Got my new 422 today

[egb6550]

And what a time I had. First loading it into the 5x8 uhaul covered trailer was a treat. It barely fit past the 4' door and once inside trying get the attachment bar to go down I stepped on reverse, whipped my head back, felt the trailer buck, then the ramps fell and I thought its all over. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif But once the dust settled I was ok and the PT was still in the trailer. Is reverse supposed to be like that you step on it and whiplash your flying backwards... I looked at the treadle assembly and there is a plastic like covering in the center and then just a post on the forward and reverse sides.. seems like maybe a spring should be there? I ended up putting a piece of 2x4 under it but still kept flying back, I know I'm going to smack something, I'm hoping there is more to that assembly...tell me?

 

[FOURTEEN]

"" Is reverse supposed to be like that when you step on it ""

No, but it is!!


"" seems like maybe a spring should be there ""

You mean like these??

Check out "#420338 - 05/03/04 08:53 PM" on PT-425 PROS & cons?? [Re: FOURTEEN] !!

Power Trac builds a great machine, but some customization will make it even better!!

In the meantime, use a low throttle setting for slower responses, and "Be Careful"!!

 

[Mith]

we like pictures /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[MuncyBob]

Glad you were not seriously hurt!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif 14's mod is a good one...and actually over time I have become comfortable with the treadle without any adjustment to it. Something that is preached over and over in here is SAFETY....although I am guilty of this, it's a very good idea never to mount/dismount the PT while it's running. I find that to do some chores around here that I am constantly getting in & out of the PT(I too have the 422) and I have prefected the PT Hop, armrests are upright and I can hop into the seat with legs outside the tractor driver compartment. With that said I'm ready to be admonished for this act! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[pequeajim]

Your post is excactly like the one that I posted about a month ago. I am a fairly new 425 owner and the first day I was working in the yard with my PT, I hit reverse and experienced the "PT whiplash" as you described. Man, it scared me and I think I almost ran into something.

The force of movement of the PT throws you and yoru feet forward which puts more weight on the reverse therefor causing you to go faster and so on...

Paul and Moss made a great suggestion which is to always keep both feet on the pedals. It took me about an hour or so to get used to it and I have never had a another problem.

Be careful, take your time, use both feet, and err on the side of being safe.

MossRoad has gotten so used to his that he can fly around in reverse with no worries, safely. It'll be quite a while before I do that. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Best to you.

Jim!

 

[tracdoc]

Hearty congratulations on your new PT, and welcome aboard!

Going on the old adage that "repetition is the basis of learning," I'll reiterate the both feet on the pedals recommendation. I last mentioned it to Pequajim right after he reported his adventure:
The Yin and Yang of Treadle Operation

Just proceed slowly as you proceed along the learning curve, and as others have said many times, shut 'er down whenever you dismount.

Wishing a very Merry Christmas to all.

 

[MossRoad]

Glad you are OK! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

The thing about these things is that you can go full speed forward or reverse.

Mine is a 2001 model so I have a treadle that takes some force to operate. My treadle operates a cable system that goes back to the hydraulic pump in the engine compartment. As many of the newer model owners have reported, the treadle is different now. It appears to be a valve mounted under the center of the unit between your feet and your feet operate the valve. FOURTEEN's modification is worth pursuing. It puts some pressure on the treadle to make it less touchy.

Didn't someone mention that Power Trac now offers some sort of spring kit for the treadle? Maybe that is what the little posts you speak of are for. You may want to call them and ask.

 

[egb6550]

Wow great information.. I thought I was crazy.. I like the rubber band idea.. maybe I'll get used to it. I also had a great time getting the quick attach to attach. I started with the forks and after 20 minutes of struggle realized something was just not right. I read the manual hoping for tips on using it but alas no mention of the quick attach system at all. Then closer inspection revealed the pin that held the up down control was gone.. works much better with that connected.. I like being on the west coast I posted a question late last night and 6 replies waiting for me this morning and pictures even.. you guys are great thanks! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[PowerTrom425]

Welcome to TBN. When I got my PT425 they gave me a couple of springs that I've put between the top of the treadle and the housing which creates some tension which helps.....

I broke my left ankle a month ago and have had the leg in a cast since....In the meantime I've become rather adept at using my right toe under the right peddle for reverse. My recommendation is to do everything you want to with the PT, but to do everything slowly at first until you get the knack of the beast. They are really amazing machines....good luck.

 

[Phils]

Welcome to the Left Coast PT club, egb6550! I had originally asked that the springs for the treadle be installed and included in my original purchase, but that didn't happen. I've been getting used to the PT as is, and may still order the treadle springs at some future time.

The worst incident was when a friend wanted to try it out, thinking the PT is what he needs for his place. I explained the operation, and he thought it similar to his golf cart. Once on he started hitting the left pedal (maybe a reaction of his foot looking for the brake) which, as you know, doesn't STOP the thing! The more he stabbed at that left pedal, the more he kept shooting backwards. I wasn't concerned until he started nearing my solar panel array... but by then it was too late for me to do anything at all (except dread the outcome). He got it stopped about 2 feet from the panels, jumped off and said it was too wild of a machine for him (he's 83 years old, by the way).

I coerced him back into the driver's seat, put the throttle on low, and had him follow me slowly as I walked through a forest trail. A little practice driving later, he's liking the PT. He's already asked if his wife can come up and see it, so I'm thinking there may be another Tazwell shipment coming to our town in the near future.

Phil