Cold Weather tricks

bubenberg · Jan 27, 2004

( I proved that above idle is too much heat for the hose. Scientific test, don't ya know.

 )

all Charlie is doing , is thinking about spring, summer when it is too hot to mow all those pastures /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

ernemats · Jan 28, 2004

Welcome to the pt forum. What part of western Pa., I'm out near Ligonier.

ernemats · Jan 28, 2004

Jim:
how are you making out with the pt snow blade? You should be getting a lot of chances to use it lately.
Ernie

johara1 · Jan 28, 2004

ernie,it's not for sale anymore!!!!this thing is great,i added a cutting edge from a steiner $35.00 and a set of shoes for a western snow plow.byers sell them,with shipping $34.00. some 2" angle,1" black wall pipe and the blade is super,i can't say enough good about it!the more i use it the better i like. i just made a set of chains for the front, tried them out yesterday wow the things a tank! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gifif you get time you will have to come over a see it work.i thought the bucket was the best tool but not with the mods. to the blade its right up there! the starting problems are a small price to pay for such a GREAT tractor /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

PatH · Jan 28, 2004

ernemats,
I'm out near the Pittsburgh Airport. I'm not really new to the forum - I made a few posts about a year ago after I first got my PT-422. Most of these concerned the hard starting problems with the Robin Engine. I was one of the first to put the new coils on the Robin engine to solve the issue (Thanks for the help Jack). I got caught in one of the system crashes several months back and got my ID deleted and had to re-register. Although I don't post often, I remain a regular reader. By the way, I now have over 225 hours on my 422 and have had no problems since the hard starting issue was resolved. Its a great toy--I mean tool.

FFC_Fencing · Jan 29, 2004

Have to agree about the new coil deal on the robin engine! We have two 422's the first was purchased 7 or eight years ago. It has always been a bit hard to start when cold... but it would eventually start. The newer 422 was purchased last year. It would not start when we tried to unload it off of the trailer after returning from PT. It has been nearly impossible to start in any type of cooler weather. After talking to Jack at Robin, we took it to a Robin dealer and they put on new coils. What a difference!!! It will now start easily at temps approaching zero. Wow, I am no longer sorry that we bought a second Power Trac!

bubenberg · Jan 29, 2004

Welcome aboard TBN's most fantastic Forum, Power Trac. I am looking forward to exchange notes, thoughts, ideas on enhancing power trac attachments, use etc.

From talking to you, i think you are as far as i know the most senior pt equipment user in this forum at this time. Your explanation of how you use your wheelbarrow attachment is absolutely GREAT. Charlie Iliff will build one tonight ... i know.

Am looking forward to the pictures ... thanks /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

bubenberg · Jan 29, 2004

was out for a few hours, plowing ice and powder snow combined. all my Kohler engines are giving me a hard time. one thing changed, the Exmark ztr mower is now in the barn, in my new yard, some 9 miles away from my house, and that helps. but the pt 425 has to be here, at the house, on the trailer, ready to go during snow season. with strategically placing the two magnetic heaters, and covering the machine with bedspreads and plastic covers it seems to get better starting also.

the ultimate persuader is the jumper cable hooked to my Dodge Ram 2500, on one try and the combination has not let me down in 9 degree weather.

Scott_F · Jan 29, 2004

Pat,
What were the starting (or lack thereof) symptoms before you installed new coils. Robin has told me that I don't need new coils, based on serial #, but it sure needs something. It remains a real pain to start in cold weather. With jumper cables to the truck, it will crank and crank but not fire. Took about 15-20 min to finally get it started Sunday night to put the blade on, and took 10 15 minutes to start Monday morning to plow. I try to observe starter duty cycle limits per the hyd filter change instructions, but it just shouldn't be this hard to start.

-Scott

PTRich · Jan 29, 2004

It is 14 at my house right now. I just got off my tractor. It started first try. I always use full throttle and full choke at first but adjust it as the engine comes to life. I have found that if you try to use any hydralics you need to wait a minute or the engine will die.