425 - model year changes and price check

[cstamm81]

Hi guys, looking for some info here. I found a 2012 425 for sale locally, 250 hours 2 buckets, 2 sets of forks, and an aerator. I believe it is a 1 owner, has turfs and wheel weights on the rear tires. Seller is asking $10k. The machine looks clean overall, but certainly not in showroom shape. Any comments on the price?

What year did PT upgrade the 425's? As I understand it, PT upgraded wheel motors to higher torque units at some point, and they make a big difference on hills. Also, someone on here said the main pump on the earlier units kept going out on him (Goldini brand?), and he thinks they changed to a new style of pump in later years. Any other model year specific upgrades I am unaware of?

My use would be moving firewood, plowing, a little mowing, and basically use it as a smaller powered wheel barrow. I have a 30 and a 60HP tractor, so I'm looking at 425's due to their size and maneuverability. Has anyone raised the relief valve pressure on these to increase the loader lift? 800lbs of lift is decent for the machine's weight, but I always seem to push my loaders to the edge one way or another.

Thanks in advance for any insight / info!

 

[m5040]

If it is a machine I seen for sale, the hydraulic oil cooler was removed? Why? How long was it run without a cooler? Was it overheated (and potentially problematic from here on in with hardened seals and worn pumps/motors).
I wouldn't turn up the pressures, they can already lift enough to tip forward (and at that point the weight of the machine and load is all on 2 wheel motor shafts), but it will be yours. Also keep in mind on an articulated machine, when turned, the overall length gets smaller and you loose leverage from your counterweight (engine).

 

[cstamm81]

That’s the same one, and you just made me realize the hydraulic cooler is missing, I would not have noticed that. Am I correct in that the cooler is simply a fan, it’s not an actual cooler with a radiator and fan?

But yes, the fact that the cooler is missing is very suspect, very glad you brought this up.

 

[spechols]

There should be a radiator under the fan hole. Yes - it is important to keep the hydraulic oil at a good operating temperature. there is a temperature sensor that controls the fan. Yes - it is important.

I am interested in the land aerator and offered to pick it up this week. He said that someone wanted to look at the whole package Tuesday and that he would let me know. I did not here back so I messaged him yesterday but he has not replied.
If you buy it, put the fan back on and let me know if you want the land aerator. Not many people do.
Thanks

 

[cstamm81]

By looking at the pics in the ad, can either of you tell if only the fan is missing, or if the rad is also gone? If it’s only the fan, I feel like someone broke it and was too lazy or cheap to replace it. If the rad is gone as well, then that’s a whole other potential story.

This is a bummer no matter what, as I agree an overheated hydraulic system will only lead to issues down the road.

I am messaging back and forth with him, so he must not be keen on selling the aerator separately.

 

[spechols]

By looking at the pics in the ad, can either of you tell if only the fan is missing, or if the rad is also gone? If it’s only the fan, I feel like someone broke it and was too lazy or cheap to replace it. If the rad is gone as well, then that’s a whole other potential story.

This is a bummer no matter what, as I agree an overheated hydraulic system will only lead to issues down the road.

I am messaging back and forth with him, so he must not be keen on selling the aerator separately.

 

[spechols]

Yes - he wants to sell as a package - that is normal. But sending back a message is not hard.
No worries.

Ask him for photos of the motor and cooler. That will help. I love my 425. Use it so much that I sold the tractors.

 

[spechols]

Yes - he wants to sell as a package - that is normal. But sending back a message is not hard.
No worries.

Ask him for photos of the motor and cooler. That will help. I love my 425. Use it so much that I sold the tractors.

 

[spechols]

Looking at the photo it could be the radiator but I am not sure.

 

[ponytug]

That photo looks like the radiator is there, but these machines need the cooling that the fan provides. Hopefully, it wasn't run without it. If you do go visit, look carefully at the rubber on the hoses close to the engine, and on the connections to the cooler.

I would also check the oil in the hydraulic tank (smell, color) as a quick and dirty check on overheating. Of course, if it is golden colored the seller may have changed the oil... I would also check the engine oil for color/smell.

All the best,

Peter

 

[cstamm81]

He is telling me he is the second owner and it came with the fan missing. Seemingly, he didn’t even realize one should be there, unless he’s full of it.

So, it has definitely been used without the hydro cooling fan, but no way of telling if it has been used hard. I suppose if it was not used hard without the fan, it could be a non issue. Good points on checking the hoses near the cooler / engine and the smell and color of the hydro oil.

Does anyone know if a 2012 machine has the upgraded wheel motors?

 

[spechols]

Ask Terry and PowerTrac - he knows everything.
800-843-9273
Don’t ever hesitate to call him.
Truly a great guy and wants to help.

 

[m5040]

If I remember correctly, it had a worn 2nd set of tires. This shows hard use to me.
When parts break and the owner doesn't fix it (cooler), this shows they will skimp on everything else, like high quality oil and oil/filter changes (hyd filter interval is 50 hours).

I use a magnetic temp gauge for hydraulic oil on all 3 of my PTs. On a hot summer day, after hours of work, I still switch off to something else due to high oil temps. This is most noticeable in loss of torque in the drive motor circuit on my 1430 when using a flail mulcher in the woods (and climbing over rocks etc).

The removal of the cooler parts would be a deal breaker for me, unless your just using it for a wheel barrel and don't have high expectations. But you might end up finding it is the most useful machine in your arsenal and might regret not buying one in the best condition to start with (that is how I ended up with 3).

 

[agjones]

Ask Terry and PowerTrac - he knows everything.
800-843-9273
Don’t ever hesitate to call him.
Truly a great guy and wants to help.

He is telling me he is the second owner and it came with the fan missing. Seemingly, he didn’t even realize one should be there, unless he’s full of it.

So, it has definitely been used without the hydro cooling fan, but no way of telling if it has been used hard. I suppose if it was not used hard without the fan, it could be a non issue. Good points on checking the hoses near the cooler / engine and the smell and color of the hydro oil.

Does anyone know if a 2012 machine has the upgraded wheel motors?

My 425, purchased new in 2013 had them and I was told model was unchanged in the few years prior.

I also have an older 4xx and it did not have the larger motors. Definitely a difference.

 

[spechols]

Are you interested in the land aerator?
Thanks
Stuart

 

[MossRoad]

...Has anyone raised the relief valve pressure on these to increase the loader lift? 800lbs of lift is decent for the machine's weight, but I always seem to push my loaders to the edge one way or another.

Thanks in advance for any insight / info!

As others have mentioned, the unit will lift the rear end off the ground easily if there is enough weight on the FEL arms. Upping the relief valve pressure will do nothing for you at all. I've never hit the reliefs on my 2001 PT425. The rear comes up first. I also wouldn't add weight to the rear of the machine. While that will increase the lifting capacity, it'll also put more weight on the front wheel motors AND more weight on the points were the articulation joints attach the front and back halves of the machine. But, that's just me.

 

[MossRoad]

Click on photo attached for PT Pucker (rear end lift).

 

[MossRoad]

Fourteen's unit from years past...

 

[MossRoad]

The original PT test pilot, Bubenberg....

 

[scotts562]

A 425 is rated for 800lbs, but will lift 1000lbs. At least mine will. For a 1300lb machine, that is an exeptional lift capacity to weight ratio. I have set boulders in retaining walls with this machine that were most likely pushing 1200lbs. The "PT Pucker" allows you to lift more than the machine should be able to.

The center section of the machine is composed of a top linkage rod and a bottom ball joint. The bottom ball joint is held in place by two split rings. One top and one bottom. When you lift a load, alot of that stress is transferred to the top split ring. As best I can tell, this is the weak point of the center section. If you try to increase the lift capacity beyond what it will currently do, you might consider welding a bushing in place of the top split ring.

Hope this helps