Greetings All,

   We moved into our new home a week prior to Thanksgiving 2008.  During the construction phase of our dream home we did the necessary site work just to get moved in before Winter.

   So when it gets warmer  have gutters and down sprouts, retaining walls, driveway maint, spreading the left over top soil, getting a lawn established on sloping land, and a whole bunch more.

  The soil type is very sandy with rubble/debries from the earlier stacked stone and partial brick foundation (Pretty much all small pieces).

  SOOOOOOOOooo  I am looking around and doing research.  I stumbled across a classified ad for a 2004 PT Model 422 w/ Brush hog, rake, 4:1, bucket, forks, plow, bowblade, backhoe, The ad states 29 HP LC/EFI Kawasaki modification.

  I was amazed and prompted to look much harder at the PT's.  Currently I have a 1985 JD 318 with 54" dozer blade and dump utility trailer.  This little machine was the first to be all hydraulics with steering, and 4 point hookups on the front and supports a cat 0 3 pt hitch on back (I don't have the hitch).  My biggest need is to be able to ground engage (light duty), load and move topsoil, and in general get my home looking good outside.

  I also have a 1962 S&R SS12 lawn tractor.  I keep it running just because it is a good mowing tractor and climbs hills like a goat.  Both of my current tractors are two wheel drive, But for plowing snow I put chains on the John Deere and it pushes snow pretty good.  I've also used it to smooth out screenings and item 4, it back blades nice and smooth.

  I've very attracted to the PT's as they seem to offer a lot of bang for the buck.  With that said money is a bit tight and I could only afford maybe $2000 down and finance the rest.  I am a 24 year veteran of the US Navy (Retired) and not opposed to doing some side work with my tractor to help make payments.

  Long message to ask for advice, suggestions, and information.

TJ