Power Trac PT425

[MossRoad]

Thanks!

The hitch came with the unit. The pin was in it too. The pin looks to be about 5/8" while my lawn cart is 1/2". I'll have to measure it to be acurate. I'm thinking up a way to mount a 2" receiver tube in that hitch and have it be removable. I've got a few ideas for winter projects.

<font color=green> MossRoad </font color=green>

 

[glennmac]

<font color=blue>Can't wait to see the movies. I've already put my Windows machine to bed for the night, but I'll definitely check them out tomorrow.</font color=blue>

Well, as is customary, I guess I'll just have to explain computers and video imaging to Harv. You don't need a Windows machine to view the videos, Harv. You just need the M$ "Windows Media Player", which runs on your Macs.

That was even easier than explaining to Patrick how the speed of light can be exceeded. I'm still working on how to explain pneumatic hair driers to Bird.

 

[Bird]

<font color=blue>how to explain pneumatic hair driers to Bird</font color=blue>

When you have as little hair as I do, you don't worry about hair driers; pneumatic or otherwise./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[MossRoad]

Hey Bird, I've got the same use for a blow drier as you! You now what they say... God made a lot of perfect heads, on the rest he put hair!

 

[MossRoad]

Re: Power Trac PT425 Cold Weather Starting

It was 2 degrees this morning. Gave it 1/2 choke and 1/2 throttle and it fired right up. Noticed that the hydraluics were a little slow, so let it idle at 1/4 throttle for about 5 minutes while I shoveled the steps and moved my van. Came back and the hydraulics were just fine. Plowed about 4 inches of fluffy snow. Got lots of looks from neighborhood kids(young and old).

 

[PTRich]

Re: Power Trac PT425 Cold Weather Starting

I called the factory about the stiff hydralics when very cold. The two options they gave me were to switch to synthetic oil or buy a magnetic block heater. So far I have decided to just let it warm up. I think if I ever do have to drain my hydralic oil I will put synthetic in, but not unless I have to drain it, there is a lot of oil in there.

PTRich

 

[MChalkley]

Re: Power Trac PT425 Cold Weather Starting

PTRich - FWIW, I've always switched to synthetic oil in the hydraulic system at the first change, which I generally do at 50 hours. You're right, there's a lot of oil in the PowerTrac machines - my EF-5 takes 25 gallons! - but I've always found that it provides a major improvement in cold weather performance, and especially hydrostatic transmissions systems, like your PowerTrac uses. Usually, you'll notice a lot less noise, too. As sensitive as these systems are to cavitation and other viscosity-related problems, and as expensive as they are to replace/rebuild I figure it's very cheap insurance. My EF-5 has a pressure-drop warning light on the filter, and I've noticed that in 25-degree weather you can't move it for about 10 minutes without the light coming on. I expect major changes in that situation when I've put synthetic in it.

 

[pajoube]

If you get a chance could you do some more videos, would like to see the movement (side to side) of the snow blade.
I went to Louisville this past summer for the trade show that
Power-Trac was at and demo'd all the tractors but they did not have a blade to view. I'm interested in your comments as you live in a cold area like mine (Montana).
Paul

 

[MossRoad]

Re: Power Trac PT425 Cold Weather Starting

PTRich, and MChalkey,
It only took 5 minutes to warm up at 2 degrees. I think that I can live with that. It used to take my IH2500b 20 - 30 minutes to warm up, so 5 minutes is nothing. They said to change the filter every 50 hrs, but made no specific recommendations for the hydraulic fluid, just a mention that when it is no longer clean. Do either of you have a specific brand and type of synthetic oil to change to?

Also. PTRich, how hard is it to replace the filter? I know it is in a tight place, but doesn't look too hard to get to. Also, they gave me the bleeder hose. Can you describe the filter change as you rember it?

Where's a good source for bulk oil? I can't see putting in 10 gallons 1 quart at a time. I used to buy HY-TRAN in 5 gallon pails at TSC.

 

[MossRoad]

Sure. It might be a few days. Have to work tomorrow and have plans on New Years, but should get them in the next week. I'll film the plow angle and tilt as well as the lift to full height. I also plan on photographing the entire unit in greater detail, following MChalkey's example. I'll get closeups of all the attachments and hydro hookups as well.

 

[MChalkley]

Re: Power Trac PT425 Cold Weather Starting

MossRoad - One of the things I really liked about the PowerTrac machines was that they used 15W40 motor oil for hydraulic fluid. This makes the components last a lot longer than they will on standard hydraulic oil. Check your manual to be sure, but if it's like the larger PowerTrac's, you can use the 15W40. I'm going to use Amsoil 15W40 Heavy Duty Diesel & Marine oil in my EF-5. That way, I can use the same oil in my Dodge Cummins, the VW TDI diesel (it calls for 10w30, but it's got 220k on it now, so it should be fine), the EF-5 engine, and the EF-5 hydraulics. I'll just buy it in 55-gal drums and be done with it.

 

[MossRoad]

Re: Power Trac PT425 Quick Change Challenge

I'LL ATTEMPT TO CHANGE AN IMPLEMENT IN LESS THAN 15 SECONDS!

I'll use the small bucket with teeth and the pallet forks, film the whole thing next weekend, and post it on my website.

This thing is pretty neat and loads of fun to operate!

 

[bryce]

Re: Power Trac PT425 Quick Change Challenge

Of course the only piece of software in the universe,that I don't own, is the one you used to post your movies. I looked through all my copies of MS 2000 PRO, 98, and NT. Nada!
I tried to download the SW but the download time exceeded my life expectancy. So I will wait for j-peg, or this or that file type till one shows that I can get at. Bob

 

[bryce]

Re: Power Trac PT425 Quick Change Challenge

Here we go again! What are the differences between the 425, 422, and 418? It sounds like a fan and more HP. What else for $2000.? R$OPS are $500., so that leaves $1500., what gives? Bob

 

[bryce]

Re: Power Trac PT425 Quick Change Challenge

Here we go again! What are the differences between the 425, 422, and 418? It sounds like a fan and more HP. What else for $2000.? R.O.P.S. are $500., so that leaves $1500., what gives? Bob

 

[MossRoad]

Re: Power Trac PT425 Quick Change Challenge

The software required is Microsoft Windows Media Player. It is available for Windows and Macs. Should have come with Win98 or higher.

 

[MossRoad]

Re: Power Trac PT425 Quick Change Challenge

The 418 and 422 use Robbins engines and have 18 and 22 HP respectively. The 425 uses the Kohler Command 25HP engine.

The 418 does not have a hydraulic oil cooler and fan, the 422 and 425 do.

The 418 and 422 do not come standard with ROPS. The 425 does.

Price difference:
$6000.00 for PT418
$7000.00 for PT422, 4 more HP and hydraulic oil cooler.
$8000.00 for PT425, 7 more HP, Kohler Engine and hydraulic oil cooler ROPS and canopy.

Every one that I talked to are happy with the Robbins engine except one landscaper, who said that his 18HP died at 300 hours. Did not tell me why it died. I've always been partial to Kohler and there are several good places around here to get them serviced under warranty if needed. I looked at it this way. The gain in HP between the 18 and 25HP units is over 33%. The price difference is also a gain of 33%. So I am paying the exact same amount for each HP and I get the ROPS, canopy and hydraulic oil cooler free!( is this great math or what?)

 

[PTRich]

Re: Power Trac PT425 Cold Weather Starting

The filter is relatively easy to change. Fold your seat up and you can easily reach in. When ever you replace your filter or do any kind of work that introduces air to the system you should bleed the pump. If you look in your manual you can see where the fitting for the hose is. It is easier to find then the manual indicates and is the only one that takes the fitting that goes to the bleeder hose. Take the cover off the fitting and install the hose. Place the other end of the hose in the hydralic tank under the seat. Remove the spark plug wires from the motor. Crank the engine until hose runs a steady stream of oil. I fill the oil filter with oil before I install it, this speeds up the process. The hose is also important for towing the machine, I believe this fitting is on the oppisite side and is used to release hydralic pressure so the tire will turn freely. I hope this helps. The factory also offered to guide me thru the process over the phone while I did it the first time.

PTRich

 

[PaulinSD]

Re: Power Trac PT425 Cold Weather Starting

I sure like that 1800 series. I'm always looking for something that can mow steep hillsides.

Paul

 

[kcook]

Thanks for posting the video! How wet was the snow? Have you had any traction problems?
Any other video would be great to see! This is a great site for getting information!
Thanks again!
KCook