425 again…movement problems…

[Modrob]

Mossroad…I got to thinking again…(oh no—that’s dangerous for me )
If only those two socket head bolts are holding that pump on and one has the head broken off clean, then only the other one bolt is holding it! I’ve never noticed any kind of slack in the mounting ears…I would think it would move a little? But since the main bolt is still fully inside the pump bolt hole, I guess there’s no room for it to wiggle, unless the other side became loose and give the pump a little room to slide away from the motor…

 

[Modrob]

Attaching a pic of the pump coupler here. Can you detail it a little more so I can try and grasp it? Is it just a straight coupler so that the pump turns with the engine rpms constantly? Or is there some kind of slip built into it, that would let the pump ramp up? Does it have a “proper” name so I could research it online?
Thanks again.

 

[MossRoad]

Attaching a pic of the pump coupler here. Can you detail it a little more so I can try and grasp it? Is it just a straight coupler so that the pump turns with the engine rpms constantly? Or is there some kind of slip built into it, that would let the pump ramp up? Does it have a “proper” name so I could research it online?
Thanks again.

Look more in that thread I linked to earlier. It shows what's inside of all of that.

 

[ponytug]

Attaching a pic of the pump coupler here. Can you detail it a little more so I can try and grasp it? Is it just a straight coupler so that the pump turns with the engine rpms constantly? Or is there some kind of slip built into it, that would let the pump ramp up? Does it have a “proper” name so I could research it online?
Thanks again.

I don't know about your particular unit, but generally, they are "lovejoy couplers".

Jaw Type Couplings - Lovejoy - a Timken company

Jaw Type Couplings Fail-safe — will still perform if elastomer fails No metal to metal contact Resistant to oil, dirt, sand, moisture and grease More than 850,000 combinations of bore sizes Most types available from stock in 24 hours Resources The Jaw Type couplings from...

www.lovejoy-inc.com

So, no slip, but allows for a little misalignment and a little vibration reduction.

Very good points Peter. To tell the truth, I’m anxious to “open it up” and see the problem(s). But over recent years I’m becoming more and more hesitant to dive deep into repairs and such. Mainly because my brain has been diminishing in being able to retain things like I used to. And, then I end up having to spend more time relearning what I had earlier learned, and then I’ve got yet another in a long list of projects I’m already “in the middle” of stacking up. Kind of depressing sort of, to feel overwhelmed. But I’ve created it all myself, and yet I can’t seem to stop! LOL (I really hate this aging )
And yet, here I am, thinking about tearing into it, again! Ha!
I’m about to contact Terry for his thoughts. If he agrees, I’m thinking it best to trailer it to them. Then see where I stand, and if it’s economical to put a bunch of money into it at this point…

I know the feeling of relearning things and do lists that seem to grow of their own accord.

My aunt always used to say "PYB", "pick your battles". My $0.02 is speak with Terry, and if he okays it, trailer your PT over to their shop. They do overhauling and rebuilding all the time. (And have the equipment to do it well, and quickly.)

All the best,

Peter

 

[2manyrocks]

I don't know if there's a substantial cost savings for you repairing vs factory rebuilding vs buying new, but I'd look into your options. Would a factory rebuild using the frame, tires and wheels you have allow some cost savings over buying an entirely new machine?

 

[MossRoad]

$16K for a new one...

http://www.power-trac.com/index_htm_files/tractorgasT8price110123.pdf

 

[2manyrocks]

I wonder if the recent sale of Kohler will affect the future supply of 25hp Kohler engines at PT?

 

[Modrob]

I talked with Terry this morning and discussed all of this, and I believe it best if I trailer it to them and let them rebuild the pump and evaluate the machine as a whole. That way they can make sure the system is set up right when put back together and operates as it should. Makes better sense than me trying to “learn as I go” and likely create more headaches…LOL
Hopefully next week I’ll deliver it there. (Only an hour and half from me)
Again, many thanks guys for hanging with me through this.

 

[MossRoad]

Man, it's a good thing I live 10 hours from them or I'd have a bunch of attachments I don't need!

 

[Modrob]

Man, it's a good thing I live 10 hours from them or I'd have a bunch of attachments I don't need!

A couple years ago the wife and I drove down there. Met everybody and toured the place. Lots of great displays, and yes I can understand—good thing you’re not so close…LOL

 

[Modrob]

Latest: unit delivered to Terry and company today. They’ll deal with the pump issue/rebuild, and give me an evaluation on the condition of the rest of the machine. Crossing fingers for a little more life…(almost 25 years already and it’s been worked hard)

 

[MossRoad]

 

[ponytug]

 

[Modrob]

Well…prepare the hearse. Terry called this morning and it’s bad. Pump is destroyed. Looking at around 2500 to fix, and looking the whole unit over, may not be worthwhile to put that kind of money into it…
So now, the wife and I (it’s actually hers ) are trying to figure out next move. Wow…

 

[ponytug]

Well…prepare the hearse. Terry called this morning and it’s bad. Pump is destroyed. Looking at around 2500 to fix, and looking the whole unit over, may not be worthwhile to put that kind of money into it…
So now, the wife and I (it’s actually hers ) are trying to figure out next move. Wow…

Sorry to hear the bad news. Good luck on whatever you two decide to do.

All the best, Peter

 

[oldnslo]

Well…prepare the hearse. Terry called this morning and it’s bad. Pump is destroyed. Looking at around 2500 to fix, and looking the whole unit over, may not be worthwhile to put that kind of money into it…
So now, the wife and I (it’s actually hers ) are trying to figure out next move. Wow…

Do you know if the $2500 included checking the wheel motors? If not I would ask Terry about that since a pump going bad frequently sends debris out to the motors also.

Wish you the best on your decision going forward.

 

[2manyrocks]

Are there any cost savings to be had if they built a new unit re-using the body/wheels/ROPS but with all new hydraulic components and a new engine? The Kohler V twin might be the best gas 25hp engine available. I'd want a new one while I could get one.

 

[Modrob]

Do you know if the $2500 included checking the wheel motors? If not I would ask Terry about that since a pump going bad frequently sends debris out to the motors also.

Wish you the best on your decision going forward.

Yes, Terry had said they would check it all out after the pump was rebuilt to get a better idea of the overall condition. That was with the initial thought it would be a simple pump rebuild. After I got it to them, they find it’s beyond rebuild. So that changed everything going forward (or not )

 

[oldnslo]

Not trying to question Terry but I would want to check fluid in the lines to the motors for debris before ever connecting to a new rebuilt pump and potentially trashing it at startup. I suspect Terry knows this but he is playing with your nickels.

 

[Modrob]

Are there any cost savings to be had if they built a new unit re-using the body/wheels/ROPS but with all new hydraulic components and a new engine? The Kohler V twin might be the best gas 25hp engine available. I'd want a new one while I could get one.

We didn’t have a long conversation about it, but I believe it was easy to hear in his voice he was a bit saddened to see the condition this poor girl has come to in 24 years—it’s first 14-15 years it was pushed to its limits moving timber from the nearby woods—mostly hillsides, pushing, dragging, lifting, etc. Built nearly all of two homes with the lumber the late husband brought out and milled. Even the heavy metal that supports the rear wheel motors have fatigued to the point the wheels splay out some.
The poor motor has been run ragged as well—I’ve had to do a lot of work on it too. Honestly I think it’s just plain wore out…
So for about 2500 we would be back in the game, at least where we were before the movement issue started. Chancing the wheel motors and other systems on how long they might play along. Probably before long I’d think a new motor would have to be done…$$$$ and who knows…so we’ve been tossing around the idea of a new compact tractor—so many to choose from but all are a pretty big chunk of change. Hard to fathom 18 to 24 grand for a homeowner that uses a tractor for occasional projects. I really wished several times that our 425 had a heavier lift capacity and better digging ability. (We have lots of shale in our land)
It appears whatever we choose, it’s going to be a big chunk of change to have a tractor. (Note: I do have a 1950 IH T6 gas crawler/dozer that can really dig! But tears up a lot of ground and the wife would then tear up my arse…)