Proud Owner of a used 1850 - tons of questions

[woodlandfarms]

I consider myself quite fortunate in finding a kind soul here at TBN who was parting with one of his 1850's. I leave his name out at the moment, his decision to speak up.

I am very excited about all of this, and have been getting great advice from the site and from the gentleman who I purchased the tractor from, but now things are serious and I have some stupidly simple questions, but incredibly important to me. I am sure I will have more as the days and weeks come along and I know I can count on you guys.

That all said, here is my problem I do not know how to start or drive this thing. I know it seems funny but I bought this thing cold without ever driving or seeing one, other than on the net. I never made it to the factory. The reason I ask this is because the machine will be delivered at the bottom of my hill and I will have to get it off the main street and up to the property, using the forklifts to haul the pallets of goodies and the last thing I want to do is crack it up, or be unable to get it to go, while on public display.

I have some CUT experience, and more Full Sized experience. Driving and operating seem to appear to be like any other Hydrostatic tractor, get the RPMs up, Right Treddle for forward, Left for rear, center to stop. Steering is steering. Arms lift and tilt normally.

So, my questions if my above assumptions are correct is how do you start this tractor? Is there a choke, do I need to let the glow plugs warm up? How long before I roll it off the tractor trailer?

Second, How does the quick attach operate? I mean, where is the lever to connect / disconnect? It is just a matter of getting the top lip under the implement lip, pulling up and then locking the quick attaches?

Thanks for this intro advice.

Carl

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

So, my questions if my above assumptions are correct is how do you start this tractor? Is there a choke, do I need to let the glow plugs warm up? How long before I roll it off the tractor trailer?

Second, How does the quick attach operate? I mean, where is the lever to connect / disconnect? It is just a matter of getting the top lip under the implement lip, pulling up and then locking the quick attaches?

Thanks for this intro advice.

Carl

Carl: Sounds exciting. I did have a few minutes test drive at the factory, but the first real test was backing my 1845 off the trailer that delivered it. Nervous making.

Starting: There is no choke, no glow plugs. The throttle is to the left of the steering wheel. Down is faster. Set it at 1/4 down or so and turn key to start. The starter won't work if the treadle isn't centered.
The brake tender is in front of your left knee. Once the engine is running, you release the brake by moving the lever to the right.
The quick connect hydraulic lever is in front of your right knee. From the seat, look at the back of the attach plate and cycle the locking lugs up and down. To attach an implement, position the attach plate top under the implement plate lip and lift/roll the attach plate back. (Joystick is standard movement. Move it around a bit before attaching the first implement) When the two plates are tight together, lock with the lever. Assuming that is the forks, their distance apart is manual adjustment, not from the seat. You lift pins and slide them - fairly standard.
Although you already have heard that the manuals aren't perfect, it might be worth calling PT and asking them to FedEx you a manual.

 

[cqaigy2]

Sounds like your going to have a lot of fun with your new "to you" machine. I bought my 422 site unseen also because of the Good people here in TBN and their enthusiasm with these machines.

Take things slow and be aware that it turns pretty tight and quick, pay attention to your surrounding's and you should do just fine.

I've found my PT to be very stable and maneuverable. I always use the lap belt because I bought mine w/ROPs, my land is pretty hilly but i've only been up on two wheels and haven't rolled over.

Again, have fun with your "new" machine.

 

[woodlandfarms]

Carl: Sounds exciting. I did have a few minutes test drive at the factory, but the first real test was backing my 1845 off the trailer that delivered it. Nervous making.

Although you already have heard that the manuals aren't perfect, it might be worth calling PT and asking them to FedEx you a manual.

Thanks for the info. I spend my days moving information and people and never once thought of the simple "please fedex me a manual" idea... Will call them on Monday...

 

[J_J]

Thanks for the info. I spend my days moving information and people and never once thought of the simple "please fedex me a manual" idea... Will call them on Monday...

Go over your delivery contract, and see if they are supposed to deliver it onto a ramp, or on the ground. They should be responsible for getting it off their vehicle. If you have to back it down a ramp, go slow, and don't make any sharp turns. Once it starts down the ramp, it will try and go faster, left toe pressure doesn't help. Keep right toe pressure to slow down the backward speed.

 

[woodlandfarms]

Go over your delivery contract, and see if they are supposed to deliver it onto a ramp, or on the ground. They should be responsible for getting it off their vehicle. If you have to back it down a ramp, go slow, and don't make any sharp turns. Once it starts down the ramp, it will try and go faster, left toe pressure doesn't help. Keep right toe pressure to slow down the backward speed.

Good idea! Still have not locked in my shipping details yet as I am waiting for all my implements to get built...