Thinking of replacing my old PT...buuuuut

horticattleman · May 21, 2011

I have a 2004 model with 1700 + hrs. (engine changed at 1200). Thinking of getting a new one but am really concerned because I now hear that all their gas engines are Robin. Few questions

*What are your thoughts on the Robin

*Anybody purchased the new trencher (I say new, they came out like 4-5 years ago). I had the old one and it was good for a while and then wore out fast. I hear (from PT) they're better.

*What is my old one worth. Engine has 500 + hrs. This winter put new cables, resealed loader valve box, all cylinders re-sealed, good maintenance schedule, overall great running condition.

*What is a good replacement seat.

Thanks a bunch

Clumber · May 21, 2011

I have a new PT-425, about 25 hours. After reading here about the starting problems on older machines, I was surprised at how easily it started at 15 degrees in an unheated garage, usually on the third crank at full choke. No major problems yet. I am very pleased with the Robin EH72D engine so far.

There a recent thread where a member has replaced is engine with the new 27 HP FI EH72FI engine with good results. The new PT-425s only come with the EH72D.

I have had bad luck with 2 Kohler 25 HP V-twin engines on my Sears GT-5000 garden tractor. Cylinder walls broke into chunks at less than 200 hours. I found two other instances of this issue on the web. I think that if you search the web today you would find some folks love then others hate them. I currently have B&S on my Sears tractors today with no problems.

FAZTRAC · May 21, 2011

FWIW. Along with Clumber, I too have a new PT425 with the Subaru 25 HP engine.
I have used it all winter in the mountains plowing snow etc. kept in unheated garage. Always fires on at least the second try, and usually first. It has never missed a lick. I use it only on very steep hillsides, rarely have to go over half throttle. Had a starter solenoid go bad. Subaru airlifted in a new one overnight to get me up and running again. My local mower shop back in Flatistan swears by them as the best motors (they work on all motors) one of the reasons that clinched the deal for me on the 425. Yet they remain primitive, crude, hoses chafing all over the place on sharp steel edges, etc. Shoot, even if I blow an engine, I can buy a new engine on the internet for $1200. It's the most versatile machine I have ever encountered. I have built a slew of attachements that make it even better. Nothing else comes close at the price for the work this thing can do. YMMV

horticattleman · May 23, 2011

Cold weather starts are not an issue here. Heck in South Louisiana if it gets below 35 we shut it all down! We had a few snow flurries last year for a few minutes and you ain't never seen people act so crazy. You'd swear they saw Jesus. Clumber knows what I'm talking about.

FWIW from me I personally hate Kohlers and have had nothing but bad luch with em. I have just heard some negative things about the Robin too. I appreciate the comments.

DCWhitley · May 23, 2011

I have had a 425 for 3 winters now and keep it in an unheated garage. Granted it rarely gets below freezing in the garage, but it is consistently in the mid to upper 30's and I have never had a problem starting. I have the Robin engine and have never had any problems with it.

BAGTIC · Jun 7, 2011

It is a quirk of human nature that some people who would walk ten miles in the snow to complain about some grievance, real or imagined, would not cross the street to applaud a job well done. That is why one almost inevitably encounters more complaints than compliments about almost anything.