Parking outdoors

[bbabineau]

I have always parked my PT in the barn but am now considering the purchase of another antique truck. For those who park their PT outdoors, what have you noticed in damage from the elements?

 

[BobRip]

They are not designed to park outdoors. Anyway that is my understanding. At least put a tarp over it if you do so.

 

[cqaigy2]

I wouldn't park mine outside but then it rains much more here.

 

[MossRoad]

I would not park my PT outside. I would invest in a lean-to on the back of my garage to at least get a roof over it. You could tarp the sides. Or a yard barn to put it in. Last choice would be to park it on a gravel pad and tarp it down to the ground.

 

[tlb13057]

My 425 has been parked outdoors since I bought it in May 2004. It doesn't rain that much in central Texas, nor snow often. Freezing rain every couple of years though.

Things I atribute to being outdoors include keyswitch failure, hour meter failure, rust, discoloration of the paint, seat, steering wheel, hydraulic hoses cracking, light enclosures, and lots of dust. Probably have to lubricate it more often too. When it sits through a good rain the pivot points get rusted and sometimes stick.

After nearly fours years though, it still runs pretty good. I bought it used so now has 6 years on it. I have had to replace 2 wheel motors, head gasket, battery, keyswitch. Not bad considering how rough I have been on it. Cranked it up today first time in 3 weeks. Started right up.
-Tim

 

[MossRoad]

That's one thing to consider.... the U.V. damage that will occur to the hoses and tires if left exposed to the sun day after day.

 

[smartguyz]

Oh boy, I would NOT leave the PT outside. It's far too expensive a piece of equipment, and is clearly not designed for that. I would either build a lean-to, as David suggests, or even buy one of those little storage sheds - the resin one that Costco has in their warehouses would be pretty good, depending how many attachments you have. It's a little pricey at around 800$ I think.

Rob

 

[SpringHollow]

I had to leave my PT outside for a few weeks. Water leaked in under the hydraulic tank cover and had a milky mess for oil so I had to replace it all. So I would be careful.

Ken

 

[cqaigy2]

BTW. I've found tarping to the ground collects moisture coming up from the ground and traps it inside.

 

[Charlesaf3]

curiousity - my kubota never goes indoors, why is it so hard on power trac? design?