Almost had a SEDGEWOOD!!!!!!!

[BobRip]

Amen to that. I think PT has the best support that I have seen. When you call most companies today, you get a non-technical person who ask you questions from a script. I like being able to talk to the expert (when needed) and get a straight answer.

We also have to remember that the power of the Internet brings many of the problems together on one site and makes them look more numerous than they really are. There are thousands of users with few and no problems and a few with some problems. So let's keep the info and solutions coming, but realize that all machines have some problems and that tractors can be abused just by where and how they are used.

Bob Rip

 

[KentT]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( So let's keep the info and solutions coming, but realize that all machines have some problems and that tractors can be abused just by where and how they are used.

)</font>Then there's even those of us who go ahead and do things that Tazewell doesn't recommend or specifically recommends against, like reversing wheels, loading tires with fluid for weight, adding wheel weights, using thicker hydraulic fluid, etc.

 

[Rick_Taylor]

Blackwell, I'm very happy for you that you've never had to call Terry about a problem. Some of us have not been that lucky. When my 425 broke in half at the lower joint, I felt the need for some knowledgable help. Also, when my tram pump's Lovejoy sheared the pin because someone forgot to install the setscrews, I felt the need for some spiritual guidance. Yes, I was able to repair them both but it wasn't because of much help from Tazewell. You said you had never had any problem with the PT parts manuals. WHAT parts manuals? I have never seen a parts manual for my 425, nor any attachments. I have never received so much as a 'ya'll be careful" I don't think it would have bankrupted the company to at least have included some cursory instructions on the safe and effective use of their products. I don't consider the above thread about a PT catching fire whining. These guys had a very serious problem occur. I commend you on your spotless record of PT use, but I also think you have been very lucky. You might want to lighten up on the "whiners" a bit. It might still be you next time.

 

[MossRoad]

Well, that's one of the differences between a commercial user and a homeowner. You are in business to make money and homeowners are in the business to not spend money. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I think the PT is an outstanding product. And as you stated, the simplicity is what makes it so outstanding. I knew I could do any repairs to any problems that might arise so I was comfortable relying on myself instead of a dealer network. I also was familiar with the warranty policy for the first year... it breaks, you supply labor or ship the unit back and they supply labor. Once that year is up, all problems will be solved by me with parts support from PT or local vendors if I choose.

People have to know this before purchase.

However, a catastrophic stuctural failure has got to be the most dissatisfying, upsetting thing I could imagine. Then you have to start looking at the cause... operator abuse or manufacturing defect, for example, a bad weld. So do you eat your pride, make the repair, let it go, and move on with your life? Or do you report it to the factory, the community and seek resolution from the person that made the defect?

Tough choices. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[Barryh]

Complaining? I think not, just a discussion on how to make manuals and materials a little better nothing wrong with that. A little de cafe might be in order here fellows.

Great machine, good support, but the manual could defiantly use a lot of work. Including a trouble shooting section for those of us with a lesser background. Also would save Terry a lot of phone calls.

As far as leaving it out in the rain I would at least throw a tarp over it. Those of us that modify, or go against recommendations must except that we may pay the price later. Just the chance you take.

I consider myself a decent wrench, or I would have gone with something in the BX line that had dealer support. That said, I am very happy I had the option to get a simple well built machine for half the price.

 

[J_J]

Blackwell, I guess you must be their favorite customer, with all the PT's you have bought from them. Maybe you do know all the ins and out about every little thing on the different models, or maybe all of your crew has a collective knowledge about the PT's. Your budget is probable better than most of us, and I think is great to be able to pick up the phone and say send it. If one of your machines don't work. you just grab another. and have your mechanic fix it. Your comment about the attachments was down right rude A lot of us like to build things, and for you to say things on a negative level about our efforts is just bad . We are trying to make things better for us. not you. If you want to offer constructive criticism, do it. I for one don't have a manual of any kind , and can not find one. Pt seems to have parts manual, and have sent several wrong parts, I assumed it was correct and welded the part in. It will work, but not as before. Parts are reasonable, not true. Three hundred for a hyd pump is not reasonable if I can buy it new for $109.00 I also build things, and what I build is really no ones business . Maybe you are an engineer, and we are just technicians. We each have our own ideas about things. Your comment about owner repair, Pt just loves that aspect of their business. They don't want to get into the repair business. [ Look around, maybe it's the person doing the repair] What are you trying to say here, that we are stupid or something. We have to use the knowledge that we have and the resources.

 

[pah]

No disrespect intended but if these things are so simple why not point out the answer to this electrical/starter problem rather than providing a comercial for power-trac.

 

[blackwell]

If we had your machine at our shop it could be fixed in an hour, but can't determine your problem without running the proper tests.

 

[blackwell]

I don't mean any disrespect to anyone for their efforts or designs and I realize that PT's are modified as much or maybe more than any machine I know.
We don,t have the option of of grabbing another machine if one lets go, they are all located at different areas.
Yes, we have had things break, quit, burn, wear out, leak, blow, etc., the same as anyone else, however they have been no greater than on any other equipment we have ever owned.
My entire point is PT's are so simple to repair, just steel frames that you can weld (not cast iron like most), engines that can be serviced anywhere, hyd pumps and motors that are easy to repair, cylinders and hose that are easy to repair or replace, simple mechanical linkage, tires and wheels and an electrical system that is easy to repair.
Maybe I just have a simple mind, but I can't see whats hard about making these repairs. We have replaced center swivel joints, cylinders, pumps, motors, engines, wiring, seats, batteries, tires wheels and more. We repair most of our engines, all our pumps, motors, cylinders, frames, and small items, but if you don't have this ability, just take the part off and send to PT and they will repair and return.
Good luck and sorry I offended you.

 

[weaver]

Sound like you guys better start a different thread on compainers /whinning. Well anyways I called Terry in tazwell and he said he has never heard of this problem or any other fire related problems. Found that a littel wierd since segwood bought mostly new parts to rebuild his machine. Terry sent me a new solinoid and starter switch. I am not satified with this I will inspect wiring and replace . I use mine commercially and depend on my 1430 to install fences and also landscape so I think getting insurance sounds like a good idea . /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif