Evaluating a used PT 425

KentT · Jul 5, 2005

Well, Rich is back from vacation and I'm supposed to go check out his used PT 425 tomorrow afternoon. Any suggestions on unique things to look for on one of these unique machines?

Thanks in advance!

BobRip · Jul 5, 2005

Look for dirt under the oil cooler and dirt on the air cleaner. Of course he will read this and clean both of those.

Bob Rip

KentT · Jul 5, 2005

( Of course he will read this and clean both of those.

Bob Rip ) /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
My impression (I could certainly be wrong!) from reading the "history" of this tractor, based on his posts, is that it has been well maintained... I just don't know the wear and stress points on these seemingly simple machines.

I think I've read every thread in this whole forum and some more than once... . I was just wondering if there's some other PT-425 specific things I should look for -- like stress cracks on the pivot for the QA tilt mechanism's rod (whatever it's called). Since he's not been using a min-hoe (nor PHD), this one may not have that problem... Plus, I don't understand the changes over the years to know what "weaknesses" have been corrected in newer models -- other than the larger wheel motors.

For example, I saw where he'd broken and replaced the bushing on the lower pivot for the tractor frame -- something only one other TBNer has reported, as best I recall. These appear to anomolies...

What else should I look for, other than the normal "look for hydraulic leaks" or "check the condition of the hydraulic lines..."

BobRip · Jul 5, 2005

Does it have the new 50% greater torque wheel motors? I personally would not get it without them. Just me though. I have a lot of ruts and a swamp to navigate.

Bob Rip

KentT · Jul 5, 2005

( Does it have the new 50% greater torque wheel motors?

)No, it has the old style wheel motors... the same as on the current 422, as I understand it.. though I'm just learning about these things.

He offered to let me try it in his woods, on his slopes... now if the weather will only cooperate.

BobRip · Jul 5, 2005

Of course you must evaluate it for your needs.
Good luck.

Bob Rip

davesisk · Jul 5, 2005

Sounds like you know the basics of what to look for. Look for any oil in the engine compartment...would be an indication of current or prior leaks (although it's almost impossible to not spill some during a filter change). Identify the suction line...it comes from the bottom of the hydraulic tank, goes to a filter, and then to the tram pump. Hand check these two hoses (with the engine off!) for any wear, cracks, or areas that have notches rubbed in them from vibration against a sharp metal corner, etc. Air in the tram pump will burn it up quickly, so not getting air in via the suction line is crucial to longevity of the tram pump. Check all this with the machine off. Start it and listen for anything that sounds like sucking air in the vicinity of the suction line, both at high and low rpms. Open the tank and look for air bubbles in the hydraulic oil with the engine running (you'll probably see a little bit of turbulence, but it shouldn't look like someone put bubble-bath in there!). Any of these things are fixable of course...you're just talking new hoses, etc. I wouldn't expect any of the internal hoses to need replacing...the ones that wear the most are the external hoses (like the steering hoses, possibly the hoses on the loader arms, etc.).

Give the machine a good workout and see how hot the tank gets. It shouldn't be so hot that you can't keep your hand on it for a second or two (around 120 degrees or so I believe).

Try out all the attachments you have time for. Make sure all the quick connects slide open easily (but again, if they don't, these are easily replaced...you just want to know what you'll need to replace if anything before you buy it where possible).

I'd think you're probably getting a well-cared for machine in great shape. You are in for a real treat! Not that your older B6000 isn't a nice little machine...I think that you'll find that the Power-tracs wear their light weight better than some of the alternatives, if that makes any sense.

Enjoy!
Dave

KentT · Jul 6, 2005

Thanks, Dave. That's the kind of pointers that I was looking for...

Now if it will just stop raining... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

KentT · Jul 7, 2005

Well, I spent over an hour last evening in a drizzling rain checking out and testing (i.e. playing) with Rich's PT 425. After sleeping on it, I'm pretty much convinced that this is the way I'll go. And, no, he hadn't washed all the dirt off -- which I appreciate. (I've always been leery of used cars with steam-cleaned engines! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif )

I played with the rock bucket on some rough terrain behind his house, getting a feel for the hydraulics (yes, they're quick and sensitive for a newcomer!), the maneuverability, and the traction it has. Surprisingly, I had NO problems with the treadles at all -- his must be an older design that is not as sensitive as the newer PTs. I can see where more torque from the wheel motors would be nice, but these aren't so weak that they rule out consideration. I was pleased with the traction on rough ground, especially since the grass, brush and weeds were wet and slippery.

The engine seems to be in good condition and the only real signs of wear and tear on the hoses were the steering hoses. The remainder looked fine. He still has the original battery, and it should be replaced, just for peace of mind -- we had to use a booster to start it initially, though it started and ran fine afterwards.

I tried calling Tazewell to get some sense of the market value of this machine, but they were closed all week for vacation, with only one lady answering all the phones. I'll have to call back next week -- and Rich has graciously allowed me enough time to do so before making a final decision. Plus, I'll have to deal with the logistics (my Kubota and 14' trailer are still in Tennessee), and pulling the cash out of longer-term investments...

I do have one question related to these older, weaker wheel motors, though...

Has anyone tried -- or considered -- running 15W50 Mobil 1 (or something similar) in the hydraulics? I see where Fourteen has changed to Amsoil hydraulic fluid, but I don't know the viscosity ratings for it. It seems that when cold, the difference between 10 and 15 shouldn't be that significant, but when hot, the difference in viscosity between 40 and 50 might be noticeable when it comes to torque on the wheel motors with hot, thinner oil...

That's another question I also want to ask Terry & company, since this machine is long out of warranty... maybe they'll give me the "straight story!"

Thanks to everyone for their advice and patience as I've gone through this process!

ClintBlake · Jul 7, 2005

BobRip switched to Mobil1 (I believe 15W50) in the hydraulics of his 422 several years ago. He seems to be happy except for the time he damaged a seal on the stump grinder and put several gallons of expensive oil in the hole where the stump used to be. He feels that cold weather starts are easier with the synthetic, but then his pt stays in the heated garage while his wife's minivan sleeps out in the unheated carport.

Charlie_Iliff · Jul 7, 2005

Amsoil tractor hydraulic fluid is nominally SAE 5-30. A couple of years ago, Terry had it reviewed by engineers at PT who said my 1845 "would love the stuff." Terry cautioned, however, that the improvement in performance might not be worth the cost. I went the opposite direction. I spent the money, but haven't gotten around to putting it in the machine.
/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Amsoil Tractor Hydraulic Fluid

BobRip · Jul 7, 2005

I have at least 300 hours on Mobil 1 15W50 in the transmission on my 422. No issues, and it "feels" like more torque when the oil is hot. I live in the Richmond Va. area and it rarely gets below 20 F. Yes, my garage is heated and rarely gets below 55. If you have a leak fix it right now. I have about $150 in oil in the transmission.
I did call Mobil and they felt that Mobil 1 is a good hydraulic fluid. I very rarely (only once) park it in an unheated area. It cranked but would not start without a lot of cranking. I then regapped the plugs from 0.040 to the spec of 0.025. I never tested this change on a cold night. I would be glad to test this for you, but my cold chamber is not big enough.

Bob Rip

KentT · Jul 7, 2005

Well, I'll be using it primarily in Tennessee, even farther south, so I'm not too concerned about cold starting... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I think I'd plan on replacing the steering hoses (which show some wear) before I'd invest in $150 worth of Mobil 1... most likely, I'd simply try it, as is, and see how it does.

BTW, I didn't experience "PT pucker" in my long test drive, but I did experience the weird "hunched up" feeling of lifting one rear wheel off the ground, when I turned sharply on a side slope with a load of rocks in the bucket... /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif I'll probably experience the pucker factor soon enough!

BobRip · Jul 7, 2005

Keep the bucket low when traveling. Of course don't scrape the ground.

Bob Rip

FOURTEEN · Jul 7, 2005

( before I'd invest in $150 worth of Mobil 1 )

Don't spend that kind of money for MOTOR oil!!!

For that, or less, get real HYDRAULIC fluid!!

PS: Send Fourteen a PM for info.

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Edit: Advertising /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

RegL · Jul 8, 2005

I changed over to Amsoil in the 1430 about a month ago. All the hydraulic functions seem to be smoother. Not sure if that's because of the Amsoil or just because I changed the hydro fluid. Or it could just be in my head. I won't know if the Amsoil will improve traction when hot until I get out there mowing in the steeps but I'll be sure to report it here when I know.

FOURTEEN · Jul 9, 2005

( it could just be in my head. )

 /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif CAUTION!! Do not take Amsoil internally!! Put Amsoil in your tractor, not in your head!!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

KentT · Jul 11, 2005

Decision made -- I left a message with Rich that I want to buy his PT 425.

I guess this will make me the "second owner of the first TBN Power Trac" /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Thanks, everyone for your patience and help!