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Hey folks: I've got a late model 17.5 HP Murray (rebranded as a Stanley) lawn tractor. It has a 42" mowing deck (two blades) and the bagger deal with two plastic bins. My biggest challenge is picking up leaves moreso than mowing. Even in the summer, tree-related stuff ends up in the yard, so...

Hey Folks: I'm in Raleigh, NC. Have difficulty getting grass to grow. I'm shooting for most of the 1/4 acre around my house. We have about 4 acres of trees behind us, and quite a few trees to the sides. Also have a 60 lb hound dog who does as much damage to the yard as he can. :-P As you...

Hey folks: I have a Stanley (ie. rebranded Murray) lawn tractor with 42" mowing deck and bagger. I'm after better leaf-shredding and bagging performance. It does OK with sparse leaves, but if leaves pile up and/or get wet, the chute tends to get clogged. Also, it doesn't shred them quite as...

I need to do some seeding with grass seed that really needs to be buried rather than just spread on top the ground. (Planning on sowing some Centipede grass in the spring...maybe that will actually grow in my yard!) So, I'm wondering how well something like this works: Agri-Fab Spiker/Seeder...

Hey guys: Another leaf cleanup question. Some of the walk-behind lawn vacs allow you to attach a hose to suck leaves out of areas like flower beds, etc. I know there's a few riding mowers with power-baggers (like the JD power-flo, the Simplicity power-flo, and the Toro power-flo). By "power...

Hey guys: I haven't posted here in a while, but figured this might be worth a question. I absolutely hate cleaning up wet leaves, don't mind mowing too bad if I can just get grass to actually grow consistently in my yard, and occasionally find a loader quite useful for moving material or light...

Check this out...just in case anyone was looking for steel plate in any complex shape. Apparently they use CNC plasma cutting...best guess anyway. Not sure if this is a good price or not...first impression is "yes!". Steel plate custom-cut on Ebay Enjoy, Dave

Hi Folks: I'm thinking of making some sort of bracket to hold barbell type weights on the rear wheels. I'm thinking a simple triangular shaped plate plate with a bar sticking out perpendicular to hang the weights on would be ideal. A couple or three 50-lb weights on each side ought to be...

Hi Folks: Another probably stupid question here...my 1220 has a mid-PTO. There's a lever right beside the 4wd engagement lever. I've tried just getting it engaged (even with the engine off) and the lever won't seem to move. It looks like the cover is on the mid-PTO (as it should be). I'd...

6\' scraper blade cheap...maybe a pulverizer too... Local landscaping supply company had it sitting near the mulch bin rusting. I asked about it, and the owner called me to see how much I'd give him. We agreed on $100. It's got some rust, the pins are bent and need to be replaced, and it...

Hey folks: Does anyone know of supplies and processes to just foam-fill your tires yourself? As I understand, two different liquid chemicals are injected under pressure, and when they mix they form the foam. I'd assume they are injected through the valve stem. I'm thinking two of the small...

Hi Folks: Is there any such thing as a non-toxic tire fill? I'll soon be doing some work in the woods (plenty of branches, small stumps, etc.) and I'm expecting to poke a hole in the turf tires on my MF 1220 at least once. I also have a dog (as you might guess from my avatar) so I really...

Last night, I just had reaffirmed in my mind why I need a tractor even though my property is small. Except for the topsoil I brought in, it's all rocks, roots, and clay. It takes 30 minutes with a pick axe to just dig a 6" round x 6" deep hole for a simple plant. With the tractor I can...

Hi folks: I was moving some natural mulch last night (shredded stump, leaves, and pine straw!) and tried engaging the differential lock a couple of times rather than shifting to 4wd. I couldn't get the diff lock engaged. The heel plate has a long slot, but I could only push it maybe 1/3 of...

Hi Folks: I posted this on the build-it forum, but then it occurred to me that the Yanmar forum might be a better place for it. Here's the URL to the original post. I'd be running this off a Massey-Ferguson 1220, which is cat 1 3pt and standard US 6-spline 540rpm PTO. Please let me know if...

Hi folks: There's a yanmar tiller for sale at a dirt-cheap price not too far from me. It's 2-pt, but I'm thinking it probably wouldn't be too difficult to convert it to 3-pt. I've got a question in to the current owner to make sure the input shaft is standard 6-spline 540 rpm. So two...

Hey folks: OK, I'm looking at soon building a shed to contain the tractor, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, weed-eater, gas cans, etc. The biggest item is the MF 1220, which is just under 12' long w/ FEL and no implements attached. So, I'm planning to build a 12' x 12' storage shed as that's the...

Hey folks: I came from a Power-trac, which is a very odd machine. It had a very low center-of-gravity, so it was difficult to get into big trouble. As long as you carried loads low, even if you tipped forward, the bucket would stop you from tipping very far. You could sit there with the rear...

Hey folks: I recently acquired a pretty nice Massey Ferguson 1220 w/FEL and only 300 hours for a great price. Just to put this in perspective, it's actually about the same length (tip of bucket to end of 3PH arms) and width as the PT1418 I recently sold to Ben, but it's much taller (top of...

Hey folks: What do you think of the Yanmar, Mitsubishi, or other tillers off grey market tractors? Here's one on Ebay, for instance: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=66889&item=7526161210&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW There's quite a few for $200 - 300. I've seen comments on...

Hey Folks: I've got a small CUT with 48" FEL bucket, and I'm trying to figure how to add something that will make leaf cleanup (some of which is in tight areas) remarkably easy. I've looked at some of the towable leaf vacuum/shredders, they're ridiculously expensive and I think they're too...

OK, my lovely wife has dreamed up a new landscaping project for me! And, I'm on it! This will involve some surface digging. Luckily, I have a Massey-Ferguson 1220 w/FEL that I just acquired after selling my old Power-trac. Problem is, all I have right now is a bucket with no tooth bar. The...

Hi Folks: I just got my hands on a 1993 MF1220 HST w/1242 FEL. It's got 305 hours on it...should be barely broken-in for a mini-diesel, eh? The hauler dropped it off today, and my daughter and I drove it around the neighborhood . Everything seems to be in pretty good shape. There's a...

Used pricing on PT\'s.... Hey folks: Well, I believe I've decided to sell my PT1418. My needs have changed enough that it's not quite the right fit any more. It's difficult to justify keeping it if it's going to sit there unused the majority of the time...it needs a new home where it can...

Hey, just curious on thoughts here. Has anyone ever considered (or even implemented) mounting a smallish backhoe high-up on the rear of the tractor (assuming a frame-mount type of deal). I'm wondering about the possibility of this...you could in theory leave the 3PH arms, etc., in place and...

Hi Folks: I've got a Massey Ferguson 1220 4WD HST w/ FEL on it's way to me shortly, and I'm already thinking about building a mini-backhoe. I built a front-hoe for my Power-trac and added a hydraulic selector valve to the machine to operate the hoe, so I'm pretty sure I can swing it (pun...

OK, I'm looking at picking up a 1993 MF1220 with FEL and 305 hours, 4WD and HST, for $7600 plus shipping. I *think* this sounds like a good deal. Any oddities of this machine that I should be aware of? I understand it has some sort of lever for speed control. Is this instead of a gear range...

I have a small property, but it still needs a lot of landscaping work (FEL and digging, mostly). There's stumps to dig out, areas to level and try to get grass to grow, some trees although I've cut most of them out. There's a dealer within 120 miles who has a JD 855 hydro with FEL and mower...

Hey: I'm looking at one of these that appears to be in quite good condition. As I understand it, these TUxxx models have some oddity regarding the frame, and I'd imagine that makes fitting a loader to it difficult. (This is one of the models with the completely flat operator platform.) Does...

Hey folks: I've run across this guy for sale...they're asking $5500. MASSEY FURGUSON 1020 1991; 20 HP; MFWD; HYDRO TRANS; 1014 LOADER; 540 RPM; 13.6X16 REAR; 25X8.5X14 FRONT; STANDARD 3 PT HITCH; OIL LEAK RIGHT REAR END I'm curious about the oil leak at the right rear end. I've called and...

Hey folks: Look at these two listings on ebay: 7518391448 5200988340 These sure appear too good to be true, don't they? I just reported these as possibly fraudulent, so they may not be there when you go to look. A kubota B7500 w/FEL for $4500 and a BX22 for $4000. Hmmm. Here's the...

Hey folks: Well, I'm tryin' to snag a good used machine off Ebay...I'll know Sunday morning! The quote from this dealer to ship it to me is almost $1K. Anybody got any ideas along cheaper shipping? I don't have a truck dock at my house. I might be able to rent a roll-back for a few hours or...

Hi Folks: I'm considering buying a small diesel CUT. I currently have an old Power-trac PT-1418, which has an 18hp Briggs and Stratton air-cooled gasoline engine. I'm fairly handy with mechanical stuff, but engines are probably my area of least knowledge. For instance, I'm pretty comfortable...

Does anyone have any advice on retrofitting surge brakes to a trailer than currently doesn't have brakes? I've got a 5x10 single-axle trailer that is legally rated for 2990 lbs, but actually has a 3500 lb axle and 1800 lb tires. I get a little nervous with even 2000 lbs on it even though I...

Hey folks: Looking for a little guidance. I'm considering picking up an older small Kubota. These all seem to go in around the $5K price range, give or take a bit. I'm looking for HST, 4WD, hoping to find one with a loader already installed, and would want to eventually run a small backhoe...

Hey folks: Check out these mpegs. This brings new perspective to over-turns, both side and backflip. This doesn't even look like that much of a slope! http://www.me.psu.edu/sommer/projects/tractorFY1/ It seems to me it would be awefully hard to get a PT to do a backflip. I think it's also...

Hey folks: I'm considering a B7100HST....not sure what year. I was wondering if this guy is rugged enough to run a small backhoe without any significant issues. Any thoughts? I've seen one thread on the small backhoe used with a BX18 or BX22 or something like that. I'm thinking the B7100HST...

Are ROPS designed to support the weight of the entire tractor if it were to flip completely upside-down, OR are ROPS designed essentially to keep the machine from flipping any further than on it's side? OR, does it vary by mfg? The ideal answer would be both, but I'd imagine that's not...

Hey folks: As I understand it, the SU1341 does not have a standard 540 PTO and has some sort of 2-pt hitch that can be converted to 3-pt hitch without too much difficulty. Many of these seem to come with the Shibaura 2-pt tiller. These seem to sell at quite a discount since it's missing the...

Hi Folks: Just curious if you generally think the smallest Yanmar's (1100 and 1300) are rugged enough for one of the smaller front loaders and small backhoe. I've heard that these smaller models don't do well with loaders, but I'd imagine that's more because of the light weight than anything...

Hey folks: Just curious here...do any of the typical grey-market tractor models have enough hydraulic flow and pressure from the built-in pump and enough capacity in the built-in hydraulic reservoir to run a small 3PH backhoe? Or would pretty much all of them need the type of backhoe that is...

Is it well suited to back and forth loader work? Just curious...I've been spoiled by a hydrostatic drive machine that I have now (push one pedal to go forward, push the other pedal to go in reverse). Can someone describe how the powershift tranny works (in terms of operation)? From a chart...

PT1418 won\'t start but clicks...ideas? Hey guys: My old PT-1418 is acting up right now. This is equivelant to the PT-180 (18hp Briggs and Stratton engine), but it's 15 years old now, and still running strong...usually! Anyway, when I try to start it, it either clicks or does nothing. I've...

Hey guys: I haven't been around for a while...been busy with lots of things! I've finally gotten all the trees cut out of my yard and all the stumps taken care of, so I don't need my stump grinder attachment any more. It's the smaller one if I'm not mistaken...I got it with my old PT-1418...

Hey guys: This is off-topic, but I'm not quite sure where to ask it. Is it possible to power a normal hydraulic bottle jack off of a source rather than the pump built-in to it? I'm wondering if you can take the plug out (the one you loosen to lower the jack) and attach a hose to it. The...

...off Ebay. Final price was $935.52 + $100 shipping. Considering the normal price for these things is around $1500 or more, I believe I've gotten this guy for less than the price of an Ironman 210! The seller says it's brand new. What do you think...did I get a deal on this? I was...

On Ebay, of course (where else would you find something like this? ) http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50909&item=3818950182&rd=1

Just curious.... Dave

What\'s driving up the price of steel? Does anyone know the root cause? Just curious... Dave

As promised (although 2 weeks late! ). Here's 3 pics of the front hoe I built. (I didn't build the bucket, of course...I bought it last year.) The mounting plate is cut from 1/2" thick steel plate with a plasma cutter, the boom is 1/4" walled 4" square tubing, and I just replaced the 8"...

Hey guys: I was just thinking (uh oh! )... I'm forming a mental image of this contraption that is somewhat like a pallet jack, only the wheels are large and on the outside of the frame. Think a big squared U-shape lying flat on the ground, wide enough to fit around a pallet. Large outdoor...

These two sites are operated by the same company, and they have the best selection of hydraulic fittings I've seen. I just bought some 1/4" female NPT to 1/4" female JIC fittings, so that I can take the "typical" hydraulic hose that has male NPT fittings (available cheap from Northern Tool and...

The hydraulic tiller I mentioned below is in the Chicago area, and the seller doesn't want to cart it down to a local shipper. Is there anyone here in the Chicago area (Manhattan, Ill) who'd be willing to go pick it up and carry to a local shipper for me? I'd certainly be willing to pay for...

Hey guys: I just stumbled across a hydraulic 3pt tiller from a Case or Ingersoll 646 garden tractor. It's 43" wide, and is turned by a hydraulic motor. I'm thinking of picking this up (if I can get it cheap enough) and adapting it to the PT-1418. Does anyone know what flow rate and...

Hey Folks: I hope everyone's doing well! I finally decided to get with the program and build the front hoe (aka mini-hoe). I had all the parts except for a piece of plate and some big square tubing (which I picked up a few days ago), and it'll be too useful to just not do it. So, far I've...

Hey, I couldn't get my PT-1418 to start after some snow and ice here. It was about 15 degrees, and cloudy. (I haven't tried it today...it's sunny and 30 degrees, might actually start.) The engine would barely turn over, I tried adding one of the portable jumper batteries, no dice. I tried...

Anybody have the \"Dethatcher\" attachment? Hey guys! Been a while since I've visited...between crazy work and a 1 yr. old daughter...well, not much time left for surfin' the tractor site... Does anybody have this dethatcher attachment. See Power-trac landscape/dethatcher attachment...

Hey folks: Someone give me some opinions please! I've got a lot of trees on my property, so needless to say each week enough leaves accumulate to completely cover the lawn, driveway, everything....it's just a yard of reddish brown! I've decided that my leaf blower and rack just aren't...

Hi Folks: I just read this in a book I have called "Welding Essentials"...first time I had noticed the section, and I thought I share it with you: 1 mA (that's milli-amp, or 1/1000 amp): noticeable tingle 5 mA: very uncomfortable shock, possible burns. 50 mA: considerable burns, possible...

I've been looking for a short time, and there seems to be a huge difference in price between some of the name brands vs. some of the off-brands. For instance, Harbor Freight has a Chicago Electric (their house brand) 35 amp plasma cutter with a 40% duty cycle for $899. A similarly-equipped...

Mossroad: You posted a link to an online Army training guide for hydraulic systems once...I think it was in a thread discussing how a variable displacement (ie. swash-plate type) hydrostatic drive pump works quite some time ago. I can't seem to find that thread...any chance you've still got...

What is a \"wet-type\" clutch? I gather a "dry" clutch is the same type you'd find in a manual automobile, two metal friction plates. What is a "wet" clutch? Is this anything like the fluid-based "torque converter" found on autos with an automatic? Or something similar? I've seen notes...

Hi! Can anyone tell me the length of the Nortrac/Jinma 20hp 4wd with the FEL attached? Is it over 10' long from the end of the 3PH to the front-most part of the FEL? I'm just curious if it will physically fit onto a 5x10 trailer (rated for 3500 lbs) and fit into a 12x12 storage shed (which...

I'm just curious...I'm somewhat familiar with the JD, NH, and Kubota hydrostatic drive tractors. I'm just curious about what other lesser-known brands are available as hydros for a much lower price than the "big 3". One I know of it Kioti's new CK20. Still not an inexpensive machine with a...

Toro Dingo, Gravely Skidster, Kanga Loader, Maximan, Powerhouse, and there was one more compact utility loader like this but I can't remember the brand name.... I'm just curious if anyone has one. They're very mechanically similar to the Power-tracs (motor drives hydraulic pump, which powers...

I was looking at the specs on this machine (specifically, the Nortracs), and it looks like the 3 point lift capacity is only 800 lbs? That's a little on the low-side for a 2700 lb tractor, isn't it? Is that spec simply wrong, by any chance? Thx, Dave

Just curious here. Do you guys think Jinma will ever offer a hydrostatic drive version of their tractors? For a long time, Kioti didn't have a hydro, but does now. Mahindra apparently recently introduced a hydro model. It sure seems like a very competitively-priced hydro Jinma would be...

Hey folks: This thought just hit me the other day. Many of us have mentioned how we wish the main hydraulic PTO was reversible. Well, it just hit me that you could add a selector valve to provide this capability. You could go manual (around $80) or electric (around $140), either one should...

This seems like as good a forum as any to post this question... I'm referring to the type of hydraulic pump typically used on log splitters. It provides a high flow at lower pressure (to move the splitter wedge without resistance quickly) and a lower flow at high pressure (to move the wedge...

I was using the PT saturday to help a friend move and spread 30 cubic yards of fill dirt and topsoil. We moved two dump truck loads in one afternoon. Wow! Wouldn't taken several days with a wheelburrow and shovel! I noticed some oil dripping and chased it down to a rear wheel motor. When it...

Has anyone ever used one of these (or anything similar). Would this bend some thick walled (like in 1/4") square tubing without collapsing it? It says it'll handle 2" solid square stock, and it is a "pipe bender" so I'd assume the answer is yes, just thought I'd ask in case anyone has...

As usual, when I fix or add one thing (the electric selector valve below), I break something else... . In wiring up the selector valve, I was searching for a wire on the ignition switch that would have a voltage only when the engine was actually running (rather than having a voltage when the...

Just curious. When I open the hydraulic tank after the machine has been running and is even a little hot, the hydraulic oil is quite "foamy" (for lack of a better word). I can always see bubbles floating on the surface. When cold, the oil looks very clean and clear. Does anyone else notice...

Pun intended. As you may remember, my old 1418 didn't have the bleeder fitting on the hydrostatic drive pump. It had a hex plug where the fitting goes, and I had to bleed the pump after a filter change by dumping oil in the engine compartment. Well, four fittings later, I've finally got it...

Hey: Here's a site I stumbled across...ASE equipment. They sell a Toro Dingo-like mini-skid steer, but the real interest is a whole arsenal of attachments that could perhaps be bastardized for PT use... Check it out: SS16 mini-skid attachments

Hi Folks: It's about time to clean up the engine compartment a bit. Does anyone know of an environmentally-friendly bio-degradeable engine degreaser that works well? I want something that is actually OK to just hose out in the backyard without causing it to become a toxic waste site! Any...

Given that hoses, whether I order them from PT or get them custom-made at Carquest, are quite expensive, I decided to give making my own a try. Essentially, this involves a roll of bulk hose and reuseable fittings. Here are the two URL's: Bulk 1/4" 2750 PSI hose at Northern Tool Reusable...

Now that I've gotten (or think I've gotten) the selector valve, fittings, hoses, cylinder, etc., figured out and either ordered or already in my hot little hands, my next order of figurin' is to determine exactly what type of grapple would work best for my needs. My biggest need is to be able...

Rather than adding to the electric selector valve thread, I thought this deserves a thread all it's own. Here's a somewhat helpful link I found. The PDF lists codes to sizes in inches. http://www.hydraulicsupermarket.com/technical14.html Dave

I *think* (although I'm not sure) that all of the hoses on the PT400's are either 1/4" NPT or 1/2" NPT. Can anyone verify this? I know that NPT stands for "National Pipe Thread". I can make a pretty good guess about SAE. What is JIC? Can anyone tell me what the differences are between all...

Alright, I've been researching how to plumb in a standard, open-center, 4-way, 3-position, single-spool valve, and I'm not sure that I'm any further along than I was this morning! (However, I have learned a few things from talking with folks!) I've been told by someone at PT to plumb it in...

www.surpluscenter.com

Hi Folks: Just thought I'd post this in case anyone is interested. Here's a link to Jack's Small Engines...they sell supposedly super quiet mufflers for Briggs And Stratton and Kohler. http://www.jackssmallengines.com/strapmod.cfm Dave

Hey guys: I was just talking with Terry about how to add control for a 3rd cylinder to my old PT1418. I was asking about if it was possible to replace the valve that operates the main PTO (which on my old model is the right-knee lever, mine doesn't have an auxillary PTO), and Terry said that...

Well, this weekend we were blessed with fantastic weather (mid-70's) and sunshine. I got outside and starting fixing some broken things on the tractor: 1) Replaced the frozen throttle cable. 2) Cut off the corroded battery ground clamp, put a new battery clamp, and coated it in plasti-dip in...

Hi folks! OK, thinking back to my idea about plumbing in another control (that can operate a cylinder) from the hydraulic PTO, here's what I'd presumably do: 1) Disconnect one hose from the hydraulic PTO valve. (Keep in mind my machine is an old model with the hydraulic PTO valve lever where...

Just thought I'd post this...very interesting. Harbor Freight sells the base model online for $2500 (not exactly a bargain). http://www.ricehydro.com/diggers.html Makes me want to "invent" and fabricate a tow-behind lawn tractor cart with a backhoe/loader built into it (for all those folks...

Sorry for the off-topic post, but does anyone know of a messageboard frequented by electricians? I'm trying to find some info about the types and configurations of transfer switches used to properly connect a generator to a home electrical system. (I'm currently using an extension off the...

Just FYI...(not mine)... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2310154024&category=20544 Dave

3pt \"quick hitch\" questions... Hi Folks: Just curious. Here's a link to the "quick hitch" sold by Northern Tool: Click here to see it Does this require the attachments to be modified? I've heard that 3pt "quick hitch" deals do require the attachments to be modified, but it doesn't appear...

I thought the Power-trac name was already taken! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3118486271&category=1185 Dave

Movin\' snow and turf tires Thursday afternoon, I used the PT to move snow from my driveway and couple of neighbor's driveways as well. You guys were absolutely correct about the turf tires not having any traction problems. I could make it spin by backing down a slight incline, then abruptly...

Anyone familiar w/ Magnatrac\'s? Another interesting small machine...the mini-dozer/loader. Here's a link, go check out their newest all-hydraulic model, the 750. $6700 for the dozer, $1900 for the loader kit. Nice to see all these types of machines becoming more available, more...

Hey guys! One of my "hobbies" is welding and basic metalworking. I started with a cheapo Harbor Freight gasless wire-feed welder (FCAW, flux-cored arc welder, like MIG but uses flux-cored wire) about 1 1/2 years ago. After I while, I figured out that it stunk, and went searching for a better...

I need some opinions. I'd like to plumb-in another valve to operate an additional cylinder (to curl a backhoe bucket, assuming I fabricate a backhoe arm, and eventually to fabricate a hydraulically controlled grapple, etc.) My machine is old and doesn't have the quick connect cylinder...

So, tell me this. Take the valve that controls the up/down motion of the lift arms. I'd assume that when it's in the center position, fluid flows through it from the pump and straight back to the pump, correct? When you push it forward, the valve diverts the flow through two other out/return...

OK, I finally got started on this for my old PT1418. The 6' stack of tree limbs and trunks in my back yard after our recent ice storm was the motivation. Initially, I was thinking of making a really simple grapple attachment that was fixed to the lift arms. You then close the bucket against...

Finally. Total bill $890. Ouch. They replaced the wiring harness, magneto, flywheel windings, engine/pump coupler, and a seal in the hydrostatic drive pump. I'm hoping I won't have any more problems for quite a while. I guess I can't complain. I knew this guy needed quite a bit of...

Hey, check out this mini-hoe. I wonder if it could be adapted to hang off the front (or back?) of a PT1418... <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.p.f.engineering.50megs.com/index.html>http://www.p.f.engineering.50megs.com/index.html</A> Dave

Just curious...please post if you know of one... Thx, Dave

Hi: Someone local has a Ford 1210 4WD w/FEL, box blade, and belly mower for sale. I looked this up on [url]www.machinerylink.com[url] to get some basic specs and pricing. The ad says it's a 1988, but the last model year machinerylink has listed is a 1986. I see it's a 3-cylinder diesel with...

PT \"430\" (1430?) on ebay... <A target="_blank" HREF=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1788901565>http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1788901565</A> I believe there may be a few details wrong (Deutz diesel, not Kubota), but here ya go. This one looks almost as...

What is \"power-shift\" Hi Folks! I noticed that some of the larger Yanmars have something called "Power-shift" that (to my understanding) allows you to switch between forward and reverse in the same gear range without having to clutch. I'd assume this is a seperate lever from the gear range...

I discovered yesterday that there is a John Deere dealer about 1.5 miles from work, so I decided to drop by over lunch. (Hey, it was a pretty day, and I was willing to use any excuse to go for a drive in the convertible over lunch .) Anyway, I took a 4115 with HST for a drive around the...

Hopefully, this repair won't cost me an arm and a leg. The shop rents and repair Toro Dingo's (which are mechanically and hydraulically very similar), plus they apparently repair some of the state's smaller equipment, so hopefully these guys will do a nice job. They were very curious about...

What is \"super steer\"? What's this feature on the NH's? Can anyone explain? Thx, Dave

Ya know, I noticed when we got the PT up on the dolly that if you spun the right rear wheel, the left rear wheel spun the opposite direction. Can you say "fluid differential"? I'm trying to remember back to a previous discussion of this. Didn't we finally decide that the 2 rear wheels are...

Hi folks: I'm just curious in general about CUT's that have "hydraulic remotes". I'll give my understanding, and someone please correct me where I'm wrong. In general, hydraulic remotes are designed to handle low-flow/high-pressure things like cylinders (like the lift and curl cylinders on an...

Are \"NorTracs\" Jinma\'s? Northern Tool sells 20/25/30HP tractors that they have branded as "Nortrac". These look like Jinma's to me. Does anyone know for sure? Just curious. I noticed the 20HP w/FEL and 3pt mower is $8200 new. That seems like a very reasonable price. Here's their...

What\'s required to become a Kioti dealer? Just curious. I notice there's no Kioti dealers anywhere near the Raleigh, NC area. Anyone know (and willing to share)? Dave

Hey guys: Here's a few pics of the tractor on the dolly I made. It'll be on it's way to the repair shop in a few days. You can also see the new trailer I just bought yesterday (5x10 w/ ramp, 3500 lb axle, 15" tires rated for 1800 lbs each). It was quite a task to get the tractor onto the...

Hi folks: I'm just curious about repair cost comparison between a CUT with a manual tranny vs. a hydrostatic drive tranny. I've heard that manuals are generally cheap to make repairs to, while HST's can be very expensive (as in costing as much as the CUT is worth). I'm not sure that I...

Hi folks: I've been toying with the idea for a while of building a light-duty "tractor" that would have two primary functions: front-mounted mower and a light-duty front-end loader. I would tend to think that mowing and loading would be two of the most desirable features for a homeowner...

What is \"shuttle shift\" I was looking at some info on the Kioti tractors. It mentions a "shuttle shift lever to make back and forth loader work easier". What does this shuttle shifter do? Simply change between forward and reverse without having to move the gear range shifter? I'd assume...

Hi folks: I'm a current Power-trac owner (<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.ipass.net/~davesisk/tractor.htm)>http://www.ipass.net/~davesisk/tractor.htm)</A>, and it's completely hydraulic drive, HST pump and hydraulic wheel motors at each wheel, no gear lever, etc. One disadvantage is that...

Hi folks: I'm a current Power-trac owner (<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.ipass.net/~davesisk/tractor.htm)>http://www.ipass.net/~davesisk/tractor.htm)</A>, and it's completely hydraulic drive, HST pump and hydraulic wheel motors at each wheel, no gear lever, etc. One disadvantage is that...

Hi folks: I'm currently a Power-trac owner, and I'm curious about the hydrostatic transmissions in Kubota's (and other more traditional CUT's). The Power-trac has a hydro-static drive pump that sends hydraulic fluid (actually, 10W30 motor oil!) to a hydrualic wheel motor at each wheel (very...

OK, so, the ignition switch on my old PT1418 started sticking in the start position a couple of months back. Recently, it finally stopped starting the tractor in the start position, so I've been using a screwdriver to short the two posts of the starter relay. Not something I'd like to continue...

Off-topic question here, but I'm sure you guys have done something similar. We bought a pretty nice outdoor ping pong table at work. One of the chiefs agreed to funding the purchase, but insists that play occur outside. OK, that'll work. He also wants to anchor the table outside with a...

Hey guys, I'm thinking about maybe looking for a used scissor lift, one that'll go up about 25-30 feet. Any suggestions on what to look for used? There certainly seem to be plenty available on ebay for around $1000-1500 used. I think a lighter-duty one (like the ability to lift 500 lbs) would...

What do you think PT\'s profit margins are? Just curious. Ya know, before I found a PT locally, the thought had entered my tiny little mind of buying the plans from www.cadplans.com for the CADTrac (which looks suspiciously like the PT) and attempting to build it. The same company that sells...

...that I'm a daddy now? Genava Ruth, born Aug 19, 2002, 6lb 4oz, 19.5" long, and a full head of hair! Picture attached... Dave

Hi folks: I was thinking that since I've got the turf tires on my 1418 (and winter is really right around the corner...yuck!), I probably need to think about getting some tire chains so I don't have any difficulty moving snow with the PT (assuming we actually have any this year!). Any...

Don is the service/parts guru at PT. I just found this out a few hours ago when I called to order that 9" auger I had been talking about earlier. Anyway, he's out of the hospital, but they said it'll probably be at least a month before he's back to work. I just thought I'd post this in case...

Hey guys: Here's those measurements I promised. (I finally got around to taking the auger off the PHD head today.) PHD head: male shaft, round, 2" OD, solid, with a 5/8" bolt hole about 3/4" from the end. Auger: female shaft, round, 2" ID, ~3-1/4" OD, 5/8" bolt hole 3" from the end of the...

...just had to pick up a couple more large u-bolts. I noticed on my old 1418 that the top eye on the bucket is only 6 inches above the two lower eyes. On the plate that the stump grinder is mounted to, the top eye is 9 inches higher than the bottom two eyes. The bucket is going to end up with...

OK, it's created. And I've added my two entries. I'm hoping someone will add entries for the hydraulic filters (I've seen postings about it). Let me know if there's other fields that I should add. Here's the url: <A target="_blank"...

Does anyone have Muhammed\'s Compact Tractor Book? Are Power-trac's mentioned in it? The table of contents mentions trencher attachments. Are there 3PH trenchers for conventional CUT's? Dave

Now, I just got to figure out how to attach it! This thing is a heavy duty monstrosity weighing 60 lbs (it's only 8 inches wide but I think it's heavier than the 48" bucket!) I didn't actually measure it, but it looks like it's all 1/4" thick steel. The bucket has two pairs of "eyes" with...

I realize it just became summer, but one of the things I'm looking forward to using the PT for this winter is moving snow on my property, plus a couple of neighbors. Wooo whooo,...er...uh...I mean..."hard work"... Anyway, since I've never before needed to crank a small gasoline engine in the...

Hey folks: A buddy of mine who is really good with small engines (lawn tractors, jet skis, dirt bikes, you name it) came over this afternoon and we tore into the carbuerator. We took the top half off, and disassembled and removed the fuel pump. He examined it pretty closely, and the only...

I finally got around to changing the engine oil in the PT. It was pretty dark stuff, well due for an oil change. I replaced it with synthetic 10W30 (based on what the owner's manual for the Briggs and Stratton engine said). It took a little over 3 quarts. I used the Topsider clone that I...

My old PT1418 can lift around 600-700 lbs with the bucket. I found out when moving gravel, sand, blocks, and pavers that it can lift this much weight without tipping forward if it's on level ground AND the steering isn't turned. I discovered, however, that when I attempted to turn a corner...

With the exception of a few minor things, the patio project is complete. The last 8 pics are new. What do you think? <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.ipass.net/~davesisk/patio.htm>http://www.ipass.net/~davesisk/patio.htm</A> Dave

I was just browsing PT's web-site, and comparing the specs on 400 series, 1400 series, and 1800 series. A few things strike me as strange, and I'm wondering if they're misprints or something: The 400 series both weigh around 1300-1400 lbs. The 1430 weighs 2500 lbs, and the 1460 weighs 5600lbs...

Folks often refer to compact tractors (which in general I think would include PT's) as "yuppie toys". I'm just curious how many folks use their PT's for business purposes only, how many use it for personal homeowner use only, and how many maybe use it for homeowner use, plus do maybe a few odds...

Tech question, here. I understand how the hydraulic drive on our PT's work: hydrostatic pump and 4 wheel motors, pretty simple in concept. What's different about the HST drive that you find on many (traditional) compact utility tractors? I'm going to make a wild guess, and someone correct...

Hey you guys, I found this listing on ebay (local to me). It's a used 5hp electric chipper/shredder. I'm thinking this might be a good candidate to PT'ize by replacing the electric motor with a hydraulic motor. What do you think? (MossRoad?) Has anyone ever heard of this Flowtron brand...

OK, I mentioned before that I'm thinking about buying an 8" trencher bucket and building a mount to hook it to the front of the PT1418. Given that I can dig reasonably well with the 48" toothless bucket, then I should be able to dig quite well with that small of a bucket (just shallow, of...

I finally remembered to measure the distance between the lift arms, etc., this weekend. It's 16" from lift arm to lift arm, and (on the bucket for instance) the tilt connection is 6.25" above the connection point for the lift arms, and right smack in the middle. Anyway, the point here is...

Where are all the grease fittings on my PT? There are two on the rotating bar on the lift arms, I found one under the seat on the top link that holds the two havles of the machine together, but I couldn't see one on the bottom link. Is there one on the bottom link? Any suggestions on other...

Hey folks: Here's a link to the photos about the patio project. There are two that I didn't post earlier from last June when we first bought the house (and before the dogs managed to demolish the turf in the backyard). Aaaaa, who needs grass anyway. The backyard is going to be paved and...

Gotta go home and move 14 tons of screening (continuing the patio project). Hopefully, the delivery truck dumped it MY driveway and not someone else's! Keep your fingers crossed that I don't break something else on the 1418 while doing this... Dave

My old 1418's hydraulic remotes are on the bottom front of the tractor, centered between the lift arms. I've discovered it's a real pain to hook up the power auger, as it's hanging in the way. The stump grinder is a little easier, but still no piece of cake. Plus, I'm not real crazy about...

Considering that the stump grinder pelts the operator with wood chips, dirt, and rocks, I'm thinking about how to turn it around so that it spins the other direction (and throws stuff away from the tractor). Easiest way: 1) Switch the hoses, and 2) take the blade off and turn it around...

OK guys, I finally got outside and was going to replace this solenoid switch that's mounted to the right side of the frame. I had ordered a new one from the fact'ry. When I got out there, I realized that the one on the tractor has 3 poles, and the one PT sent me only has 2 poles. Doh! Wrong...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1733420269 Swinger articulate loader?

Hey folks, your advice please. I think I found a buyer for my 24" auger that I really don't have much use for. (I've already got too many trees, so I certainly don't want to plant more!) I'll of course have to buy one or two to replace it. I'll be helping a friend put up fence posts later in...

MossRoad, what\'s your homepage again? If I may suggest, you should add the URL to your profile too! Thx, Dave

Man, MChalkley\'s thread... ...just read maybe 50 of the posts. So, Mark, did you actually buy a 2400? I'm thinking I saw a thread where you decided on an Earthforce instead? Should I just look for that thread? Dave

I'm just curious about these air-cooled diesels that PT puts in the larger machines. (I'm sure Charlie will have some comments, since you own an 1845, right?) Now, I not trying to start an argument thread here (because I know many people have strong opinions regarding gas vs. diesel), I'm...

Did it work?

I've got the large toothless bucket, the swivel power auger w/24" auger, and the stump grinder.

A competitor\'s attachments? Hey MossRoad, check it out...this competitive articulated loader has a wood shredder attachment (wasn't it you who was talking about building one?) http://www.susumoengineering.com Go to Avant -> Attachments... Dave

PT1418 won\'t start! OK, you guys know mine is 12 years old (2 year old engine) and wasn't maintained that well in the past. Well, I'm still playing catch-up. Started to do some digging last night, but the thing wouldn't start. I got out the battery tester and checked the batt, 12 volts w/...

What is Power-trac\'s \"Potatoe digger\" I see this attachment listed on most of the price sheets. What the heck does it look like? Dave

Hey folks! Hope everyone had a nice weekend! Air filter for the 18HP Briggs on my PT1418: is it readily available from car parts stores, Lowes, Home Depot,??? Or do I have to order it from Power-trac? Regards, Dave

I used the PT1418 for about 30 minutes last night to move some gravel. I noticed that, with the engine at idle speed, it continuously almost cut off, then surged, and repeated this. It seemed to run OK at higher revs, although not quite as smooth. (This is the 18HP Briggs engine.) Anyone got...

No body postin\'? Hmmph...must be outside workin'. I would be too if I wasn't stuck inside behind a computer!

8\" trencher bucket at NortherTool http://www.northerntool.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=523160&prmenbr=6970 Northern Tool has an 8" trencher bucket for a decent price. They don't have a picture online, though. Anyone know what this guy looks like. In particular, how does it...

I'm just curious. The neighbors are looking on with envious eyes! In in NC. Does anyone know what liability I'd be undertaking if I rented my PT to a neighbor? Sooner or later, someone is going to ask... Regards, Dave

OK, so I'm wondering what has changed in the controls between my old PT1418 and a newer PT422/425. I of course have the treadle and steering, the joystick to raise/lower the lift arms and curl/uncurl the bucket or other attachment. There's a single hydraulic PTO on the front, and there's a...

I was just browsing Power-trac's site, and according to all the specs, my 12-year old 1418 looks more like a 422 than a 1430 (except that mine's red, matching the current 1400 series, vs. the green of the 400 series). It's an 18HP gas engine, weighs a little over 1000 lbs, sounds like a 400...

OK, so I've seen several times someone mentioning putting the bucket or snow plow in "float position". What is it? Why use it? I know this is a silly question, but having this PT1418 is nearly my first exposure to "heavy equipment". Regards, Dave

Does anyone know of a resource to find a small hydraulic-power chipper/shredder that I can plug up to the hydraulic remotes on my PT1418? I don't care whether I hook it up and carry it, or just tow it around. I need a small one that'll handle mostly leaves and some small (like in 1" or so)...

Hi folks: So, my old PT1418 has the 18HP Briggs engine. From talking with the factory, they said that they stopped using the Briggs (and replaced it with the Robin) because the bolts on the oil pan work loose and dump all the motor oil unexpectedly. I asked if there's a way to check/tighten...

I have a Power-trac 1418, and I'd like to find an inexpensive hydraulic-powered chipper/shredder. I've mucho leaves and small branches to handle. I'd like to find one that plugs up to the hydrualic remotes on the Power-trac. Something like the 5hp gasoline powered chipper/shredders, but...

Anyone know how to build one? Or where to buy one cheap? Anyone willing to build one for me? I have a Power-trac 1418 with hydraulic remotes, and I could really use a small, inexpensive chipper/shredder that I could carry or tow with, and power off of, the Power-trac. Something like the 5HP...

OK, so I had posted before how I cleaned out the wood shreds from the housing where the treadle is, and it made a big difference. ("Treadle" is the right name for the foot-operated forward/reverse rocker pedal, right?) Anyway, it seems that something is loose or slipping in that whole cable...

Well, my fan still doesn't work. I've jumpered the wires around the temperature switch, and the fan doesn't start. I've still got some trouble-shooting to do (like finding and checking the fuse, checking the voltage with a multimeter, following the wiring, etc.). I've checked the temp on the...

Is this hydraulic oil filter a common type that can be purchased at an auto parts store, or is it some specific type that must be ordered from Power-trac? Best regards, Dave

...according to Don at Power-trac. This works for my 1418, and presumably other models. There are two pumps, the front one (which is the offset piston type) which drives the wheels and feeds the rear pump, and the rear pump (a gear-type) that drives the steering and lift cylinders. To my...

Who can (and is willing) to describe a little about the hydraulic layouts in the Power-tracs? (I'm particularly interested in my older 1418 of course, if anyone has any knowledge...<g>) I'm hoping this thread will be educational for everyone, not just me! In mine, there's apparently a...

Ok, so I was digging out the area where the patio was going to go to level it. I was totally amazed that, even with it's light weight about around 1000 lbs, this PT1418 (approximately equivalent to a current 422, AFAIK) was able to dig out this really tough soil with rocks and roots. This by...

I recently purchased a used PT 1418, and I feel like it was a great purchase! I could really use something inexpensive to dig trenches (like in less expensive than the $1500 hydraulic trencher attachment!) I'm thinking something like a small 8" - 12" backhoe-type toothed bucket, or perhaps the...

Is anyone interested in trading a 6" and 12" auger for a 24" auger? I have a new (to me) Power-trac 1418 with the power auger head (3-ping attachment method) and 24" auger (the tree auger). I don't have much use for this large auger, but it notice it's roughly the price of a 6" + 12" auger...

Ya know, this old 3 pin mounting method with the lift arms and the tilt arm (don't know what else to call these!) looks suspiciously like a 3 point hitch on a traditional tractor. Does anyone if 3pt tractor implements will fit on my new (actually old, but new to me) Power-trac 1418? I could...

Hi folks: Well, I bought that Power-trac 1418 that was available locally to me (I posted earlier that it was a 418). This thing is great! I moved more dirt in my backyard in about an hour than I could have moved in a whole day with just a wheelbarrow and shovel. I've got the stump grinder...

Hi folks! I originally posted this on the Yanmar group (without realizing there was a Power-trac discussion here), and someone suggested I check out this discussion and/or repost here. Original post below. I'm a relative newbie to tractors in general (although I've done quite a bit of...

Hi folks! I've been looking for awhile for a Yanmar 1500D with a front loader or an equivalent compact tractor local to me (within say, 50-100 miles or so). I've found a Power-trac 418 that someone is selling locally. This is a small articulated tractor with built-in hydraulics, 4 wheel...