PT-425 PROS & cons??

[FOURTEEN]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

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I don't usually work after dark, but if I did, I would add an amber flood light to the center of the back lip of the canopy off the headlight switch, and move the headlights up under the front lip of the canopy.

I'm more concerned about being seen, day or night, on my dirt road! The bright headlights and Gumball really work well for that. The Gumball gives enough light for backing up.

It is more load, but certainly not an overload!



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[FOURTEEN]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

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Once you start using a Grapple Bucket, you'll wonder how you ever got along without it!!!!


Attachment: Hungry!



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[blackwell]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

Hey Guys,

Good posts. I enjoyed. Thanks,
EB

 

[FOURTEEN]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

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PRO: Bar Tires.



Problem: The Bar Tire pressures were not specified in the Power Trac manual!



Solution: Through experimentation, I have determined that the correct tire pressures for the PT-425 with Bar Tires are 11# Front and 7# Rear.
These pressures provide full bar contact, loaded and unloaded, without flattened sidewalls, or transferring undue shock to the wheel motors (or my butt). On flat surfaces these pressures provide a larger softer footprint and wear the tires more evenly. While in the woods they provide better traction by forming around obstacles and maintaining fuller contact.
For only an extra $100 they are a wise investment if your uses extend beyond lawn mowing, and even there I do not anticipate a problem unless the ground is very soft.
The power of the PT-425 is well matched the bar tires, which wanes just about the same point that the traction does, so tires spinning or gouging the ground is very seldom a concern!
Being a rugged 4-ply tire allows it to go where a 2-ply Turf tire would fear to tread! (Pardon the pun!!)



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[MossRoad]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

<font color="blue"> Being a rugged 4-ply tire allows it to go where a 2-ply Turf tire would fear to tread! (Pardon the pun!!) </font>

Since that comment was made on April 1st, we'll let it slide...

 

[FOURTEEN]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

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Power Trac Headlights



"" How many watts can you draw from the PT with all of these extras? Moving from 2x35W to 2x55W is a pretty big jump. ""



The PT-425 has an in-line system fuse rated at 30 Amp, providing 360 Watts. This supplies the headlights, ignition, starter solenoid, and PTO relay at various times. Therefore, increasing the headlight load by 40W or 11% should be well within the capacity of the PT-425!

/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif If you are concerned, but want to add more load anyway, you could take a new feed off the battery and protect it with it's own in-line fuse. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif


PS: /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif I have just replaced the PM 55W bulbs with ICEblue Xenon 65W!! ( http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2471767620&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOAB:US:6 ) /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Seemed like a bright idea!! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif



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[catsco]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

Great modification for the ball hitch. I'll be ordering a PT422 or PT425 by the end of the month. I like the no welding part, as my welding skills equal my Spanish language skills, that is, I would starve depending upon either. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Mark H.

 

[FOURTEEN]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

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"" I like the no welding part ""



/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Thanks!! Many of our friends upon thinking of modification instictively reach for their stinger!! Unfortunately that is not an option for some of us, and I wanted to find a way to solve the problem without producing sparks!! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif


/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Concerning PT-422 vs PT-425: I suggest that you go for the PT-425 for the many reasons already often expressed on this forum!! Thereby avoiding the lament: "Gee, I wish I had gotten the _______!!!!" /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif


Attachment: No-weld Ball Hitch.



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[MossRoad]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

<font color="blue"> Since that comment was made on April 1st, we'll let it slide... </font>

let is slide... traction... turfs VS bar tread... get it anyone??? oh heck, I'll keep my day job /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[MossRoad]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

Just keep in mind that the thing only has a 15 amp alternator(at least mine does).


35W / 12V = 2.9A X 2 bulbs = about 5.8 Amps
70W / 12V = 5.8A X 2 bulbs = about 11.6 Amps

Couple that with the electric cooling fan, electric solenoid for the PTO, and possibly a rear headlight and we are getting close to leaving little to charge the battery.

I ran 4-35 watt headlights last winter with no problems, but I put a trickle charger on it while it was sleeping, just to keep the battery up.

 

[FOURTEEN]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

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PRO: Man Lift.



Problem: Reaching elevated jobs in a quicker, safer, and more comfortable way! Not moving and raising a heavy awkward extension ladder! Being able to change positions easily, take a selection tools and materials up to the job, and being able to use both hands!



Solution: Use the Grapple Bucket on the PT-425 to reach jobs with a sturdy platform rather than a shaky ladder.
Raise the Grapple Bucket with needed tools inside to the desired level, position the bucket bottom horizontal with the grapple fangs vertical, set the parking brake, and shut off the engine.
Climb into the bucket using a short ladder, or by climbing the forks.
Stand in the bucket using the fangs and fang spreader bar as a reassuring handrail. Attach a safety belt to the fang spreader bar, if wanted!




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Attachment: Fixing the flag pole over my front porch. The PT-425 climbs stairs quite well!!



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[MossRoad]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

As long as someone doesn't hit the joystick... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

That's a pretty picture. An American tractor and an American flag. Very patriotic, indeed! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Rip]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

Too much clarity can be confusing.....my image of my fellow PTer has now been shattered!

Carry on...

 

[MossRoad]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

Now that's a security system! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[pajoube]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

Who did you train to operate the joy stick to get you lifted?

 

[FOURTEEN]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

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"" Who did you train to operate the joy stick to get you lifted? ""


I did it myself!!
"Raise the Grapple Bucket with needed tools inside to the desired level, position the bucket bottom horizontal with the grapple fangs vertical, set the parking brake, and shut off the engine.
Climb into the bucket using a short ladder, or by climbing the forks.
Stand in the bucket using the fangs and fang spreader bar as a reassuring handrail."


In this particular case, I ascended using the yellow half barrel nearly out of sight on the porch, then descended by climbing down the forks.

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[pajoube]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

Was this a short timed project? When shutting down the engine and the lift is under pressure you will experience a slow drop.
I have just completed a project using my 425 with a wooden platform and forks to install sprinkler heads on top of the wall project. This allowed me to be on top of the wall without touching it and still installing the heads. I needed the engine to be running so that the lift arms did not drop me on top of the wall.
PJ

 

[MossRoad]

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

I have slow leakdown, too. It takes about a half an hour for the lift arms to go down all the way with the mower deck on them and the engine off. I found this out while washing the tractor. Another reason to never get under an implement. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif The thing leaks down so slow and you are only 4-5 feet up. Probably safer than a step ladder, especially if you have the joystick security system as described above. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif