Pt 422 mowing on a hill

[Gravy]

Yea that's why I'm thinking chains so can slowly go up it

If you are having traction issues, I suggest the more expensive chains - 2 link, diamond pattern, studded, etc. And expect significant turf damage, but it may not be as much as spinning turf tires.

Over 20 years in, I'm still trying to figure out the best tires for my application. And my steep yard always has scars.

 

[muncybob311]

I also have the 422 but with the Robin engine. Over the years I have done several mods and they have helped out a lot. First, I insulated the fuel lines and this helped with vapor lock. Then added a fan to the side of the engine cage to pull heat out of that area and taking temps of before and after this has shows this also helped a lot. Also modded the exhaust manifold to eliminate the 90 degree turn in that pipe to a a smoother turn into the muffler which again has helped with heat issues. These days the only time my PT shuts down is if I run out of fuel, maybe I should replace the operator?

I too have a few steep hills, I try to mow then while the oil is still cool, helps a lot with traction. I also mow these areas backwards again helping with traction. You stated after running 3.5 hours you have issues, is that continuous mowing for that long? If so, you are creating a lot of heat in the engine bay and I would suspect vapor lock. These days I try to keep mowing under 2 hours continuos and then let it cool off before resuming any cutting, esp on hot days. After 2 hours I need a drink anyhow.

 

[Gravy]

I also have the 422 but with the Robin engine. Over the years I have done several mods and they have helped out a lot. First, I insulated the fuel lines and this helped with vapor lock. Then added a fan to the side of the engine cage to pull heat out of that area and taking temps of before and after this has shows this also helped a lot. Also modded the exhaust manifold to eliminate the 90 degree turn in that pipe to a a smoother turn into the muffler which again has helped with heat issues. These days the only time my PT shuts down is if I run out of fuel, maybe I should replace the operator?

I too have a few steep hills, I try to mow then while the oil is still cool, helps a lot with traction. I also mow these areas backwards again helping with traction. You stated after running 3.5 hours you have issues, is that continuous mowing for that long? If so, you are creating a lot of heat in the engine bay and I would suspect vapor lock. These days I try to keep mowing under 2 hours continuos and then let it cool off before resuming any cutting, esp on hot days. After 2 hours I need a drink anyhow.

I find that in hot weather taking a 15 minute hydration/cool-off break every hour or so helps both me and the PT do better. I'm doing that right now.