Pat's Easy Change - Broken Latch Spring

[Crisswell]

I want to alert others to watch your PEC!

I was mowing/moving yesterday with my rfm, when suddenly, without warning, the right side of the mower (90" landpride) lurched forward and struck the right rear tire. I immediately shut everything down. After looking around I figured out that the latch spring on my PEC on that side had broken, allowing the deck to come free on that side - and with the rotation of the pto (at 540 rpm!) had launched the deck forward on just that one side. Now I had 1000 lbs of mower loose on one side and locked in on the other, at a 45 degree angle to the tractor! By slowly working the tractor back and forth while dragging the deck I was able to line the 3ph up again and pick up the mower and take it back to the garage.

In disgust, I left it there and will go back and remove the PEC and send it back. It's only 3 moths old, or so, and has been used less than 10 times!

My concern at this point is making sure there's no damage to the pto shaft and/or mower gearbox from the sudden change in the angle of rotation!

Has anyone else had a problem with their PEC?

Be careful!!

Andy

 

[BobG_in_VA]

Did the spring "break" or just come loose?? I've got the Cat 2 PEC and no problems so far. Just took a 1400 lb brush hog off yesterday in about 40 seconds flat. Let us know what PEC does with your issue. Thanks for posting. BobG in VA

 

[jwstewar]

I would be interested in seeing some pics. I've had mine for about 10 months and love it. I did lose one of the bolts out of it used to hold the latch up, just need to pick another one up - just haven't done it. I've already abuse mine pretty good between the rototiller, rotary cutter, and the post hole digger. I only wish it came with more of the little washers - guess I should contact them and see about getting more.

 

[Crisswell]

Did the spring "break" or just come loose?? I've got the Cat 2 PEC and no problems so far. Just took a 1400 lb brush hog off yesterday in about 40 seconds flat. Let us know what PEC does with your issue. Thanks for posting. BobG in VA

It broke. Just above where the end of the spring is secured to the main body of the bracket (the end of the spring you can see). The end loop that attaches to the main body holder is still there and attached to the bracket. Just simply snapped off right above the loop, but below the main part of the spring.

Mine's a Cat 2, also.

After having this happen, I'm going to make something up that secures the latch mechanism and doesn't just rely on the springs. Maybe some sort of heavy bungy cord deal wrapped around the mechanism. Not sure yet.

Anyway, I think that Pat's ought to come up with some sort of mechanical lock to make sure those latches stay in place! May take a little of the convenience out, but would be alot safer for the equipment and the operator!!

I know there are hundreds, maybe thousands, of very happy customers out there, so I guess I'm just "Mr Lucky" again!

Andy

 

[Crisswell]

I would be interested in seeing some pics. I've had mine for about 10 months and love it. I did lose one of the bolts out of it used to hold the latch up, just need to pick another one up - just haven't done it. I've already abuse mine pretty good between the rototiller, rotary cutter, and the post hole digger. I only wish it came with more of the little washers - guess I should contact them and see about getting more.

I'll get some pictures over the weekend, but may need some help getting them posted.

 

[3RRL]

I've had mine for about 1 year and used it on every piece of equipment. I've even made it so my tilt cylinders can "force" one edge of the box blade into the ground with pressure and Pat's has never failed.
I was thinking about what you said....about the spring breaking. Maybe something you ran over was launched and sheared that spring? On the other hand, I do know springs fail, so an alternate method..perhaps double springs might be called for? In any case, thanks for the warning.

 

[Inspector507]

One of my springs has been non-functional for the last year. The silly cotter pin broke and I'm not taking the whole thing off to replace a 20 cent item. I've never had the latch open up after a year of using it that way.

 

[billbill1]

I had a spring break on my PEC after about a year of use. I called and the woman (I can't remember her name) sent one out to me at no charge. I really like dealing with these people. I ordered enough washers from them to keep them on all of my implements so I don't swap them around. They were cheap too.

 

[Crisswell]

Update

I've been out of town and hadn't had a chance to call yet, but the most amazing thing just happened. I just got an unsolicited email from Pat's offering to replace the latch mechanism or give me a complete refund! They're sending a new latch mechanism. Apparently someone at Pat's saw this thread.

Now that's what I call proactive customer service! Thanks Vicky/Pat!

Andy

 

[Maine_Polack]

Didn't exactly have the spring let go, but my rear blade did jump put of the Pats on one side.

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