PT warranty issues.

yooperdave · Jul 16, 2003

Have any of you needed to hire a mechanic to fix something while still under warranty?

PT said they would send out parts, but then they wash their hands. Are these machines built so well and simple that the servicing is way easier than normal?

I think the PT 425 looks like it will do everything that I want around the yard. I just felt uncomfortable about not having any dealers anywhere.

Yooper Dave

MossRoad · Jul 16, 2003

I have about 112 hours on mine and haven't had to do anything to it yet, except filters, lubrication, etc... There really isn't much to the machine. It is two solid steel sections all welded construction with a joint holding the two sections together. There are about three steel plates that have to be removed once in a while for maintenance, but that is just a few bolts. The engine is a Kohler(in the PT425) and if you have a good small engine shop or lawn mower place, they should be able to do any major engine repairs for you, should they arrise. The hydraulic pumps are bolted onto each side of the engine. Again, there are a few bolts and hoses to deal with. The rest of the machine is just hydraulic cylinders, hoses and joints. There is not too much to it. I think my tool kit for the PT now includes one crescent wrench, one grease gun, a roll of paper towels, a bottle of Simple Green cleaner and a garden hose with nozzle. It really is a simple, well thought out machine. If you are comfortable working on cars, boats or lawn mowers, you would have no problems working on a PT, should something major happen.

There are several people here on TBN that have done some major repairs. Hopefully they will chime in. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

SnowRidge · Jul 16, 2003

The Kohler engine can repaired under warranty by any authorized Kohler service shop. I think you will find at least one convenient to your location. You can go to the Kohler Locater Page and plug in your zip code to check.

We have had our PT-425 just under three weeks. The machine now has 15.5 hours on it. So far I have had to fix a seeping gas tank that wasn't assembled correctly (PT should look into that tank supplier) and shim a hydraulic fitting so that the connecting hose's fitting didn't rub on the tilt crossarm. That took about 30 seconds.

I have also played with the parking brake, which is stiff, and pulled the steering wheel, which I would like to replace. Neither of the latter were items that I had to do.

I don't see anything on the machine that requires a dealer in the sense that a standard tractor does. The hydraulic pumps and motors can be serviced by any competent hydraulic shop, should the need arise.

The electrics are extremely simple, with no complicated wiring harnesses. The only starter interlock is the PTO switch.

It seems to me that someone with a modicum of mechanical skills--and common sense--should be able to live fine with a PT, but I wouldn't recommend one to someone who doesn't know the difference between a box wrench and a bagel.

SnowRidge

wasabi · Jul 16, 2003

I am not a mechanic. I messed with cars when I was young and even replaced some bearings, but changing oil and spark plugs was as far as I would usually go. I too had some reservations about lack of dealer network, but was so sold opn the idea of a PT that I bought a used PT2445, trailer and implements.

I farily quickly had to become hands on to replace some busted hoses. The good news is, after a few frustrating and intimidating hours of wrestling with the snake's nest of oily hydraulic hoses, unfamiliar parts, tight connections and slippery knuckle busting wrenches, I was able to calm down, work methodically, make sense of it and get the job done. I have since replaced a half dozen hoses and now consider it no big deal.

If you responsibly monitor and maintain your engine filters, fluid levels and grease regularly, there is really very little to go wrong with a PT. Replacing an occasional hose is inevitable. Any tractor or hydraulic mechanic can do it, or you can tackle it yourself. Getting replacement hoses is easy....many auto supply houses like NAPA will custom make them.

The folks at the PT plant are very knowledgable and helpful on the phone. And, if you ever have to send the PT off for major repairs, I have found them to be very fair and capable.

Sabi

bmkar · Jul 16, 2003

Yooper Dave,
If you can tell us what kind of tools you have (and have used in the past), this panel of "expert estimators" can probably tell you ,with a high degree of certainty,
if you're PT "qualified". /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
...This may be the easiest way to put your mind at ease...

Bob999 · Jul 16, 2003

I am a new owner--less than two months and have had no significant problems. I thought about the same issue prior to buying. As previous responders have indicated most issues can be dealt with by changing out components and that is straight forward so long as you are comfortable doing the component changes. I think the biggest issue about lack of a dealer is that the owner has to manage any major repair issues--you have to identify the shop that can deal with the component and you have to remove the component to take it to the shop or have the means to transport the entire tractor to the shop. With a dealer you have the option of calling the dealer and letting him manage major repairs.

yooperdave · Jul 16, 2003

Hi Bruce,

I mostly have carpentry tools, but have maintained several pieces of turf equipment at my parents golf course over the past 25 years /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.

I know how to get myself in a heap of trouble in a hurry.

Toro commercial turf equipment is as complicated as I have ever seen. Simplicity in design sure gets me excited /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif.

I am still trying to get a cost for shipping from Scott at PT.
Are they good at following up?

Thanks

Yooper Dave

ernemats · Jul 16, 2003

I have owned my power trac 422 for over three years and close to 500 hours of use. I have never had any problems with it other than the mower tire going flat and a gas leak on the gas tank filler lid .

MossRoad · Jul 17, 2003

I am still trying to get a cost for shipping from Scott at PT.
Are they good at following up? 

They are great with phone support for repairs and technical questions, but the business of selling them sometimes makes me wonder. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

If they don't return your call after a day, I'd call them and ask for a shipping quote again. I went through similar experiences with them. Instant tech support, but slow business response. Very odd. I didn't take offense to it, but wondered if they were just too busy or a little disorganized on the business side of the office. Oh well. As mom always said, "Good things come to those who wait." /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

bmkar · Jul 17, 2003

( have maintained several pieces of turf equipment at my parents golf course over the past 25 years . )

Well, I believe you're technically qualified, now...let's see,...what else,... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

( I know how to get myself in a heap of trouble in a hurry )

Ah!!! Humble, too!...That'll come in handy when total strangers come up and admire your prowess in selecting a very unique piece of gear... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

On the shipping quote...The receptionist(her name escapes me now) was the person actually gathering the quote info when I was there...Just ask her when you call up if she can get the quote for you.(rather than waiting on sales to call back)

Yooper Dave,
It's still a haul, but I'm an hour or so south of Rockford if you want to make a run down some weekend and take a test drive (on a 422)...