New PT-180 owner

[Barryh]

Thanks Tracdoc,

Looks like just the ticket. I will have to order one. Can anyone suggest a good set of lights with switch's in the 35 watt range, so I can install two in the front on the ROP'S add a cooling fan, and still have enough juice to maybe tack on a backup light or two of some sort. I like the rectangular look. Thanks /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

 

[BobRip]

Robin-Subaru (engine manufacturer in the PT) recommends to always run the engine at full throttle. I admit that I don't do that, but I do run at full throttle in the following conditions.
Filling the bucket
Going up moderate to steep hills
Mowing
Stump grinding
Trenching
Any kind of digging

I don't run at full throttle under the following conditions:
Going down hill or level while not going full speed with nothing running off of the PTO.
Sitting still
One minute prior to shutdown I idle.

So as you can see most of the time if you are pushing the engine, run at full throttle. The engine cools best and controls fuel best at this speed.

A little something else to learn. Enjoy.

Bob Ripley

 

[Barryh]

I was running close to full tonight going up the hill, but full seemed a little to much. Than again I was not doing any digging or under much load. I'm sure as I break in the engine it will smooth out. Thanks Bobrip will keep that in mind. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

 

[dturnmire]

"Noticed yesterday after running around for only 20 min’s Mr. Robin got very hot and started vibrating and running extremely rough."

Could it be vapor lock? I know some have had that problem in the past.

 

[Barryh]

Hi dturnmire,

it could be, was pretty hot out that day. I was thinking the same thing. It did try to stall even after I got it back to the garage, started to let it idle down, but just went ahead and shut if off. Yesterday it ran fine. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

 

[MuncyBob]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( actually I did give it more throttle going up grade )</font>

Several people..(including Jack from Robin) have indicated that you should set your throttle at full when using the PT...you'll get better coolling that way. I've also found that backing up a steep grade is much more successful than going up forward(I guess better traction with the wieght on the uphill part?). I try to hit any steep hills early in the job...seems you'll get better traction before the oil heats up.

 

[BobRip]

I have changed the transmission oil to Mobil 1 20W 50 and have noticed a significant increase in wheel torque with warm transmission oil. Before this I had plenty of torque when the transmission was cold, but not enough when it was hot. I am not sure about this if you live in a cold climate. I keep my PT in a heated garage.

Bob Rip

 

[MuncyBob]

I recall you doing this and I may do something similar since 150 hours is probably just 3 weeks away for me. Not sure what oil I'll use but it will be synthetic so I guess no matter what brand I choose it will be an improvement.

 

[Barryh]

Funny you should bring this up. I called this morning to order my hour meter. I got Terry on the phone, and asked him about the whine he said that was pretty normal. If the filter were clogged it would hardly move even on a level surface.

While I had him on the phone. I asked him about changing the engine and hydraulic oil to a synthetic. He kind of poo pooed the idea for both, said I should call Robin to inquire about the engine.

He said if I did do the hydraulic tank empty the tank then put in about four gallons of the synthetic. Cycle this through to get all the old oil out of the hose's and motors. Empty it again then fill it back up with fresh synthetic.

Sound's a little expensive, but I'm going to do it after my first 20 hour service. With out an oil cooler on the 180 I think of it as extra insurance along with the added torque I keep hearing about on the forum.

 

[Barryh]

I keep mine in the garage also, but it is not heated at this point. I may run a duct out there this winter. Gets pretty cold around here in the winter.