PT425 starting - hydraulic pressure?

Alan Ziegler · Dec 26, 2009

I am a newbie, so please bear with me. Getting only a loud click when trying to start. Possible cause: left trencher in raised position expecting to come back shortly. Came back next day and trencher was fully lowered to ground. Thinking maybe this has created hydraulic pressure that starter cannot overcome. Unable to release hydraulic hose on one side of trencher - think maybe this is indication of high pressure. If pressure is problem, don't know how to relieve this pressure. Jiggled joy stick. Gave it a day to release pressure somehow on its own. Pictures of pump in owners manual do not look exactly like mine. Not sure what to "open" to relieve pressure. If you can help, assume I know very little about the PT425 because I don't. Very thankful for the excellent advice I have read in this forum.

alan, the Newbie

MossRoad · Dec 26, 2009

Welcome to TBN!

Is your electric PTO switch on the dash turned off? Make sure it is off before trying to start. If that does not solve it. ...

Then remove and reinstall your battery cable connections. They could be lose. Usually a clicking sound indicates a bad ground. Hopefully the battery cable connections will solve it.

woodlandfarms · Dec 27, 2009

I do not know the 425's but I am going to say it is something else. You have released the pressure by jiggling the arm. PT is not tightly built so I doubt you have any sort of hydraulic lock.

I am thinking electrical. Either your battery has died, or trenching has shook loose a ground wire...

J_J · Dec 27, 2009

Use a volt meter to check the battery voltage when starting. If it decreases to around 8 volts, then the starter is drawing current. Jump it with another battery, and see if it will start.

KentT · Dec 28, 2009

I've had similar symptoms on my 425 twice now -- both times it turned out to be the worn ignition switch not providing a good enough connection to engage the starter. The tumblers seem to get stuck and it will just click the solenoid like a weak battery. Lube the ignition switch with graphite, and it'll start back up...

Replacing the switch is now nearing the top of my "to do" list....

J_J · Dec 28, 2009

After going through two of the switches, I replaced it with a toggle switch for pwr, and a push button start switch, and it now starts up fine. Accessories are off the toggle switch.

MossRoad · Dec 28, 2009

J_J said:
After going through two of the switches, I replaced it with a toggle switch for pwr, and a push button start switch, and it now starts up fine. Accessories are off the toggle switch.

Aren't you worried about someone stealing it without that high tech ignition key? You know, the same key that starts ten thousand other pieces of equipment! Just kidding.

I have often thought about doing what you did on several pieces of equipment that had keys. Good solution.

J_J · Dec 28, 2009

Most any good thief, has a good screw driver, and a dent puller to jam into the key slot, and pull out the guts to the switch. Takes all of ten seconds, and if they were prepared, they brought a new switch with them.

MossRoad · Dec 28, 2009

J_J said:
Most any good thief, has a good screw driver, and a dent puller to jam into the key slot, and pull out the guts to the switch. Takes all of ten seconds, and if they were prepared, they brought a new switch with them.

Yeah. I remember seeing a program on car thieves many years ago. I was kinda shocked that the guy just walked up to the car, busted out the rear window, hopped in the car, stuck a dent puller into the ignition, ripped it out, stuck in his own in and took off with the car just like that. I imagine most equipment is easier than cars.