Engaging PTO on 425 with 60 inch deck

[Nuru]

Electric pto clutches faster then lightning engagement brings many engines to their knees when starting a deck. Hydraulic wet clutch systems are far easier on all the parts especially the belts.

i would definitely agree on that. I saw that when I switch from the GT 225 I had to the 4100.

 

[TimS]

Electric pto clutches faster then lightning engagement brings many engines to their knees when starting a deck. Hydraulic wet clutch systems are far easier on all the parts especially the belts.

True, but the 425 is a wet clutch.

Tim

 

[art]

True, but the 425 is a wet clutch.

Tim

Sorry, I was in the past of 400 series. What we've done in the past, this might not be suitable for you as an operator but when the engine is cold to give them some choke when starting the PTO.
We've put some larger decks on smaller tractors then recommended for people and found this to help when the engines were cold.

 

[TimS]

Art, I think you're right on with the choke idea - I have heard the Kawasaki's are slow to warm up.

Tim

 

[KennK]

I had a 425 for something like 15 years. As it aged it did start to get finicky when I'd first engage the PTO. I usually found my best bet was to be at full RPM and be driving forward at a pretty good speed while engaging the PTO. It seemed that after everything got "warmed up" it would engage just fine while standing still.

Last summer I traded the 425 in for a 3320 w/ a FEL and a MMM AND a little 125 (his and her's tractors). My wife uses the 125 to do the "trim" mowing. She's never felt comfortable with the 3320 ... and that is OK with me.

 

[Nufarmer01]

Just got a 455 with 300hrs and a 54"deck, would like a 60". I'm in NCKS, anyone like to trade. The deck is in excellent shape. Let me know.

 

[LBrown59]

Just got a 455 with 300hrs and a 54"deck, would like a 60". I'm in NCKS, anyone like to trade. The deck is in excellent shape. Let me know.

Congrats on getting the 455 - they're nice!

 

[LBrown59]

I had a 425 for something like 15 years. As it aged it did start to get finicky when I'd first engage the PTO. I usually found my best bet was to be at full RPM and be driving forward at a pretty good speed while engaging the PTO. It seemed that after everything got "warmed up" it would engage just fine while standing still.

Last summer I traded the 425 in for a 3320 w/ a FEL and a MMM AND a little 125 (his and her's tractors). My wife uses the 125 to do the "trim" mowing. She's never felt comfortable with the 3320 ... and that is OK with me.

Our his and hers tractors:
Kubota BX23
CC GT2554

 

[LBrown59]

Quote:
Originally Posted by gary_dsc
I just traded my 445 w/60" MMM for a new 2305 because I needed a slightly larger tractor for loader work, etc., but not because I ever had a problem with the 445. The engine rpm's would drop some when I engaged the mower, but it never came close to dying. And would that thing ever mow. High grass and low brush were never a problem. I hope the 2305 mows as well.

gary,
I would have kept the 445 and bought the 2305 without a mower .

 

[LBrown59]

I used to have a 445 with 54 inch deck. Same engine as the 425 but the 445 was fuel injected. Sounds normal for deck startup. I wouldn't worry about the 60 inch deck unless you are always cutting tall grass.
1*My 445 had the 54 inch deck and it would bog down a bit in high grass but then again I had mulching blades on it. I would give some time before and see how it goes. Keep your blades sharp and that should help.

2*I have since switched to the 455 with 60 inch deck. Nothing seems to slow it down and it is very pleasing on fuel.

Craig

1*My CC with a 54'' deck will lug down when i engage the pto but it smothes our within seconds.
Seems like normal for tractors with an electric pto switch.

2*Great tractor.