What size PT

IrTxRx · Apr 15, 2004

Dear PT forum:
I am planning on buying a tractor in the next 6-18 months (generally I buy everything from the first salesperson I meet) and am trying to take my time since this purchase should last the next 30 years. Several TBN members and a couple of dealers have suggested that I need a 35-40HP CUT to do what I want to do on my property (approx 35 acres - rough cut 10 acres sloping down to creek, lots of brush clearing, 1500' road to maintain, narrow pond at bottom of creek to clean out during dry seasons, 3 acres finish mow and PTO mounted chipper would be very nice). Question - What size PT do I need??? Can a PT be expected to last and keep its value like most CUT's??? I would be willing to bet i am the most un-handy person on TBN, who helps me fix my PT if it breaks???

Must say, i am very impressed with the help i have recieved from TBN'ers regarding CUTs. So I expect nothing but excellent, well-rounded advice from all the non-traditional tractor enthusiasts on this forum /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif!

Thanks in advance

BillG_in_TX · Apr 15, 2004

There's a PT-425 for sale in Dripping Springs. At least it's still listed in the TBN classifieds. Sounds like a good price. At least you could take a test drive and see what this PT craze is all about. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Charlie_Iliff · Apr 15, 2004

PTO mounted chipper would be very nice 

That one isn't readily available yet for a Power Trac. We've had some discussion and a little progress toward some custom attachments, and that one's on several lists, but not yet a reality.

Your property sounds as if an 1845 or 1445 would be great. 1850 or 1460 even better. The diesel PTs do rough cut and finish mowing well and are superb at front loader jobs. The 425 will do your jobs, but just take longer.

Most mechanics with a bit of hydraulic experience can easily handle maintenance and repairs on a Power Trac. To ease your mind in that regard, check around your area and ask a couple of farmers. I'll bet you have someone not too far away.

Pack up and take a vacation trip to Tazewell, VA. You'll stop looking at tractors like the one Grandpa used to cuss at. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

I am sure others on the board will have additional excellent, well-rounded advice /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bird · Apr 15, 2004

Well, I see you've got recommendations for a PT-425, the 1445, 1460, 1845, and 1850. I'll be different. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif I've never owned or used any of them, but I did visit the factory, looked at what they had, and talked to them about the machines. Now, personally, in your situation, I'd probably stay with a conventional tractor; however, if I were going with a PT, and they definitely are pretty impressive machines, my first choice would be the PT-1430.

Bob_Skurka · Apr 15, 2004

Bird . . . I don't own a PT but I am curious about your advice. Why would you recommend he stick with a traditional tractor? He doesn't have implements that would become obsolete, so whatever tractor he buys he would also need to buy implements for. Other than the possibility of a breakdown, why not consider a PT unit?

Personally, I would think the PT-1430 (30hp model) would do his jobs well, the PT425 would likely be too small; but I admit to have never driving a PT-1430.

BillG_in_TX · Apr 15, 2004

I agree that the PT-425 might be a little small. I'm just pointing out where he might be able to test drive one of these elusive (especially in Texas) critters.

Bird · Apr 15, 2004

( Why would you recommend he stick with a traditional tractor? )

Bob, it was certainly nothing against the PT. They look like fine machines. But for one thing, he asks about resale. Admitedly, I don't know whether the PTs will hold their value as well, but I think you'd have a more limited market for them at least. For another thing, he mentions being unhandy and where he'd get help if he needed it. Now some folks know enough to do a lot themselves, and they may know where they can find mechanics to do whatever they can't do themselves, but he seems uncertain, so I think it might be better to stay with something he knows he can find service for. And for another thing, like you said, he doesn't have implements yet and will be buying them. Now the PTs have a great assortment of heavy duty appearing implements, but they are proprietary to the PT. If he makes any mistakes in buying implements, how hard would it be to swap them in for something he decides would be better? He ain't gonna sell those implements in his neighborhood unless he finds another PT owner who wants them. On the other hand, if he buys implements for a conventional tractor and changes his mind, he can trade them in, or sell them outright, and have a much better chance of finding a buyer.

So, like I said, nothing against the PTs; fine machines. And maybe even the best thing for him; I just think a beginner would be better off with a conventional tractor. And don't forget . . ., this is nothing more than my personal opinion. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Bob_Skurka · Apr 15, 2004

Bird . . . well thought out answer. Thanks.

armyof1 · Apr 16, 2004

I am new to the tractor world and I look at the PT great machine, price was way to much for me maybe later I would get one. What sold me on the CUT was used attachments and the price of a used CUT I live in Va and have not see one PT being used so with out being able to call a friend over to help with what ever problem Iam having I would be lost. I am not that great being able to tell what some part are, So someone who know tractor can come give me a hand . I would start out with a CUT but thats me. Bird gave his personal opinion and I say with the number years he's been around sound like good advice. Like my dad would tell me don't do that, going to get hurt so I learn the hard way till I got older. Just my opinion /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

MossRoad · Apr 16, 2004

Hello. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Bird gives some excellent advice. If you have serious doubts about your mechanical abilities a dealer supported line of tractors might be a better choice for you. However, if you find a good mechanic, like Charlie suggested, someone you can trust, you should be OK. All I've had to do to my PT is change engine oil, change filters, grease and lube, check bolts for tightness(none have loosened up). Of course, I only have about 130 hours on it, but it is a very easy machine to maintain.

The main thing I'd stress when shopping for a tractor is TAKE YOUR TIME! Determinie what the main jobs you have to do now are and what your main jobs will be in a year, two years, 5 years, etc... It could be that you have some really big jobs at first, then nothing but mowing and light landscaping for the next 10-15 years. Test drive as many different makes and models as possible. Start a big 3 ring binder or two and keep all the literature together. Start a pros and cons sheet for all the makes and models. Whittle down the list and test drive them again. I took over a year to decide what tractor I wanted. Good luck in your search. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif