Ah, the pt425d competes in the Supermodified division!
Thank you!
The green 425 on the truck was originally a 25hp Subaru. 300 hours later, when that died, I went to a Kubota 25hp engine. Absolutely no regret.
The Kubota required a bigger battery, a little length in the tub and weighed more and at the time, the heavy steel cover was killing my back.
So off the cover went, we made a steel frame with a thick aluminum skin, exhaust and fuel tank went up on top. For heat, space and the cage on the fuel tank keeps me from getting whacked.
I work on trail and farm projects and running the power rake, mower etc in the dead of summer was more heat than the oil cooler could clear especially w the radiator on the Kubota now drawing air in.
Side access to the engine compartment made the most sense so hinged wings went on and the fan got the switch the lights used to have.
I'm tall. Had back pain and found the original seat a bit miserable. Swapping to a basic suspension seat improved the ride, positioned me better... But made the canopy too close to me.
The canopy is now on the 42x (unknown) machine I have. Installed a bit higher and tipping slightly forward.
3pt. The rear of the 425 having been cut out needed to be closed up and protection added (structure and filtration) for the radiator. I found the balance (higher CoG) of the diesel called for some
ballast. I wanted useful ballast. Found a Redland Hill hitch which is very robust and compact, near vertical lift arc, perfect. So the hitch, stowed, ballasts and protects the rear & radiator while adding a couple of inches length. In use it can carry any cat 1 or 0 tool. Generally I use basics, like a subsoiler, harrow etc to work behind a pt front implement. I also have a modded Dr
chipper and 3pt DR string fence trimmer that can run from the hyd pto. And a rack of hyd hand tools (pole, chain, brush cutter) w 50' of hose (thanks craigslist!)
In the pic, subsoiler is on the PT. Great for stubborn roots, rocks, saplings that dodge implements or draining backed up water. I don't do crop work, beyond food plot scale, this salamander doesn't make for neat rows! That's what the tractor is for.
Since I was adding a cylinder circuit for the 3pt I figured I'd add 2 spools and have separate permanent grapple/qa valves. The 2spool valve is first in the circuit sending power beyond to the original pt lift/attach valve.
In the end, my super modified pt425d is exactly the tool I needed, I pass up a compact 4wd backhoe and small track loader for it on most jobs.
I'll stick some more pics in this post MR might make this it's own thread...
