PT-425 PROS & cons??

[stray]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

Sounds Good 14. I some how get the idea that you would rather push than pull. Now go out there and get the mesurement from the mounting bolts of the Rop to the very top of the ROP. LOL If you get time, fill like it and would please.

P.S I have always liked you ideas. I did reverse my stump grinder and would not have it any other way.

 

[FOURTEEN]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

Con: Scalp Damage!

Problem: Occasionally when entering or leaving the driver's seat my scalp will unexpectedly contact the bottom edge of the ROPS Canopy, sometimes resulting in partial scalp removal, pain, and suffering!!

Solution: I have installed 1/2" Pipe Foam Insulation which has a soft 3/8" wall thickness! The insulation is split on one side and slid over the bottom edges of the ROPS Canopy and OEM plastic edging!!
Cost ~$1! Time ~10 minutes!

 

[stray]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

Great idea 14. My home made Rop doesn’t have the plastic edging so I thought I might split some ½ inch air hose and install it. My head is getting sore too!!

 

[FOURTEEN]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

One or the other, unless you actually enjoy cussing!! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[FOURTEEN]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

Wheel Motor Covers

Problem: The wheel motor frames on the PT-425 are open at the top, and allow dirt, stones, grass, or mulch to pack around the tops of the wheel motors. This is not only unsightly, particularly with reversed wheels, and difficult to clean out, but can reduce motor heat dissipation.

Solution: Install Wheel Motor Covers.

Procedure:
(1) Cut sheet metal into 4 rectangular plates each about 7” x 3”.
(2) Bend the plates to fit snugly over the housing by about 1/4” at each end.
(3) Drill 2 holes in the plates about 5-3/8” apart so as to align with the inside vertical edges of the housing.
(4) Slid the plates into position under the hydraulic hose fittings.
(5) Install #8 x 1” sheet metal screws in the plate holes. The screws will press along the sides of the housing to hold the plates in position and prevent rattling.
(6) Paint the plates, screws, and hose fittings black.

 

[stray]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

A nice simple job 14. Looks like a good idea.

 

[BobRip]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

Does all of the dirt come from above? I wonder if a lot may push from below. Keep us updated on how much better they stay clean. I just pulled my wheels to do such touch up painting for the parade and found a lot of mud. I have my own swamp out back and have learned a lot about geeting stuck and unstuck.

Nice idea and very simple. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Oh!, do the motors really require cooling. I wouldl guess that the hydraulic oil takes heat away with it much faster that dissipation in the motor. I am only guessing, and am not an expert in this subject.

 

[BobRip]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

The 22 horse power Robin engine is good for 15 amps. The 425 is probably a little bit more, but I don't have data. If it is rated like most alternators this is at high engine revs. 55 watt lights pull about 4 amps each at 14 volts. I don't know what the fan pulls, but this could be a problem if you run three lights and the fan. Also if you run at idle the battery will discharge since alternator output goes down at lower revs. I put four switches under the ROPS and can control each light separately. I also have a strobe light on top of the ROPS. In addition I use a SureCare battery maintainer which I plug into the cigarette lighter outlet which I added on the side of the console. The SureCare is available from Northern Tools for about $20. It does some sophisticated stuff which should extend battery life. Lead acid batteries like to be kept fully charged so I think that typical tractor use (unused for days and run down by accessories) is a good idea.

 

[tracdoc]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

FOURTEEN,

I like the nice clean, straightforward approach to the top covers for the wheel motors. Did you do this on all four?

I find that using the finish mower, most of the grass accumulation occurs "bottom-to-top" in the LEFT front wheel motor. This is the result of the direction of spin of the mower blades, and the fact that the finish mower is front discharge. I am afraid that on at least that wheel, a cover might predispose to compaction of clippings. Any suggestions?

 

[pajoube]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

They must have changed the discharge on the finish mower since I bought mine. My finish mower discharges from the rear.
PJ