Bad Power Trac Experience

[woodlandfarms]

I went with Stubby metal and it seems to help some. I have broken the metal as well.

A concern about your melted cable. If there is lube on the inside it is fried. Cable will get sticky here shortly...
Carl

 

[J_J]

Most of us have had to do something to fix those stupid inner valve stems. Fixes run from welding up the holes in the rim to putting in stubby metal valve stems. It's a royal pain. I have no idea why PT continues to use those rims.

Good luck with the engine. That plastic coating melting doesn't sound good.

The reason there is two valve stems is this. It is designed this way to allow you to switch tires from the one side and put it on the other side, and when you are using two tires side by side, and there will always be a valve stem on the outside for filling. The only way to avoid the inner valve stem from being ripped off is to install a steel stubby, or install the stem inside out, or plug it . Sooner of later, with the bar tires, a situation will come up with the tire pointed in the right direction, and the stem will be on the inside. I don't know if the turf tires have a directional pattern, like the bar tires.

 

[J_J]

Chris, as far as the grass being thrown on the tire and rim, I would cut up a car tire and build a baffle to deflect the grass down, or to the side. Make it long enough to deflect, but not get caught up under the deck when backing

 

[Killer_B]

So back to the shop it went..... Talked to them Friday, they ran it without an air filter and they said it didn't overheat under that condition, seem to be hoping the air filter got soaked with oil on the first engine death and that that is causing poor airflow and hopefully the overheating. So hopefully today or tomorrow we will have a new air filter and that will solve it. Maybe, but I'm skeptical......

Wish me luck.

Chris

Chris,

You may want to question their theory a bit. A partially plugged air filter on a carbureted gas engine would tend to richen the mixture, which would tend to LOWER the operating temp.

 

[SnowRidge]

The reason there is two valve stems is this. It is designed this way to allow you to switch tires from the one side and put it on the other side, and when you are using two tires side by side, and there will always be a valve stem on the outside for filling. The only way to avoid the inner valve stem from being ripped off is to install a steel stubby, or install the stem inside out, or plug it . Sooner of later, with the bar tires, a situation will come up with the tire pointed in the right direction, and the stem will be on the inside. I don't know if the turf tires have a directional pattern, like the bar tires.

The PT-425 rims are not equilateral. Putting the rim on the other side by moving it without flipping it over reverses it, what you have been preaching against. PT doesn't approve reversed rims and also doesn't offer or approve dual wheels on the small machines. The extra valve stems don't belong there. All they do is result in flats.

 

[Central_PA_Chris]

Chris, as far as the grass being thrown on the tire and rim, I would cut up a car tire and build a baffle to deflect the grass down, or to the side. Make it long enough to deflect, but not get caught up under the deck when backing

Thanks for the input, I saw a baffle/guard system on one of the mower decks posted in another thread here. I will definitely implement that one. Thanks!

 

[Central_PA_Chris]

A concern about your melted cable. If there is lube on the inside it is fried. Cable will get sticky here shortly...
Carl

Hmmm, haden't considered that. Anyone know if the recent stock throttle cables on a PT 425 are lubed? It did stick the next time I fired it up, I figured melted plastic got into the joints and onto the cable. Seemed to break free and be fine.

Ah, for the record I have 4 welders and about 1/3 of a small fabrication shop so I think I meet minimum PT ownership requirements. Though my shop is about to be constructed and all tools and tractor (when it's not in the shop) are living in shipping containers. I just don't expect good tools to come broken and when they do I do expect companies (especially small American ones) to go the distance to make it right. I own a small company and I know I do go beyond my legal duties to make sure any issues are corrected, not because I have to but because it's the RIGHT thing to do. I'll call power trac again (It's been a while.) this week if the filter trick fails and see if they will lean on Robins for a new engine.

I'm keeping a good sense of humor about the situation. I'm pretty easy going, but I'm not going to keep quiet about it.

 

[J_J]

The PT-425 rims are not equilateral. Putting the rim on the other side by moving it without flipping it over reverses it, what you have been preaching against. PT doesn't approve reversed rims and also doesn't offer or approve dual wheels on the small machines. The extra valve stems don't belong there. All they do is result in flats.

I never said anything about flipping the tire. On the turf tire you take it to the other side, and it bolts on with the stem out. If you have a spare bar tire built up, there is a 50/50 chance that it is mounted wrong. If you move a bar tire to the other side, the bars will be pointing in the wrong direction. You have to break the tire down and remount. Reversing rims is not good, and I don't recommend it. If you build up a set of bar lug dually's, you need to pay attention to the stem placement and the direction of the bars. With dual stems, it works out that you can put air to both tires, without taking one off. This may be good for some people and not so good for others. Gotta do what you gotta do.

 

[Bob999]

One of the reasons for two valve stems is that the 1845 and 1850 use dual wheels and the way they are mounted requires a valve stem on one side of the wheel for the inner tire and on the other side of the wheel for the outer tire.

 

[Central_PA_Chris]

Reversing rims is not good, and I don't recommend it.

Why? The extra offset is only a few inches. Now dullies, that's another story, but going a bit wider by reversing rims (while paying attention to tread directionality) shouldn't radically change torque on the studs. I ask because I have the one wheel nearest to the grass discharge in that position for the added clearance. Might have to reverse that one back after I get a discharge block and extra height wheels on that puppy.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[SnowRidge]

One of the reasons for two valve stems is that the 1845 and 1850 use dual wheels and the way they are mounted requires a valve stem on one side of the wheel for the inner tire and on the other side of the wheel for the outer tire.

Yes, but we are talking about the small machines which don't have dual wheels. Those inner valves stems are nothing but trouble. Most small PT buyers don't even know they are there, until one gets ripped out in the middle of a field.

It's poor design and the to heck with the customer attitude. If they can't buy suitable rims with holes on only one side, Power Trac could at least put metal stubbies in there and save their small machine customers endless frustration. At a minimum, they could mention it to their customers. They choose not to do any of that.

 

[J_J]

Why? The extra offset is only a few inches. Now dullies, that's another story, but going a bit wider by reversing rims (while paying attention to tread directionality) shouldn't radically change torque on the studs. I ask because I have the one wheel nearest to the grass discharge in that position for the added clearance. Might have to reverse that one back after I get a discharge block and extra height wheels on that puppy.

Thanks,
Chris

It is sort of logical, that if you think of the lever principle, the further out you go, more force is put on the bearings and frame of the motor. Keep lifting heavy loads with the wheels reversed, and it will get expensive. It looks cute, and may add more stability, but there is always a trade off. It probably voids any warranty on the wheel motors, and I am sure that PT monitors this forum .

 

[Barryh]

It is sort of logical, that if you think of the lever principle, the further out you go, more force is put on the bearings and frame of the motor. Keep lifting heavy loads with the wheels reversed, and it will get expensive. It looks cute, and may add more stability, but there is always a trade off. It probably voids any warranty on the wheel motors, and I am sure that PT monitors this forum .

I suspect they do also. If they do you would think they would make a few changes here and there. Seems to be a lot of minor reoccurring problems / design flaws that lead to larger problems if not nipped. Since I sold my 180 I have been comparing features and price on other tractors.

I have been comparing other (small tractors) brand new. Nothing even comes close to the versatility of a PT in the same price range. I've looked at every model of Kubota ,TYM, Cub Cadet etc, in the sub compact, or compact range with 4x4.

I still can't find even one under 12,500 which is the best price I've found unless, it´s a used machine. And that's just with a simple loader..... with the exception of one, the TYM. None will lift even to the 180 600 pound spec's. Even at that price nothing else comes with the tractor except a loader.

 

[SnowRidge]

I suspect they do also. If they do you would think they would make a few changes here and there. Seems to be a lot of minor reoccurring problems / design flaws that lead to larger problems if not nipped.

They don't seem to take this forum seriously. At least they didn't a few years back when I bought my machine. I mentioned TBN to them in sales and got something like, 'Them! Oh those guys on there are just crazy. They are obsessed with stuff.' I dropped the subject fast.

Since then, they have started advertising here, so maybe the attitude has changed a bit. Then again, maybe not.

 

[Barryh]

They don't seem to take this forum seriously. At least they didn't a few years back when I bought my machine. I mentioned TBN to them in sales and got something like, 'Them! Oh those guys on there are just crazy. They are obsessed with stuff.' I dropped the subject fast.

Since then, they have started advertising here, so maybe the attitude has changed a bit. Then again, maybe not.

Let's hope so, they could make a good product a great product... with a few changes in quality control and design. While thier at it, some good financing options would help greatly.

 

[BobRip]

They don't seem to take this forum seriously. At least they didn't a few years back when I bought my machine. I mentioned TBN to them in sales and got something like, 'Them! Oh those guys on there are just crazy. They are obsessed with stuff.' I dropped the subject fast.

Since then, they have started advertising here, so maybe the attitude has changed a bit. Then again, maybe not.

I have not seen the advertisement. Where did you see it. I resent being called obsessive. I am more extreme than that .

 

[SnowRidge]

I have not seen the advertisement. Where did you see it. I resent being called obsessive. I am more extreme than that .

It ran on TBN's home page. I don't remember when it was or how long or how often it ran.

 

[IslandTractor]

I have been comparing other (small tractors) brand new. Nothing even comes close to the versatility of a PT in the same price range. I've looked at every model of Kubota ,TYM, Cub Cadet etc, in the sub compact, or compact range with 4x4.

I still can't find even one under 12,500 which is the best price I've found unless, itｴs a used machine. And that's just with a simple loader..... with the exception of one, the TYM. None will lift even to the 180 600 pound spec's. Even at that price nothing else comes with the tractor except a loader.

There was a thread about this over the summer. There are in fact a number of small CUTs with diesel engines, greater lift capacity and 4 year real live warrantys as well as dealer support for the same money that you'd spend on a new PT425. Heck, the CUT loaders even come with a bucket as standard equipment! If you look back at the thread it was pretty clear that while PTs have some specific advantages in some settings, that economics is not one of them when compared to a CUT.

 

[MossRoad]

I promise not to pound this subject into the ground like I did in the other thread.

So, I will just mention a few key points in favor of the PT425 VS a CUT from my point of view from that other thread which can be viewed here....all 181 replies.

Most of those tractors weigh a TON more than the PT425, won't mow the lawn in twice the time, can't reach the mower deck under overhanging landscaping like weeping trees, can't mow an inside corner of a fenced in yard, won't plow snow well, won't fit in the back of a pickup truck with an attachment attached(or without an attachment, for that matter), take a long time and strong back to change 3pt implements and generally have almost all of the attachments on the wrong end of the tractor!

For most homeowner tasks, the PT425 is a better choice than a similar sized CUT. You have to compare weight, HP, versatility, etc... Yes, a Kioti CK20 will outpull a PT425 and it will lift higher than a PT425 with its loader. However, I will venture to say that a PT425 will move a 20 yard pile of landscaping material from your driveway, across your lawn and to the back of your house twice as fast as the CK20 with 1/8 the lawn damage.

For ground engaging things that require putting traction to the ground, like plowing a field or pulling a stump, a conventional tractor is a better choice. For other things, a lighter weight, more maneuverable machine that can change attachments in less time than it takes to put on a pair of pants is the better choice.

That was mostly said tongue in cheek, of course, but a lot of it is true, as is what was said by Island Tractor.

People need to get out of a "tractor" mentality and get into a "tool" mentality. Be sure to choose the tool that will best do the jobs that you need to do. You can take our words for it, but you definately need to get your rear end in the seat of both and test them to get a feel for what they both can and cannot do.

 

[Barryh]

There was a thread about this over the summer. There are in fact a number of small CUTs with diesel engines, greater lift capacity and 4 year real live warrantys as well as dealer support for the same money that you'd spend on a new PT425. Heck, the CUT loaders even come with a bucket as standard equipment! If you look back at the thread it was pretty clear that while PTs have some specific advantages in some settings, that economics is not one of them when compared to a CUT.

Tractor Island,

I'm in-between tractors right now and looking at both types with an open mind. I would like to see the thread you're talking about concerning price of a new Sub-Compact if there is one. I am looking for something small but powerful. I really like the TYM Sub-Compact. Not really interested in a regular Compact. So far the TYM is the only one I've seen that can out lift a PT- 422 / 425 in the small tractor category.

If there is another around for the price of a 425 brand new with loader? I would love to know what it is PM me on this if you would. And once again, we are basing everything on a PT- 425 as far as price and ability.

I'll say it again, no one can argue the 425 is a great machine but, it's not the only PT with punch. The 422 is in the 8,000 dollar category can also lift 800 lbs also has 40 attachments. While looking I'll be doing my comparison using that machine not the more expensive 425.