I NEED SERVICE IN MARYLAND

RegL · Apr 11, 2005

( ( actually flipped the tires around so I now have a broader wheel base. AMAZING. I'll never go back. I have a 25 degree hill and used to be very timid. Now it's like nothing but stability, though respected. John )

 Thanks!! I have been touting the virtues of Reversed Wheels on the PT-425 for over a year now!! Glad to hear that someone listened!!

PS: With Reversed Wheels the PT-425 has a 'wider track'. 'Wheelbase' is front to rear.

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Hi Fourteen,
I believe you mentioned a while back that Terry gave the OK to reverse the wheels on the 425. Do you know if the same go's for other models like the 1430? I wouldn't need to have them reversed all the time but it would come in handy on some of the hills I brush hog on. Thanks

pajoube · Apr 11, 2005

Bob,
I didn't know that either. Is this something on the 422? I would assume the frame is the same for the 422 as the 425.
PJ

J_J · Apr 11, 2005

On the subject of reversed rims, I don't think Terry gave his blessing on the reversed wheels. If it were such a good thing, they would mount them at the factory that way. That doesn't preclude anyone from reversing the rims on their machine. If { it } can be done, someone will do it . There is no question on stability, the wider , the better. Low air pressure works also. but you might roll the tires off.

I wish I could reverse mine.

Read post #439946

Rip · Apr 11, 2005

A number of PTs (such as my 1845) come with the wheels already at max width. One can buy or make wheel spacers to add a couple of inches to each side or even have the wheel centers cut out and rewelded for greater off-set or less back spacing.

When I changed out my wheel motors for greater torque I had to install 2" spacers between the body tub and wheel motor flange on each motor which gave me a 4" wider track. This was a good thing anyway as I needed maximum stability on the steep terrain I had to work.

pequeajim · Apr 11, 2005

When I picked up my 425 at the end of last Fall, I specifically asked Terry about the reversed rim issue. His comment was that he did not think it would be a problem on the newer heavier otors but would not recommend it with the older 422/425 tractors.

I am waiting to see how I like mowing on my slopes with the rims in the factory location before I try to reverse them.

BobRip · Apr 11, 2005

I don't know about the recent 425s. This was recommended to me when I took the service class about 4 years ago. Back then the 422 and 425 were identical (as far as we could find out) except for the engine. Clint liked the Robin engine and so we both got that. The wrench was right expensive where I got it ($125 at NAPA). Clint Blake got one at a surplus tools place for a whole lot less. It seems it was about $25. Please call Power Trac and get the straight scoop and the recent scoop and report here. I was told if this becomes loose it can wear out quickly.

Bob Rip

tracdoc · Apr 11, 2005

( I still do have a grinding sound when I spin the wheel right and left as I'm driving. I've hit all the greese zerks except it seems the hidden one that I have a separate grease zerk for, when screwed in, doesnt' seem to accept grease. I have however, pumped 3-4 handles in and when I've tapped on the actual grease zerk fittting, grease has come back out. What do you think this grinding could be. Seems to come every time I turn the wheel left or right. Like grinding.)

Scotchers,

Noise on Turning : This has been observed by many PT owners, myself included. If you have excluded the possibility that it could be a partially engaged parking brake, then take a look at #606255 and #515750 It appears to be a normal phenomenon with these units.

Resistant Zerk : I had the same problem. I asked Terry about it and he indicated that the lube channel was closed off with the machine at rest. He suggested turning it one way or another and even raising up the front half on the lift arms to take the pressure off the joint and allow grease to flow in. I had no luck with those maneuvers.

What I did was to remove the bolt adjacent to the zerk fitting, and then I used a drift and mallet to gently tap that tang forward so that the bolt hole no longer lines up (you can make it go either way. It doesn't matter. Once I moved the tang only about 1/5th of a turn, I attached the grease gun to the zerk, and Voila! success. I pumped half dozen shots, and could see the grease oozing from all the right places. When done, I just tapped the tang back to line up the little bolt hole, replaced the bolt, removed the zerk nipple, and replaced the cover plates. The manual specifies much less frequent lube interval for that specific joint, so I don't mind the hassle since I am now certain the grease is getting to where it does it's job.

Hope that helps.

SCOTCHERS · Apr 13, 2005

Hey Trac,

I appreciate the great suggestions, I'll try that this week. I'm up to my ears in business, family and trying to maintain my time restoring my yard. Seems my Power-trac has been getting more attention that my family. So the next couple days are family day's and PT425 will have to wait. I'll definitely let you know how your suggestions work. Seem easy enough and I have a feeling your solution is correct. Any way , thanks again for your time. John