Told you I'd get one

Rip · Mar 12, 2005

Re: Told you I\'d get one

Now Charlie... how long have you had your machine???

I admit to wacking my head more than a few times on the canopy during my first few months, but I can not remember the last time I did it now. I put a piece of foam pipe wrap on mine too, but it came off pretty quick so I just eventually learned.

One thing I did pretty soon after running around my near 30 degree slopes (with my 1845) was to bolt a pair of grab handles on each side of the canopy (back-to-back, inside and out) so that I now tend to grab the outer one whenever I climb in and can grab the inner one to keep from sliding out of the seat (yes, I do wear my seat belt!) while still keeping my hands inside and protected from trees or being crushed if I ever roll over (not so far!). This may be a small part in my not hitting my head on the canopy any more also.

ElBubba · Mar 12, 2005

Re: Told you I\'d get one

After 5 hours on the machine I have a few minor questions to ask the forum.

The responsiveness of reverse and forward pedals seem a little bit different. For me the reverse is a little mushier where I have to press down just a bit more to start backing up compared to what is needed on the forward pedal. Is this typical?

Sometimes when I turn there is a clicking sound that reminds me of the sound of a piece of cardboard against bicycle wheel sprockets (ancient memories). Should I be concerned?

If I'm on even a tiny slope, the PT creeps forward even with both feet off the pedals. It'll roll forward smoothly about a foot and after that it momentarily "grabs", rolls a few inches, grabs, and so on and so on. Is this normal?

The tires arrived with pressures:

LF: 12.5
RF: 11.5
LR: 6
RR: 7

Aren't the rear tires a little low? In reading other folks' posts the front readings are in the ballpark but the rears might need another couple lbs?

People have mentioned that the PT can be a little hard to start in cold weather. A couple days ago I started up in 27 degrees. Choke half way, quarter throttle, instant start. Indeed from the day it arrived the engine has started first time every time even in freezing temps. I'm either lucky, or gifted, or the newest engines are cold weather friendly.

I'd also like to thank all the advice people have given. Just this evening as I got into the seat I accidentally stepped on the forward treadle. Luckily I'd read over and over again how this was an accident waiting to happen so I never get in with the engine on. Who knows what damage or even injuries were prevented. Even though I knew it was so easy to step on the pedals I still did it. Frankly I think PT should seriously consider putting in a seat switch. Heck, even my garden tractor has one.

BobRip · Mar 12, 2005

Re: Told you I\'d get one

My guess is the clicking noise is the parking brake not fully disengaged. Push the lever down all of the way. You may need to tighten the center bolt on the lever as it can engage itself from vibration. Not too tight or you will not be able to use it.

Tire Pressure - Seven is good on the back. I am not quite sure on the front, I think it was eleven. This gives you optimum traction.

The creeping is some what normal. There is an adjustment for the treddle centering. You have to jack the vehicle up off all four wheels and make the adjustment. It is different on your machine than mine, so look at the manual. This probably accounts for the backing pedal and forward pedal difference.

I recommend that you read all of this forum. I think many of your present and future questions have been answered. Or just ask if you prefer.

Sounds like things are going well. There is a lot of skill to operating these vehicles. Have patience and keep asking questions.

Bob Rip

pajoube · Mar 12, 2005

Re: Told you I\'d get one

I run 10 PSI all around.
PJ

ElBubba · Mar 13, 2005

Re: Told you I\'d get one

( My guess is the clicking noise is the parking brake not fully disengaged )

The noise occurs even with parking brake lever in the full off position (snug against stop). If the brake does not disengage can the motor be damaged? I read in other postings that the brake is a mechanical gear with an engaging pin. If you were trundling along and flipped the parking brake on (no, I don't plan on trying this little experiment) would you damage the motor(s)? /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

BobRip · Mar 13, 2005

Re: Told you I\'d get one

It seems unlikely that damage would occur. I was told by PT that you can be going full forward and push the reverse pedal all the way down without any risk of damage. The pressure relief valve might open momentarily, but that is all.

On the noise, maybe a cable is loose or does not have enough tension. Look at the brake pins that tie to the parking brake handle through cables. Are they both pulled out the same amount? If you grap the cables (use a gloved hand) and pull does the noise reduce? If so you may have to adjust how far the brake cables go into the handles.

Of course this could be something totally different. Does the click get faster as you go faster?

Bob Rip

MossRoad · Mar 13, 2005

Re: Told you I\'d get one

On our model, the reverse pedal is shorter than the forward pedal, so it takes a little more pressure with your foot to push it down. Could this be the case in yours, too?

The clicking noise could be a couple of things.
1. Parking break pins not pulling out all the way.
2. Does it make it at full throttle too, or only at lower throttle settings? Mine makes that noise sometimes at lower throttle settings. The noise is coming from the wheel motors. Sounds like clicking and increases with speed. Try a higher throttle setting and see if it goes away.

The PT shouldn't be creeping that much(in my opinion). Call the factory to hear what they have to say before adjusting anything. As others have mentioned, there is an adjustment for this. Every unit has this adjustment for creep, not just Power Trac. Our old International crept very badly when I first got it and so did an old wheel horse that we had. You should get it to a point where it will not creep on level ground and just slightly on inclines.

Also a good time to point out... never get out on an incline with the motor running and the brakes not set... I had a good friend whose brother in law was killed by a skid steer that creeped up on him and pinned him into a dirt pile. He left a wife and four kids.

Never takes that much time to set a brake and turn it off, right? /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

By the way, I don't think I had the courtesy to tell you congratulations on your purchase, so here goes...

Congratulations on your purchase. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Rip · Mar 14, 2005

Re: Told you I\'d get one

ElBubba, There is also a hydraulic shuttle valve that has an internal ball that can cause a rapid clicking noise like you describe. This is located in the forward portion of the engine bay. This is a normal sound.

Do make sure it is not the parking brake as others have mentioned, because it can get in a partial-engaged mode and become damaged.

ElBubba · Mar 15, 2005

Re: Told you I\'d get one

( The responsiveness of reverse and forward pedals seem a little bit different )

I think the folowing picture is self-explanatory