Lubrication Points

[pajoube]

Just back from Louisville and the International Lawn, Garden & Power Equipment Exposition. Had a chance to stop and talk with the PowerTrac folks as they are well displayed both inside and out for this show. Talked with Terry and in our conversation I mentioned about zerk lubrication points. He mentioned (also in manual) that there are three zerk points at the treadle. Two where the treadle pivots and one where the butterfly linkage pivots. I had taken the side covers off prior to going and did not find any zerk fittings. When I got home this afternoon I pulled the side panels off again and still could not fiind those three zerk points. Would other 425 owners check your machines out and let me know. I have attached a photo of the area on my machine.
PJ

 

[MossRoad]

Wow, Paul, that looks completely different than mine. Let me check my pictures.

 

[MossRoad]

Paul,
Could you take a wider shot of yours, similar to the one in the photo that I am attaching?

The photo that I am linking to here is taken from the left side with the cover removed. There are four arrows in the photo. The top two arrows point out the two grease zerks for the treadle assembly. The bottom right arrow points to the third zerk, which is for a pivot point for the linkage that pulls the cable that goes back to the engine compartment that moves the hydroback, which controls the arm on the variable volume pump, which provides the drive power.

Notice in my picture the pedal assemble is mounted to the floor. Your's appears to be mounted off the floor and there also seems to be an aluminum block with hyrdaulic hose attached.

In this link to another photo I think I am at about the same angle as your picture. It looks like another design change was made.

I wonder if they stopped using the hyrdroback and started using a valve at the treadle assembly? It sure looks like it.

Paul, do you even have a hyrdroback assembly? I doubt it. Not that it is a bad thing at all. Just different. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[pajoube]

I'm attaching some more pictures which I hope will show what I have. I do agree that mine is a different build. Not sure if it ius better or not. Will contact Terry when they return from the Expo show.PJ

 

[pajoube]

Photo two
PJ

 

[pajoube]

Photo three
PJ

 

[pajoube]

Photo four

 

[pajoube]

Photo five
PJ

 

[jol1269]

paul how old is your 425 i just got mine two weeks ago and when i was talking to terry he told me that the new units dont have a few things that the older units as there was a design change maybe this is it i dont have the time to remove mine now but i will tomorrow as now im curious also i went by walmart today to get the spray lube for the ball joints terry recommended and they dont have it here what is the makeup of this spray a white grease or silicone or what else could it be also one more question what type of grease do you guys use i saw some high pressure red grease for the zerks what do you think of this verses the cheapo grease

 

[MossRoad]

WOW. Thanks! It looks like the valve is directly at the treadle now. I'll bet you don't have a variable volume pump at all.

What do you other guys think?

 

[Bob999]

<font color="red"> I'll bet you don't have a variable volume pump at all. </font>

I don't see how you could avoid a variable volume pump--there is still a need for speed control. My suspicion is that PT is using an hydraulic link to control the variable volume pump on the new units rather than the mechanical link previously used.

However--that is just my guess from looking at the posted photos of the new arrangement and I look forward to someone posting the FACTS.

 

[smartguyz]

Wow.

I agree with David. It seems that the treadle is directly controlling a valve, and that there is no fancy mechanical linkage anymore. This would explain why there is a valve right at the treadle. Certainly a lot less parts, and more inexpensive to build. Also, less to lubricate and maintain, and less to break. I think it's fine.

By the way, you can pick up Super Lube at Lowe's. Super Lube at Lowe's

Sincerely,

Rob /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[pajoube]

I have one of the new ones which may explain the difference. I use high temp grease for any attachment that has high rpms such as the mower and tiller. All other attachments including the tractor I use standard grease.
PJ

 

[MossRoad]

PJ,
I went back and took a look at the pictures you posted when you brought your PT home. I can clearly see what appears to be the main and aux PTO pumps in the front of the engine compartment. Can you get a shot or two of what's between them and the engine? I can't see under the battery or mufler. Your excellent treadle shots indicate that you could get really good pictures of your pump setup. I'm just trying to understand the changes that were made between yours and mine.

I think if they eliminated the variable volume pump and just put a valve at the treadle, they could effectively supply fliud to the drive motor circuit without the need for a variable volume pump. Open the valve a little, you go little. Open it a lot, you go a lot. Or, maybe like Bob999 suggests, they are using hydraulics to control a variable volume pump, rather than the hydroback.

Just curious... it's my nature /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[pajoube]

Will get those photos tomorrow under good light and post.
PJ

 

[MossRoad]

Thanks, PJ /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Man, I love the Internet! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Yardscaper]

pajoube,

I too was at the Louisville Expo and did get a chance to talk with Terry and Chris. The new machines have gone to an all hydraulic system in order to eliminate the adjustments needed to the cable, treadle, and hydroback butterfly. I have had problems shearing the bolt off of the lever that controls the variable volume pump, and was asking Terry if I could retrofit this new system into my 1430. He said that the new treadle assembly and pump setup is totally different and there is no way to fit it into the older machines. I may be looking to upgrade for the start of next season. As for points of lubrication, I looked the machines over pretty good and did not see any zerks on the new treadle assembly. This new set up looks like it is going to eliminate a lot of problems that came with the old cable setup.

 

[pajoube]

Thanks for the update and welcome to TBN and the family of PT owners.
PJ

 

[pajoube]

Here is a series of pictures of the area you wanted. Trouble is the light was not good. If this does not h elp let me know and I will try and get a flood light in there.
PJ

 

[pajoube]

Second photo
PJ