Owning PT with no mechanical servicing experience

[MossRoad]

I just got a PT1460 and my plan is to learn how to work on the machine as a hobby. Big things like the hydraulic hoses/engine/pump work I plan on getting get a shop or power trac to do. Smaller things like learning the wiring and maintenance and cylindar rebuilds I plan on doing myself. I always wanted to learn more about machinery so for me it is going to be part of the experience. I plan on having fun with it as I am not operating a commercial operation with it at this time.

Congrats on the PT1460!!! It has always been on my wish list.

:drool:

What tasks are you planning with the beast?

 

[woodlandfarms]

He didn’t buy it until he shows pictures. Yeah. Super jealous.

 

[PowerTracManiac]

Thanks for the congrats.
Going to clear some land, put in gravel driveways, get rid of a bunch of small trees and then build a bug out cabin. Got the 4 in1 by bucket and the stump grinder so I hope they will be enough to get the trees under control.

 

[woodlandfarms]

Back to the OP and should you buy a PT. In my opinion they are no more or less reliable than any other tractor platform. If you buy new, I would suggest a trip to Tazwell to drive the actual tractor. They can have fit and finish issues (hoses not tight, bolts not tightened) so I would drive the machine for a few hours on the lot first (and I do mean a few hours). If not, you may have to turn a wrench when it arrives.

This all said, I have zero mechanical ability, or at least I did when this thing arrived. I know you can do a lot of the repairs yourself. It is actually a very simple machine a the end of the day. I cannot do advanced hydraulic repair but the basics (flat tires, oil changes, busted hoses) are easliy within your skillset, not matter how much you think you are not capable of doing repairs.

And doing reparis is necessary, wether it is Kubota, Deere or PT. I am sure you have a neighbor or friend who can talk you through whatever issue you have, and this group here will guide you through any issue.

 

[azizfargo]

Back to the OP and should you buy a PT. In my opinion they are no more or less reliable than any other tractor platform. If you buy new, I would suggest a trip to Tazwell to drive the actual tractor. They can have fit and finish issues (hoses not tight, bolts not tightened) so I would drive the machine for a few hours on the lot first (and I do mean a few hours). If not, you may have to turn a wrench when it arrives.

This all said, I have zero mechanical ability, or at least I did when this thing arrived. I know you can do a lot of the repairs yourself. It is actually a very simple machine a the end of the day. I cannot do advanced hydraulic repair but the basics (flat tires, oil changes, busted hoses) are easliy within your skillset, not matter how much you think you are not capable of doing repairs.

And doing reparis is necessary, wether it is Kubota, Deere or PT. I am sure you have a neighbor or friend who can talk you through whatever issue you have, and this group here will guide you through any issue.

Yes I am planning on making a trip to Tazewell, but wasn't planning on driving the tractor for a few hours, which I will try to do now that you mentioned about it. I like your point that PT is just like any other tractor maintenance wise.

 

[MuncyBob]

I'm also by no means a mechanic. But the help you can get here and from Tazewell is invaluable. I have replaced 2 wheel motors, adjusted the valves and added a t-stat with fan on the motor cage for better air flow/temp control along with installing the Robin muffler. Not real hard tasks but things that prior to this machine I never did or thought I would do. Just like many things....live & learn.

 

[barrell]

I replaced my Kholer engine last year with a new one. Didnt think I could handle it. But after a few bruised knuckles it was done and runs like a champ. Trickiest part was cutting the drive shaft shorter on the motor. But I Magivered a simple way to cut it using a saw zaw and it looks like it was cut by a laser.

 

[cqaigy2]

Good for you!!!!

I did similar from Robin's to Kohler and cutting the drive shaft made me nervous. Best upgrade i ever did for the PT.

 

[PowerTracManiac]

Congrats on the motor swap!
Over the past year and a half, I have learned a lot about my PT1460. My machine has approx. 1000 hours on it. Work so far has been totally cleaning out the fuel tank, replacing fuel lines, replacing fuel return lines on the deisel motor, new fuel pump, new filters, electrical diagnosis solenoid and oil sender. The machine has really been wonderful after a rough start with my fuel supply issues.
This group has been awesome and I have to say the PT factory has also been there to support me.

I have brought this up before and I would love it if PT did a yearly owners group meeting with workshops at the factory.