Treadle to hand control conversion on 1430

[Marks481]

That is pretty slick.

Seems like the same principle could be easily applied to the quick attach lever to get the handle in a more useful spot for mini-hoe and 4n1 bucket work.

 

[SpringHollow]

Very nicely done!!!

Ken

 

[woodlandfarms]

Way impressed. Such a simpler and better design than what I had in mind. What I had penciled out in my head would not have allowed you in the seat.

 

[jfischer]

Thanks Ken, now to get some seat time in if the weather ever wants to play Spring, think that starts tonight.

 

[jfischer]

I figured try keep it as simple as I can. Only thing with the seat I am having an issue with is, I have to put it all the way back right now to get on it, and then pull it forward. Seems my legs are longer then I thought, and then when I pull it forward, my big feet want to get in the way of the treadle, since we lowered the seat about 2 1/2", so going to try a stock mount for the seat, and see if that brings me back up and lets my feet stay further back.

It is a all a learning experience, but how it has been for the last 35 years being in a wheelchair. It takes me a little time, but I end up getting things so they work out well. Then at the end of the day a person sees me in the chair and they can't believe I just ran the machine.

I have found a few other things I want to change, like the lights. Seems when you bring the arms all the way up, they end up hitting the lights, and turning them around, and really wanted to have them mounted up under the ROPS anyway, to see a bit better over the blade and other things. So now to move the original ones, or get some nice LED ones and have someone help me put them up under the ROPS, as that is one thing, I am height limited at reaching things.

Way impressed. Such a simpler and better design than what I had in mind. What I had penciled out in my head would not have allowed you in the seat.

 

[MossRoad]

I figured try keep it as simple as I can. Only thing with the seat I am having an issue with is, I have to put it all the way back right now to get on it, and then pull it forward. Seems my legs are longer then I thought, and then when I pull it forward, my big feet want to get in the way of the treadle, since we lowered the seat about 2 1/2", so going to try a stock mount for the seat, and see if that brings me back up and lets my feet stay further back.

It is a all a learning experience, but how it has been for the last 35 years being in a wheelchair. It takes me a little time, but I end up getting things so they work out well. Then at the end of the day a person sees me in the chair and they can't believe I just ran the machine.

I have found a few other things I want to change, like the lights. Seems when you bring the arms all the way up, they end up hitting the lights, and turning them around, and really wanted to have them mounted up under the ROPS anyway, to see a bit better over the blade and other things. So now to move the original ones, or get some nice LED ones and have someone help me put them up under the ROPS, as that is one thing, I am height limited at reaching things.

Didn't even think about your feet in earlier discussions... sorry about that. I wear size 13s. My heels are at the back of the footwells and my toes are on the pedals. There is very little room in there for a "resting" position. On long days I'll put my toes under the pedals and lift them to operate instead of push them, just to mix things up. Maybe some sort of insert/riser for the wheel wells to cover up the treadle pedals?

 

[woodlandfarms]

You could probably remove the treddle paddle and just put a short rod setup, or cut the original and buy a replacement in case you sell.

As for the lights, this is heavily discussed.

If you are not against china, go to Ebay and order the LED Lights you find online, I have a couple of sets. I bought the 30 and 50 watt (estimated) version and mounted them under the ROPS. You can get bar lights as well that are killer, but under the rops is the best lighting spot. Have someone drill a couple of holes in the roof metal and run the wire down the rops (I use bathroom calk to cover the wires - black in color) to keep them from getting pulled out by tree limbs.

 

[jfischer]

Yes M R, it is a tight fit in there, then I have to pick them about a foot or so higher to fit in the cutout they made to get into it, since I can't turn my feet sideways like a walking person would jumping on the machine. I think it will all be fine once I get the hang of things. Most everything is a struggle in life, I have just learned to make the best of it, and kind of think out of the box on most things.

It is kind of like the steering on it, compared to my JD. Both I would say you call them power steering, but mine on the JD feels like you could spin it around with your pinky, and it will go lock to lock in about 1 1/2 to 2 turns, where I would think the PT will take 4 total turns, and is a lot harder, almost feels like non power compared to what I have been used to. I now see where a spinner might help out some on things. I have an old one from years ago, but think it was mounted on the top/outside of the steering wheel, and most the newer ones, or the ones on tractors mount to a spoke, and are even with the steering wheel, but might try one out.

It is fun so far, and learning more each day. Did your lift arms hit the lights in their stock position when you lifted it all the way up?
Jeff

 

[jfischer]

I wanted to keep the treadle in there in case I had someone move it around for me. I figured it would be easier to tell them right is forward, and left is reverse, and is not that bad, think it has some to do with me dropping the seat height about 2 1/2" over stock, so going to try the stock height and see if that doesn't suck my legs back, and keep them more towards the seat and put them at a 90 degree angle.

I have read a lot about the lights, and on my JD went to LED lights, and was a LOT brighter and whiter light, and do plan on going to them in the future, and mount them up high. Going to try the trick M R had on here, and see if I can put the cotton tip attached to some fishing line, and use compressed air to blow it from one hole to the other, then use it to fish the wire down to connect things.

The lighting was something I talked about when I was down at Tazwell and talking to Terry. He brought his flashlight out to show me something, then I reached under my chair and took mine out and said you mean right here, and that got us into a conversation about LED flashlights and then I told him how many I had, and how I found out the cheap stuff really doesn't work well, and is better to spend a bit more, but sure pays off down the road.

This will be kind of like a car project and add and change things as I go. Going to be a fun project though, and have a lot of things to work on outside when it warms up a bit.
Jeff

You could probably remove the treddle paddle and just put a short rod setup, or cut the original and buy a replacement in case you sell.

As for the lights, this is heavily discussed.

If you are not against china, go to Ebay and order the LED Lights you find online, I have a couple of sets. I bought the 30 and 50 watt (estimated) version and mounted them under the ROPS. You can get bar lights as well that are killer, but under the rops is the best lighting spot. Have someone drill a couple of holes in the roof metal and run the wire down the rops (I use bathroom calk to cover the wires - black in color) to keep them from getting pulled out by tree limbs.

 

[MossRoad]

The steering gets easier as the hydraulics heat up AND you have to run it at full RPMs (once the motor is broken in). I can't even move my steering wheel when its really cold. I start the thing up, run it at 1/3 throttle or so, and go shovel the walks and steps while it runs for 10 minutes. When I come back, the hydraulics are nice and warm and off I go. In summer, its pretty easy right from the get-go.

I think the difference with the steering is there is NO steering linkage on a PT. Just a hydraulic valve and some rams. Mine takes quite a few turns as well.

Your model PT425 has a higher lift capacity than mine and our FEL configurations are a bit different, however, YES, my FEL arms hit the headlights when it is raised all the way. Never caused a problem, though. I mounted two more identical headlights under my ROPS facing forwards so I had four headlights. I eventually stopped using the lower lights as they are too low to see in front of the plow or bucket. Last winter I switched to LED lights under the ROPS.... MUCH NICER!!! :thumbsup: A nice, bright white light, not yellow. TBN member oldpilgrim turned me on to some LEDs in this thread:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/power-trac/323090-lights.html#post3910927
Read the whole thing. Some good stuff.

In that thread there is a link to this 2-pack of lights.
Amazon.com: Signstek 2*18W CREE LED Flood Light Headlight Work Light Lamp off Road High Power ATV Jeep 4x4 Tractor off Road Light Fog Driving Bar Rree Truck SUV Car IP67 Waterproof Dustproof Shockproof (Black): Automotive
I ended up getting 2 two-packs. I mounted two under the ROPS facing forward and one under the ROPS facing backwards. I think I may mount the 3rd one in the center facing forward for just a tad more light for night plowing. Anyhow, great little lights. :thumbsup:

 

[MossRoad]

As far as my spinner knob goes, I picked one up at Tractor Supply for under $10.00 many years ago. Its JD green and matches the tractor perfectly. It sticks out an inch or so past the outer edge of the steering wheel, which means its a longer lever from the center, so it gives me more leverage when turning. I love it! Once in a while I'll use the regular steering wheel, but if feels too small and awkward now. I quickly wonder why I am doing this and go back to the spinner! :laughing:

 

[MossRoad]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...92d1035743354-pt-additions-modifications-54-a

 

[MossRoad]

 

[SpringHollow]

Raise your seat by getting a better seat - you will not regret it. Or add rubber doughnuts under yours to raise it.

Ken

 

[jfischer]

M R, you have to remember, if it was a while ago, they have doubled the price now
I have an old one, I am pretty sure, (might even be made out of bakelite) out in my shed, heck, it might be off a Model T, but will see how things steer once I get some more seat time in on it.

I have to remember I am turning more weight. My old JD has a single cylinder that it uses for the power steering, and I don't have half the weight on the front of it.

I am sure all will be fine once I get used to it.
Jeff

As far as my spinner knob goes, I picked one up at Tractor Supply for under $10.00 many years ago. Its JD green and matches the tractor perfectly. It sticks out an inch or so past the outer edge of the steering wheel, which means its a longer lever from the center, so it gives me more leverage when turning. I love it! Once in a while I'll use the regular steering wheel, but if feels too small and awkward now. I quickly wonder why I am doing this and go back to the spinner! :laughing:

 

[jfischer]

Ken, I am going to try to make some kind of small spring setup, about the size of valve springs. That is what I put under the back of the seat setup I have on my tractor now, and it actually rides pretty good. Doesn't have a lot of travel, but enough to take the smaller bumps out. Just trying to keep the seat as low as I can. Will go back to the standard seat mount, and see how that works with my feet and all first, and go from there.
Jeff

Raise your seat by getting a better seat - you will not regret it. Or add rubber doughnuts under yours to raise it.

Ken

 

[jfischer]

M R,thanks for all the links on the lighting. I know there are a ton out there, and it kind of pays to just pay once, and get something that works good, then to have to replace them a few times. If it was something I could reach and get to, I wouldn't mind, but have to have a helping hand to get them up higher.

That can be a warm weather project, still pretty cool out there today.
Jeff

 

[joshlee]

Thanks, I'll try that all out and see how it goes.

I have the factory seat and factory arm rests. I'll tell you, I've had many 5 hour runs on this thing and the seat could use a little padding, but for 2-3 hour stretches, I have no complaints. The arm rests are OK, too... on those 5 hour runs, half of it was backwards, leaning over one or the other armrest, going all out 8mph in reverse. I was hauling moon dust (granulated limestone) refurbishing little league ball diamonds over long distances.

I'd say try the factory seat and see how you like it. If its not acceptable, get an aftermarket seat with some armrests and more padding.

 

[joshlee]

Thats awesome Jeff! So, how much resistance is there when you push it, if you have the tension set as low as it goes with the T-handle?I like that T-handle idea.

So push goes forwards and pull goes backward? Pretty slick! :thumbsup:

 

[jfischer]

You can adjust it to however you would like. If you take all the tension off, it will let you do like you were wanting and have spring return to center. It kind of hits the best of both worlds. Feels real good, almost like some I have felt with a gas cylinder on them. Think that it is going to work out fine.
Jeff

Thats awesome Jeff! So, how much resistance is there when you push it, if you have the tension set as low as it goes with the T-handle?I like that T-handle idea.