Power Trac PT425

MossRoad · Apr 16, 2002

Re: Power Trac Mowing Performance

The first week that I had my tractor I went to a local small engine shop and picked up the Kohler owner's manual and maintenance/service manual for a few bucks cheaper than the Kohler web site. I think it totalled less than $20.00.

MossRoad · Apr 16, 2002

Re: Power Trac Mowing Performance

My throttle goes full travel, but I have a different engine, so the linkage is probably different. Good question for them, though.

pajoube · Apr 16, 2002

MossRoad, I have been reading the interesting threads regarding synthetic oils. Have you given any thought to what you plan on doing?
PJ

Reds · Apr 16, 2002

Re: Power Trac Mowing Performance

Well i just got off the phone with Terry at Power Trac. His primary suggestion was ... more experience!! He didn't see any problem with going across my hills. In fact he said the unit would operate better across then up the slopes and there was no way i would tip it over. The weight of the mower deck would keep the front half of the unit from tipping. There is no adjustment to the float control for this series. The bigger models do have draft control which would lift the attachment slightly and transfer weight to the front wheels. The tilt position of the quick attach plate should be straight up and down position while mowing. He also didn't recomend putting fluid in the tires due to additional wear on the wheel motors. As far as the travel of my throttle being only 3/4 of the total length of its slot ... he stated the travel could only be 1/2 the slot length and still be at full throttle. So I guess without a tach to verify my rpms i will assume that it is not in need of adjustment just my attitude is. I'll try to be more aware of my pedal position as i climb a hill. Sounds as if i need less pedal pressure as the grade rises.

kcook · Apr 16, 2002

Re: Power Trac Mowing Performance

Red please let us know how your mowing comes along! I can't speak for anyone else but first and most important is the PT must be a lawn mower!
KCook

MossRoad · Apr 16, 2002

Yeah, I've thought about it, but haven't made a decision yet. Need to do more research.

MossRoad · Apr 16, 2002

Re: Power Trac Mowing Performance

I agree. That is going to be its main function at our house, although I already have 32 hours on the unit and only 20 minutes of that is with the mower /w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif. I just keep coming up with things to do other than mow.

It is just so versatile and the implements are fun to change. That part still amazes me.

One thing I noticed. After using the mower, or brush hog, for any amount of time, DON'T grab the quick disconnect fitting without gloves! Those things get very warm from the hydraulic fluid.

kcook · Apr 16, 2002

Re: Power Trac Mowing Performance

It sounds like an oil cooler is a must then!
KCook

kcook · Apr 16, 2002

Re: Power Trac Mowing Performance

I was just at the Power Trac web site and it looks like they are not making the 418 any more! I wonder why?
KCook

MossRoad · Apr 16, 2002

Re: Power Trac Mowing Performance

I think the oil cooler is standard on the 422 and 425. I also noticed that the 418 was missing about a month ago.

kcook · Apr 16, 2002

Re: Power Trac Mowing Performance

I wonder why they pulled it, low sales, or something else?

KCook

Sedgewood · Apr 16, 2002

Re: Power Trac Mowing Performance

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think Sean said, when I was visiting them a few weeks ago, that they are discontinuing the 422 because they see no need for two machines with such close specs. Seems logical to me.

pajoube · Apr 16, 2002

Re: Power Trac Mowing Performance

I assume you mean the 418?
PJ

Sedgewood · Apr 17, 2002

Re: Power Trac Mowing Performance

<font color=green>I assume you mean the 418?
</font color=green>

No, I assume I mean the 422. But that may be a big assumption on my part. There were a couple of tractors in the warehouse with no ROPS that I interpreted from my conversation with Sean to be the end of a line and because of the way he phrased it I interpreted them to be 422s. But I wasn't paying very close attention since it was the 1845 I was interested in. So I may be all wet here. Time will tell.

Reds · Apr 17, 2002

Re: Power Trac Mowing Performance

KCook, i sure will. I'll be cutting the hill behind our house probably on thursday. This hill is not quite as steep as the one in the front, but its real close. Just a few degrees difference. While the PT is a very versitle machine, i won't be happy if i have problems mowing. You can be sure i am going to revisit the front hill in short order too!

kcook · Apr 17, 2002

Re: Power Trac Mowing Performance

IF you go to there web site, they still list the 422 but they don't list the 418.
KCook

PTRich · Apr 17, 2002

Re: Power Trac Mowing Performance

Reds:
I have experienced the same thing with the front tire and it has been the joy stick coming out of float every time. It happened 2 times before I realized what I was doing wrong. I now can feel when this happens and push the joy stick into float and keep on going. I side mow a hill that is way over 20 percent with know problem. Because the tractor also twists there is almost no way you could get one of your tractor wheels off of the ground on a side hill unless the front implement was pushing the tractor off the ground, since the mower rotates freely the tractor would feel very unstable quickly if the implement was holding up the machine. The pedal does get some getting used to. When you let off of the pedal to increase torque the tractor slows for a moment, just wait a second and the hydralic pressure will catch up to the new tractor speed. I also increase my pedal pressure when using the bucket like mossroad. This is to keep the momentum going forward and pressure on the bucket. I think the bucket is to fast to do it any other way. Please try your mower again, experiment with it. Your situation is where a Power Trac should realy do well. Please keep me posted on your progress. Also, check your fan fuse. If your fan is not working this could effect your hydralics.
PTRich

bubenberg · Apr 17, 2002

Re: Power Trac Mowing Performance

PTRich and Reds that is defenitly one good way to aliviate the problem. i am in communication with pt and am awaiting an official release of what their position is on that subject which i identified to them some 200 hrs ago.

my personal way is to take the mower out of floating position and to raise the deck about an inch, which chris at pt is also recommending. but i prefer if they would write it on a piece of paper.

marrt · Apr 17, 2002

Re: Power Trac Mowing Performance

Hans, to be clear, are you saying that you have experienced the problem Reds is talking about with a wheel coming off the ground when mowing on a slope? If so, how serious is the problem? I'm visiting the factory next week and may want to ask them about it. Thanks.

bubenberg · Apr 18, 2002

Re: Power Trac Mowing Performance

marrt, yes i have experienced that situation. but remember, i use the pt425 as a towing vehicle with 2 more mowers behind me (700 lbs).