PT 1445 first hydraulic filter change?

[2manyrocks]

I am just not understanding PT's directions which I am quoting so we're all on the same page as to what instructions came with my unit.

Hydraulic Oil filter Replacement Instructions

"1. Remove floor plate to gain access to filter element." ?? The filter element is right behind the fuel tank. What floor plate do they mean?

"2. Remove right side tram control hose at treadle and pump." There are three hoses connected to the treadle. Which one am I supposed to disconnect? If I am supposed to disconnect it at the pump, too, which hose is it? And why is it necessary to disconnect the hose at the treadle and the pump? If I disconnect one end of the hose at the treadle, that should open the system by itself?

skipping 3-11 for now.

Tram pump bleeding instructions

"1. Remove engine harness from left side of engine to prevent engine from starting." Is the engine harness the connector I have shown in the attached photo?

"2. Remove floor plate to access tramp pump." ???? Isn't the pressure port cap accessible from the side of the machine as shown in the attached photo".

"3. Turn engine over.....until air free oil escapes from bleeder hose in tank." Happened to look in the hyd. oil tank, and I saw bubbles before even starting to change the hydraulic oil filter. (photo). Is this normal?

 

[ponytug]

I am just not understanding PT's directions which I am quoting so we're all on the same page as to what instructions came with my unit.

Hydraulic Oil filter Replacement Instructions

"1. Remove floor plate to gain access to filter element." ?? The filter element is right behind the fuel tank. What floor plate do they mean?

"2. Remove right side tram control hose at treadle and pump." There are three hoses connected to the treadle. Which one am I supposed to disconnect? If I am supposed to disconnect it at the pump, too, which hose is it? And why is it necessary to disconnect the hose at the treadle and the pump? If I disconnect one end of the hose at the treadle, that should open the system by itself?

skipping 3-11 for now.

Tram pump bleeding instructions

"1. Remove engine harness from left side of engine to prevent engine from starting." Is the engine harness the connector I have shown in the attached photo?

"2. Remove floor plate to access tramp pump." ???? Isn't the pressure port cap accessible from the side of the machine as shown in the attached photo".

"3. Turn engine over.....until air free oil escapes from bleeder hose in tank." Happened to look in the hyd. oil tank, and I saw bubbles before even starting to change the hydraulic oil filter. (photo). Is this normal?

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Hmmm...I'm going to suggest that you talk to Terry on the instructions. They may have new/different plumbing or pumps from my older unit. I can't think why you would need/want to remove the floor plate to access a hose there, but perhaps it is a better way, or something that is required by a different model pump.

Nice photos. Yes, the cap in photo #3 is the right one for the pump that I have. Yes, the connector in photo #4 is the one you want to disconnect. You will get lots of bubbles while cranking.

While you are on the phone with Terry, I would ask him about the extra o-ring. My suspicion would be that it goes on the threaded central section of the filter housing in the tractor, but I've never seen that o-ring before. Then again, I have been buying 3rd party filters because the shipping out to my places made the filters rather pricey. I know of similar filters that have the inner o-ring to prevent fluid from bypassing the filter. If that is the case, be careful putting the o-ring on as getting o-rings beyond threaded sections risks nicking or cutting the o-ring. What are the dimensions of that o-ring?

All the best,

Peter

 

[2manyrocks]

I don't understand why the instructions would say to disconnect a hose from the treadle. I've never had to disconnect any hoses on other equipment in order to replace a hydraulic filter.

Oddly, it's not an O-ring. It's some kind of metal similar to what you'd use for a key ring or parts ring. But it is sealed inside the filter shrinkwrap.

I emailed my questions to Power Trac just now.

 

[ponytug]

If it is metal, I do not have a single idea.

 

[2manyrocks]

Talked to Terry. Part of the written instructions about removing the floor plate and removing the tram control hose were intended for a different model and do not apply to the 1445. He is going to get them revised.

The correct procedure is to remove the hydraulic filter, leave the O ring in the base, fill the filter and let it soak in, reattach the filter giving it a full turn to get it tight. It makes it harder to remove from the machine, but it prevents air leaks. Disconnect the electrical connection to the engine. Attach the bleed hose. Crank/stop at 5 sec intervals until a full stream of oil is achieved. Terry said the hose will spit and sputter and finally reach full stream depending on how full the filter was when put back on the machine.

Terry cautioned that if someone just puts the filter back on without filling it first, it is possible to score and ruin the pump in about 45 seconds.

Substitute wix hydraulic filter number is 51759 for the PT1445. Oil 51034, fuel 33195, air 46294. Also told to be sure both snap latches are properly locked in place on the air filter when changing it or dirt will be sucked into the engine.

There doesn't appear to be a recommendation for changing the hydraulic oil at a specific number of operating hours other than to change it when it appears discolored. The main source of contamination comes from dirt entering when the quick connects are attached to the tractor without cleaning them first.

Then he reminded me to grease all grease points and make sure the bottom nut on the center section is tight.

 

[SpringHollow]

Those are the same filter numbers for the PT1850

 

[2manyrocks]

Thank you ponytug for your continued help. I'm so glad I listed to you and didn't open up the lines to the tram control per the written instructions that were in error. Placing a bag around the oil filter was a great tip for which I also thank Moss Road.

Also appreciated speaking with Terry who confirmed that the written instructions to open the tram line don't apply to the 1445. His advice to fill, fill, fill, and let the oil soak in, in, in the new filter was very spot on. The new filter soaks up a lot of oil before it's actually full. Terry's advice was to crank the engine (disconnected) in 5 sec on/off cycles until oil was a steady stream from the hose attached to the charge port also made more sense than the instructions. Couldn't quite get the filter a full turn. Only got to 3/4 but I'm not seeing any air bubbles or leaks.

Turns out that a container for simple green detergent fits around the hydraulic filter. I cut it to catch whatever oil got past the bag around the filter.

Having reached the 50 hour break in, decided to go ahead and install the tire chains which made a huge difference in hillside traction.

 

[ponytug]

Thank you ponytug for your continued help. I'm so glad I listed to you and didn't open up the lines to the tram control per the written instructions that were in error. Placing a bag around the oil filter was a great tip for which I also thank Moss Road.

Also appreciated speaking with Terry who confirmed that the written instructions to open the tram line don't apply to the 1445. His advice to fill, fill, fill, and let the oil soak in, in, in the new filter was very spot on. The new filter soaks up a lot of oil before it's actually full. Terry's advice was to crank the engine (disconnected) in 5 sec on/off cycles until oil was a steady stream from the hose attached to the charge port also made more sense than the instructions. Couldn't quite get the filter a full turn. Only got to 3/4 but I'm not seeing any air bubbles or leaks.

Turns out that a container for simple green detergent fits around the hydraulic filter. I cut it to catch whatever oil got past the bag around the filter.

Having reached the 50 hour break in, decided to go ahead and install the tire chains which made a huge difference in hillside traction.

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View attachment 1821117

Congratulations on the first filter change!

Gorgeous 1445 photo! Yes, I found that those chains make a world of difference when brush hogging on slopes. @SpringHollow put me on to them. That 1445 brush mower is big, and a long way out from the 1445's center of gravity, so it gets no small amount of leverage on the tractor. Nonetheless, I find that the mower is very very effective, just much more agile and controllable on slopes. I may have written this already, but I would take the time to adjust the draft control for the brush mower once the hydraulic oil is warm, and then on slopes mow using the draft control. You will know if you set the draft control too strong if the mower starts rising by itself.

One small tip on filters; someone put me on to using a paint marker to write the hours (or miles) and dates on filters. With various engines around here, it helps me stay on top of things.

I love this forum for all of the great folks with helpful advice. I'm glad my advice helped you!

All the best,

Peter

 

[MossRoad]

...

One small tip on filters; someone put me on to using a paint marker to write the hours (or miles) and dates on filters. With various engines around here, it helps me stay on top of things.

...

 

[2manyrocks]

Started up this morning and there was no delay in getting forward movement from the treadle pedal for the first time since I've owned this machine. It may have been SpringHollow who suggested in another thread there might have been air in the system.