PT 422 bottom side frame check

scarg · Jul 25, 2005

I can now remember over the past few months a very faint creaking noise that almost sounded a ball joint that needed grease even though they were all greased.

I now wonder if that faint noise was the crack in the frame growing over a period of months.

It would be interesting for 422 model owners to see if they can spot the origin of the crack on one of their units before it grows any larger. That is assuming that it is a design flaw that would be present on each machine.

The 1" drain hole and the closest hex head bolt connection directly below the steering cylinder mount would be the place to check.

/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Marks481 · Jul 25, 2005

I am guessing you are right. From your picture, it looked like you started with a crack between the two drilled holes (based upon the rust), and then this flexed back and forth until the rest was strain hardened to teh point of failure. Definitely something worth keeping an eye on. PT should definitely consider welding a doubler plate over the bottom of this point to give it more support.

I can feel your pain.

Phils · Jul 26, 2005

Heck, after seeing your post with photos, I was looking under my 422 late yesterday in that exact spot. I didn't see any cracks forming but that'll be a check I'll do at maintenance intervals from now on. Seems like a repair BEFORE it let go all the way might be easier.

Phil

cqaigy · Jul 26, 2005

<font color="orange"> that'll be a check I'll do at maintenance intervals from now on. </font>

I may, perhaps, adopted the same attitude, maybe. IMHO /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

jol1269 · Jul 27, 2005

i have the 425 and i think ill just have mine reenforced regardless lol i realy hate issues lol

Marks481 · Jul 27, 2005

It is unfortunate that PT put the drainage hole and the bolt hole next to the welded support for the steering hydraulic cylinder. I hoped that they had changed the design, but no such luck, mine looks the same as scarg (except for being broken off... cross my fingers).

The bolt is just one of the supports for the false floor... definitely not vital that it be located there. I think reinforcement of this area is definitely called for... as a minimum welding a plate over the drainage hole to avoid concentrating stress on the section of metal between the drainage hole and the bolt.