New to me 425 with high hours

[XSKIER]

I shopped for about a month, with every nice 425/445 being sold before I could get there. So I settled on a "project" '99 425 with 1380 hours and rear PTO. I've solved a couple issues with a tune up, valve adjustment, new coolant hoses, new fuel line, new oil pressure switch, new tires, rim guard (294 lbs worth!), ruegg 3 point hitch, and just getting warmed up.

My next concern is the drift, or lowering of the deck and 3pt arms when sitting parked. Has anyone had experience with worn selective control valves? Or is it more common for the lift cylinder piston to leak past? Or is it completely normal?

Here is a pic to get you guys excited...

 

[beenthere]

That is a sharp looking 425. I like the tires. :thumbsup:

I get some drift when my 425 is sitting with the engine off but it isn't something I have any worry about. Is your drift while the engine is running?

And you learned that getting ahold of the 425 and 445 tractors is tough. Even tougher when I finally (after looking for 3 years) found my 455.

 

[XSKIER]

Thanks, They're 8 ply radials!

Yes, mine will drift while the engine is running, about 4" per hour running or not on the 3point. I have in mind and electric system for the SCV lockout, so I can use the 4way quick hitch and a rear attachment with out having to leave the seat. I'll most likely wait to do that until I acquire the front attachments.

I looked at a '01 455 with 340 hours, $5000 with brand new 54" blade, quick hitch, and chains. I couldn't stand the rattle that it the machine made at anything other than WFO. So I passed. However, at WFO what a smooth ride, very nice. My main use for this tractor is moving firewood, brush, leaves, and miscellaneous. So it will spend alot of time at lower throttle settings, thus cementing the decision that I don't need diesel power. I have a commercial mower for the grass.

 

[cooper99]

Great project mower! Love the 425, especially with those tires and 3pt. I wouldn't consider 1380 hours high for that machine- lots of life left. It looks like you've tinted your rear tail lights. More pictures please!

I also experience about the same amount of drift on our 455; about the same if it's running or turned off. However, I've noticed it more this season than the past few- might need to replace some hoses, but don't want to bring it into the dealer until something more important breaks/fails first.

 

[cooper99]

A couple more questions I forgot to mention- What 3pt hitch are you running? And what tires/size are those on front and rear? I'm wanting to put a similar set of HDAP's on the 455. I'm really impressed yours are 8 ply- most the HDAP's I've looked at are only 2 or 4.

 

[XSKIER]

The tail lights were falling out of the fenders when I got it. The white reflective plastic that sits inside the housing is missing on the left one. It looks cool at daytime, but is rather dim at night
The three point hitch is a category 1 from Bill Ruegg in OH. I found him through ebay, he has the cat 0 3pt hitches listed there. It is very nice and was simple to install.
The fronts are carlisle snow hogs in 18-7.50-8. The rears are GBC "Grim Reapers" in 26-12r-12. All are mounted on the original rims to the tractor. I own a parts and service shop for off road vehicles, and pretty much can have the pick of the litter on ATV tires. If you're ever near S.E. Mich. I can swing you a great deal on any tire.