422 will not stay in float

[muncybob311]

So after 1400+ hours float is not working correctly. The slightest bump in terrain pops it out and now I also notice when lifting the bucket (or whatever) the lift continues after I let go of the handle. Plan to call Terry tomorrow and wondering if it's an easy fix like a cleaning of something or is it time for a new part?

 

[m5040]

Inspect the linkage going from the handle to the valve spools. If it is worn it may not be pushing the spool in to the float position fully and maybe jamming up when going into the raise position. Also look for rust, loose parts, foreign material, etc.

 

[ponytug]

I think it would be great to call Terry.

If the bucket lift continues after you let go of the handle, I'd suspect a bit of debris in the valve. I suspect that @m5040's diagnosis of loose or sticky linkages could be an issue in the not staying in float, and possibly why the lift continues after releasing the lever. How often do you clean and lubricate the linkages and lever ball?

All the best,

Peter

 

[muncybob311]

Never realized lubing that should be done. Will clean and lube today for hopefully an improvement if I don't melt first

 

[kmaz]

I haven’t logged on in years! Boy I missed this place. Still loving my 425. I use to mow a lot with my 425 and I have what I call a “country” lawn. Mine would jump out of float as well….over bumps, so I installed what I called a float lock. It’s just a star knob with I believe 3/8-16 thread shaft. I drilled and tapped a hole in the dash and when turned in it won’t allow the block behind the dash attached to the loader arm to lower and operate the linkage. (Sounds complicated…..it’s not) The spring just keeps tension on the knob so it stays put when not in use. Weird thing is that for whatever reason I don’t need it anymore. Your problem definitely may not be the same as my problem was. Hopefully an adjustment or lube can get you squared away. Mine problem was more the weight of the heavy handle itself on bumps would be enough to overcome the valve.
It feels so good to be back. I missed this place.
Kris

 

[ponytug]

Nice to see you again, and boy is your machine clean!

All the best, Peter

 

[kmaz]

Haha. Those were pics i took from an earlier post on the the forum in 2007!
Kris

 

[ponytug]

Mine has looked that shiny since it was new... the California sun is hard on paint. The tractor is wonderful.

All the best,

Peter

 

[MossRoad]

Welcome back!

 

[Gravy]

My PT425 started having weirdness with joystick operation and float a couple of days ago. On inspection, the housing that the float detent is in had broken off. It's held on by screws through two ears, both of which had broken off. I performed a "field expedient" repair today and got it working again. It'll be interesting finding out on Monday whether the part is still available and how much it costs. Danfoss sold that division to Dukes, and I couldn't find a part number. It's not clear whether they sell repair parts.

If the part isn't available or is insanely expensive, I'm pretty sure I can make one. It's not a precision part.

Photos of field expedient repair attached in random order after I trimmed them down. Sorry for the blurry shots. My hands shake a fair bit these days.

 

[kmaz]

My PT425 started having weirdness with joystick operation and float a couple of days ago. On inspection, the housing that the float detent is in had broken off. It's held on by screws through two ears, both of which had broken off. I performed a "field expedient" repair today and got it working again. It'll be interesting finding out on Monday whether the part is still available and how much it costs. Danfoss sold that division to Dukes, and I couldn't find a part number. It's not clear whether they sell repair parts.

If the part isn't available or is insanely expensive, I'm pretty sure I can make one. It's not a precision part.

Photos of field expedient repair attached in random order after I trimmed them down. Sorry for the blurry shots. My hands shake a fair bit these days.

Nice repair! That’s what I call some good old fashioned barnyard ingenuity!
Kris

 

[Gravy]

Nice repair! That’s what I call some good old fashioned barnyard ingenuity!
Kris

Thanks! I don't think it's quite centered. There's some drag that keeps the spool from snapping back to the neutral position. I'll have to see if I can adjust that out. But I was able to do my mowing before the rain chances increase this afternoon, which would have been a problem without working float.

 

[Gravy]

My PT425 started having weirdness with joystick operation and float a couple of days ago. On inspection, the housing that the float detent is in had broken off. It's held on by screws through two ears, both of which had broken off. I performed a "field expedient" repair today and got it working again. It'll be interesting finding out on Monday whether the part is still available and how much it costs. Danfoss sold that division to Dukes, and I couldn't find a part number. It's not clear whether they sell repair parts.

If the part isn't available or is insanely expensive, I'm pretty sure I can make one. It's not a precision part.

Photos of field expedient repair attached in random order after I trimmed them down. Sorry for the blurry shots. My hands shake a fair bit these days.

I called PT for the replacement part. $275. No, not $2.75. Yeeeoow! Keith was unsurprised when I didn't buy it.

There's still some drag interfering with the spool returning to center, so I have more work to do. I may try to make a new piece. It's not terribly complicated, I've got a lathe, a mill-drill, and several welders, and I'm expecting several rainy days this week.

 

[ponytug]

I called PT for the replacement part. $275. No, not $2.75. Yeeeoow! Keith was unsurprised when I didn't buy it.

There's still some drag interfering with the spool returning to center, so I have more work to do. I may try to make a new piece. It's not terribly complicated, I've got a lathe, a mill-drill, and several welders, and I'm expecting several rainy days this week.

Good luck on the build! If you do it, I would love to see photos.

All the best,

Peter

 

[Gravy]

Good luck on the build! If you do it, I would love to see photos.

All the best,

Peter

I have a chunk of steel that is way too big, a chunk of some kind of brass that is a bit less too big, a Southbend Heavy 10 with banana shaped ways and a spindle that chatters, a completely unidentifiable Rong Fu RF-something clone mill drill that is also wore slap out, and very nearly zero machining knowledge or skill.

What could possibly go wrong?

 

[ponytug]

I'm sure you know the idiosyncrasies of your equipment well.

A pair of the sharpest knives that I own were made by a guy sitting on the dirt with a hammer, a pair of tongs and a rock with a piece of metal on top.

Having seen the emergency repair above, I have faith in your talents.

I'm sure you are "one of those guys"...,
"you know those guys with skills"...,
"You send them into the wilderness with a pocket knife and a Q-tip and they build you a shopping mall.”-Anne Heche to Harrison Ford in "Six Days, Seven Nights"

Seriously, I liked your original fix, and at $275 for the original part, I'm sure you have incentive for inspiration, and I feel pretty confident that you can do better than pot metal.

All the best,

Peter

 

[MossRoad]

I have a chunk of steel that is way too big, a chunk of some kind of brass that is a bit less too big, a Southbend Heavy 10 with banana shaped ways and a spindle that chatters, a completely unidentifiable Rong Fu RF-something clone mill drill that is also wore slap out, and very nearly zero machining knowledge or skill.

What could possibly go wrong?

South Bend!!!! WOOO WOOO WOOO!!!

 

[MossRoad]

I'm sure you know the idiosyncrasies of your equipment well.

A pair of the sharpest knives that I own were made by a guy sitting on the dirt with a hammer, a pair of tongs and a rock with a piece of metal on top.

Having seen the emergency repair above, I have faith in your talents.

I'm sure you are "one of those guys"...,
"you know those guys with skills"...,
"You send them into the wilderness with a pocket knife and a Q-tip and they build you a shopping mall.”-Anne Heche to Harrison Ford in "Six Days, Seven Nights"

Seriously, I liked your original fix, and at $275 for the original part, I'm sure you have incentive for inspiration, and I feel pretty confident that you can do better than pot metal.

All the best,

Peter

Hey, he roasted a peacock with maraschino cherry juice glaze! What more could you want?