Videos of New PT425 Arriving/Unloading

[Clumber]

Thanks for taking the time for inputing this very interesting stuff. The Lo-trac is a really neat machine. How does it steer? Joystick? Also, what are the large black things in the wheel hubs? I am guessing part of the breaking system. You can see the evolution of the PTs.

 

[MossRoad]

Thanks for taking the time for inputing this very interesting stuff. The Lo-trac is a really neat machine. How does it steer? Joystick? Also, what are the large black things in the wheel hubs? I am guessing part of the breaking system. You can see the evolution of the PTs.

I think those black hubs inside the wheels are just the ridiculously beefy wheel motors. The thing weighs 13,600# and can lift 13,800# for crying out loud! :laughing:

 

[J_J]

Those hyd wheel motors are designed to fit inside the width of the tire/rim, to reduce the overall width of the machine.

The tire cutout is there for a similar reason, to reduce the overall width.

 

[PABenz]

I never use the left pedal on my 422. Had mine since 2004 and I just press down with my right big toe to go forward and then lift up to go backward. Don't know why I started doing it that way, but I feel I have more control. Mabye because I don't drive a stick shift and always used one foot when driving a car. Good luck all and happy plowing.

 

[MossRoad]

Anyone every think how easy it would be to adapt a PT for use by someone that has no use of their legs, or one arm?

Seems it would be very easy to put a joystick to control both speed AND direction. Heck, you could put in some electric solenoid valves and have the same joystick control the FEL, too.

 

[3238dpw]

If you look at page four you will see that these site prep tractors have joystick controls. So yes it can be done, but at what cost?
http://www.prenticeforestry.com/uploads/specs/2664-2764-2864-Site-Prep-Tractors.pdf

 

[Clumber]

Check out the Ventracs. They use two joysticks that move together in forward and reverse to control direction and speed. Moving each individually left or right control aux functions. I really liked the Ventracs. However, their FEL capabilities is insufficient. A Ventrac with the attachments I bought with the PT425 would have cost over $40K... They also make wheel chair Scooter that uses handlebars to steer. These concepts could be used to develop a utility tractor that is easier to use for the impaired. An easier to use tractor would be great for all of us as well.

Ventrac - Advantages: Comfort & Controls

Ventrac Freedom Model 300

 

[MossRoad]

If you look at page four you will see that these site prep tractors have joystick controls. So yes it can be done, but at what cost?
http://www.prenticeforestry.com/uploads/specs/2664-2764-2864-Site-Prep-Tractors.pdf

Replacing the steering valve and treadle valve with a two spool valve similar to what's under the current FEL joystick would probably not add any cost to the unit. Since the unit steers with rams, the steering could be a bit jerky using a directional valve VS a steering valve, but it would be pretty functional.

 

[3238dpw]

Well Clumber how did you make out in the storm we had on the east coast? I am curious because I know a lot of your concerns with your PT purchase was snow removal. If you had snow anything like us, what a test.

 

[Clumber]

Well Clumber how did you make out in the storm we had on the east coast? I am curious because I know a lot of your concerns with your PT purchase was snow removal. If you had snow anything like us, what a test.

The storm missed us. We only had a lite dusting. Have not had an opportunity to test out snow removal capabilities.

I am impressed with the PT 425's starting ability in cold weather. The tractor will start on 1 or two cranks with a full choke and throttle at 75%. Morning temps are averaging around 25%. The PT is kept in an unheated garage.

The front right tire keeps loosing pressure. When that tire is low the quick attach will not work because the tractor and the QA plate is lower on the right side preventing a flush mating which prevents the locking mechanism from sliding into the slot. I will try using a sealant in the tire.

more later.

Patrick

 

[Marks481]

When that tire is low the quick attach will not work because the tractor and the QA plate is lower on the right side preventing a flush mating which prevents the locking mechanism from sliding into the slot.

You should still be able to attach the implements.

Pick up the implement by just hooking the top edge of the pt quick attach plate into the implement. Raise it and lower it once or twice about a foot. That usually causes the implement to slide a little bit and the you can lock it in.

I wouldn't recommend trying that trick with that monster snowblower... Smething that weighs 500# sliding around could damage something. Buckets, forks, and mower deck all work fine though.

Regarding your issues with the hydraulic quick disconnect couplings:
Some people here have gotten fed up with the quick disconnects, and have replaced them with flat faced couplers that can be connected even under pressure. An expensive mod, but one that you might consider. Be aware that not all flat faced couplers are designed to mate under pressure.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/power-trac/169414-aux-hydraulic-will-not-connect.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/power-trac/115672-quick-connect-trouble.html

Like you, the monster snow storm slipped right by us to the south. We barely saw a dusting of snow.

 

[MossRoad]

The storm missed us. We only had a lite dusting. Have not had an opportunity to test out snow removal capabilities.

I am impressed with the PT 425's starting ability in cold weather. The tractor will start on 1 or two cranks with a full choke and throttle at 75%. Morning temps are averaging around 25%. The PT is kept in an unheated garage.

The front right tire keeps loosing pressure. When that tire is low the quick attach will not work because the tractor and the QA plate is lower on the right side preventing a flush mating which prevents the locking mechanism from sliding into the slot. I will try using a sealant in the tire.

more later.

Patrick

Do yourself a favor... get a tube for that tire then take the whole tire, rim and tube to a tire shop and have it tubed! You will never regret it.

 

[Clumber]

HI Tim,
I tried as you suggested when the problem came up. Then I notice that the right front tire was very low. Reinflated the tire made the plate level again.

When the QA plate is not level the bottom of the plate hangs over the shelf of the attachment plate, there is no way to tilt the plate flush to the attqachment plate. One side is lower than the other.

In any case, one should not be attaching something when a tire is almost flat.

I will check out the flat faced connectors. I did not realize they were easier to connect. Thanks for the info.

Patrick

 

[Clumber]

Yes, I had to put tubes in at lease one tire on all the garden tractors I have ever owned. I have sealent in a tire on my current garden tractor, but I also think a tube may be better for the larger PT tire.

Patrick

 

[SpringHollow]

Hi Patrick,

I will have implements of uneven ground all of the time where the tractor and the implement are not at the same angle and still pick them up. Do as Tim suggested. You are only hooking on to the top. The implement then slides as you lift it, letting it slip into place and finish curling and lock it in. It really is pretty easy most of the time.

Ken

 

[BobRip]

Hi Patrick,

I will have implements of uneven ground all of the time where the tractor and the implement are not at the same angle and still pick them up. Do as Tim suggested. You are only hooking on to the top. The implement then slides as you lift it, letting it slip into place and finish curling and lock it in. It really is pretty easy most of the time.

Ken

This does take a little practice and may not be obvious at first.
I use a tire/rim sealant for my leaks. Tubes are good to.

 

[Clumber]

You should still be able to attach the implements.

Pick up the implement by just hooking the top edge of the pt quick attach plate into the implement. Raise it and lower it once or twice about a foot. That usually causes the implement to slide a little bit and the you can lock it in.

I wouldn't recommend trying that trick with that monster snowblower... Smething that weighs 500# sliding around could damage something. Buckets, forks, and mower deck all work fine though.

Regarding your issues with the hydraulic quick disconnect couplings:
Some people here have gotten fed up with the quick disconnects, and have replaced them with flat faced couplers that can be connected even under pressure. An expensive mod, but one that you might consider. Be aware that not all flat faced couplers are designed to mate under pressure.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/power-trac/169414-aux-hydraulic-will-not-connect.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/power-trac/115672-quick-connect-trouble.html

Like you, the monster snow storm slipped right by us to the south. We barely saw a dusting of snow.

Folks, I am not having luck finding flat faced connectors to order on line,

First, I think the lines/fitting/connector sizes on the PT 425 are 1/4" and 1/2". Is that correct?

I am finding Push-to-connect/minimal spill quick connects (assumed these aka flat faced...) for example page 287 of McMaster-CARR catalog: McMaster-Carr
There is no indication of "connect under residual pressure capability (CURPC)"

At ISO 16028 Connect Under Pressure Couplers,
only 1/2" is available with CURPC. Also it seems that the Mating coupler must be without residual pressure. Some of the issues we are having may be due to residual pressure in both sides of the connections?

I would appreciate any help selecting the right ones.

Patrick

 

[American Bulldog]

Hi Patrick,

I will have implements of uneven ground all of the time where the tractor and the implement are not at the same angle and still pick them up. Do as Tim suggested. You are only hooking on to the top. The implement then slides as you lift it, letting it slip into place and finish curling and lock it in. It really is pretty easy most of the time.

Ken

I agree. The only thing that is tough with my 1460 is the mower deck, because the QA plate flops all over the place, and it is hard to see at the height that it is at. Anything else I can hook into very fast, regardless of the angle.

 

[J_J]

Folks, I am not having luck finding flat faced connectors to order on line,

First, I think the lines/fitting/connector sizes on the PT 425 are 1/4" and 3/4". Is that correct?

I am finding Push-to-connect/minimal spill quick connects (assumed these aka flat faced...) for example page 287 of McMaster-CARR catalog: McMaster-Carr
There is no indication of "connect under residual pressure capability (CURPC)"

At ISO 16028 Connect Under Pressure Couplers,
only 1/2" is available with CURPC. Also it seems that the Mating coupler must be without residual pressure. Some of the issues we are having may be due to residual pressure in both sides of the connections?

I would appreciate any help selecting the right ones.

Patrick

https://www.surpluscenter.com/sort.asp?catname=hydraulic&keyword=HFQC

 

[Marks481]

You might also try asking the two hydraulic shop guys about them. Both wayne county hose and hydralic hose guy (Discount Hydraulic Hose.com) were active on this thread:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/hydraulics/190135-flat-faced-quick-disconnects-issues-2.html

These couplers are rated for CURP for both female and male fittings:
http://www.discounthydraulichose.com/product_p/ht-cup.htm

I strongly suspect that you could talk your way into a discount if you were purchasing a large quantity. Ken offers discounts when your purchase 4 of the non-CURP variety (which are half the cost).