PT and cold climate

[Industrial Toys]

I used JD Low Viscosity Hydraulic Oil in ALL my machines year round. With good results. Top quality oil. A bit expensive. It may be an option for the PT a well.

 

[npalen]

Would it be difficult to install a clutch of some sort between the engine and pump for cold weather starting?

 

[ponytug]

Short answer: yes.

Longer answer: due to the lack of space, the tractor tub and hood would need to be lengthened, and potentially reinforced, same for the articulation, engine mounts would move, and you would need to fabricate a clutch to pump adapter. All doable, but not trivial.

Imagine replacing your Kubota engine with an air cooled Deutz. Doable, but involved.

All the best,

Peter

Would it be difficult to install a clutch of some sort between the engine and pump for cold weather starting?

 

[SpringHollow]

Magnetic heaters helped in my case but they were not the perfect solution. 18 gallons in a thick metal tank is not the easiest thing to heat up. An insulated blanket would have helped. The glue on heaters also transfer heat better in my opinion.

Ken

 

[MossRoad]

Would it be difficult to install a clutch of some sort between the engine and pump for cold weather starting?

Yes, as mentioned, the length of the tub would have to be increased to accommodate the length of a clutch.

Kohler offered a clutch for the 25hp engine at one time. I cannot find part numbers for it. I found one used somewhere years ago, but the person wanted over $1000 for it.

See pages 58 and 59 of this parts manual for the Kohler Command CH25.
http://www.kohlerengines.com/engines/onlinecatalog/pdf/24_690_06_EN.pdf

 

[johara1]

With all the issues on starting cold weather, even with the Robin, never had trouble after I started using heat. I tried the magnetic heaters but I found just warm it up for a couple of hours was the simplest and the easiest. I had power so I used a torpedo heater that is fast. a kerosene if you don't have power and best was when I moved it into the garage in the winter and turned the heat on. Never had an issue after that and it was easier on everything ...... jim

 

[MossRoad]

I don't have problems starting the Kohler in cold weather down to -5F. Just a shot of carb cleaner before I try anything and pop, off it goes.

A clutch would be nice, though. Really nice.

 

[johara1]

I don't have problems starting the Kohler in cold weather down to -5F. Just a shot of carb cleaner before I try anything and pop, off it goes.

A clutch would be nice, though. Really nice.

MR. Do you really think it wort all the work? I just go turn the heat on in the garage and it starts like it's summer, go plow and put it away ...... jim

 

[HillStreet]

What’s a PT?

 

[ernemats]

PT is a Power Trac power-trac.com is the web site

 

[HillStreet]

PT is a Power Trac power-trac.com is the web site

Thank you.

 

[MossRoad]

MR. Do you really think it wort all the work? I just go turn the heat on in the garage and it starts like it's summer, go plow and put it away ...... jim

I think if it came from the factory with a clutch, it would be worth it just from the wear and tear on the starter and battery. My version of the PT425, however, would need two clutches, because I have pumps on both sides of the engine. The newer versions have all 3 pumps piggybacked on one side of the engine. A clutch on that would be fantastic.

When I need to plow, it's usually before I leave for work in the morning. I want to go out, start it up, and get to plowing. I don't want to have to plan on heating the machine beforehand. I'm fortunate that I don't have to with the Kohler, but I have had to replace my starter once and 3 batteries since 2001.

 

[scotts562]

I plow commercially with a PT425 and PT1430 in the Minneapolis area. The machines are kept in the shop at about 40 degrees. I would not trust either machine to start in 10 degree or less weather if stored outside unless I had some sort of heater and battery charger.

When I go to plow I just start them and go. No need to let them warm up when starting at 40 degrees. I have run them in -20 to -30 degree temperatures just fine. Leave them running while running the route. I run the same hydraulic oil and engine oil year around. I run a hydraulic plow on the pt425 and there are no issues with the hydraulics in sub zero weather.

 

[azizfargo]

I plow commercially with a PT425 and PT1430 in the Minneapolis area. The machines are kept in the shop at about 40 degrees. I would not trust either machine to start in 10 degree or less weather if stored outside unless I had some sort of heater and battery charger.

When I go to plow I just start them and go. No need to let them warm up when starting at 40 degrees. I have run them in -20 to -30 degree temperatures just fine. Leave them running while running the route. I run the same hydraulic oil and engine oil year around. I run a hydraulic plow on the pt425 and there are no issues with the hydraulics in sub zero weather.

Good to hear someone is nearby using the machines. Have you come up with a cabin solution for them yet?

 

[scotts562]

No cabin here, just wear warm cloths. I cant figure out how to enclose the cab without ripping the enclosure apart with the center section. Can't figure out how I would heat a cab to keep the windows clear either. I am pretty sure there was a guy on here a number of years ago who posted pictures of the plexiglass cab he rigged up on a PT 425.