PT-425 muffler and seed spreader

[JD-Beach]

It's been a productive couple of weeks. I finished the muffler replacement on my 425 and I finished the electric seed spreader. More on the spreader later, but now the muffler. ...

This is a 5-inch super-trapp muffler with a 6-inch resonator. I bought the muffler from Jack's online small engine parts. I had a local shop weld the pipe for $20. ... Much quieter.

 

[JD-Beach]

Here's the original factory unit ... as well as the modified pipe with the super-trapp unit. I first had it install at a 45-degree angle outward. It looked too obtrusive so I purchased a few more fittings and adjusted the angle a little. Now it's not sticking out so far.

 

[JD-Beach]

OK, now for the seed / fertilizer spreader. I purchased the unit last winter and spent countless hours in my shop figuring out how to mount it to the PT-425.

The unit not only has an On-Off switch but one must also regulate the sliding valve opening to allow the fertilizer to fall on the rotating fan. that was a difficult problem to solve. I finally figured out a foot-pedal arrangement to open and close the sliding valve. ... a good solution, but had to do on the powertrac. .... so ... I decided to mount the unit on my zero-turn Toro mower. ... sorry guys. It just makes more sense to operate this unit from a different machine. ... check it out

 

[BobRip]

Great job. Can you give us a list of part numbers. I have to modify the back cover since my pipes don't stick out and the openings for the exhaust are not open at the bottom. With you arrangement my cover would not open. It will take some effort.

 

[JD-Beach]

... and now the photos. ...

 

[JD-Beach]

The muffler is a Supertrapp model 5S #5S1250T muffler with a #5S5536 6-inch resonator and a 3-pack of discs #5S6503.

I decided on the inch and one-quarter because I didn't know which size to select. Now that I've seen it a one-inch probably would have worked fine. ... the one-inch size may result in a different number.

 

[JD-Beach]

... a little more on the spreader. ... I fab'd the mounting frame out of some oak plywood that was left over from a previous project. I rigged it with four latches so that it easily mounts and dismounts. I picked up an electrical fitting from an auto supply store to have an easy means to connect and disconnect the electric motor. The plastic shield on the front is from an old plastic 5-gallon bucket that I cut on the table saw.

 

[JD-Beach]

... and just a little more on the spreader. ... I fab'd the control "treadle" from oak boards and used the control cable that came with the spreader. The pivot point for the treadle is a door hinge.

I bought the spreader online. It was design for an ATV and cost approx $200. I looked at the PT spreader but the cost difference was huge.

Although I love the PT, ... the zero-turn Toro is incredibly agile and I think it will prove to be a better machine for this task around the house.

It's Miller time!

 

[ldabe]

Great craftsmanship! Really a nice job!!

But I have to ask JD, who did the garage floor?

I used to get compliments from people all the time about how clean I kept my garage...but I never came close to what yours looks like.

And by the way, when the heck is the last time you used that PT? Waaaaaaayyyyy to clean ;~)

(Good job on the pics too)

 

[hogi]

JD,
Can you compare and contrast the new vs. the old muffler, i.e. is it quieter? Any difference in engine performance?