New PT-180 owner

Barryh · Sep 19, 2005

Thanks Ernemats, Pajoube,

Love the machine. Have not used it to much yet. Noticed yesterday after running around for only 20 min’s Mr. Robin got very hot and started vibrating and running extremely rough.

Had sent Bill Croasmun an email the night before I got the PT. He advised to check the gas tank for debris. I did and it looked very clean, but I am wondering if maybe there may be particles in the carb. Will get a new filter and clean it out this weekend.

It also does a lot of whining. That does not bother me as long as that is a normal function. Don’t want to do any damage to my hydraulics. Other than that I love it. I had about 20 people over for a get together this Sunday. They all stood around scratching there heads looking at the strange green machine.

Thought it was pretty cool. The neighbor already asked me if I would use it to help him clear out some of his woods.

tracdoc · Sep 19, 2005

( It does do a lot of whining sometimes almost sounds like a brake is stuck on. I am assuming that is the nature of the beast and is just the way the hydraulic motors sound. )
Does the noise appear mostly as you initiate a turn? Does the whining sound resemble the twanging of a wire that is being progressively tightened? If so, the noise has been observed by many PT owners, myself included. If you have excluded the possibility that it could be a partially engaged parking brake, then take a look at posts #606255 and following in that thread, as well as post #515750 et seq.. It appears to be a normal phenomenon.

Barryh · Sep 20, 2005

Hi Tracdoc,

The noise does not sound like a tightened spring nor do I hear any clicking. As I have never owned anything other than a riding mower it is hard for me to describe. I am thinking it is hydraulics under load. Loud whine mostly when turning or going up hill at lower speed.

I noticed the other day was turning going up hill and the engine started to vibrate to almost a stall. I am more concerned about that for the moment. Sure it is something simple though. After that it started running really rough.

I have not had enough time to really play with it since then. I will give it a good work out this weekend and observe more. Thanks for the threads to read very interesting stuff. I still need to get an hour meter, lights and a good lube gun. Thanks for all of your help /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Barryh · Sep 20, 2005

By the way I have very slight inclines nothing challenging..... /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

MossRoad · Sep 20, 2005

What throttle speed are you using?

If you mash the go pedal all the way down, you will get LESS power to the wheel motors and will cause the engine to bogg down. Try increasing your throttle speed and using less foot pedal when you need more power to the wheels.

Barryh · Sep 20, 2005

Thanks MR,

actually I did give it more throttle going up grade, and from very little to about half pedal that is when it started to shake and lug.

I Will have to consintrate on riding around maybe tonight and make a note of what it does and doesn't do. Appreciate the feed back. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

Barryh · Sep 20, 2005

Ok MR,

Went out drove around for about 30 min's I think you are right. I just needed to get used to the throttle controls along with the treadle speed. More throttle and less pedal does work better. I thought I was already doing that but, she ran much better tonight.

The engine does vibrate alot, and the bearing like sound must just be the hydraulics I am hearing. Even makes a faint whining while setting on the garage floor at idle, did not notice any creep or movement.

I went into the woods and lifted a good size fallen tree about 4 inches up at one end with the bucket. Can't wait to put on the forks this weekend and see if I can lift the whole thing. Thanks for the feed back. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

J_J · Sep 20, 2005

Moss is right about going up a hill. Think about it, as you start up the hill you are increasing the load on the machine and making it work harder. When that whine changes to a lower pitch, it is telling you something. Back off on the treadle and keep the rpms up and climb slowly. On very steep hills, and you are trying to cut grass, you may have to shut off the PTO just so you will have enough power to turn around, or back down.

Barryh · Sep 20, 2005

Hi there J. J.

Yes I'm sure that's the case. I just got it so haven’t had the time to really use it. Last weekend too many people over needed to do the right thing, and be a good host.

I've never had anything Like the PT it's a whole different animal. It will take some getting used to. We are already starting to bond though, the little bit of time I have been on it.

After looking at the incline on my property again it is a little steeper than I thought. I'm sure that's a lot of it. 18 hp pulling 1200 + pounds up a hill plus my 220 pound behind is quite a load for the little bugger.

I'll be sure not to cry wolf to many times, just in case I really need some help down the road. Thanks J J.
/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

tracdoc · Sep 20, 2005

( I still need to get an hour meter, lights and a good lube gun. )

See posts #729769 and #729790 {HERE}. The Lincoln 1134 is an excellent, durable lube gun and reasonaby priced.

Barryh · Sep 20, 2005

Thanks Tracdoc,

Looks like just the ticket. I will have to order one. Can anyone suggest a good set of lights with switch's in the 35 watt range, so I can install two in the front on the ROP'S add a cooling fan, and still have enough juice to maybe tack on a backup light or two of some sort. I like the rectangular look. Thanks /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

BobRip · Sep 20, 2005

Robin-Subaru (engine manufacturer in the PT) recommends to always run the engine at full throttle. I admit that I don't do that, but I do run at full throttle in the following conditions.
Filling the bucket
Going up moderate to steep hills
Mowing
Stump grinding
Trenching
Any kind of digging

I don't run at full throttle under the following conditions:
Going down hill or level while not going full speed with nothing running off of the PTO.
Sitting still
One minute prior to shutdown I idle.

So as you can see most of the time if you are pushing the engine, run at full throttle. The engine cools best and controls fuel best at this speed.

A little something else to learn. Enjoy.

Bob Ripley

Barryh · Sep 20, 2005

I was running close to full tonight going up the hill, but full seemed a little to much. Than again I was not doing any digging or under much load. I'm sure as I break in the engine it will smooth out. Thanks Bobrip will keep that in mind. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

dturnmire · Sep 21, 2005

"Noticed yesterday after running around for only 20 min’s Mr. Robin got very hot and started vibrating and running extremely rough."

Could it be vapor lock? I know some have had that problem in the past.

Barryh · Sep 21, 2005

Hi dturnmire,

it could be, was pretty hot out that day. I was thinking the same thing. It did try to stall even after I got it back to the garage, started to let it idle down, but just went ahead and shut if off. Yesterday it ran fine. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

MuncyBob · Sep 21, 2005

( actually I did give it more throttle going up grade )

Several people..(including Jack from Robin) have indicated that you should set your throttle at full when using the PT...you'll get better coolling that way. I've also found that backing up a steep grade is much more successful than going up forward(I guess better traction with the wieght on the uphill part?). I try to hit any steep hills early in the job...seems you'll get better traction before the oil heats up.

BobRip · Sep 21, 2005

I have changed the transmission oil to Mobil 1 20W 50 and have noticed a significant increase in wheel torque with warm transmission oil. Before this I had plenty of torque when the transmission was cold, but not enough when it was hot. I am not sure about this if you live in a cold climate. I keep my PT in a heated garage.

Bob Rip

MuncyBob · Sep 21, 2005

I recall you doing this and I may do something similar since 150 hours is probably just 3 weeks away for me. Not sure what oil I'll use but it will be synthetic so I guess no matter what brand I choose it will be an improvement.

Barryh · Sep 21, 2005

Funny you should bring this up. I called this morning to order my hour meter. I got Terry on the phone, and asked him about the whine he said that was pretty normal. If the filter were clogged it would hardly move even on a level surface.

While I had him on the phone. I asked him about changing the engine and hydraulic oil to a synthetic. He kind of poo pooed the idea for both, said I should call Robin to inquire about the engine.

He said if I did do the hydraulic tank empty the tank then put in about four gallons of the synthetic. Cycle this through to get all the old oil out of the hose's and motors. Empty it again then fill it back up with fresh synthetic.

Sound's a little expensive, but I'm going to do it after my first 20 hour service. With out an oil cooler on the 180 I think of it as extra insurance along with the added torque I keep hearing about on the forum.

Barryh · Sep 21, 2005

I keep mine in the garage also, but it is not heated at this point. I may run a duct out there this winter. Gets pretty cold around here in the winter.