Some Power Trac PT-425 videos

[Kent]

Since some of you have voiced interest in my strange hydraulic, articulated machine, I thought I'd post a few short video clips that Eli took of me using it in Tennessee last week. It's easier to understand it, seeing it in action. Using the 48" brush cutter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtnF0Fs2paA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8HVXaaKDfM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO-3O2n7X9E Using the grapple bucket: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X7FuP6KFik And, here's some pictures (page is still in progress) of the work we did last week... http://www.loonlanding.info/June_2007.htm

[comet66]

Sweet! That is a great piece, it sure litens the load.

[Kent]

quote:

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Originally posted by comet66
Sweet! That is a great piece, it sure litens the load.

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I sure would've liked to have one of these on the farm, growing up. I spent far too much time using a briar sythe, a pitchfork, and a pick mattock to clear things, and then dragging the brush and throwing it up on a pile... sm00 BTW, as I sorted through the rest of the pics that Eli took, I found two more short videos of the brush-cutter in action. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efmxVcZRjU0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VN_mHMrLy0M

[ehertzfeld]

That is fantastic! The bucket realy pick up a lot.

[Roy]

Love your Power Trak. Sure has an interesting engine sound. Also like the sun shade but looks like it needs some braces to be an effective roll bar.

[Kent]

quote:

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Originally posted by Roy
Love your Power Trak. Sure has an interesting engine sound. Also like the sun shade but looks like it needs some braces to be an effective roll bar.

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Roy, It's a 25HP Kohler Command Pro (I think the oil cooler makes it a "Pro"), with a stock muffler, but I added an aftermarket cannister muffler to the tailpipe (as shown below) to try to quieten it down more -- it is quite noisy. Then there's the constant whine of 3 hydraulic pumps running (two at all times, plus the PTO pump when engaged) and four wheel motors whining under load...
[img]http://farm1.static.flickr.com/32/62820996_d783071a75_o.jpg[/img]
It's a certified ROPS/FOPS made out of 3" steel pipe with a 1/8" steel plate welded on for the sunshade. It's sturdy... everything on this thing is simple, sturdy, steel. Most of it is 1/4" steel (like the main tub of the body), with some 3/8" steel plate for reinforcement... The only plastic is basically the control knobs, seat and steering wheel. :) No sheet metal -- just steel plate in different thicknesses. I'll bet the hood, even with all the metal mesh, weighs almost 50 pounds.
[img]http://farm1.static.flickr.com/24/62658493_a898ea2ac5.jpg[/img]

[Kent]

quote:

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Originally posted by ehertzfeld
That is fantastic! The bucket realy pick up a lot.

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The hydraulics are very strong. It'll lift 800 lbs -- then lift the rear of the machine in the air. I have a rear weight box made up for it, but I need to do a little grinding to get it to fit right -- I just haven't taken the time, since the tractor stays in Tennessee and when I'm there, I want to be using it, not working on it... I was running rear wheel weights for a while, but I removed them when I reversed the rims for a wider, more stable stance on these hillsides. BTW, all four 23x10.50x12 tires are also loaded with WW fluid and sealant...

[AGCO918]

Kent, Very nice Video indeed. Have a Happy Forth .You have one neat running Tractor.Thanks for sharing. Chad

[SmilinSam]

Is that a true quick tach setup for the implements on the boom? If so thats whats on the articulated Volvo loader we have at work, and it makes changing implements such a breeze!

[Kent]

quote:

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Originally posted by SmilinSam
Is that a true quick tach setup for the implements on the boom? If so thats whats on the articulated Volvo loader we have at work, and it makes changing implements such a breeze!

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Yes, it's a true hydraulic quick attach, though it's unique to Power Tracs and not interchangeable with anything else without some modification. If you're not using a front implement that uses hydraulics cylinders (grapple, power angle dozer, etc) or a hydraulic motor (mower, post-hole digger, tiller, etc.) then you can change attachments in seconds, without ever leaving the seat. Swapping from a bucket to a box blade or a landscape rakes, for example, is a done in 30 seconds or so... I agree -- once you've used a quick attach, you'll never want to go back to 3-pt hitches or other types of pin-on implements...

[Kent]

I just remembered that this Power Trac owner has videos of how fast it is to change implements, using the hydraulic Quick Attach. The first one shows changing from forks to a bucket in 15 seconds -- no kidding! http://www.mossroad.com/PT425Videos/PT425_15S01.WMV The second shows him repeating the process, but this one is filmed from the driver's seat. Operating the camera with one hand while driving and doing everything else with the other, it took him a little longer -- 28 seconds... http://www.mossroad.com/PT425Videos/PT425_QAFromSeat.WMV

[Kent]

Someone had posted an interest in having one of these, and their post was lost with the server problems. If you're seriously interested, I just noticed a PT-422 on eBay with bucket, 60" finish mower, forks and cement mixer in Arkansas. 345 hours, and opening bid is $3500 with no reserve. It doesn't have a ROPS/FOP, but looks to be in decent condition -- if that is water on the front (which I think it is), and not leaking hydraulics. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280132761840&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:PIC&ih=018 I paid almost twice that for a 25 HP version (engine and ROPS/FOPS is only real difference back then) with a couple more attachments and 250 hours on it. New, this PT-422 package would be a bit over $10,000 now. This appears to be a very good price if the condition is as advertised. EDIT: The auction closed for $4200+ -- still a decent price.

[Roy]

With only 345 hours that is a bargain provided it hasn't been trashed. Looks like water in the bucket to me.