Thinking about PT425. I read on this forum that PT owners service the machines themselves. Is it realistic to have mechanical shop that fixes snowblowers/tractors service the machine? I understand the cheapest would be learning how to fix it myself, but I would rather pay someone to fix it, just like my vehicles.
Owning PT with no mechanical servicing experience
- Thread starter azizfargo
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- Power Trac PT425 2001 Model Year
Welcome to TBN! :thumbsup:
I think it depends on how much you trust your local repair shop that services small engines. If you can find a trusted, reliable, repair shop that does things in a timely and professional manner, then yes, they could do any engine work that is required. Hydraulics are a different animal.
I think it depends on how much you trust your local repair shop that services small engines. If you can find a trusted, reliable, repair shop that does things in a timely and professional manner, then yes, they could do any engine work that is required. Hydraulics are a different animal.
cqaigy2
Super Member
True words!
There are a lot of logging around here and the means a lot of hydraulic, so finding someone to do the hydraulic work would be easy and as Moss says, you have a good small engine shop, they won't have any problem working on the engine.
- Joined
- Aug 31, 2001
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- South Bend, Indiana (near)
- Tractor
- Power Trac PT425 2001 Model Year
I've stolen all my knowledge from everyone else and regurgitate it back whenever possible. :laughing:
dcdtn
Bronze Member
Welcome to TBN!
Sounds like we are very much alike. I prefer to pay someone else for anything beyond basic servicing of my PT425. For hydraulic issues, I plan to use a local hydraulic shop that works on all kinds of hydraulic machinery. I used them to replace the hyd motor on the used brush cutter I bought.
Unfortunately I had to have some engine work done to my Robin under warranty at a different shop, but it allowed me to evaluate them for use in the future. They happen to be the local JCB dealer and have all kinds of heavy equipment on their lot. I assumed that meant my little PT425 would be very low priority, but they were very responsive, friendly and got it back running in no time! So I think I will try them again if needed. So dont assume you have to stick with a lawnmower shop for engine work. Around here it seems like the lawnmower places are the worst in terms of repair times and customer service.
Thank you for warm welcome. What do they charge hourly for working on your PT? Would be a good reference point when calling around local shops.
dcdtn
Bronze Member
Sorry I dont recall the hourly rate at either shop, but I dont remember it being too outrageous.
PowerTracManiac
Silver Member
I just got a PT1460 and my plan is to learn how to work on the machine as a hobby. Big things like the hydraulic hoses/engine/pump work I plan on getting get a shop or power trac to do. Smaller things like learning the wiring and maintenance and cylindar rebuilds I plan on doing myself. I always wanted to learn more about machinery so for me it is going to be part of the experience. I plan on having fun with it as I am not operating a commercial operation with it at this time.
SpringHollow
Elite Member
Congrats on the PT1460!!! It has always been on my wish list.
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- Power Trac PT425 2001 Model Year
woodlandfarms
Super Member
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He didn’t buy it until he shows pictures. Yeah. Super jealous.
PowerTracManiac
Silver Member
Thanks for the congrats.
Going to clear some land, put in gravel driveways, get rid of a bunch of small trees and then build a bug out cabin. Got the 4 in1 by bucket and the stump grinder so I hope they will be enough to get the trees under control.
Going to clear some land, put in gravel driveways, get rid of a bunch of small trees and then build a bug out cabin. Got the 4 in1 by bucket and the stump grinder so I hope they will be enough to get the trees under control.
woodlandfarms
Super Member
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- PowerTrac 1850, Kubota RTV x900
Back to the OP and should you buy a PT. In my opinion they are no more or less reliable than any other tractor platform. If you buy new, I would suggest a trip to Tazwell to drive the actual tractor. They can have fit and finish issues (hoses not tight, bolts not tightened) so I would drive the machine for a few hours on the lot first (and I do mean a few hours). If not, you may have to turn a wrench when it arrives.
This all said, I have zero mechanical ability, or at least I did when this thing arrived. I know you can do a lot of the repairs yourself. It is actually a very simple machine a the end of the day. I cannot do advanced hydraulic repair but the basics (flat tires, oil changes, busted hoses) are easliy within your skillset, not matter how much you think you are not capable of doing repairs.
And doing reparis is necessary, wether it is Kubota, Deere or PT. I am sure you have a neighbor or friend who can talk you through whatever issue you have, and this group here will guide you through any issue.
This all said, I have zero mechanical ability, or at least I did when this thing arrived. I know you can do a lot of the repairs yourself. It is actually a very simple machine a the end of the day. I cannot do advanced hydraulic repair but the basics (flat tires, oil changes, busted hoses) are easliy within your skillset, not matter how much you think you are not capable of doing repairs.
And doing reparis is necessary, wether it is Kubota, Deere or PT. I am sure you have a neighbor or friend who can talk you through whatever issue you have, and this group here will guide you through any issue.
Yes I am planning on making a trip to Tazewell, but wasn't planning on driving the tractor for a few hours, which I will try to do now that you mentioned about it. I like your point that PT is just like any other tractor maintenance wise.
MuncyBob
Platinum Member
I'm also by no means a mechanic. But the help you can get here and from Tazewell is invaluable. I have replaced 2 wheel motors, adjusted the valves and added a t-stat with fan on the motor cage for better air flow/temp control along with installing the Robin muffler. Not real hard tasks but things that prior to this machine I never did or thought I would do. Just like many things....live & learn.
I replaced my Kholer engine last year with a new one. Didnt think I could handle it. But after a few bruised knuckles it was done and runs like a champ. Trickiest part was cutting the drive shaft shorter on the motor. But I Magivered a simple way to cut it using a saw zaw and it looks like it was cut by a laser.
cqaigy2
Super Member
Good for you!!!!
I did similar from Robin's to Kohler and cutting the drive shaft made me nervous. Best upgrade i ever did for the PT.
I did similar from Robin's to Kohler and cutting the drive shaft made me nervous. Best upgrade i ever did for the PT.
PowerTracManiac
Silver Member
Congrats on the motor swap!
Over the past year and a half, I have learned a lot about my PT1460. My machine has approx. 1000 hours on it. Work so far has been totally cleaning out the fuel tank, replacing fuel lines, replacing fuel return lines on the deisel motor, new fuel pump, new filters, electrical diagnosis solenoid and oil sender. The machine has really been wonderful after a rough start with my fuel supply issues.
This group has been awesome and I have to say the PT factory has also been there to support me.
I have brought this up before and I would love it if PT did a yearly owners group meeting with workshops at the factory.
Over the past year and a half, I have learned a lot about my PT1460. My machine has approx. 1000 hours on it. Work so far has been totally cleaning out the fuel tank, replacing fuel lines, replacing fuel return lines on the deisel motor, new fuel pump, new filters, electrical diagnosis solenoid and oil sender. The machine has really been wonderful after a rough start with my fuel supply issues.
This group has been awesome and I have to say the PT factory has also been there to support me.
I have brought this up before and I would love it if PT did a yearly owners group meeting with workshops at the factory.
