Ready to Order This Month - But what to order?

[MossRoad]

I don't think engine failure would cause a run away. The pressure of the hydraulics would still stop the unit almost instantly. The only thing I could think of that would cause a run away would be a burst hose in the drive system or maybe some weird failure of the variable volume pump.

 

[Rip]

David,

I was not trying to overly alarm folks, but in steep terain (20 to 30 degree plus) an "unscheduled engine shut down" (as the airline folks like to say) may well result in a tractor continuing to move down hill at a pace that leaves one with jumping off as the only viable option. The right (or wrong) burst hose will definately cause a runaway situation.

Again, I don't consider this a fatal flaw for most situations, but the original poster of this thread (as well as myself) are talking about steeper mountain operations than most others will encounter.

One of my criteria for selecting the 1845 was the BrakeTender system it is equipped with. All PTs starting with the 1445 have some sort of spring-applied disk brake system. I beleive the smaller models don't for cost reasons, not because there may not be a need.

Rip

 

[FOURTEEN]

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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


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[catsco]

Rip--

Thanks for the advice!

I'm actually in Larkspur, not too far from you, also in the foothills west of Rt. 105; I think I will be going with the 425, even though that strains the budget.

When I first moved to Colorado in the early 70's, I was amazed at the loss of power due to altitude with any IC engine.

Especially riding a motorcycle up Mt. Evans the first time; it would barely take the last 1/2 mile in 2nd gear!

I am also an engineer, and reached the same conclusion as you regarding the PT for use in wildfire mitigation efforts on our property, thinking that the low CG would be helpful in avoiding thrill rides down through the pines.

Hope we're both right, not both wrong!

Thanks!
Mark H.

 

[MossRoad]

I agree, Rip. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

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"" thinking that the low CG would be helpful ""



For safer traversing of your hills, I would advise the wider stance available by reverse mounting the wheels on the PT-425!! Reversing the wheels increases the track from 35" to 42"! This amounts to a 20% increase, which greatly improves lateral stability, particularly with any load on the FEL!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Naturally, Bar Tires (7#R&11#F) are nearly mandatory for most any forestry operation, and for only an extra $100 are a worthwhile option!! The PT-425 Bar Tire rims conveniently come with valves on both the inside and outside edges! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

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[smartguyz]

I thought about reversing the wheels, but my understanding is that this is not supported by the factory. Can anyone clarify?

-Rob /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[J_J]

I would not recommend reversing the tires and rims for this reason.

The further out you go from the designed load point, you are adding extra stress. You may get away with it for a while, but the seals and bearings may start to go.

Consider the load impact when your wheel drops in a hole with a heavy load.

You can call the manufacture of the wheel motors, and I will bet that they will tell you the same thing.

 

[pajoube]

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

 

[catsco]

Fourteen--

Thanks for the reply.

Apparently the new 425 is different; the width is listed as 45".

I'm thinking (that's twice this year already /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif) that the 'old' 422 and 425 were essentially the same with different engines, and that the 'new' 422 and 425 are wider, but the 425 wheelbase is longer, and has the higher torque hyd. motors, as well as higher lifting capability.

On a different aspect of the 425's. Do you (or anyone out there) know anything about the differences, besides size, or the Robin and Kohler motors? The service person said that the Kohler does have a pressure lube system, i.e., NOT a splash system like most small motors.

I'm thinking about trying to not purchase a new $2,000 accessory (a new engine!) soon after going up and down steep hills.

Thanks!

Mark H.