The long wait begins.

tracdoc · Nov 11, 2005

( I plan on getting tooth bars from Markham Welding at a later point. Not sure if I'll get them for the LM bucket or the 4n1. )

Toolz, You might want to consider getting 'em both. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Really, Markham bars are very reasonably priced. On the 4n1 (a considerably beefier built bucket than the LMB as you will immediately see), the bar will do what you would expect, in terms of digging/ripping. That said, where I really noticed a major league enhancement is the toothbar on the LMB. After a month of general use, it is nothing short of fantastic. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif The bar strengthens and rigidizes the LMB by reinforcing it side-to-side at the level of the leading edge of its floor. It has quickly become my favorite for general work. I am getting the hang of back dragging with the rear bottom of the up-curled bucket, so there is no need to remove the toothbar for that task.

It looks like you have selected some very useful 'arrows for your quiver,' so to speak. Hearty congratulations on your choice of a PT. I was worried that the shipping costs were going to make you turn orange. We all look forward to seeing some pics when your 'baby' arrives, and of course when you do some projects and/or mods.

toolz_not_toyz · Nov 11, 2005

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I completely forgot about the spinner suggestion. All of the forklifts I used to drive (several years ago now) had spinners and there would have been no way you could get through a shift without one. I can't imagine getting by without a spinner on equipment like this. I'll have order one ASAP.

I decided against getting arms for the seat. Not too sure how many of you have the arms but I was thinking that it might be better just to replace the seat all together. It's an easy upgrade.

I also want to add either some sort of tail lights (with a flasher relay) so that I won't get killed if working on the road. The new LED lights should fit the bill perfectly. Might want to move those front lights up to the canopy as well.

tracdoc: I think the idea of an LM with toothbar may have come from you. In reviewing my list of attachments again and again over the past few weeks and digging through this forum over and over (looking for opinions and reviews), I became concerned about the capacity of the RB and the 4n1. I kept on thinking about a posting I had read about an LM with a toothbar (probably yours). The benefit of the extra strength from the bar is exactly what kept me coming back to that idea.

FOURTEEN · Dec 12, 2005

( Well folks. I've been hanging around this forum since February 2004. And I'm pleased to say that he day has finally come. It's my turn. I just got word that my PT425 has shipped from Tazewell.)

 WOW!! I'm amazed at your snap decision!! Even though it may seem that you are rushing into joining the PT family, you will not regret it!!
I've owned my PT-425 for as long as you have been thinking about it! I don't know what I would have been able to accomplish without it! 240 hours of use so far without any lawn mowing or snow plowing!! 

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

FOURTEEN · Dec 12, 2005

(I also want to add either some sort of tail lights (with a flasher relay) so that I won't get killed if working on the road.)


 My $5 gumball has worked great for nearly 2 years! It's magnetic for easy installation, and wired to the headlight switch.

PS: Have you reversed the wheels yet!!??!!

toolz_not_toyz · Dec 12, 2005

Haven't reversed the wheels. I don't think I'm going to need to. But we'll see....

The top of the engine cover is different on the Robin 425s. The part closest to the operator (over that gas tank) is vented. The hydraulic fan is now located on the half towards the rear (where your gumball is). I was thinking of either cutting into the rear vertical portion of the engine cover in order to install rear lights with grommets (more work) or possibly mounting magnetic lights (see attached photo) on top of the engine cover or under the rear of the canopy (less work either way).

You can get these from Gemplers. They're not cheap though...

Magnetic tractor tail lights

KentT · Dec 12, 2005

Have you considered something like this for inexpensive rear warning lights:

Light Bar at JC Whitney

At 22-3/4"W x 1-1/2"H x 1"D it would fit on the back pretty readily, and at $34 it's relatively cheap...

toolz_not_toyz · Dec 12, 2005

My preference would be to find a solution with LEDs to keep the power requirements down. I'm surprised I didn't find that light bar in the JC Whitney catalog I have here. The measurements look to be perfect to fit right under the rear of the canopy. Thanks for the link!

BTW, I'm not so concerned about flashing as just having some light back there. At night it gets pretty dark in the rear. Steady red tail lights would be a worthy addition, especially if you can make them flash too! Of course, to add flashing you need to cobble up a circuit with a flashing relay... That's what makes the light bar an easy upgrade.

pajoube · Dec 12, 2005

Fourteen
Great to see you back.
PJ

tracdoc · Dec 12, 2005

Toolz,

Last winter, I bought from Gemplers a single 6" round amber flashing light w/ magnetic base powered off 4 AA batteries for ~$15. It is reliable w/ half mile range, and no hassles as far as wiring is concerned. I've mounted it on the engine cover, and I've also mounted it on the R/FOPS canopy. Works great either location, and I remove it when I don't need it.

I just checked their site, and I can't find my light, but I found one even nicer w/ LED technology and it only uses 2 AA batteries, and has a 1 mile range, too. You can also change mode from steady to flasher. The real kicker is the price, $26 each. You can buy a pair for $50 and save yourself the hassle of wiring and power draw worries. With LEDs, the battery life should be substantial. Check it out {HERE}

FOURTEEN · Dec 13, 2005

( Last winter, I bought from Gemplers a single 6" round amber flashing light)

 Nice light, but the URL that you provided is for the RED model! Using flashing Red or Blue lights is illegal unless you are police or fire! Only use the AMBER model!!