Told you I'd get one

/ Told you I'd get one
  • Thread Starter
#21  
Re: Told you I\'d get one

ETA is 18:30 EST.
/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
/ Told you I'd get one
  • Thread Starter
#22  
Re: Told you I\'d get one

Actual arrival was 16:20. I couldn't believe it! From Tazewell to Charlottesville in 3.5 hours. I even checked with Scott and he confirmed the truck left at about 10 to 1. Normal human beings require 5+ hours to make the trip. I was so pleased I gave the driver a nice tip.

First thing I did was scorch myself a bit by brushing up against the muffler. I didn't even notice it was there hanging off the side until it was too late. No real damage but I'm sure going to keep my distance from the engine area.

I'll post some pictures later. I probably won't be able to do much until Friday - The attachments are still on the pallets /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
 
/ Told you I'd get one #23  
Re: Told you I\'d get one

congrats ElBubba!!

I wish you the same weather we are going to have this weekend for your first PT weekend! (~75, s'posed to be down from 80 we'll get tomorrow).

Phil
 
/ Told you I'd get one #24  
Re: Told you I\'d get one

yes..congrats on the addition to the family...cigars all around! I've been meaning to modify my treadles with 14's suggestion from last year...just never got around to it and now way too busy...so I called PT to inquire on the springs that have been mentioned...Scott returned the call within 2 hours and said they'll be in the mail this week....no charge. I've actually gotten used to the way they are except on rough terrain my foot still seems to bounce a bit. Reading ElBubba's posts reminds me of my delivery back in June...it was hard to drag myself back to work on my lunch hour the day it arrived! Good luck with it!!..I wish I had been able to get more attachments at the time...but my birthday is coming up! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
 
/ Told you I'd get one #25  
Re: Told you I\'d get one

I gotta agree.... the treadle springs aren't necessary if the PT is operated on level ground. Of course, my parcel is exactly the opposite of "level" and the reason those springs made a noticeable difference.

Phil
 
/ Told you I'd get one #26  
Re: Told you I\'d get one

Congratulations on your new PT.. You will have lots of fun with the work you have lined up. I quite often go through your area on my way to visit my son and his wife in South Boston. Good tractoring and as others have said be carefull until you get used to running it.
 
/ Told you I'd get one
  • Thread Starter
#27  
Re: Told you I\'d get one

I must say that so far I'm happy with PT service. I called in yesterday morning to ask to have springs put on the treadles and they got them on event though the truck pulled away just a couple hours later; plus they remembered to put solid wheels on the bush hog /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

You'll all be happy to know I've conked my head twice on the ROP with less than 2 hrs on the dial. This is doubly impressive as I'm only 5'7".

About all I've done is hook and unhook attachments; put them on and off pallets; drive all around to where I'm just starting to get a feel for steering although going backwards seems very weird.

I did attach the minihoe and dug a small hole and found that simultaneously booming down, scooping, and very gently backing up seemed to give the best results - best as in least scary. Trying to dig without a little reverse pedal usually led to an exciting tilting effect that I decided I'd rather save for a later date.

The only other attachment I tried out at all was the box blade. There is a small hump in Isabel Meadow that looked like a good candidate for leveling. Let me preface this by explaining that I've never even seen a box blade before and could only guess at its operation. So I set it down reasonably horizontal to the ground, lowered until back lip was digging in a couple inches and backed up. Either this is not the way to use a box blade or I'm going to need to dramatically improve my technique. When I went in for supper it occurred to me that maybe you're supposed to put the thing in float position. We'll see tomorrow weather permitting.
 
/ Told you I'd get one #28  
Re: Told you I\'d get one

Very amusing!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif You'll have some expirementation to do with all the attchments I'm sure...but by trial and error and along with the good advice of the PT people I'm sure you'll be a semi-pro in short order!
 
/ Told you I'd get one #29  
Re: Told you I\'d get one

<font color="red"> I've conked my head twice on the ROP with less than 2 hrs on the dial. </font>
I think that's what truly sold me on Power Trac. I did that in Tazewell, and Terry said "You'll learn not to do that." Since I'm a lawyer with products liability cases, it was truly refreshing for a manufacturer actually to acknowledge that a customer may bear some small measure of responsibility to avoid whacking his head.

But, being a slow learner, I went down to Home Depot and got some foam pipe insulation. It covers the edge nicely, and has enough stickum to hold it in place -- until you run it through or against ....[insert obstacle of choice] It's cheap, so replacement isn't a problem.
I think of Terry every time I whack my head on the foam. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
/ Told you I'd get one #30  
Re: Told you I\'d get one

lol!!

I wacked my head a few times too. When you're 6'-3", and forgetful some times, you can get a bruise easily. I think I might go and get some of that foam insulation... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
/ Told you I'd get one #31  
Re: Told you I\'d get one

Now Charlie... how long have you had your machine???

I admit to wacking my head more than a few times on the canopy during my first few months, but I can not remember the last time I did it now. I put a piece of foam pipe wrap on mine too, but it came off pretty quick so I just eventually learned.

One thing I did pretty soon after running around my near 30 degree slopes (with my 1845) was to bolt a pair of grab handles on each side of the canopy (back-to-back, inside and out) so that I now tend to grab the outer one whenever I climb in and can grab the inner one to keep from sliding out of the seat (yes, I do wear my seat belt!) while still keeping my hands inside and protected from trees or being crushed if I ever roll over (not so far!). This may be a small part in my not hitting my head on the canopy any more also.
 
/ Told you I'd get one
  • Thread Starter
#32  
Re: Told you I\'d get one

After 5 hours on the machine I have a few minor questions to ask the forum.

The responsiveness of reverse and forward pedals seem a little bit different. For me the reverse is a little mushier where I have to press down just a bit more to start backing up compared to what is needed on the forward pedal. Is this typical?

Sometimes when I turn there is a clicking sound that reminds me of the sound of a piece of cardboard against bicycle wheel sprockets (ancient memories). Should I be concerned?

If I'm on even a tiny slope, the PT creeps forward even with both feet off the pedals. It'll roll forward smoothly about a foot and after that it momentarily "grabs", rolls a few inches, grabs, and so on and so on. Is this normal?

The tires arrived with pressures:

LF: 12.5
RF: 11.5
LR: 6
RR: 7

Aren't the rear tires a little low? In reading other folks' posts the front readings are in the ballpark but the rears might need another couple lbs?

People have mentioned that the PT can be a little hard to start in cold weather. A couple days ago I started up in 27 degrees. Choke half way, quarter throttle, instant start. Indeed from the day it arrived the engine has started first time every time even in freezing temps. I'm either lucky, or gifted, or the newest engines are cold weather friendly.

I'd also like to thank all the advice people have given. Just this evening as I got into the seat I accidentally stepped on the forward treadle. Luckily I'd read over and over again how this was an accident waiting to happen so I never get in with the engine on. Who knows what damage or even injuries were prevented. Even though I knew it was so easy to step on the pedals I still did it. Frankly I think PT should seriously consider putting in a seat switch. Heck, even my garden tractor has one.
 
/ Told you I'd get one #33  
Re: Told you I\'d get one

My guess is the clicking noise is the parking brake not fully disengaged. Push the lever down all of the way. You may need to tighten the center bolt on the lever as it can engage itself from vibration. Not too tight or you will not be able to use it.

Tire Pressure - Seven is good on the back. I am not quite sure on the front, I think it was eleven. This gives you optimum traction.

The creeping is some what normal. There is an adjustment for the treddle centering. You have to jack the vehicle up off all four wheels and make the adjustment. It is different on your machine than mine, so look at the manual. This probably accounts for the backing pedal and forward pedal difference.

I recommend that you read all of this forum. I think many of your present and future questions have been answered. Or just ask if you prefer.

Sounds like things are going well. There is a lot of skill to operating these vehicles. Have patience and keep asking questions.

Bob Rip
 
/ Told you I'd get one
  • Thread Starter
#35  
Re: Told you I\'d get one

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( My guess is the clicking noise is the parking brake not fully disengaged )</font>

The noise occurs even with parking brake lever in the full off position (snug against stop). If the brake does not disengage can the motor be damaged? I read in other postings that the brake is a mechanical gear with an engaging pin. If you were trundling along and flipped the parking brake on (no, I don't plan on trying this little experiment) would you damage the motor(s)? /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif
 
/ Told you I'd get one #36  
Re: Told you I\'d get one

It seems unlikely that damage would occur. I was told by PT that you can be going full forward and push the reverse pedal all the way down without any risk of damage. The pressure relief valve might open momentarily, but that is all.

On the noise, maybe a cable is loose or does not have enough tension. Look at the brake pins that tie to the parking brake handle through cables. Are they both pulled out the same amount? If you grap the cables (use a gloved hand) and pull does the noise reduce? If so you may have to adjust how far the brake cables go into the handles.

Of course this could be something totally different. Does the click get faster as you go faster?

Bob Rip
 
/ Told you I'd get one #38  
Re: Told you I\'d get one

ElBubba, There is also a hydraulic shuttle valve that has an internal ball that can cause a rapid clicking noise like you describe. This is located in the forward portion of the engine bay. This is a normal sound.

Do make sure it is not the parking brake as others have mentioned, because it can get in a partial-engaged mode and become damaged.
 
/ Told you I'd get one
  • Thread Starter
#39  
Re: Told you I\'d get one

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The responsiveness of reverse and forward pedals seem a little bit different )</font>

I think the folowing picture is self-explanatory


spring.jpg
 
/ Told you I'd get one #40  
Re: Told you I\'d get one

Yes. Looks like something is out of line. What ya gon'a do about it?
 

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