Power Trac PT425

[MossRoad]

Thanks!

The hitch came with the unit. The pin was in it too. The pin looks to be about 5/8" while my lawn cart is 1/2". I'll have to measure it to be acurate. I'm thinking up a way to mount a 2" receiver tube in that hitch and have it be removable. I've got a few ideas for winter projects.

<font color=green> MossRoad </font color=green>

 

[glennmac]

<font color=blue>Can't wait to see the movies. I've already put my Windows machine to bed for the night, but I'll definitely check them out tomorrow.</font color=blue>

Well, as is customary, I guess I'll just have to explain computers and video imaging to Harv. You don't need a Windows machine to view the videos, Harv. You just need the M$ "Windows Media Player", which runs on your Macs.

That was even easier than explaining to Patrick how the speed of light can be exceeded. I'm still working on how to explain pneumatic hair driers to Bird.

 

[Bird]

<font color=blue>how to explain pneumatic hair driers to Bird</font color=blue>

When you have as little hair as I do, you don't worry about hair driers; pneumatic or otherwise./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[MossRoad]

Hey Bird, I've got the same use for a blow drier as you! You now what they say... God made a lot of perfect heads, on the rest he put hair!

 

[MossRoad]

Re: Power Trac PT425 Cold Weather Starting

It was 2 degrees this morning. Gave it 1/2 choke and 1/2 throttle and it fired right up. Noticed that the hydraluics were a little slow, so let it idle at 1/4 throttle for about 5 minutes while I shoveled the steps and moved my van. Came back and the hydraulics were just fine. Plowed about 4 inches of fluffy snow. Got lots of looks from neighborhood kids(young and old).

 

[PTRich]

Re: Power Trac PT425 Cold Weather Starting

I called the factory about the stiff hydralics when very cold. The two options they gave me were to switch to synthetic oil or buy a magnetic block heater. So far I have decided to just let it warm up. I think if I ever do have to drain my hydralic oil I will put synthetic in, but not unless I have to drain it, there is a lot of oil in there.

PTRich

 

[MChalkley]

Re: Power Trac PT425 Cold Weather Starting

PTRich - FWIW, I've always switched to synthetic oil in the hydraulic system at the first change, which I generally do at 50 hours. You're right, there's a lot of oil in the PowerTrac machines - my EF-5 takes 25 gallons! - but I've always found that it provides a major improvement in cold weather performance, and especially hydrostatic transmissions systems, like your PowerTrac uses. Usually, you'll notice a lot less noise, too. As sensitive as these systems are to cavitation and other viscosity-related problems, and as expensive as they are to replace/rebuild I figure it's very cheap insurance. My EF-5 has a pressure-drop warning light on the filter, and I've noticed that in 25-degree weather you can't move it for about 10 minutes without the light coming on. I expect major changes in that situation when I've put synthetic in it.

 

[pajoube]

If you get a chance could you do some more videos, would like to see the movement (side to side) of the snow blade.
I went to Louisville this past summer for the trade show that
Power-Trac was at and demo'd all the tractors but they did not have a blade to view. I'm interested in your comments as you live in a cold area like mine (Montana).
Paul

 

[MossRoad]

Re: Power Trac PT425 Cold Weather Starting

PTRich, and MChalkey,
It only took 5 minutes to warm up at 2 degrees. I think that I can live with that. It used to take my IH2500b 20 - 30 minutes to warm up, so 5 minutes is nothing. They said to change the filter every 50 hrs, but made no specific recommendations for the hydraulic fluid, just a mention that when it is no longer clean. Do either of you have a specific brand and type of synthetic oil to change to?

Also. PTRich, how hard is it to replace the filter? I know it is in a tight place, but doesn't look too hard to get to. Also, they gave me the bleeder hose. Can you describe the filter change as you rember it?

Where's a good source for bulk oil? I can't see putting in 10 gallons 1 quart at a time. I used to buy HY-TRAN in 5 gallon pails at TSC.

 

[MossRoad]

Sure. It might be a few days. Have to work tomorrow and have plans on New Years, but should get them in the next week. I'll film the plow angle and tilt as well as the lift to full height. I also plan on photographing the entire unit in greater detail, following MChalkey's example. I'll get closeups of all the attachments and hydro hookups as well.