Why doesn't PT use a standard quick-hitch?

   / Why doesn't PT use a standard quick-hitch? #1  

schacht

New member
Joined
Jul 11, 2000
Messages
4
Why doesn\'t PT use a standard quick-hitch?

I've been thinking about a PT but find myself wishing that it used a standard Bobcat type quick-attach and that it used regular hydraulic fluid instead of 10-40. This would allow me to rent attachments for occasional jobs and would also let me run the same attachments on multiple kinds of machines. Does anybody know why PT isn't compatible with anything else?
 
   / Why doesn't PT use a standard quick-hitch? #2  
Re: Why doesn\'t PT use a standard quick-hitch?

<font color="red"> Does anybody know why PT isn't compatible with anything else?
</font>

I suppose it's just their Tazewell, Va. individuality. The larger machines certainly could handle skid steer implements, but the attach systems aren't remotely similar, so rentals are out unless you buuild an adapter adapter.
Power Trac uses oil instead of hydraulic fluid because it costs less. At some point this summer, I'm going to switch mine to Amsoil synthetic Tractor Hydraulic fluid, just for longevity, although it should outlast me with the oil.
 
   / Why doesn't PT use a standard quick-hitch? #3  
Re: Why doesn\'t PT use a standard quick-hitch?

It could be a draw back for someone that rents equipment or wants to use them on multiple tractors. For me, I like that I only have to keep one kind of oil around, as it is the same oil for the engine as well. I could see renting non-powered equipment, but I would hesitate to rent hydraulically powered equipment, just because I don't know who's machine it has been run in and the fluid may be contaminated. Renters are notorious for abusing equipment.
 
   / Why doesn't PT use a standard quick-hitch? #4  
Re: Why doesn\'t PT use a standard quick-hitch?

<font color="green">( Power Trac uses oil instead of hydraulic fluid because it costs less. At some point this summer, I'm going to switch mine to Amsoil synthetic Tractor Hydraulic fluid, just for longevity, although it should outlast me with the oil. )</font>

Hmmm, not the story we got from Terry when we were taking delivery. According to him, PT used to use hydraulic fluid, but they ran into compatibility problems with customers scattered all over buying different brands with different chemical compositions. He even said something about having to ship the right oil to distant customers.

Terry went on to say they use motor oil because everybody can get it, and because of rigid standards, it is the same everywhere.

And if I recall correctly, he said the use of hydraulic fluid in current production models will damage them and void the warranty.

Your thoughts?

SnowRidge
 
   / Why doesn't PT use a standard quick-hitch? #5  
Re: Why doesn\'t PT use a standard quick-hitch?

<font color="red"> According to him, PT used to use hydraulic fluid, but they ran into compatibility problems with customers scattered all over buying different brands with different chemical compositions. He even said something about having to ship the right oil to distant customers.

Terry went on to say they use motor oil because everybody can get it, and because of rigid standards, it is the same everywhere.

And if I recall correctly, he said the use of hydraulic fluid in current production models will damage them and void the warranty. </font>

My post was perhaps too simple, since Terry did mention some difficulty in getting compatible fluid, but he didn't know details. He went on to say that motor oil was cheaper, universally available, and worked fine. He said when they first switched to it, they used some additive which became too expensive and they found the machines really didn't need it.
Since I was worried about compatibility, I sent the spec sheet for the Amsoil Tractor Hydraulic Fluid to Terry. He reviewed it with an engineer and said :"The 1845 will love it." He went so far as to say that I should waste five gallons by draining the oil, putting the five gallons in, then cycling all the cylinders and exercise each attachment to get all the oil out. Terry figures if I'm rich enough to buy the synthetic, or crazy enough, I'll be rich enough or crazy enough to waste five gallons avoiding minor local blending. So far, I haven't been rich enough or crazy enough to order the synthetic, but from its specs I think it will do a better job that the oil. I think I calculated that I'll have to be about 180 years old to prove that it's worth the money. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Mine's out of warranty so we didn't discuss that. I suspect if you changed to something that damaged the system, they'd balk on a warranty claim. Most manufacturers would.
 
   / Why doesn't PT use a standard quick-hitch? #6  
Re: Why doesn\'t PT use a standard quick-hitch?

Thanks, Charlie. I searched the TBN threads and the net to educate myself on the hydraulic fluid issue. From my research, I am utterly convinced that I now know less than I thought I did before--and that wasn't a whole lot. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

I think I'll stick to the 10W40 for now and watch this space for further developments. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

SnowRidge
 
   / Why doesn't PT use a standard quick-hitch? #7  
Re: Why doesn\'t PT use a standard quick-hitch?

That's a good post, Charlie -

Does anyone know WHAT brand/grade of oil that PT uses in the PT425? When I received my PT, it was leaking from the left rear wheel motor. The oil level is still OK, but I'd like to add some, and I like to add the exact same brand/grade/type as before. Most all engine oils have additives, and some additives are NOT compatible with others. Can anyone tell me?

Sincerely,

Rob /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 

Tractor & Equipment Auctions

2022 Ford F-250 XL 4x4 Ext. Cab Pickup Truck (A49461)
2022 Ford F-250 XL...
2022 LEGUAN 190 SPIDER LIFT (A51242)
2022 LEGUAN 190...
Deere 9970 Cotton Picker (A51039)
Deere 9970 Cotton...
2021 Interstate Tiltbed 40TDL 24 Ton T/A Flatbed Trailer (A49461)
2021 Interstate...
2010 Case 650L Crawler Tractor Dozer (A50322)
2010 Case 650L...
TEST BID LOT (A50775)
TEST BID LOT (A50775)
 
Top