Is anyone else having lots of problems with an 1850?

MikeOConnor · Dec 27, 2006

I've been learning the limits of my PT. I've found that it's easy to exceed them, but if I go a little easy I can keep my machine running a lot longer between repair stops. Tires are a good example -- I have the standard often-go-flat problems, but they're mostly due to crazy sideways slides down steep hills. If I avoid those maneuvers, the tires tend to stay inflated longer.

Same deal with overheating -- it's easy to run that machine beyond it's limit (90 degree tall-weeds mowing on a hilly open field). In a way, it's a design problem, but in a way it's just too easy to do certain things that push the machine too far. If I back off any of the variables (mow on cooler days, go slower through weeds, take it a little slower) things seem to go a lot better.

AltavistaLawn · Dec 28, 2006

We've just been shuttling mulch across level yards with it lately. Before that mowing a monthly cut on about 20 degree hillside. Theres only one really steep dam side I mow twice yearly, and I raise the bh up and mow it twice...believe me I try to baby all my equipment.

AltavistaLawn · Dec 28, 2006

Well , unfortunately, I spoke too soon. Its still leaking. I think its the pressure relief box assembly, the hyd. pressure is running too high; and probably causing more leaks.

I ordered a $50.00 blacklight/flashlight, supposed to be in today, but it looks like its leaking around that same canister unit, and the box on the frame rail which has given so much trouble.

I'm going to remove the box, and take it to a hydraulics rebuilder here..about an hours drive; see if they can rebuild it. I'm thinking the cyclinder might have to be honed out in addition to new seals.

Each time the box goes south, the pressure runs too high.

ldabe · Dec 29, 2006

It sounds like Power Trac needs to step up to the plate!
Hey! POWER TRAC! Don't act like your not listening...it is almost 2007, start the new year off right, do the right thing and step up to plate like a man (and good business) with AltavistaLawn.
Man-o-man, sometimes you just have to YELL sometimes ;~)
{hope this helps AltavistaLawn...hey it can't hurt}

AltavistaLawn · May 15, 2008

Well, two years later ,and I'm still fighting it.

It might be down for the count, this time. The hyd motor is bad; it won't move, or operate any of the hydraulics. The hyd motor is only producing 150psi, and should be between 300 and 400psi.

Its still hard to believe I'm the only one having all this trouble with this model.

plastikosmd · May 15, 2008

wow, quite a thread...don't own one but what a nightmare you have on your hands, I dont think lemon laws cover AG machines but I sure would have considered it.

woodlandfarms · May 16, 2008

so far so good for me. I think Ken would agree as well. My issues are related to age and abuse prior to my ownership.

I am bumming you are having issues....

Rara Avis · Jul 14, 2008

AltavistaLawn said:
Well, two years later ,and I'm still fighting it.

It might be down for the count, this time. The hyd motor is bad; it won't move, or operate any of the hydraulics. The hyd motor is only producing 150psi, and should be between 300 and 400psi.

Its still hard to believe I'm the only one having all this trouble with this model.

Well, it's been a couple of months...what has been the outcome of this last event?

AltavistaLawn · Jul 18, 2008

PaulChristenson said:
Well, it's been a couple of months...what has been the outcome of this last event?

Its parked under the carport next to the shop. I've been renting a skid steer. I don't see pouring another 5 to 6 thousand into it now, I'll fix it over the winter and sell it for whatever I can get for it.