PT-425 PROS & cons??

FOURTEEN · May 5, 2004

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

"" It did not take many hours before I was used to this design ""

Within 20 minutes my daughter, Lara, who has Down Syndrome with an IQ of ~55, had learned to easily operate my revised PT-425 with the Grapple Bucket well enough to transport brush piles to the burn pile by herself!! (It took me a little longer!!!!)

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

FOURTEEN · May 5, 2004

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

"" I plan on welding permanent metal heel rests ""

I recommend that you try the treadle cords first. I'm sure that they would solve the problem for you quickly, easily (no welding), inexpensively, and quickly reversible (no welding)!!

The floor of the footwell remains clear of obstructions so you can use your other foot to raise the treadle when you want to reposition your primary foot!

The floor of the footwell remains clear of obstructions so it can be cleaned, and the clean out hole is not blocked!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

FOURTEEN · May 5, 2004

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

"" On ours, the forward pedal is longer than the reverse pedal. Is that the case on yours, too? I have enough room to keep my left foot off the pedal to the left side while moving forward over long distances, like mowing. ""

Both footwells are the same size and shape.
I have plenty of room for my size 11, even under the treadles.
I can lift up under the treadle with my left foot to reposition my right foot without stopping forward motion.

My treadle pressure was revised from 1~2 pounds to 20~25 pounds. What is the OEM treadle pressure on your model??

PS: With the current shortage of PT-425's now may be a good time for you to upgrade to the latest model!! I doubt if you would have any trouble finding a new home for your current PT-425 at a good price!! I recently had a guy from Raleigh come over here, tried my PT, and within 10 minutes wanted to buy mine because he couldn't stand to wait 2 months to get a new one!! (Of course, mine included all the latest FOURTEEN revisions!! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif)

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

SnowRidge · May 5, 2004

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

( recommend that you try the treadle cords first. I'm sure that they would solve the problem for you quickly, easily (no welding), inexpensively, and quickly reversible (no welding)!! )

Pressure isn't the issue; ergonomics is. For some folks, the angle the foot must take for their heel to be on the floor and their sole/toes to be on the treadle is too great. If the machine is run without heel contact with the floor, control suffers badly--especially in the rough stuff.

SnowRidge

toy · May 6, 2004

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

I think you nailed it good, If i had a size 11 or 12 foot I don't think that it would be a problem for me either but with a size 8 foot it is a lot more strain, with the heal completly off of the floor.

toy · May 6, 2004

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

The blocks that I cut to fit in the floor of mine I cutto match the floor but not quit all the way up to the pedals. They can't slide around in the floor because they are cut to the shape of the floor with two screws to stick through the clean out holes to keep them from sliding forward. They are easy to take out when I want to wash it out. Using the tram pedals is as comfortable as using the gas pedal in your car. Your idea is a good one though probably for those that have biiig feet. I don't think snowridge intends on welding something in that would block the clean out holes.

Sedgewood · May 6, 2004

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

 They are easy to take out when I want to wash it out. 

That sure beats the high zoot adjustable floorboards on the 1845 - the ones that allow mud, chaff, and mice to live underneath and require a wrench to remove for mucking out! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Sedgewood

Bob999 · May 6, 2004

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

 That sure beats the high zoot adjustable floorboards on the 1845 - the ones that allow mud, chaff, and mice to live underneath and require a wrench to remove for mucking out!

Sedgewood


I would add that the adjustable floorboards also obstruct access to a bolt that must be removed to access and lubricate the treadle linkage.

FOURTEEN · May 6, 2004

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

Treadle cords, blocks, OEM, or whatever! What many of us can agree upon is that there are many solutions to a problem that for some of us does not even exist!!

I am not selling treadle cord kits!! I don't gain or lose a penny either way!!

But if someone reads these posts and decides that he could be more comfortable by installing treadle cords, or blocks, or whatever - GREAT!! If he loves his PT-425 100% OEM, that's OK too!!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

FOURTEEN · May 7, 2004

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

For greasing those 'ball' joints on the lift arms and steering arms, mix a good chassis grease with a little gasoline to the consistancy of oil based paint. Brush on with a 1/2" paint brush while rotating the shafts. Because it is thin, it will carry the grease deep inside the joint where the gasoline soon evaporates, leaving a nice grease coating inside. No overspray! Easy to wipe up any excess! No gobs of grease on the garage floor, or the wash mitt or sponge when you wash it!!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

FOURTEEN · May 24, 2004

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

PRO: Power Trac Stability (PT Pucker)

Problem: Some newer TBN visitors may not know what "PT Pucker" is, or may be in dreadful fear of ever encountering the beast, or may be reluctant to get a PT for fear of it. I recently was visited by it while leveling the site for my new 30' x 38' Morton Building. I found it to be highly over rated and with some knowledge and practice can be tamed!!

DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME!! I loaded an ~750# sand filled roller into my LM Bucket to provide nearly 1000# on each front bar tire to nicely compact the newly placed clay fill.

Around and round, and up and down, I went with the bucket raised to clear the lawn as I came down the slopes. Then, while going down the slope I saw that I had missed a spot, so I instinctively pushed the Reverse Pedal and turned the Wheel to go back up and get it! That is when the PT Pucker struck!! Down went the Bucket, and up went the PT and I!!

After the initial surprise, and since I was WEARING MY SEAT BELT, I soon discovered that no harm had been done!! After gently climbing off, I found that the PT was solidly planted, and could not be rocked toward roll over even with the rear fully raised and the Wheel turned fully to one side!!

It is reassuring to know that even in seemingly disasterous situations the PT-425 keeps it's composure!!!!

PS: I usually drive with my left hand on the Suicide Knob, and with my right hand on the Joystick - ready to drop the load if needed to avoid the pucker.
It's all about learning the limits of your equipment, and not exceeding those limits! Sort of like driving on snow covered roads!!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

pajoube · May 24, 2004

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

Yup, that's the Han's pucker factor /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif. Everyone who owns a PT knows about this. Your correct, easy to get out of (straighten the wheel) and your on your way. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
PJ

toolz_not_toyz · May 25, 2004

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

This also seems to be a good way to service the wheels as well as clean underneath and touch up any rust spots. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Cool pics.

MossRoad · May 25, 2004

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

Yep! That be the PT Pucker. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

FOURTEEN · Jun 3, 2004

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

con: Slow Bar Tire Leaks

My right front bar tire went from 11# to 8# each day, so I installed Victor brand Slime from Walmart.

After waiting a week, right front was still at 11#, but the left front was down to 9#, so I slimed that one!!

I only used 1 pint of Slime per tire!!

So far, the rears stay happily at 7#, but if need be, I'll Slime them!

PS: Using the supplied hose to install the Slime is made easier by deflating the front tire with the bucket raised, then lower the bucket to raise the tire off the floor as you squeeze the Slime bottle. The vacuum helps suck the Slime in more quickly.

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

MossRoad · Jun 3, 2004

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

 Using the supplied hose to install the Slime is made easier by deflating the front tire with the bucket raised, then lower the bucket to raise the tire off the floor as you squeeze the Slime bottle. The vacuum helps suck the Slime in more quickly. 

Very helpful hint. Where were you two years ago when I sat there waiting for that bottle to drain? /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

ernemats · Jun 3, 2004

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

On your pictures with the roller in the bucket it looks like you have reversed the rims to give a wider stance, and it looks like you have more clearance between the tires and the frame of the pt than on my older 422pt. Your pt being a new model is that the way it came or am I just not seeing it right?

FOURTEEN · Jun 3, 2004

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

"" Very helpful hint. ""

Thanks! It's just that because I am so lazy, I am always looking to do something better, easier, quicker, or nicer at less cost in time or labor!!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

FOURTEEN · Jun 3, 2004

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

"" you have reversed the rims to give a wider stance ""

Yes! It makes a world of difference!!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

FOURTEEN · Jun 4, 2004

Re: PT-425 PROS & cons??

"" it looks like you have more clearance between the tires and the frame of the pt than on my older 422pt ""

OEM is the same - very little!

The extra clearance makes it easy to clean the mud and crud out from around the wheel motors for better cooling.

Great stability, as you can see!! It will now go places, and do things, comfortably, that I previously would have considered reckless, even on one of my ATV's!!

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif