Ready to Order This Month - But what to order?

catsco · Apr 12, 2004

( You can't be too careful!!

That's why I'm looking into installing a small Lightning Rod on top of the ROPS Canopy!! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif )

Good thinking. Don't forget the eye-protecting cap on the lightning rod, as they're very sharp!

Not sure how to manage the stranded wire to ground, though. Length might be an issue. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Here in the foothills of Colorado we are number 2 in lightning strikes only to parts of Florida. I should consider the same. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

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Clarke · Apr 12, 2004

There is an operational limit on the 425 working on hills. You can call and ask Terry the exact angle. I think it is 25-30 degrees due to lubrication of the Kohler engine.

J_J · Apr 12, 2004

I have used Kohler engines for many years. I know the 18 hp through 25 uses pressure lube, and filters. On one of my Kohlers, it had an additional oil bypass filter at one micron. very expensive, but the engines stayed cleaner. when the crankcase was finally open, look new.

Rip · Apr 12, 2004

Mark,

What a coincidence.... my wifes "outlaws" (ex in-laws, nice people actually) live in that area also... he has an L series Kubota but not too much in the way of steep on their 5 acres.

The low CG was certainly a major attraction in my situation as well. While the current 425 may be wider than the older ones, I would not be overly concerned about extra strain on the wheel motor bearings if you need to go even wider with reverse wheels or even spacers. A possible premature bearing replacement at 400 hours instead of 500 is a small price to pay for better stability if your site needs it.

Most all modern small gas engines over about 13 hp now have pressure lube, so oil starvation should not be a concern as you will not be traversing long steady side hills as if mowing a highway embankment. Also, it probably has (and you can add it if it does not) a low oil pressure safety shut off which should cut the engine if it starts sucking air.

Be sure to install the recomended leaner main jet for your altitude (you can ask PT, but it is easy to do yourself). The rule of thumb is 3 1/2% power loss per 1000 ft, so you are down about 25% for a non-turbo engine. Timing may need to be adjusted as well.

I trust the research and advice we have both received from the many helpful members of this forum will show that we are on the right track with these machines.

Good luck,

Rip

FOURTEEN · Apr 12, 2004

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“” this is not supported by the factory “”

I own the latest model PT-425. Nowhere in the literature that came with it does it say that reversing the wheels is prohibited! PT even provides wheels with valve stems on both sides to more easily maintain proper air pressures no matter which way the wheels are mounted!

“” The further out you go from the designed load point, you are adding extra stress. “”

The load point, which is at the wheel bolts, does not change, as it would if wheel spacers were used. The oscillating design of the PT places the stress perpendicular to the axle at the wheel bolts as the load is distributed across the tire. The rugged heavy duty components, of which the PT is built, should be more than able to absorb any added stress if it did occur! The PT is subjected to far greater stresses by, for example, using high air pressures in the tires or filling them with non shock absorbing liquid!

“” when your wheel drops in a hole with a heavy load “”

If that happens, I will be most concerned about dumping my load, rolling the PT over on it’s side, or flipping it over and over sideways down a hill!!! And, as I lay in the wreckage at the bottom, I doubt very much that I will say: “Thank goodness I didn’t stress my bearings by reversing those wheels!!!!”.

Everything in life has costs and trade offs!..On the terrain described above, I would gladly trade a tiny remote chance of greater wear on the machine for the ability to safely conquer the most challenging ground I need to traverse!! It’s up to you! It’s your PT, and your neck!!

"" the width is listed as 45" ""

45" is the Overall Width! The Track, which is measured from centerline of left tire to centerline of right tire, is 35". Reversing the wheels would increase the Track to 42" and the Overall Width to 52"!

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Bob999 · Apr 13, 2004

I own the latest model PT-425. Nowhere in the literature that came with it does it say that reversing the wheels is prohibited! PT even provides wheels with valve stems on both sides to more easily maintain proper air pressures no matter which way the wheels are mounted!


I have the 1845 with dual wheels. The wheels were supplied by PT with two valve stems--one on each side. In the dual wheel set up the offset of one wheel is in on one and out on one in each dual wheel assembly. I suspect that PT uses the same wheels on the 425 and the 1845 dual. If that is the case that would explain the dual valve stems on the 425 wheels.

The fact that reversing the wheels is not prohibited does not, in my opinion, make the case that it is an approved modification or that it might not cause problems.

I think that J J gave excellent advice to check it out with PT or the wheel manufacturer prior to reversing the wheels.

Bob999 · Apr 13, 2004

No, thats engine oil. So far I have changed the hydraulic filter at 100 hours. Have not changed the tank as yet.
PJ


My PT calls far changing the hydraulic filter every 50 hours and includes a warning sticker to the effect that failure to follow this schedule will void the warranty. I was under the impression that this schedule applied to all PT.

My understanding for the reasoning behind the frequent hydraulic filter change is that PT uses a suction line filter system and the variable displacement pump can cavitate with resulting damage if the filter becomes too heavily loaded.

I believe that Sedgewood has previously provided a link to a hydraulic motor manufacturer's site that made the above point.

J_J · Apr 13, 2004

For your info, my PT-1445 wheels are not reversable, they came with on offset to rim close in. One inch from tire to frame.

catsco · Apr 13, 2004

J J--

( There is an operational limit on the 425 working on hills. You can call and ask Terry the exact angle. I think it is 25-30 degrees due to lubrication of the Kohler engine )

I believe you are correct about the angle. Coincidentally, 25-30 degree angles are a little past MY limit also, regardless of the machine's capability.

I'm thinking that that angle is going up and down, as when traversing a slope, the crankcase is tipped around the axis of the crankshaft and the oil level would probably stay above the pickup point.

Thanks!
Mark H.

catsco · Apr 13, 2004

Fourteen--

You wrote:
( 45" is the Overall Width! The Track, which is measured from centerline of left tire to centerline of right tire, is 35". Reversing the wheels would increase the Track to 42" and the Overall Width to 52"!
)

You are so right! After so many years of engineering work my mind is using 'fuzzy math' and selective forgetting.

Mark H.