpw]

We all know how good these little machines are, but what is it that makes them better for you than a standard CUT for you? They both have there advantages and faults. So what is the one thing that you attribute to it being better for you. I have my own theory and will post after a few of you do.

 

[MossRoad]

I can't think of ONE thing that makes it better than a CUT. I can think of several things that add up to make it better for me and the tasks I have to do, though....

All implements out front where they belong.
For the tasks of mowing, brush hogging and snowplowing, out front implements beat rear mount hands down. Just plain no comparison.

Quick attach system beats 3PT hitch.
The ability to change non-powered implements in 15 seconds without getting off the tractor... PRICELESS! :laughing: Powered implements in less than a minute is pretty much priceless, too! NEVER having to lift, pry or jockey a heavy implement around EVER is really a killer selling point for anyone that has had to do that in the past. You just cannot appreciate it enough unless you have had a tractor with a 3PT hitch first. :thumbsup:

Same speed forward AND backwards.
Sounds like a useless feature until you have transferred 20 yards of material from point A to point B in 1/3 the time of a CUT with the same sized bucket.

Weight to lift ratio.
A 1500 pound machine that lifts 800 pounds? That's crazy! :confused2:

Footprint.
The PT425 fits between the wheel wells in the back of a standard size pickup truck bed with an implement attached (when backed in, the implement hangs out the back with all 4 tractor tires in the bed, not on the tailgate). Anyone taken a CUT anywhere in the back of a pickup truck, let alone with an implement attached? Anyone? Not too many, huh? :laughing:

Simplicity in Steel.
Sounds like the title for an art sculpture, doesn't it? All plate steel construction. No sheet metal. No plastic. Welded steel tub surrounds engine and drive components on all 6 sides. Incredible full skid plate. Hydraulic articulation and oscillation keeps the wheels on the ground more often than a CUT. :cloud9:

Made in America.
This is the end of the 4th of July weekend, so I thought I'd throw that one in! Hand made machine from Tazewell, VA. :thumbsup:

Sorry I could not think of ONE thing that makes it stand out over a CUT for my needs. :laughing:

 

[American Bulldog]

Good post Moss Road!!!

Three more things:

1) smaller same sized tires. Does not damage the lawn as much as a CUT.

2) 4WD system works better as well. Always in 4WD, yet it doesn't chirp the tires when turning on asphalt.

2) these tractors are better on slopes than CUT's

 

[KentT]

Maneuverability - especially of the implement out front. Their articulation gives you a short turning radius AND precise placement of the implement. Try similiar precision placement of an implement hanging off a 3-pt on the back of a machine whose front wheels steer...

Overall quickness. I don't know any other way to describe it. Maneuverability + smooth and rapid transition from forward to reverse. I can pick up and move buckets of material short distances, for example, about twice as fast as a conventional tractor w/loader -- especially one with manual gearshift instead of hydro. Of course, the longer the hauling distance, the less the distinction comes into play...

Safety. Slope ability is already mentioned. But, I'm talking about a strong ROPS/FOPS, plus a smooth, predictable transition to the "PT pucker" and how you can correct it. Overall, I don't think they're nearly as "tippy" as a traditional CUT/SCUT and there's a lot more warning given. Also, there's no exposed driveshafts, PTO shafts, etc. that are VERY dangerous.

 

[MossRoad]

Safety. Slope ability is already mentioned. But, I'm talking about a strong ROPS/FOPS, plus a smooth, predictable transition to the "PT pucker" and how you can correct it. Overall, I don't think they're nearly as "tippy" as a traditional CUT/SCUT and there's a lot more warning given. Also, there's no exposed driveshafts, PTO shafts, etc. that are VERY dangerous.

DOH! I forgot safety! :laughing:

 

[3238dpw]

Well I agree with everything everone has said but I still think there is one main thing and Moss mentioned it. If you think about it, it contributes to most of the things mentioned. I personally have driven a lot of different equipment over the years and the one thing Power Trac and wheel loaders all have is the articulation.

If you think about it, it either is the reason or contributes largely to the machines quickness, Maneuverability, Safety, traction, ability to not damage turf, and to a smaller extent the lift to weight ratio.

I would rank quick attach second because not all PTs have quick attach.(180 or older units like JJ's) Don't get me wrong I love it:thumbsup:

Just thought it would make for an interesting discusion