Got my new 422 today

[egb6550]

And what a time I had. First loading it into the 5x8 uhaul covered trailer was a treat. It barely fit past the 4' door and once inside trying get the attachment bar to go down I stepped on reverse, whipped my head back, felt the trailer buck, then the ramps fell and I thought its all over. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif But once the dust settled I was ok and the PT was still in the trailer. Is reverse supposed to be like that you step on it and whiplash your flying backwards... I looked at the treadle assembly and there is a plastic like covering in the center and then just a post on the forward and reverse sides.. seems like maybe a spring should be there? I ended up putting a piece of 2x4 under it but still kept flying back, I know I'm going to smack something, I'm hoping there is more to that assembly...tell me?

 

[FOURTEEN]

"" Is reverse supposed to be like that when you step on it ""

No, but it is!!


"" seems like maybe a spring should be there ""

You mean like these??

Check out "#420338 - 05/03/04 08:53 PM" on PT-425 PROS & cons?? [Re: FOURTEEN] !!

Power Trac builds a great machine, but some customization will make it even better!!

In the meantime, use a low throttle setting for slower responses, and "Be Careful"!!

 

[Mith]

we like pictures /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[MuncyBob]

Glad you were not seriously hurt!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif 14's mod is a good one...and actually over time I have become comfortable with the treadle without any adjustment to it. Something that is preached over and over in here is SAFETY....although I am guilty of this, it's a very good idea never to mount/dismount the PT while it's running. I find that to do some chores around here that I am constantly getting in & out of the PT(I too have the 422) and I have prefected the PT Hop, armrests are upright and I can hop into the seat with legs outside the tractor driver compartment. With that said I'm ready to be admonished for this act! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[pequeajim]

Your post is excactly like the one that I posted about a month ago. I am a fairly new 425 owner and the first day I was working in the yard with my PT, I hit reverse and experienced the "PT whiplash" as you described. Man, it scared me and I think I almost ran into something.

The force of movement of the PT throws you and yoru feet forward which puts more weight on the reverse therefor causing you to go faster and so on...

Paul and Moss made a great suggestion which is to always keep both feet on the pedals. It took me about an hour or so to get used to it and I have never had a another problem.

Be careful, take your time, use both feet, and err on the side of being safe.

MossRoad has gotten so used to his that he can fly around in reverse with no worries, safely. It'll be quite a while before I do that. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Best to you.

Jim!

 

[tracdoc]

Hearty congratulations on your new PT, and welcome aboard!

Going on the old adage that "repetition is the basis of learning," I'll reiterate the both feet on the pedals recommendation. I last mentioned it to Pequajim right after he reported his adventure:
The Yin and Yang of Treadle Operation

Just proceed slowly as you proceed along the learning curve, and as others have said many times, shut 'er down whenever you dismount.

Wishing a very Merry Christmas to all.

 

[MossRoad]

Glad you are OK! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

The thing about these things is that you can go full speed forward or reverse.

Mine is a 2001 model so I have a treadle that takes some force to operate. My treadle operates a cable system that goes back to the hydraulic pump in the engine compartment. As many of the newer model owners have reported, the treadle is different now. It appears to be a valve mounted under the center of the unit between your feet and your feet operate the valve. FOURTEEN's modification is worth pursuing. It puts some pressure on the treadle to make it less touchy.

Didn't someone mention that Power Trac now offers some sort of spring kit for the treadle? Maybe that is what the little posts you speak of are for. You may want to call them and ask.

 

[egb6550]

Wow great information.. I thought I was crazy.. I like the rubber band idea.. maybe I'll get used to it. I also had a great time getting the quick attach to attach. I started with the forks and after 20 minutes of struggle realized something was just not right. I read the manual hoping for tips on using it but alas no mention of the quick attach system at all. Then closer inspection revealed the pin that held the up down control was gone.. works much better with that connected.. I like being on the west coast I posted a question late last night and 6 replies waiting for me this morning and pictures even.. you guys are great thanks! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[PowerTrom425]

Welcome to TBN. When I got my PT425 they gave me a couple of springs that I've put between the top of the treadle and the housing which creates some tension which helps.....

I broke my left ankle a month ago and have had the leg in a cast since....In the meantime I've become rather adept at using my right toe under the right peddle for reverse. My recommendation is to do everything you want to with the PT, but to do everything slowly at first until you get the knack of the beast. They are really amazing machines....good luck.

 

[Phils]

Welcome to the Left Coast PT club, egb6550! I had originally asked that the springs for the treadle be installed and included in my original purchase, but that didn't happen. I've been getting used to the PT as is, and may still order the treadle springs at some future time.

The worst incident was when a friend wanted to try it out, thinking the PT is what he needs for his place. I explained the operation, and he thought it similar to his golf cart. Once on he started hitting the left pedal (maybe a reaction of his foot looking for the brake) which, as you know, doesn't STOP the thing! The more he stabbed at that left pedal, the more he kept shooting backwards. I wasn't concerned until he started nearing my solar panel array... but by then it was too late for me to do anything at all (except dread the outcome). He got it stopped about 2 feet from the panels, jumped off and said it was too wild of a machine for him (he's 83 years old, by the way).

I coerced him back into the driver's seat, put the throttle on low, and had him follow me slowly as I walked through a forest trail. A little practice driving later, he's liking the PT. He's already asked if his wife can come up and see it, so I'm thinking there may be another Tazwell shipment coming to our town in the near future.

Phil

 

[MossRoad]

To everyone...

Like any piece of power equipment, these things have to be respected. I read for close to a year before purchase, spoke with two commercial users of PT400 series tractors, test drove one and pretty well knew what to expect when it arrived at the loading dock. I was able to load the attachments into pickup tucks with the PT and load the tractor itself up the ramps into a pickup as well. I have always been extremely comfortable around machines and enjoy operating them. I drove hydraulically articulated tractors of this size for 6 years between 1980 and 1986 while working at the airport (see these pictures) so it was like getting on a bike for me. But I was still impressed with the power and responsiveness of the hydraulics.

A few things to watch out for...

When you get in and out, turn off the tractor and set the brakes or you will eventually either run yourself over, pinch your legs between the two sections, or damage some property.

When you lift things with the bucket, the bucket is not self leveling. It goes up fast! Logs, dirt and debris can and will roll out of the rear of the bucket and come at you if you do not control the roll of the bucket with the joystick as you raise it. Be wary of this as you put the tractor through its paces or show off for friends or have someone else operate it without any experience. I've had a couple laps full of dirt. Enough to fill my shoes. I was not impressed with my lack of self discipline at those moments. I was just happy that there wasn't a boulder to land in my crotch... seriously, it could hit the steering wheel and crush your chest, so be careful /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

The forks can be used as a catapult. At the extreme ends of their travel, their speed increases greatly. Enough that it is posssible to toss railroad ties 10-12 feet away from the tractor, or up onto the canopy, and again, into your lap. Think of them as flippers on a pinball machine. They are that fast at the end of the stroke.

One off the tradeoffs of extremely powerful and responsive hydraulics is they leave little room for error. Take the time to get use to it gradually and don't let other folks drive it without some training. The PT is a little beast that will bite you if you are not careful. I rank it's danger level right up there with any power tool. Common sense, caution and a learning curve are required... off my sopabox. Now go enjoy your new tool. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[pajoube]

The best advice I can give is to just go out and practice. My first few days on my 425 caused very sore ankles due to the constant pressure you use on both feet. After the first few days you will really never know any problem every existed.
Take it slow, think out your moves about 4 steps ahead and you will have no problems.
PJ

 

[cqaigy]

<font color="red">
Welcome to the Left Coast PT club</font>

Yes welcome aboard! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I think everybody has been introduced to reverse in a similar fashion, so don't feel bad.

I've found that everybody here is not only a great source of information, but also as good a bunch you'll find on the net. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Mith]

"but also as good a bunch you'll find on the net."
i second that - the people here go out of their way to help - this shows above eh? theres a good hour or so in typing up there /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[NJBill]

Mith,
Welcome to the PT section, you've got me puzzled lad !
What part of Southern England are you located ?
At the time I lived in Lancashire, the only thing "south of the UK "
was the English Channel.
I moved around there quite a bit on the Bofors at the time of the
" Buzz Bombs "
Bill

 

[pequeajim]

Welcome to a fun group of PT owners egb6550!

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( "but also as good a bunch you'll find on the net."
i second that - the people here go out of their way to help - this shows above eh? theres a good hour or so in typing up there )</font>

I third that one too. You guys demonstrate a true friendship in helping each other out. Most forums always have issues with people with their own agendas, not here. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Everyone has figured it out; that if we all support each other in a positive way, we ALL benefit!

Thanks PT guys and gals...

(do we have any gals?)

Jim!

 

[ernemats]

Welcome to the pt owners group . It seems like the owners group is growing very fast lately. Just as others have said be careful till you get used to the machine , it is different than most other machines to operate. When I first got mine and was unloading it off the truck I almost ran over my wife trying to back it down the ramps, luckily it just brushed her leg and knocked her down.

 

[stray]

That reminds me of the time I jumped my pt over the trailer tongue, hit the back of the truck, then hit reverse and slid the trailer out from under and jumped the pt off the rear end of the trailer. All this after I had told my dad to watch and learn. Guess I was the one to learn. Be careful and keep people way away from you till you have had plenty of experience.