My 425 just stopped

funpilot · Mar 23, 2007

cqaigy2 said:
Say, I really like that relay idea!

Wrong guy here.....I can't change oil on my car, so I could never add lights. Will check out the unit again this weekend and see if I get lucky. Perhaps all the shaking of wires (I can do that) worked.

funpilot · Mar 23, 2007

J_J said:
Recheck your battery cables, and sand, scrape or spray corrosion prevention stuff on them.

On the subject of Dixie Choppers, it sounds like you cranked it until it had a lot of fuel in the system, and when it ignited, you could expect something like that. I own 2, 60 in Choppers, and 2, 42 in Choppers. Those Kohler engines are some of the best. Check gas tank for water, and take the carburator bowl off, and check for water.

Well, the shop returned my Dixie saying that they could find nothing wrong with it. However, they did say they unscrewed something on the gas cap that they think may have been the problem and for me to test that. I really hope it is something that simple cause for the hour that it worked....WOW what a machine.

JD-Beach · Mar 23, 2007

Funpilot, In response to your question about maintenance, I plan to do most of the maintenance myself, however I only have about 8 hours on the machine, so I'm a little new at it. ... If you've had good success with a local repair shop, please let me know who, ... I'll contact them as I need maintenance.

I got a little tractor time today with the nice weather and big load of mulch in my driveway. ... (now the envy of all the boys in the neighborhood!) I've only had the machine for a few months, ... I'm still learning.

J_J · Mar 24, 2007

funpilot said:
Well, the shop returned my Dixie saying that they could find nothing wrong with it. However, they did say they unscrewed something on the gas cap that they think may have been the problem and for me to test that. I really hope it is something that simple cause for the hour that it worked....WOW what a machine.

I believe what they are talking about is that some gas tank caps, have a thumb screw that you closed while in transport, and open when you are using the machine. If you don't unscrew this screw when you are operating, you will develop a vacuum in the system, and it may be hard to start. Some gas caps have a vent that is always open. In rainy weather, keep the screw closed so when the tank cools down, it will not suck water into the tank. Either one or both caps will have the screw,

funpilot · Mar 24, 2007

JD, I have lots of attachments .... Turf and Garden did the maintenance. I ordered the parts from Power-Trac and they did the work. JJ, that is what they told my wife....going out now to test.

funpilot · Apr 11, 2007

Been using it now for several weeks and it seems to be working fine...so shaken them wires worked.....

MossRoad · Apr 11, 2007

Great!

FOURTEEN · Apr 22, 2007

funpilot said:
HELP oh great ones !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have had these symtoms twice! Both times it was the GLASS style main fuses! The fuses looked OK, but the elements had separated at one end inside.

After the second occurance I replace the glass fuse holders and fuses with the automotive style two prong plastic type. No problems since!!

BTDT · Apr 23, 2007

The last time I restarted it, flames came out of the exhaust!!!!

You must have got the model with the afterburner option

cqaigy2 · Apr 25, 2007

BTDT said:
The last time I restarted it, flames came out of the exhaust!!!!

You must have got the model with the afterburner option

Photos people!!

funpilot · Apr 29, 2007

Well, after learning to vent the gas caps....no problemos. What a great machine.

BAGTIC · Apr 30, 2007

My 425 has been out of service about 10 weeks. When our first spring came this year I started it up and started moving rolls of fencing and fence posts with the forks. After about five minutes it died and wouldn't restart. Replaced the fuze and tried again. Got a few intermittent grunts and groans but no start. Put in new plugs, the ones in it were like 50 hours old, and tried again. I smelled smoke, it was coming from the starter. Now nothing.

As you can imagine I any VERY unhappy. Summer is here, 85+ degree weather. My lawn hasn't been mowed in four months, it is 3-4X higher than my pasture and my tractor is still sitting at the local Robin service center.

My wife wants to know if we will get to put in a garden this year. I have repairs to do on the barn and a new outdoor wood burning boiler/furnace sitting in the back yard waiting to be installed but NO tractor. We are both PISSED.

MossRoad · Apr 30, 2007

Sorry to hear of your troubles. What's taking them so long to repair the engine/electrical controls??

BAGTIC · May 1, 2007

MossRoad said:
Sorry to hear of your troubles. What's taking them so long to repair the engine/electrical controls??

Service is no better than the LOCAL SERVICE REP.

Just got off the phone with Robin this morning. They had me fax appropriate numbers, bill of sale, etc. They said that because I have had so much trouble they would forgo the usual requirement that warranty work be done by one of 'their' reps. They will send me a free starter, direct.

BTW, someone asked if the 425 uses a 30 amp fuze. No. It uses a 20 amp fuze. I have blown enough to know.

Barryh · May 2, 2007

BAGTIC said:
Service is no better than the LOCAL SERVICE REP.

Just got off the phone with Robin this morning. They had me fax appropriate numbers, bill of sale, etc. They said that because I have had so much trouble they would forgo the usual requirement that warranty work be done by one of 'their' reps. They will send me a free starter, direct.

BTW, someone asked if the 425 uses a 30 amp fuze. No. It uses a 20 amp fuze. I have blown enough to know.

Man what a bummer !! I hope you get it back running strong, I know how I depend on mine without it I would be lost. I've been digging out a patio for a customer. The gate opening going into the back yard is 1 inch to narrow for my PT to pass through.

I have been digging it out by hand. Makes you really appreciate these machines. I would have been done over a week ago if I could have used the PT, and my back wouldn’t have been so sore. Good luck, I hope you get er running soon.

pequeajim · May 11, 2007

14:

Here is a comment that you posted a little while back...

"I have had these symtoms twice! Both times it was the GLASS style main fuses! The fuses looked OK, but the elements had separated at one end inside.

After the second occurance I replace the glass fuse holders and fuses with the automotive style two prong plastic type. No problems since!!"

Which fuse were you talking about; where?

pequeajim · May 13, 2007

Well, I found my problem. It was the cheap fuse holder that failed after 200 hours. I had checked the fuse, but did not think the fuse holder was the problem. I finally cut it off and twisted the wires together and VIOLA!

Anyway, I went out and bought a heavy duty fuse holder with a cover.

Worked like a charm.

KentT · May 13, 2007

Glad it was a simple, inexpensive fix for you Jim -- as frustrating as it may have been...

BobRip · May 13, 2007

pequeajim said:
Well, I found my problem. It was the cheap fuse holder that failed after 200 hours. I had checked the fuse, but did not think the fuse holder was the problem. I finally cut it off and twisted the wires together and VIOLA!

Anyway, I went out and bought a heavy duty fuse holder with a cover.

Worked like a charm.

I have had both of mine fail.