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Hi MossRoad! No, I haven't replaced the choke bowden cable yet. I did notice the spacers on the original set. The throttle cable had failed (bound up) and I just needed to get my trust PT back up and running. I was pretty upset with myself for mangling the PTO switch while I was trying to fix...

YES, I have several... and an oscilloscope. :) I would normally have checked the original switch, but it was physically damaged (by me, while swapping out the throttle control) due to bowden cable failure. Thanks again, Rob :)

You guys are the best, thank you for the thoughtful and quick responses! My problem has been solved: I managed to get in touch with Terry today (right before he left for vacation) and he said "All you need to know is that there is a groove on the 'bottom' of the switch as it sits in the dash...

Hi TBN friends! My PTO Switch failed and I am in the middle of replacing it. (Ordered and received replacement from Power-Trac) The problem is that I can't tell how I am supposed to wire up the replacement. Here's why: Both old and new switches have 6 connections. Old switch and new switch...

GIANT SHOUT OUT to marrt! marrt, your diagnosis was spot-on accurate. After replacing the battery, everything is back to normal! I owe you one! THANK YOU! -Rob :)

Thank you marrt. Battery is definitely low. I had to jump-start to get it started. I will replace the battery and report back. WHY does the battery level affect the PTO circuit? Doesn't the fact that the alternator is charging the electrical system overcome a low battery? -Rob :)

Hi guys, I avoid using "HELP" in all caps unless it warrants it. :) Today my trusty PT425 was happily mowing the yard when the PTO quit. I need advice on what to do to diagnose, fix, etc. (Note: Power-Trac Service Department is out for the week for Independence Day). Was using the 48"...

It happens with all diesel fuels. -Rob :)

I chose the Startron Enzyme treatment because I had read that: Biocides kill the algae, but don't break the algae down. As a result, it leaves behind the exoskeletons which cause problems, as you noted. The enzymes break down the algae at the molecular level, thus both killing the algae and...

Thanks for the words of advice. I haven't used biocide, but I have used enzyme treatment, specifically Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment Diesel Additive Small Engine All the best, Rob :)

I would be happy to. I'll have to give it a polish and wash first. :) Sincerely, Rob :)

I respect your opinion and you may be right. That said, my experience over the last 12 years running 100% biodiesel hasn't included any algae incidents. I did need to slowly ramp up the Biodiesel/Regular Diesel percentage over several weeks (e.g., B5, B10, B20, B40... B100) and swap out fuel...

I think I found my answer: Biodiesel Barriers: Why New Diesel Engines Aren't Compatible With B100 "Manufacturers (Kubota?) decided to inject fuel into the cylinders just after the cylinder fires and the exhaust valve opens. At this point, the fuel vaporizes and the vapors move down the exhaust...

Hi team, I did actually purchase that kit and it fit perfectly, and it DID reduce both noise level and temperatures. I'm happy. I'm also slightly sad as the PT muffler is super heavy-duty. :( -Rob :)

Hi TBN friends! I just became the owner of an F3990 Front Mower. In general it works really well. I have been reading the owners manual and it states that you shouldn't run anything more than B5 diesel in it. (5% biodiesel). It gives no reason for the warning and admonition. Given that...

Long time no chat old friends! I'm looking at changing out the muffler on my 2003 PT-425. Reason is that I believe that the PT-built-muffler tends to hold a lot of heat in the engine. Pretty-sure that MossRoad has noted that his Kohler, which has the stock Kohler muffler, doesn't seem to...

Hi guys, Quick question. I have one PT425 wheel motor that has failed (hub bearing/seal failure). In your experience, how likely is it that the others will also fail? I'm trying to figure out what a repair schedule might look like. My PT425 is from 2003, but only has around 260 hours on...

Hi folks, Thanks as always for the invaluable advice here. I have a PT425 from 2003. I was out with my trusty field mower when I noticed the left rear wheel motor was leaking oil rather badly. Investigation shows it's leaking right around the hub (see photos). The motor is stamped with...

Hi guys, I've been gone quite a while, but my faithful 2003 PT425 is still going strong. Only recent mods were that when the headlight bulbs burned out, I put in LED headlights. OK, on to my question. Recently, I was back-filling a long trench (running power to the pole barn) and the...

Hi guys, Had a bit of a mishap yesterday - I was using the brush cutter and accidentally picked up a metal cable (with a chain on the end!) that was lying in the brush that someone had left in the wooded area of my property. The 48" brush cutter picked up the cable, wrapped it around the...

Hi guys, I hope your Thanksgiving week is going well. My 425 is still going strong, and I need another attachment. I have need of moving some equipment around my property. The equipment is equipped with a ball hitch. Normally, I hook it up to my truck, but there are a lot of places on my...

Hi guys, Since you guys have been so supportive of us who can't weld (or don't know how), I'm trying to educate myself. I've run across some great videos on YouTube. I thought this one was good... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJrBxABswjs (I note he's Canadian... that's why he keeps saying...

Hi guys, I think that an inexpensive and effective way to remove metal particles in the PT is to add tank magnets. I am thinking of either 'extending' my tank cap to turn it into a tank magnet holder (easiest solution) or drilling additional holes for adding tank magnets. Where is the best...

I was just wondering. I was reading a story about someone's garden tractor engine blowing up (incidentally, it was a Kohler 25 HP twin, same as in my PT425 - the article claimed that Kohler had skimped on the number and type of bolts holding the cylinder head on, and that as a result the head...

With Autozone running a $6/quart special on Mobil 1, including the 20W/50, I was thinking of moving my PT425 over to synthetic oil. I can't seem to find any postings showing the overall capacity. How much oil would I need to buy? -Rob :)

Hi guys, It's been a long time. I've been thinking of doing a hydro chipper/shredder project to take advantage of the strong hydralic PTO on my 425. I may have access to a Mighty Mac Chipper/Shredder as shown here: MacKissic Inc. It is intact, but has a dead engine. I spoke to one of...

Hi guys, Sorry if I am acting like a noob, but we don't seem to have a 'sticky' section from FAQs (correct me if I am wrong). I am looking for cross references for common maintenance items, e.g. For a PT425: 1) Replacement belt for the 48" mower 2) Hydraulic filter 3) replacement blades...

What do you guys make of this? Think we could build one? Looks totally cool. -Rob :) YouTube - Fordson Snow Machine - 1929 Concept

Hi guys, For those of us running smaller gas units, like the 425 I have, is 10% ethanol a problem? I think of this every time I go to buy gas for the 425, and see that the pump says "10% Ethanol added". I am well-aware that the Kohler (and the Robin) are designed to work with regular...

Hi guys, I installed an on-board automatic battery charger for the PT425. It seems to be working fine. However, I've noticed that where the battery contacts the side of the PT, there is heavy surface corrosion. Yikes! I'm planning to take the battery out and grind the rust and corrosion off...

Hi guys, With all the talk of welding up attachments, and of repairing your own PT, I've been investigating learning to weld. Sorry, but that's a class I skipped in High School. Frankly, I'm pretty confused by the different kinds of welders, but I think I understand the basic differences...

The \"Gorilla\" with a shovel Hi guys, I've been thinking of fabricating a 'shovel' for the 425. Something narrower than the rock bucket, but the same kind of idea. I have found that whereas the mini-hoe works well, it is murder when it comes to trying to dig something out of the flower...

Hi guys, I was wondering whether there is an engine suitable for swapping into the little 425 when the old Kohler gives up the ghost. Any ideas? Sincerely, Rob

Hi there, I know you are a BIG advocate of Amsoil. Where do you get yours? Does the shipping not make it really costly? I'm in Oregon. What's a good source, do you know? Sincerely, Rob

Hi guys, I was just looking at other areas of the TBN forum, and was noting that there are NO reviews of PTs in the reviews section. Some people have had great experiences with their PTs. Anyone want to write a review? Sincerely, Rob

Hi Guys, I have a PT425 with a 48" finish mower. I regularly grease all the various zerks on the mower, but one thing really puzzles me. When I grease the bearings for the mower, I will pump 10-15x with my manual greasegun, but I never see the grease come out anywhere! I've been doing this...

Hi guys - With all the talk about gas prices, I thought it might be fun to do some research on alternative fuels - I have encountered biodiesel, which is made primarily from soybeans(!). I found that it is supposedly totally OK to use in a diesel tractor and it smells like (Mossroad will...

Hi guys, I am seriously considering changing out the oil in my PT425's hydraulic reserve to one that can take higher temperatures without degradation - Blackwell's suggestion to move to synthetic 20W50. Would you be so kind as to tell me how many quarts I would need? Sincerely, Rob

Hi guys, I thought that the URL referred to in another post was really cool - some great attachments. In fact, some can even be used without any alteration (example: The ball hitch adaptor 1/2 way down the page here ) Wow. What do you guys think? -Rob

Hi TBN-PT friends, I was looking at Bobcat's website, and came across an excellent safety video. This is the sort of information that all PT owners need. I thought I would share it with you. Here is the link. Sincerely, Rob

if the Kohler engine is only rated to operate around 20-25 degrees? Click to see the specs and pictures... Does it have a different engine? Sincerely, Rob

OK guys, Given all the discussions in this thread , it seems reasonable to start a new thread concerned with monitoring oil temps. Here's a key quote from that thread, provided by 'fourteen'. </font><font color="blue" class="small">( . "Hydraulic Oil operating temperature should not...

TBN friends, I think you'll enjoy this. My property has several areas of steep grades - my 25 gallon tow-behind sprayer really doesn't work well with the PT in stock configuration, and the JD318 really can't get to a number of areas on the property. So, what's the solution? Create a PT...

Hi Guys, You may have seen the news reports that show the Pacific NW with the largest storm we've seen in decades. Ice, snow, sleet, significant accumulations - we saw it all. PDX airport down for 3 days straight, with no flights in or out! Freezing rain, too! Suffice to say that the Power...

Hi Guys, Just spent the last couple of days using the 48" power sweeper to sweep away about 6" worth of snow (which for Portland, OR is a LOT). It worked extremely well, and gives the Power Sweeper an outstanding amount of utility for me. Spring/Summer/Fall - general cleanup and sweeping...

Hi gang, As many of you know, I purchased the 48" Power Sweeper for my 425. It does an outstanding job clearing the courtyard, the access road, and the long drive. It cleans the roadway in a fraction of the time it used to take with brooms and pressure washers. It has made my cleanup time...

Hi guys, At our home, we've been parking one of the cars outside since I own a PT425 and a JD318, with the JD318 parked in the garage. Frankly, I think cars tolerate being outside a lot more than tractors do. Well, I got to thinking that since the PT is so nimble and maneuverable, and with...

Hi guys, Since there has been some occasion to make trips to Tazewell for some of our faithful members who live near PT, what is the interest level for having said members build an actual training tape based on the training Terry does? It occurs to me (one of the guys who lives 3000 miles...

Hi guys, I have an opportunity to purchase a JD318 with 33" hydraulic tiller, 50" deck with Power-Flo bagger and a rotary broom. It is in excellent condition, has been stored inside, but has unknown hours on it. In your esteemed opinion, what would this be worth, in combination and...

Anyone installed speed up pulley on 318 50\" deck? Hi, I have a 318 with a 50" deck. I am considering getting the 'speed up pulley kit', AM116141, about $30. Has anyone installed it, and was the speed up worth it? I am trying to reduce the amount of 'left overs' when mowing. I do have the...

Hi guys - I have a beautifully-restored '86 318 with a 50" deck with Power-Flo and a Johnny Bucket Sr. I believe it's going to need a new deck in the near future. I know I could probably purchase a used 50" deck, but was wondering if you guys know if I can retrofit a later or new deck with...

Forum User\'s Group. It seems to me that there is enough clout (especially with all the people who are buying equipment through advice on this forum, or even using the forum in lieu of service and advice from PT) for us to form a user's group. Perhaps one of the things we can do is to track the...

Hi guys - I occasionally read other forums, and there was a thread on synthetic oils (I know - there have been more than a few), and I was thinking of my PT adventures (I am up to 32 hours as of yesterday). I wanted to solicit any maintenance advice from you guys - my PT gets FILTY dirty during...

Hi guys - This weekend, my neighbor mentioned that they were not looking forward to moving 34 yards of mulch. I mentioned that I have two tractors, one JD318 with a Johnny Bucket, and a PT425 with a 10 cu ft. bucket. He and his wife (good friends of ours) were really appreciative, and...

\"Real\" brakes for the 425? Hi guys - Given the discussion on the PT425's lack of 'real' brakes (e.g. ones that actively stop the machine in case of hydraulic failure) does anyone have any practical ideas on how this might be accomplished? How do the emergency brakes on the PT1845 operate...

Hey guys - I just saw this website. Anyone seen one of these? Another PT Look-alike? -Rob

Hi guys - After reading Sedgewood's website and description of FIRE ! I realized that I don't have explicit coverage on my PT425. How do you guys handle this? Is it covered under your homeowner's policy? Do you have some separate coverage? What's the best way to go, and what kind of...

Hi guys - Got a funky idea. I have a PT425, which I love, and I want to rig up some inexpensive implements for fairly light use. For example, I use my plug aerator on a regular basis, but I can't justify spending $1200 for the super unit that PT sells. I have the following aerator for my...

Hi Guys, I was out using the brush hog for about 4 hours today, and of course the PT425 was just filthy afterwards. Some detergent, pressure washer, and the handy-dandy leaf blower got things spic and span again, but I was wondering... Has anyone considered the notion of providing filtration...

Hi guys - I was just thinking - after using my PT all over my property, I noticed something really critical to safety and stability. As you know, all normal tractors usually have 2-wheel-brakes, with braking power to the rear wheels. Those with significant seat time on any significant grade...

Hi Guys - My PT425 came to me (shipped via Overnite) with a lot of paint scuffed off of it. (Honestly, I think that PT should weld a couple of tie-downs on the tractor to avoid this whole thing - I suggested this to Terry - I also suggested they look into powder coating) They clearly used a...

Hi guys, I am totally thrilled with my PT425, which arrived last Tuesday. (I'm also completely intimidated by SnowRidge's super-detailed post, so I'm taking my time to do my writeup ) The ability to hold onto the slope, and maneuver in very tight quarters (I purchased a spinner knob on the...

How does the 48\" deck discharge? Hi guys, I am looking at the 48" finish mower deck for the PT425. I can't tell from the pictures how this deck discharges. Can you guys tell me if it is: a) right side discharge b) left side discharge c) rear discharge Or other? Inquiring minds want to...

I was just wondering - does the PT425 have a Command, or a Command Pro? My understanding is that the Pro has a little larger capacity oil and air filter, plus an external oil cooler. Do you guys know? Thanks - -Rob

How \'bout those little attachments? It just occurred to me that I could save some money on less-frequently used attachments (e.g. post-hole digger, tiller, cement mixer) if I purchased off the PT180 price list. For example, adding up the attachments just mentioned, you'd save...

Hi guys - loading a pickup isn't something I envision doing a lot, but I'll ask anyway - With the PT425 and the large bucket, what's the clearance with bucket dumped? Is it large enough to get into your average pickup without needing to use ramps? How about the maximum lift capacity at full...

Hi, There is a large area of my property where I consider a bagger to be essential for picking up leaves, not to mention during mowing of the lawn. I note that these tractors have no such attachment. How do you guys get around having to rake and bag? Do you need a separate machine...

Hi guys - Does anyone have the disc edger for the 422 or 425? How does that thing work? The picture doesn't make it clear. Does it have a spinning blade? How it it controlled? Does it have a little hydraulic motor on it? Does it edge/trench OK? The photo seems to imply that it can't be...

Gentlemen - I've been reading TBN for months now, and was all ready to plunk down money on either a Deere or Kubota. This Power-Trac group has completely altered my search. I am now seriously considering buying a PT, depite the limitations of not being able to have a dealer near by, or any...

I am needing to replace my newly restored JD318 - which I really like, but it is too small for my property, and I definitely need the 4wd for the hilly parts of the property. How does the 2210 stack up? I am quite concerned about the size, as Deere's website shows a turning radius of 7.5 ft...

Hi guys - I'm pretty close to purchase of a BX2200 - I am wondering whether accessories such as the one pictured is useful. Anyone used one? Thanks, Rob

Hi, A friend of mine is shopping for a tractor. He just purchased 4.5 acres, and it is somewhat hilly (about 15 degrees in some spots). It has been clear-cut of douglas firs, and has some smaller trees left. He needs to clear it of various vegetation that has grown in the last 5 years...

Hi, do you guys know the turning radius for the BX1500 and the BX2200? I am shocked by the advertised turning radius of the JD2210. Their website says the JD2210 turning radius is 7.5 feet! How does the BX stack up? -Rob

Hi, I am planning purchase of either a BX1500 or a BX2200. It is a replacement for a JD318. On my JD, I often tow a small trailer or various equipment behind it (aerator, sprayer, dethacher, etc.) I need to do the same with the BX. How do you guys accomplish this? It seems to me that the...

Gentlemen, I need to replace my trusty JD318. I enjoy it a lot, but it is clear that my needs have exceeded its capabilities. My situation: 2.04 acres of property, approximately 60% extensively landscaped (e.g. requires 7-8 units of bark chips for mulch - about 60 yards, plus another 1.5...

Hi guys - I am about to purchase a JD445 with All-Wheel-Steering, but just noted that the #40 Loader will not fit on AWS units, which would force me to purchase a 2WS version. Is there some physical limitation on installing the loader, or does Deere simply feel it is unsafe to operate a...

Hi guys - I just purchased a powerflo bagger for my 50" deck on a JD318. I've figured most of it out, but I can't figure out how to mount the plate that connects to the differential/back of the tractor. Do I remove the original tow plate and substitute this one? Do I sandwich this plate...

Hello Forum members, I have decided to try and buy a used John Deere 318 tractor. I am trying to decide between two that I have located. I would love if you would render an opinion. Choice 1: 1987 model, 690 hours, 50" deck, currently being repaired, with a new alternator being put in...

Greetings, Tractor fans. I am a newbie with a couple of acres. I am considering a JD318 "arguably the best L&G ever built", I've been told. I have located one locally with the following specs: 1987 model 690 hours 50" deck Asking $2400. Is this reasonable? Do you have opinions on the...