Weird electrical puzzler - breaker pops, the PT1850 runs better until it's shut off

[MossRoad]

I think running a stationary pump in a dusty field is very different from moving it through all the grass, pollen, dust, dirt, etc... kicked up by tractoring activities.

If its any consolation, I've heard the Subaru powered 400 series owners have said Subaru says their engine isn't meant for this task either, so its a Power Trac issue in its selection of engines.

 

[SpringHollow]

I was not trying to equate the engine running a pump to an engine in a tractor, just saying the one running the pump is a lot dirtier than most generator environments. I have seen a few places that have Deutz powered generators on skids that they store in their warehouse and drag them out when needed for a power failure, etc. Most places that use this type of setup have multiple buildings and they move the generator as needed vs having a dedicated generator at each building or site. The skid mounted generators with Deutz engines actually go on sale on Ebay fairly often.

Ken

 

[MossRoad]

I was not trying to equate the engine running a pump to an engine in a tractor, just saying the one running the pump is a lot dirtier than most generator environments.

I understand that. Sometimes my wording doesn't reflect what I'm trying to say! :laughing:

 

[Soundguy]

These engines are marketed quite heavily for use out in farm fields to run irrigation pumps. It would not surprise me to find that is their single biggest use. And that use is a totally exposed engine out in a dusty field and they rarely if ever get cleaned. So I find it hard to believe they expect them to only be used indoors. I suspect he was not very knowledgeable on how these engines are used or many are used "off label".

Ken

I've heard similar comments on other engines. I own a weird little farm run around vehicle kind of like a gold cart. it's basically a frame built around an engine.. the engine is some asian knock off, and most commonly they are used in generators and water pumps from what I have seen.

I had basically the same conversation about them the other poster has had, and have been told the engines were not designed to be used in 'mobile equipment'.

I think manufacturers get a specific idea in mind when they make something and when it get's OEM'd into another option, rather than make them happy.. sometimes it makes them .. not happy.

 

[toy]

Is the fuse that you are refering to the one that goes to the cooler fan? My machine will run with the wire pulled loose from the oil cooler fan fuse.

 

[toy]

Is the fuse that you are refering to the one that goes to the cooler fan? My machine will run with the wire pulled loose from the oil cooler fan fuse.

 

[MikeOConnor]

Sheesh. I just realized I never finished off this thread. The attached picture is of the old alternator. It was indeed fried as you can see from the middle gizmo which is burned out of its housing and only attached at one end. I'm thinking it's a diode.

I eventually threw in the towel and sent the 1850 by truck back to Taswell and had them do a front to back overhaul. At the same time, I bought another one so's to have a backup. The new one came and I was so blown away by how much better the steering was that I mentioned it to Terry and he retrofitted my old one with a plumbing change that makes it as easy to steer as the new one. All the little wires, fuses, etc. are in the pink and the original PT is nice and happy.

This winter the new tractor has snowplow duty while the old one takes a break. Today I hopped off the new one to open the garage door and when I jumped back on -- no start. Similar but slightly different than the current thread about ignition switches. Started fine the first time out. But at the end of the run I turn key, voltage drops and that's it. Nothing at the starter motor. No click, just voltage drop. I got some good tips from that current thread, I'll take a look at the solenoid/starter-motor tomorrow. Gad, the machine's only got 12 hours on it. Harrumph.

I'll ask Terry how to tow it tomorrow as well, and I'll chime in on the new thread about that with what I find out. Right now the PT is right spang in the middle of the road and I can't get by it with the car. I tried pumping up the brake-tender by hand and got to about 500 PSI before it got too hard to pump any more. To add complexity, the blade has drifted down to the ground, so towing is gonna be complicated no matter what. Good thing I've got the backup PT.

 

[Soundguy]

Hmm... not a good commercial for power track....

 

[cqaigy2]

Does the 1850 have the same lockout on the PTO switch as the smaller machines? Mine won't start with the PTO engaged.

 

[woodlandfarms]

Yo....

Yes, the 1850 has a lockout if the PTO switch is on, and that happens to me all the time, tree branch will hit it or my fat butt...

As for moving, you need to pump the brakes but first you need to release the tram pressure. I think Ken Simolo has it on his website. If i remember it is a bolt on the top of the tram control.

As for the electrical issue, my thought is a bad battery. But first check the switch.

Finally, I want to hear more about this steering upgrade.