What A Week Pt. II -- PT-425 Foibles

Anonymous Poster · Jun 30, 2003

Re: What A Week Pt. II -- PT-425 First Impressions

( You're having altogether too much fun. )

Giggle. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

SnowRidge

MossRoad · Jun 30, 2003

WOW! What an eventful trip. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Finally, the Mistress of the Mower suggested just pulling it out to the tailgate, turning it from its sideways position, and simply picking it up with the PT-425's Quick Attach. 

Sounds like the extra lift height is worth it. I don't think I could pick my mower off my tailgate with the quick attach. I'd be about 3-4" short. I'd have to use the pallet forks.

 During one of my turns, a rattling sound was bothering me 

Others have reported rattling sounds too. Sometimes when traveling at low engine RPMs we here what sounds like ball bearings clacking in the wheels. An increase in engine speed seems to clear it up. I've meant to call Power Trac on this, but never have. We also tend to hear it more in reverse, than forward. Another thing that can make noises is if the parking break gets bumped. The pins will click on the wheels.

 discovered the entire back end of the machine was packed with dry grass 

I blow mine out with an airgun after every use, but there has never been more than a handful or two, except after brush hogging. Then I check it every hour or so. Had to do the same thing with my big IH2500b, too... engine and radiator got packed with clippings.

MossRoad · Jun 30, 2003

Re: What A Week Pt. II -- PT-425 First Impressions

That photo of the deck in the air shows me that I cannot lift my mower that high. Again, a great improvement. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I had some trouble with the fitting for the aux PTO on the left side of the lift arms. It appeared the fitting was sticking out about a half an inch too far. I just loosened the set screw and moved mine back into the tube a little further and all was well. Maybe not the same problem as yours.

 The steering via hydraulic articulation is different than anything either of us is used to. The steering is very slow. It requires a lot of cranking on the steering wheel to make a turn. It is also very easy to overshoot your turn and then in turn overcorrect. A lot of weaving is the result, and practice is definitely required. It quickly became apparent why people put spinner knobs on these machines. 

Yes, it is a weird feeling to turn the wheel and the front doesn't do much, but the rear swings way around. Be careful when backing up... You look behind you and start guiding the rear end somewhere... meanwhile, the tail wags the dog, so to speak... turn around and the front will not be where you left it /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif You'll get use to it. Also, I recommend the spinner knob. TSC has a nice ball bearing model for under $10.00 and it is available in green. What's kind of neat is if you go through a lot of sharp turns, you don't have to worry about the rear end. The rear follows the front tire path pretty well. It reminds me of a dragon in a chinese parade. You aim the mower and the front drive wheels follow and the rear comes along for the ride. Again, you will get use to it rapidly. But still take your time around things of value /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

The parking brake: the handle is stiff to operate. It may just be too tight on our example. 

Mine was tight at the beginning. Especially when trying to release it. I found that if I rev up the engine a little and then give the wheel little turns to the left and right as I release the lever, it will pop out very easily.

 It tends to backfire when it is shut down. 

Mine did the same thing. Try bringing it down to idle and waiting 30-45 seconds before shutting it down. I found that on the lawnsites board.

The mower gives a nice cut, and we are quite pleased with it. The hydraulic motor is tiny compared to our expectations. 

Isn't it nice? My 60" gives a nice cut, too. I was very happy with that. And that motor IS tiny! I couldn't believe how tiny it was and could spin those blades through grass, but it seems to work. Just don't touch it after mowing /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif (very hot).

 The mower is fairly quite except for an occasional clanking. This is either coming from the Quick Attach plate or the mower articulation setup. It does not detract from the mower's performance, but does take some getting used to. We will experiment with the lift arm's tilt setting to see if we can find a quiet position. 

Check the spacer rings for the height adjustment on the front wheel casters. Mine rattle all the time. I'm thinking of putting in some washers to tighten it up. Also, I set my mower on level ground, then use the joystick left/right motion to set the swing of the mower in the middle. Then I put it in float and off I go. I never have to adjust it while mowing.

 The Quick Attach system works like a charm. 

But would you recommend it to a friend? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 The seat belt, however, is absurdly long. 

Let's have your honest opinion. Ha ha. It is really long. It will get under the left rear wheel if you don't wear it. I've made it a habit to buckel up, then throw the tail between my legs before taking off the brake. I could see how it might need to be a little longer for a larger person, but not THAT long. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

After all, Moss Road will want to know how well he spent our money. 

I hope I did good. Glad you like it so far. You always have a support network here at TBN. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Congratulations on your purchase! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Anonymous Poster · Jul 1, 2003

Re: What A Week Pt. II -- PT-425 First Impressions

( I had some trouble with the fitting for the aux PTO on the left side of the lift arms. It appeared the fitting was sticking out about a half an inch too far. I just loosened the set screw and moved mine back into the tube a little further and all was well. Maybe not the same problem as yours. )

I suspect it is. I've looked at that area since my original post and realized that moving the hose rearward should also fix it. I'll probably do whatever is easiest.

( What's kind of neat is if you go through a lot of sharp turns, you don't have to worry about the rear end. The rear follows the front tire path pretty well. It reminds me of a dragon in a chinese parade. )

That's a good analogy. I was surprised at how closely I could mow an inside corner of a fence line.

( Mine did the same thing. Try bringing it down to idle and waiting 30-45 seconds before shutting it down. I found that on the lawnsites board. )

Thanks for the tip; we'll give that a try.

( Others have reported rattling sounds too. Sometimes when traveling at low engine RPMs we here what sounds like ball bearings clacking in the wheels.)

I heard that too, but I was actually refering to the front end clank. I'll look into your suggestion that it might be the front wheels' height spacers. I wonder if a couple of large waffle washers wouldn't help?

( But would you recommend it to a friend? )

I already have. I emailed some pics to a friend. He wanted to know where he could get one. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

SnowRidge

Anonymous Poster · Jul 1, 2003

Re: What A Week Pt. II -- PT-425 First Impressions

( I heard that too, but I was actually refering to the front end clank. I'll look into your suggestion that it might be the front wheels' height spacers. I wonder if a couple of large waffle washers wouldn't help? )

Whoops, should have said I was refering to the front end clank with the mower attached. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

SnowRidge

marrt · Jul 1, 2003

Re: What A Week Pt. II -- PT-425 First Impressions

Whoops, should have said I was referring to the front end clank with the mower attached.

This clanking is the male quick attach plate moving around inside the female quick attach. When I first heard this at the factory on a test drive, I thought I had broken something. It can get quite loud too. It's normal though.

WRT to the rattle or clicking when backing up (that Mossroad mentioned), I still don't know what causes this sound. Originally, I thought it had something to do with the parking brake. Not sure though.

 I recommend the spinner knob 

To me, this is a requirement. With a spinner knob, you can easily steer with one hand and use the other hand to brace yourself on the canopy. This will help address your concerns about bracing yourself (your steering wheel observation) when traveling over rough terrain. Most people recommend the canopy due to safety issues or protection from the sun. However, the ability to brace yourself using the canopy is an important “feature.” .

 It tends to backfire when it is shut down. 

Switch to Premium gas (93 Octane) and let the engine idle a few seconds before shutdown. The Kohler has a fairly high compression ratio. If you do the above, it usually will not backfire or "run on."

BTW, I lived the Farragut for several years. Loved it. Wish I was back.

smartguyz · Jul 1, 2003

Re: What A Week Pt. II -- PT-425 First Impressions

 ( Also, I recommend the spinner knob. TSC has a nice ball bearing model for under $10.00 and it is available in green. ) 

I have seen several references to "TSC". I'm not familiar with that acronym. Can anyone tell me what it means, and whether I can secure parts through them, and if so, how?

Sincerely,

Rob /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

MossRoad · Jul 1, 2003

Re: What A Week Pt. II -- PT-425 First Impressions

Tractor Supply Company

Charlie_Iliff · Jul 1, 2003

Re: What A Week Pt. II -- PT-425 First Impressions

Tractor Supply Link

Anonymous Poster · Jul 1, 2003

Re: What A Week Pt. II -- PT-425 First Impressions

( This clanking is the male quick attach plate moving around inside the female quick attach. )

That's what I thought it might be the first time I heard it. I wonder if there is any way to silence it. Probably not.

SnowRidge