Top 10 Most Useful Power Trac Implements

EldoNixon · Sep 24, 2003

( Since the PT425 has no draft control, you can't really specify what kind of down-pressure is on the bristles.)
In the picture in the brochure there are wheels. I presumed that they would allow you to limit the downward travel of the broom. Do you have these or are they an option? I ask because I hoped that I could get a power broom and use it to push leaves on the yard. I could let it "ride over the grass" and not actually reach the ground, as the leaves sit on top of the grass. But from what I'm reading from you, it doesn't sound feasible.
Are there any attachements that can bu used on the PT to rake or blow leaves. I currently use my side discharge mower, but all of the PT's are rear discharge, so that won't work.

MossRoad · Sep 24, 2003

I thought you had the brush hog, didn't you run a video cutting large brush on your property?


OH MAN! I forgot about it. It is currently disassembled, as I sheared off one of the bolts that holds one of the blades on when I hit a rock. I'll photo document it as I put it back together. I rank it right up there as very useful. It is a brute! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

smartguyz · Sep 25, 2003

Yes, the Power Sweeper does have wheels. It's kind of weird. You have the "right-left" control on your joystick that can be used to 'rotate' the Power Sweeper a bit. The wheels do help to limit the downward travel, I guess. I suppose I'll have to try and use the wheels to see if one can use this as a dethacher, as other Power Sweepers are touted as being useful for.

As far as being useful for a leaf sweeper, I have grave doubts about that. As I said, the sweeping action on the typical tow-behind lawn sweeper is far, far less than with this brute. I'd be concerned about the Power Sweeper's sweeping action being so powerful as to make the risk of obliterating your fine grass very high.

I'll experiment a bit and report back, but I don't think it will work well.

Sincerely,

Rob /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Schultz · Sep 25, 2003

I would seem like you would need a set of wheels out in front of the broom too if you want to "float" it over the grass like a mower. I suppose that wouldn't be too hard to modify.

smartguyz · Sep 25, 2003

Hi Shultz -

I agree - that's how most of the other Power Sweepers are set up - For example, if you look at the Power Sweepers (or "Rotary Broom") pictures on the Deere.com and kubota.com sites, you'll notice that they have caster wheels to allow you to 'float' the broom. With the PT, you can have the angle of the plate force the front end of the broom to be up, so that all the weight is only on the rear wheels, if you can picture that. Caster wheels would be a better way to go, or at least it would keep the broom from angling down and nuking your grass, which as you know with the PT, you always have a slow loss of pressure over time. For example, if I were to lift the broom off the ground a couple of inches, and then wait, it would slowly sink back to the ground due to seepage in the lift circuit. I think the same would happen with the broom if you didn't have casters.

Actually, I think I'd like to add some kind of mechanism to keep the bristles from actually resting on the floor when the broom is not in use. The Deere units have their 'self-storage' mechanism, which is essentially a set of retractable arms that keep the bristles from being crushed when the unit is being stored. I'm kind of surprised that PT didn't think of this. I've used the unit enough (every couple of weeks) so that the bristles get a chance to 'unbend' as they are rotated and used, but it really needs a brace or a stand. Anyone have any design ideas? /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Sincerely,

Rob /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Schultz · Sep 25, 2003

check out Sweepster. They have stands for all their sweepers.
Sweepster

These units are made in my town. Looking at their product line they don't have any with casters either and they claim to have 70% of the market.

Tim

smartguyz · Sep 25, 2003

Wow, that's a lot of sweepers, Schultz!

Do you have any idea what their stands look like? I wonder if I can purchase one separately. They DO have a 48" garden tractor sweeper, which seems like it might work with the one from PT. If it is cost-effective, then it might be a good addition to those (like me /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif) who either have or want a Power Sweeper.

Sincerely,

Rob /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif