Hydroback Cable

BobRip · Mar 21, 2010

Did you set it up on jacks and try to adjust it for no wheel movement?

BobRip · May 22, 2010

I was having trouble with my PT422 not stopping when releasing the pedal and sticking off center. I ended up lubing everything. I think the hydroback (the thing with two springs in it) was the worst of it. I sprayed some silicon teflon lube into the non-cable end (in both inner and outer cylinders) and worked it back and forth. I also made a very small adjustment in the cable position. It seems to be OK now. I have over 800 hours on the machine.

BobRip · Dec 8, 2010

Today I replaced the hydroback cable. It had so much internal friction that when I released the pedal (either going backwards or forwards) the machine would keep going. When I took the old one out, I had to pull it with pliers and with the cable stuck in a vice to make it move. The new one was easy to move by hand. The PT422 now brakes immediately when I release the pedal. It is also a lot more sensitive to pedal operation. I have to relearn pedal operation. At about 900 hours of operation and 11 years old the cable was way past do for replacement.

I took the old one apart ( I had to cut one end off) and even with it pulled half way out of the housing there was a lot of friction. My advice it don't wait so long.

J_J · Dec 8, 2010

I hope you didn't get it from Pt. Morse sells that cable for about 1/2 what PT wants. I had to replace mine last year, and I learned about the Morse cable from one of the other PT owners after I purchased mine from PT. About $120.

BobRip · Dec 8, 2010

J_J said:
I hope you didn't get it from Pt. Morse sells that cable for about 1/2 what PT wants. I had to replace mine last year, and I learned about the Morse cable from one of the other PT owners after I purchased mine from PT. About $120.

Now you tell me. It was in the 90's from PT.

Island Goose · Aug 20, 2013

I know this thread is old but my cable just snapped on me yesterday and I did not want to wait almost 2 weeks to get my cable. Weather I go with powertrac or the custom cable internet companies, Canada Post will make me wait dearly for it. Our local boat building company told me to try the auto shop and or a marine supply store. Sure enough, the auto parts store in my little city was able to make a cable for me as per Don's specs. Took just under 2 hours from the time I called it in to when I went to pick it up! Not as cheap as some internet places but still cheaper than PT and no waiting. So if your cable snaps on you, you may want to try your local auto shop first.

MossRoad · Aug 20, 2013

That's good to know and glad you got back up and running quickly. Now for the burning question..... does it work?

Island Goose · Aug 20, 2013

Before my cable broke, my pedals were getting so stiff that to go forward, I had to press down on the right pedal AND lift up on the left pedal! Now it is so sensitive, I have to take some time to get used to it first. The first two times I went backwards, I almost got a whiplash! No kidding. The whole tractor just hopped. I definitely recommend changing out your cables even before they break.