TanSprFarm
Member
Good luck with your new machine! Sounds like you had a great trip.
My Trip to Power Trac
- Thread starter pequeajim
- Start date
- Views: 5241
Well, I put an hour on the machine this morning, unloading attachments, driving around and getting a general feel for the PT experience.
Although the tractor is articulated, it is quite a different feel than the Ventrac that I had. I think the main reason for this is that on the PT, your seat is attached to the front frame whereas on the Ventrac you are attached to the rear.
The sensation is the same that I remember when I first drove a Ventrac, I felt VERY wierd... After a few hours with the PT, I know that feeleing will pass as my brain gets used to the difference.
It was a wierd feeling when I backed the tractor off the trailer!
One thing that I noticed right away that I don't like is the suitcase type of key that they used on the ignition? One thing I will be doing soon is taking that out and replacing it with an ATV type of ignition where the key housing covers the ignition when it is inserted.
OVerall, 9.9 thumbs up so far!
Although the tractor is articulated, it is quite a different feel than the Ventrac that I had. I think the main reason for this is that on the PT, your seat is attached to the front frame whereas on the Ventrac you are attached to the rear.
The sensation is the same that I remember when I first drove a Ventrac, I felt VERY wierd... After a few hours with the PT, I know that feeleing will pass as my brain gets used to the difference.
It was a wierd feeling when I backed the tractor off the trailer!
One thing that I noticed right away that I don't like is the suitcase type of key that they used on the ignition? One thing I will be doing soon is taking that out and replacing it with an ATV type of ignition where the key housing covers the ignition when it is inserted.
OVerall, 9.9 thumbs up so far!
Phils
Platinum Member
Thanks for the great photos of Tazwell. Nice to see a picture of Scott, after emailing and phoning him prior to my purchase.
So how did the sales tax thing work? I thought if you picked it up you had to pay Virginia sales tax, or fill out some obscure paperwork?
I agree that the ignition switch leaves something to be desired. Let us (at least me) know when you've switched the switch and what to, photos would be good.
Dunno if you have followed a thread I started in "customization", but last night I installed a Supertrap muffler onto my 422 and, even tho I only ran it for 5 minutes, it was a significant difference on noise. I'll get a photo today, and maybe by tomorrow figure out how to make the file small enough to post. Already worth the $90 to me. The "muffler" manufactured and installed by PT doesn't do very much "muffling" IMHO.
Phil
So how did the sales tax thing work? I thought if you picked it up you had to pay Virginia sales tax, or fill out some obscure paperwork?
I agree that the ignition switch leaves something to be desired. Let us (at least me) know when you've switched the switch and what to, photos would be good.
Dunno if you have followed a thread I started in "customization", but last night I installed a Supertrap muffler onto my 422 and, even tho I only ran it for 5 minutes, it was a significant difference on noise. I'll get a photo today, and maybe by tomorrow figure out how to make the file small enough to post. Already worth the $90 to me. The "muffler" manufactured and installed by PT doesn't do very much "muffling" IMHO.
Phil
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I agree that the ignition switch leaves something to be desired. Let us (at least me) know when you've switched the switch and what to, photos would be good.
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I will post something as soon as I find the right switch to put on. I want to check out the switch used by Polaris on their ATVs. It is the same type of multi-position switch and the AVT keys come with a rubber boot that covers the switch assembly when the key is inserted. This keeps the water out.
</font><font color="blue" class="small">(
Dunno if you have followed a thread I started in "customization", but last night I installed a Supertrap muffler onto my 422 and, even tho I only ran it for 5 minutes, it was a significant difference on noise. I'll get a photo today, and maybe by tomorrow figure out how to make the file small enough to post. Already worth the $90 to me. The "muffler" manufactured and installed by PT doesn't do very much "muffling" IMHO.
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THanks Phil. I would be interested in seeing that. The tractor is loud for sure. Right now, I am wearing ear plugs.
Jim!
I agree that the ignition switch leaves something to be desired. Let us (at least me) know when you've switched the switch and what to, photos would be good.
)</font>
I will post something as soon as I find the right switch to put on. I want to check out the switch used by Polaris on their ATVs. It is the same type of multi-position switch and the AVT keys come with a rubber boot that covers the switch assembly when the key is inserted. This keeps the water out.
</font><font color="blue" class="small">(
Dunno if you have followed a thread I started in "customization", but last night I installed a Supertrap muffler onto my 422 and, even tho I only ran it for 5 minutes, it was a significant difference on noise. I'll get a photo today, and maybe by tomorrow figure out how to make the file small enough to post. Already worth the $90 to me. The "muffler" manufactured and installed by PT doesn't do very much "muffling" IMHO.
)</font>
THanks Phil. I would be interested in seeing that. The tractor is loud for sure. Right now, I am wearing ear plugs.
Jim!
cqaigy
Silver Member
Nice picts!
You sure are going to have a blast with your machine
Be sure to post picts of your projects and things cause that camera of yours looks to take good pictures.
You sure are going to have a blast with your machine
Be sure to post picts of your projects and things cause that camera of yours looks to take good pictures.
pajoube
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2001
- Messages
- 2,225
- Location
- Montana (Near Bozeman)
- Tractor
- Former Owner PowerTrac 425 (September 2003)
I wish I could keep mine that clean.
PJ
PJ
pajoube
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2001
- Messages
- 2,225
- Location
- Montana (Near Bozeman)
- Tractor
- Former Owner PowerTrac 425 (September 2003)
The ignition is a standard unit made for most tractors. I went to Sears and bought some additional keys that are larger and have a plastic knob that is easier to grab. Never have had any problem with water getting into the ignition.
PJ
PJ
BobRip
Elite Member
I got a little water in the hour meter early on. I eventually put it in a dessicant chamber at 1/2 atmosphere and left it there for a few hours. You should probably not hose off the instrument panel anyway.
Phils
Platinum Member
I didn't notice any drop in power with the Supertrap muffler. You size the muffler by HP..... 1 plate for each 3 HP. So my 22hp would take 7 and 1/3 plate... they come in packs of 3, so I have 9 plates installed which should be more than enough for 22hp. Under 6 plates and I'm thinking the backpressure would restrict HP on this engine. Plates are easy and quick to change, and I may try 7 plates and see if it reduces the noise any more without affecting power.
The muffler clamps on with a hose clamp. I tried that, but after a half-hour of stump grinding it fell off. It was VERY obvious when that happened, as it was instantly MUCH louder. I reattached it with a couple of screws, and will weld it on when I find the time and ambition. Got a big bonfire scheduled for today with much company (a birthday bonfire for a family member's big EIGHTEEN) so I may not get it welded for a few weeks. But it works fine held on with screws, albeit slightly loose.
This PT sure will come in handy today carting the dutch ovens up to the fire site! The hard part will be keeping everyone from driving it.... these are a little tricky for an unexperienced operator, what with no brake and all.
Phil
The muffler clamps on with a hose clamp. I tried that, but after a half-hour of stump grinding it fell off. It was VERY obvious when that happened, as it was instantly MUCH louder. I reattached it with a couple of screws, and will weld it on when I find the time and ambition. Got a big bonfire scheduled for today with much company (a birthday bonfire for a family member's big EIGHTEEN) so I may not get it welded for a few weeks. But it works fine held on with screws, albeit slightly loose.
This PT sure will come in handy today carting the dutch ovens up to the fire site! The hard part will be keeping everyone from driving it.... these are a little tricky for an unexperienced operator, what with no brake and all.
Phil