PT422 finally here

Phils · Oct 27, 2004

Actually took only a week to be in my hands, not bad all things considered.

Fortunately MossRoad advised me to take a can of gas..... good advice!! It was empty, they said it ran out as they were transferring it to the Ace Hardware delivery truck. I figure if PT put more gas in them, they'd still be delivered empty but have more time spent tooling around the loading docks. Mine arrived with over 2 hours on the hourmeter, but no damage other than a flat tire on the front of the brush hog. I have "bulletproof" tire sealer already coming from Gemplers for all the tires.

Drove around our trails yesterday after a rainstorm. No problems whatsoever. Traction was excellent.

That little video on MR's site showing how quick attachements can be changed: I'm thinking it takes some practice to switch that quickly. I looked like I was physically/mentally handicapped when trying to switch them.

I'll undoubtedly have more questions, but for now I'll just play with the new toy at every opportunity. Hauled a couple of buckets of firewood to the house late yesterday and it'll be a much more enjoyable task from now on.

Thanks for all your help in my quest to find a suitable yard tractor.

Phil

FOURTEEN · Oct 27, 2004

" it'll be a much more enjoyable task from now on "

/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif Soon, no matter how large or small the outdoor job is, you will immediately say: "How can I use the PT to help!!??!!"!! Most often you will find a way!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

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

stray · Oct 27, 2004

And if you find you can't use the PT for a job it's time to build an attachment.

MuncyBob · Oct 27, 2004

Congrats on the new arrival! I know what you mean regarding the quick(or at first, the not so quick attach)...but it will come over time.

Phils · Oct 27, 2004

I already have been lusting for your splitter, Stray! Are you going to build a chipper/shredder to match? And how much for the pair, delivered to sunny CA? Can I get them in "camoflage" instead of red?

stray · Oct 27, 2004

You know when I bought the 422 a chipper/shredder came with it. But when I trim or cut a tree I just haul it to the woods and I’m done. So I traded the thing for a gas water pump, about 250 ft of 2 inch hose and fittings and 100 bucks. It took me a week to build the splitter and if I hadn’t already had much of the stuff (including the cylinder) I would have bought a 3 point hitch type and adapted it. Look for the most adaptable and do that. It would be much cheaper than what I would have to have. Good luck.

PS. I only have red paint anyway. LOL

pajoube · Oct 27, 2004

That is great news, congratulations.
Keep us up to date on all your projects.
Pj

scarg · Oct 28, 2004

When you first drove it -
How long did it take you to figure out that in order to keep it from "bucking" (from your right foot vibrating on the treadle) that you always need to have your left foot on the treadle to dampen the vibration?

Or did this only happen to me? I actually thought something was wrong with the unit until I figured out what was happening.

Welcome to the forum from another green member.

That didn't really sound very good did it?

Steve

FOURTEEN · Oct 29, 2004

" I actually thought something was wrong with the unit "

/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif There is!! For the solution to this problem see:

PT-425 PROS & cons?? [Re: FOURTEEN]
#420338 - 05/03/04 08:53 PM

con: Floppy Treadle

PS: Now 160 hours of sweet, one or two foot, trouble and fatigue free, Stretch Cord operation!! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

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

Phils · Oct 29, 2004

scarg,

I had PT install the treadle springs before shipping because of the comments on this board. It would get to bucking on me a few times, but I just stopped and started over. I haven't adjusted the tire pressures yet either, and I suspect they are much higher than needed, causing a little bounce too. I'll adjust them when the shipment of tire sealer arrives and I install it.

Looking forward to the weekend so I'll have some time to "practice" using the little booger. NOT looking forward to the weekend because daylight savings is leaving us, and from now on I'll get home from work after dark, leaving no daylight time during the week to traverse trails or whatever.

Phil

MossRoad · Oct 29, 2004

That little video on MR's site showing how quick attachements can be changed: I'm thinking it takes some practice to switch that quickly. 

You mean this video?

Nah! I did that on day two... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

FOURTEEN · Oct 29, 2004

" I haven't adjusted the tire pressures yet either "

The best pressures for a soft ride, best traction, and reduced wear on the PT-425 with bar tires are: 7# Rear & 11# Front!

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

Phils · Oct 30, 2004

Well, I was wrong: PT didn't install the treadle springs as requested. I had a little time before it got dark yesterday to more closely inspect the unit and discovered that. Not a problem in the limited operations I did Tuesday, I'll further evaluate this weekend and decide whether I need to have Scott send them. The treadle doesn't seem the least bit "floppy" so maybe it's different than the original.

Yes, MR, that's the video. 2nd day, eh? Any truth to the rumor that isn't really you driving, but a "professional stunt driver on a closed course and don't try this at home"?

Thanks for the psi's, 14. I have them written down, but that paper is at work so maybe I'll get the tire pressure adjusted today before I begin my mini-hoe practice.

MossRoad · Oct 30, 2004

Any truth to the rumor that isn't really you driving, but a "professional stunt driver on a closed course and don't try this at home"? 

No comment... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Hey, speaking of tire pressure, I blew the left front tire OFF THE RIM on my PT425 today while using the FEL in pretty harsh conditions. Managed to limp it back to the van and pump it up only to have it blow off again 1/2 hour later. This time it ingested massive quantities of sand and dirt. Still managed to pump it up again and get all attachments loaded on the trailer for trip home before it went flat again. Also found out that when I rebuilt my brush hog I must have forgotten to tighten the 5 lug bolts because all of them backed out and one fell out, which caused the hog to shake wildly.

The reason I mention these things is we, as new tractor owners, need to remember to check things like tire pressure and bolt tightness on a regular basis. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

pajoube · Oct 30, 2004

Do you have a feeling as to cause for tire to keep coming apart? Any thoughts to going with inner tube?
PJ

shoppintractors · Oct 31, 2004

Do you have a feeling as to cause for tire to keep coming apart? 

I would suspect the sidewall of the tire is past it's useful life.

Don

MossRoad · Oct 31, 2004

I think I was a bit low on pressue to start with(remeber that tire is the one I've always had trouble with, even after sliming t). So when I put some extreme side pressure on it, it popped the seal, sand went inside and stuck to the seal area because of the slime and that was that. Now the tire will have to be removed from the rim, the rim and tire cleaned out and then put it all back together. While I have it off, I am thinking of tubing it. Just have to locate a tube locally. I will slime the tube just in case because I do have lots of thorns and rosebushes on our property. Even with all the tire trouble yesterday, I was able to get an increadible amount of work done. Still happy! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

pajoube · Oct 31, 2004

I read somewhere that stations that repair flat tires do not want to work on tires that have been filled. Is that for slim or other type product?
I also have one tire (left rear) that has a slow leak and I have not been able to find it. So every three days I fill it up and off I go.
PJ

J_J · Oct 31, 2004

You are right about stations not wanting to mess with slimed tires. If the tire is put on a machine that breaks down the tire on both sides, the slime gets all over their $3,000 machine. About the only clean way is to break down only the top side down first, and hand pump or wet vac the slime out of the tire. It could also be reused.

I have always been able to find air leaks by inflating the tire to about 25 lbs. using a spray bottle filled with soapy water. It may take five or ten minutes to see bubbles on a very slow leak.

If a properly slimed tire leaks, it is usually the valve stem, replace the core. Tube would be the next option.

Plugs work ok, but an inside patch is better.

MossRoad · Nov 1, 2004

I remember many years ago there were stories of people using that fix a flat stuff. Then when the tire guy went to change the tire, it exploded. Don't know if it was true or not. Never heard of problems with slime. I'll probably change the tire myself. Just have to locate a tube. Not too important this week, though, so could be a few days. Lots of activities for the kids this week, so dad's toys get a rest! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif