*FINALLY* Going to Tazewell

[Impulse]

I guess Impulse's "Central Illinois" location is what sent me in the wrong direction.

Yep, I'm very close to the other Tazewell... I wish we were only traveling that far. Would have my tractor picked up and home in like an hour.

 

[Impulse]

You sold me on the arm rests. I was originally going to get them then saw a video of a guy saying they were always in the way. I'm a leaner so probably a good idea (bad back all bolted together). The pallet forks and towing adapter are on the list, just couldn't remember them last night.

For the extra attachment plates, my buddy said he could just fabricate one if we needed it. Maybe having one that is not already attached to something to use as a pattern is a good idea.

The extra blade belt now is a fantastic idea.

Thanks for the input!

 

[Impulse]

I wouldn't want to be towing a trailer (full or empty), but a visit to Burke' Garden would be worth the time as long as you are in the vicinity. I am sure it has changed since I was last there, but it was (and I hope still is) a beautiful area.

Burke's Garden, Virginia - Wikipedia

Steve

I looked at the page, seems like a sweet place to visit. Unfortunately, we are on a clutch cargo mission to get the tractor and come home in time for Easter so no room for sight seeing.

 

[Impulse]

Moss, how many and what size straps do you use to tie the tractor down? I've been waiting so long for this that I'm thinking about 4 dozen 5" wide ones... some plastic wrap, pillows, maybe some goose feathers...

 

[ponytug]

Since the trailer and the tractor are 'new' to you, I think MossRoad's suggestion of having Power-Trac band it to pallets is a great one. Since you are getting the forks, you might want to consider loading the trailer as "Pallet-Tractor with forks-pallet", or at least with the LMB or other attachment on the last pallet, so you can have the tractor attached to the pallet, back it on, and then strap everything down. That should put the tractor over the wheels, with the load reasonably evenly balanced, easy to strap down, and easy to unload. Each pallet will need at least two straps and the tractor will need three- one through the rear hitch, one over the central tunnel, and one strapping the FEL arms to the trailer. That would be seven in my book, but the professionals here may have a better way of doing it.

Having an extra plate is useful; for the cost, almost easier than doing it yourself unless you have a really heavy duty welder. (For my 1445, it's beyond the capabilities of my 200Amp welder, without a great deal of fuss, e.g. 3-5 welding passes.)

I would suggest that you don't run the engine over 50% power for the first 15 hours or so to gently break in the pumps and motors.

Welcome to the the club! Say hi to Terry from all of us!

All the best,

Peter

 

[MossRoad]

Moss, how many and what size straps do you use to tie the tractor down? I've been waiting so long for this that I'm thinking about 4 dozen 5" wide ones... some plastic wrap, pillows, maybe some goose feathers...

I started with straps, but quickly changed to chains for holding the tractor down. The straps got chafed pretty fast on the edges of my trailer. I use one chain through the rear pin hitch, to each corner of my trailer and a load binder. On the other end, I used to chain it to through the FEL arms going over the buckets. But I then added a tow hook to the front of the machine right on the "shelf" where the FEL lift cylinders, directly in the middle of the "shelf". I run the chain through that and to each side of the trailer. Then I rev it up and drive backwards to put tension on the front chain, set the parking brake, and spin the front tires until the brakes engage both front wheels. Then I tighten the load binder on the rear chain, the machine squats on all four tires, and its not going anywhere.

When I used straps, I used one on each ROPS arm to the sides of the trailer. One one each side of the hitch pin to the sides of the trailer, and one across any implement I had attached to the tractor to both sides of the trailer.

If I was bringing one home, and two skids of attachments, I would probably start with having PT load a skid on the front of the trailer, drive the PT onto the trailer with an attachment on it with the FEL arm raised. I'd put a few layers of cardboard or padding on top of the front skid of attachments, make sure no hydraulic hoses are in the way, then drive the PT forward and lower the FEL arms with attachment down onto the cardboard on top of the front skid to help hold it down. Then I'd have PT set the second skid behind the PT on the trailer. Strap down the front skid with a couple straps. The PT with straps at the FEL arms, across the center under the seat area, and through the rear hitch pin. Then I'd secure the rear skid with at least two straps and maybe a third the long way from the back of the trailer to the PT hitch pin, to help keep it from sliding back.

Of course, this is all dependent on how long the trailer is, the weight balance of the skids, PT425, etc.... use good judgement and make sure your trailer is balanced with proper tongue weight, etc..., etc... You'll have to play it by ear.

Just be sure if you're using straps to make sure they aren't over anything sharp so they don't cut themselves as you travel. I'd also stop about 15 minutes out and check them all again after highway speeds. Things have a tendency to shift and settle with wind and road vibration.

Also, remember, the thing only weighs about 1500 pounds.

Many small 1" straps are rated at 1200 pounds. A lot of 2" straps are rated at 10,000 pounds. For the price, I'd go with 2" straps and a half dozen of these tie down assist straps to help with attaching the straps to things like the ROPS and hitch pins.
Erickson 1" x 18" Tie-Down Assist Strap 2lb 5634 by Erickson Mfg Ltd for $1.49 in Towing - Emergency - Vehicle Accessories - Automotive : Rural King

Of course, I'm not a doctor and don't play one on TV, your mileage will vary, and don't take my word for it, etc....

 

[Impulse]

Great advice, and it is very much appreciated. I called them today and they said they will have everything ready for me... they are going to get back to me with price and details. I swear I read somewhere here that the price is the price but I don't think I have it in me to just pay without some level of negotiation.

Now that I'm on my laptop, I have my list in front of me...

PT-425
4-in-1 Bucket
Teeth for 4-in-1 Bucket
Utility Grapple
Light Material Bucket
60" Mower Deck
Post Hole Digger Head
6" Auger
9" Auger
Snow Blade
Rubber Lip for Blade
Caster Wheel Kit for Blade
Power Rake
Forks
Rake
Mini Hoe
Thumb for Mini Hoe
Towing Adapter
ARM RESTS
Spare Turf Tire & Wheel...

And one extra mower belt!

I have to say, you guys are awesome and I appreciate all of the help with questions and the knowledge I've been able to absorb reading your posts on this site. Thank you!

 

[SpringHollow]

I had Tazwell weld chain hooks on all 4 corners - comes in very handy. Might not be too late to have them add that. Had Carl's done that way too. I can not remember where the weight starting point is (or if there is a weight starting point) but DOT requires tractors have 4 separate appropriately sized chains/straps for the tractor and one for the implement (such as a bucket) if attached to the tractor.

Ken

 

[MossRoad]

I'd be surprised if DOT rules applied to him. Really surprised.

 

[SpringHollow]

The real problem is that each police officer interprets the regs differently.

Ken