Now the good and some differences

catsco · May 4, 2004

Rip--

Thanks for the encouragement.

Things look better today. As I mentioned in previous posts, a pessimist (that's me) is seldom disappointed and sometimes pleasantly surprised!

I will be about two weeks until I get the PT up to Larkspur as I'm currently in week 2.5 of the alleged 24 hour period for approval from the powers-that-be to install a driveway on my property.

It's hard to stay mad at a tractor that my wife thinks is CUTE. A little embarassing, but we agree on its usefulness.

That has not always been the case with equipment purchases over the last 20 plus years! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

See add'l. posts for some pictures of the newest.

Regards
Mark H.

ernemats · May 4, 2004

Congratulations on your new purchase, but sorry to hear of your problems. I think you will be pleased with your machine once you get to use it some after the problems are solved.

toy · May 4, 2004

Something else you might want to take a look at look directly below the filler cap for the gas on the 425 , the exhaust pipe is directly below it. When I fill mine up I raise the hood, gets the tank away from the exhaust, but it is best not to fill it up when the machine is hot. If you try to fill it up with the hood down while it is hot and accidently spill a little it will light up your life in a very bad way. I think it is easier to fill up with the hood raised, at least on mine unless they have made other changes to the tank since I bought mine. It would have helped if the cap was to one side i beleive. Something else that I noticed on some of the pictures of some of your machines some of you have mounted the fire extinguisher to the hood, I mounted mine to the left rop bar. I beleive that if you had a fire on the machine it would probably be in the back of the machine and if flames were shooting out from under the hood you might not be able to get to your fireextinguisher just a thought.

MossRoad · May 5, 2004

Moss-Road--where is your battery??? 

In the right-rear corner of the engine compartment, under the muffler. The muffler has to be removed to get it out. I like your design, better.

Another difference is, correct me if I'm wrong, all the hydraulic pumps are now in front of the engine, where as, mine has the variable volume pump in front of the engine and the two PTO pumps behind the engine.

I'm a big boy, 6' and fluctuating often between 205 and 218 depending on how much chocolate I eat. That seat belt has never been too small! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif Quite generous, indeed.

As others have mentioned, the parking brake can be kind of quirky. When I set it, I then step on the treadle pedal until I see the pins pop in. To take it off I jsut use the pedals and steering wheel to release any torque lock that might have occurred. You ever park a car on a steep hill and not been able to get it out of park?

Sorry to hear of your first day problems. I'll reply over there.

toolz_not_toyz · May 5, 2004

( When I fill mine up I raise the hood, gets the tank away from the exhaust, but it is best not to fill it up when the machine is hot.)

Thereby cutting down on the number of hours you can run the machine. That's a drag.

( It would have helped if the cap was to one side i beleive. )

I honestly can't understand why the cap is in the middle. My lawn tractor is like that and it's a pain to lift a full 5-gallon gas can to a point where you can refuel and not spill anything. I attached a flex spout with an on/off valve to help. But it's still a dumb design. Coupled with a gas tank that is mounted to the engine cover and I've just got to wonder how they dream up some of these so-called improvements.

I'd prefer a white plastic gas tank with the opening on the side and free from the engine cover. That way you can see how much gas you have and you can refuel without fear of blowing up and you can lift the engine cover more easily and without having to worry that gas might seep out of the gas cap...I assume this is a breather cap.

FOURTEEN · May 6, 2004

I also have the new design PT-425 with the gas tank on top. The tank can be filled quickly and safely by using a large funnel!! Mine is 10" round and 8" high. The lower part is small enough to fit tightly inside the gas tank opening, while extending about 3" into the tank.
Gas from a 5 gallon can may be poured full stream into the funnel without splashing or leaking onto the engine cover. When the open hole in the lower end of the funnel closes and begins filling with gas, it is time to slow the flow. Another inch or so and the tank is full!! Remove the funnel, replace the cap, and you are good to go!!!

PS: My funnel is red, which looks nice on my white engine cover while I am refueling!!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

blackwell · May 6, 2004

The cap is to the front edge of the tank, which is at the top of the tank when the hood is raised, thus preventing fuel from spilling when the tank is full and the hood raised. I think a real good idea!

MossRoad · May 6, 2004

I have a large red funnel, too. Mine also has a screen at the bottom of the funnel. I have the older plastic tank model.

FOURTEEN · May 7, 2004

/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gifYou're too lucky!! You have both a white plastic gas tank and a big red funnel!! That's not fair!! You should give one or the other to toolz_not_toyz!! Apparently he doesn't have either one!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

smartguyz · May 7, 2004

( I have a large red funnel, too. Mine also has a screen at the bottom of the funnel. I have the older plastic tank model. )

I have an orange funnel with a nice filter in it. I do like looking back to see how much gas is left (when really working hard, it does eat more gas), and I like the fact that condensation will not cause any rust! No offense, I like aspects of the new design as well. Having the battery away from heat and closer to the operator is nice.

Sincerely,

-Rob /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif