New 1430

[MossRoad]

My last riding mower was a JD, and the dealer said to run it full throttle when mowing. What do you guys do with your PTs? Full throttle when under load, or just enough to accomplish the task at hand? Thanks.

I've run mine at full throttle anytime I'm doing work since 2001, as it's an air cooled engine and needs the fan to spin fast to move air. Doesn't matter if I'm using the FEL or running mowers, I run at full throttle.

Running at full throttle gives you better drivetrain, steering, braking and FEL response as well. I'll throttle it back to maybe 3/4 when just tramming across the yard, but out on our 20 acres, I want to get somewhere fast, so I keep it throttled up out there as well.

Then I just throttle it down to idle for about 30 seconds and shut it off.

 

[MossRoad]

https://resources.kohler.com/power/kohler/enginesUS/pdf/Oil_Sellsheet.pdf

@scotts562 Yes extra zinc and additives to reduce thermal breakdown.

I use air cooled engine oil in air cooled engines; synthetic also works for many folks, I've heard.

All the best, Peter

I've always run 5W30 Mobile 1 in my engine since the first oil change. About 1200 hrs on the engine now, I think?

 

[2manyrocks]

Whether to run full throttle I can't say, but certainly run at a high enough RPM for the hydraulic pump to have good flow.

Canopy shelter is not 100% necessary, but convenient. You could just tarp your PT.

Pay attention to what Ponytug said about greasing the bushings on the brush mower blades. I think the ones on my PT1445 came dry, and failed within the first 50 hours of use as I recall. Also, grease the bearings on the mower wheels, too.

 

[MossRoad]

I think I've been adding a quart of 5W50 Mobil 1 to my hydraulic tank at each filter change. Can't recall, as I'm out of it right now, but think it was that. My reasoning was to ease cold weather starting (OP has heat mat so maybe that'll help) and hot weather loss of power.

I'm too many years into it to switch now.