smartguyz
Gold Member
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2003
- Messages
- 488
- Location
- Beaverton, Oregon
- Tractor
- JD318, Power-Trac PT425 with scuffed-up green paint.
Hi guys,
I am totally thrilled with my PT425, which arrived last Tuesday. (I'm also completely intimidated by SnowRidge's super-detailed post, so I'm taking my time to do my writeup /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif ) The ability to hold onto the slope, and maneuver in very tight quarters (I purchased a spinner knob on the 1st day!) is simply stunning. All tractors should be made this way! I am very grateful for everyone's advice and time - I would definitely NOT have made the purchase if it wasn't for you guys!
I've already put 19 hours (!!) on the PT425, moving mountains (!) of Bark Mulch, using the finish mower on the lawn, sweeping the drive and courtyard (My wife said "Wow! That's really clean, and fast too!") - Haven't had time to try the mini-hoe or the brush hog. I am really enjoying it's utility and super-FUN factor! By the way - the green paint (aside from being of very poor quality) is an exact match for John Deere Classic Green, for those who just have to know. (I painted my JD318 this spring)
OK, here's the question.
It is my habit to change all new vehicles to synthetic oil within a few hours of initial operation - When my PT reached 10 hours, I dumped the oil and swapped it out. Yep, that's right - the operative word is DUMPED. I looked at how tight the space is under the drain plug near the oil filter, and tried to put a small drain pan to catch the expected 2 qts. of oil. Well, the oil didn't flow out in an orderly manner, and ended up dumping most all of the 2 qts. into the engine compartment, and then out the drain/vent holes in the bottom of the engine bay. What a mess! Took me 1/2 hour with detergent and my pressure washer (and a whole roll of paper towels) to set things right again. My kids were wondering why I was so irritated, too.
So, how do you guys accomplish a neat and tidy draining of the engine oil? What do you use? Do you use a drain hose? Some kind of special pan? Inquiring minds want to know! Is there another drain plug that I don't know about that drains more neatly?
Thanks,
Rob /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
I am totally thrilled with my PT425, which arrived last Tuesday. (I'm also completely intimidated by SnowRidge's super-detailed post, so I'm taking my time to do my writeup /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif ) The ability to hold onto the slope, and maneuver in very tight quarters (I purchased a spinner knob on the 1st day!) is simply stunning. All tractors should be made this way! I am very grateful for everyone's advice and time - I would definitely NOT have made the purchase if it wasn't for you guys!
I've already put 19 hours (!!) on the PT425, moving mountains (!) of Bark Mulch, using the finish mower on the lawn, sweeping the drive and courtyard (My wife said "Wow! That's really clean, and fast too!") - Haven't had time to try the mini-hoe or the brush hog. I am really enjoying it's utility and super-FUN factor! By the way - the green paint (aside from being of very poor quality) is an exact match for John Deere Classic Green, for those who just have to know. (I painted my JD318 this spring)
OK, here's the question.
It is my habit to change all new vehicles to synthetic oil within a few hours of initial operation - When my PT reached 10 hours, I dumped the oil and swapped it out. Yep, that's right - the operative word is DUMPED. I looked at how tight the space is under the drain plug near the oil filter, and tried to put a small drain pan to catch the expected 2 qts. of oil. Well, the oil didn't flow out in an orderly manner, and ended up dumping most all of the 2 qts. into the engine compartment, and then out the drain/vent holes in the bottom of the engine bay. What a mess! Took me 1/2 hour with detergent and my pressure washer (and a whole roll of paper towels) to set things right again. My kids were wondering why I was so irritated, too.
So, how do you guys accomplish a neat and tidy draining of the engine oil? What do you use? Do you use a drain hose? Some kind of special pan? Inquiring minds want to know! Is there another drain plug that I don't know about that drains more neatly?
Thanks,
Rob /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif