Vids of PT-425 with 22.7ci Wheel Motors

[ponytug]

Chains make an unbelievable difference to my 1445 on slopes. (See Chains) 20% side slopes on wet stuff was hair raising, but with chains I can just smoothly motor across them. (It can mow steeper side slopes, but the gopher holes/mounds make it too adrenaline inducing- those I mow up/down). The 1445 now motors straight up 30+ degree slopes with the mower. I can now mow areas that were previously inaccessible.

On the 425, I am sure it would help the crabbing, although it might not do anything for the ultimate hill climbing ability, and of course, it doesn't do anything to increase the safe working slope!

All the best,

Peter

I have the same problem -- it'll even crab downhill when mowing around the steeper slopes (perhaps logging chains are needed ??), so I typically mow down then back up the hill. I also prefer to mow downhill and do so as much as I can, but that doesn't work very well especially on the bank below the driveway. Plus, I don't like to tilt the cutter down so far as I head off the bank that I can see underneath it. I've added a 6" strip of conveyor belting across the back of it (instead of the typical safety chains) but I still won't tilt it down enough to where I can see the blades...

To mow downhill on the bank above the driveway, I end up making long loops, and I've found it's much faster to simply drive up the bank, then back down mowing, as shown in the second video...

 

[MossRoad]

Having to unbolt the rear wheels to adjust height is a pain. A suggested mod to make that easier would be greatly appreciated.

I never adjust the height on my brush cutter or finish mower, so the current setup is O.K. with me. However, I have lost the rear wheel on the brush cutter to a large rock hit by the blade. It shattered the hard plastic wheel. I would like a better alternative. I also do not like how the rear wheels on the finish mower are not easily lubed and that they do not caster. I know of a fix for that, but do not want to spend the $$. :laughing:

 

[KentT]

That would be a handy mod. Any more info would be greatly appreciated.

Moss, I don't recall where I bought them. eBay, maybe? I found some that are 3.50x9 (I think), fit the existing 5/8" axle bolt holes, and have a 90-degree grease zerk on them. They're semi-pnuematic so no worries about flats, etc.

I, too, broke a chunk out of the cheap plastic rear wheels...

 

[Gravy]

I also do not like how the rear wheels on the finish mower are not easily lubed.

Mine had a dimple in just the right place to drill a hole and screw in a grease fitting. I didn't even have to tap it.

 

[MossRoad]

Moss, I don't recall where I bought them. eBay, maybe? I found some that are 3.50x9 (I think), fit the existing 5/8" axle bolt holes, and have a 90-degree grease zerk on them. They're semi-pnuematic so no worries about flats, etc.

I, too, broke a chunk out of the cheap plastic rear wheels...

Mine had a dimple in just the right place to drill a hole and screw in a grease fitting. I didn't even have to tap it.

Thanks guys. I'll do some searching. :thumbsup:

 

[Red Zebra]

Does anybody know difinitively what year PT changed over to the bigger wheel motors on the 425? I purchased mine in July 07. Curious if I have the bigger units. Also what size are the PT improved motors compared to the 22.7 jumbo units here?

 

[Gravy]

Mine is a 2004 and has the larger motors.

 

[KentT]

Does anybody know difinitively what year PT changed over to the bigger wheel motors on the 425? I purchased mine in July 07. Curious if I have the bigger units. Also what size are the PT improved motors compared to the 22.7 jumbo units here?

The newer 425 motors are White CE 14.3ci. As far as I know the 422 is still using the White RS 12.5ci motors like my 425 used to have...

 

[cqaigy2]

I had to make a slit in it at each "corner" on the back, where it angles to the side. Then, the material will flex enough to where it works pretty well. Otherwixe the "corners" hold the back of deck up off the rear wheels. I've also replaced the cheap plastic rear wheels on the brushcutter with some heavy-duty, wider, greasable ones off a ZTR (or something similar)...

Thanks, more good ideas. Do you have any issues when backing up?

I replaced my rear wheels with solid aluminum casters i picked up at Boeing Surplus.

Casters were real cheap and i had already broken the plastic ones so i jumped when saw those big metal casters.

 

[KentT]

Thanks, more good ideas. Do you have any issues when backing up?

No, seems to work fine, and doesn't hit the blades...