Used PT's

BobRip · Apr 29, 2006

Re: Used PT\'s

Yes, I believe it should be done. Did you take the class on the PT?

Bob Rip

funpilot · Apr 30, 2006

Re: Used PT\'s

Yes, took the class...no memory at all. So, what is it exactly I should do...think of me as mechanically challenged...

catsco · May 1, 2006

Re: Used PT\'s

I also was never told about nor had any knowledge of tightening the large nut.

YIKES! It was a bit loose, and called Terry to ask about the size for my PT-425. He said it is a 1-13/16" also.

After suffering sticker shock seeing the price of a large single wrench (Harbor Freight sets do NOT include that size; only by 1/8" increments), I found this much lower cost 1-13/16":

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AYHFWW/ref=sr_11_1/104-4637116-2562321?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=228013

Shipping is $7.50, so total price is pretty low compared to the $80-$120 I've seen.

Hope this helps.

Mark H.

MossRoad · May 1, 2006

Re: Used PT\'s

Here's a Craftsman set of 6 wrenches with a 1-13/16 being one of them.

Warning:

Sit down before you click on that link and look how much 6 wrenches will cost... sit... siiit... staaaaay. Think calm thoughts...

Now click here. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

BillCroasmun · May 1, 2006

Re: Used PT\'s

YIKES! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Well, at least there's a rebate for free shipping... /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

J_J · May 1, 2006

Re: Used PT\'s

If you only need this size wrench once in a while, why not make your own wrench . A couple hacksaw blades, an air grinder with cutoff wheel, acy/oxy torch, plasma cutter, etc. Some auto stores will even loan you tools.

Gravy · May 1, 2006

Re: Used PT\'s

And keep in mind, in that size range, the fit doesn't have to be really precise. I found that my 2" open end wrench will tighten that nut with all of the torque my 170lbs can bring to bear. The nut wasn't even thinking about rounding off.

Gravy

BobRip · May 1, 2006

Re: Used PT\'s

For the wrench try "Hanover Tools" in Ashland VA. Clint Blake got one there for about $20. Probably not the best quality, but it's big and you can probably not break it. The also had a more expensive one. Their telephone number is 804-798-9402. I could not easily find their website.

Bob Rip

BobRip · May 1, 2006

Re: Used PT\'s

How to tighten the big nut:
Turn the PT as far right as possible. This exposes the nut for better access. From the left side of the PT, using the open end of the 1 13/16 inch wrench, slide it over the nut with the wrench towards the rear of the vehicle. Pull the box end of the wrench as hard as you can towards the front of the PT. Give it everything you got. (This is for normal people).
Is this is not clear, I can probably post a picture.

Bob Rip

tracdoc · May 2, 2006

Re: Used PT\'s

( For the wrench try "Hanover Tools" in Ashland VA.... I could not easily find their website.)

I checked the VA Business site. Hanover is a listed VA business, but under the category "website," the box is filled in as "none."

catsco · May 4, 2006

Re: Used PT\'s

The other day I posted a URL that didn't seem to work later. For the Farmhardware 1-13/16" wrench delivered ($18.19 + $7.50 Shipping) try:

Click here for link

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Mark H.

EDIT: Shortened long link.

KentT · May 4, 2006

Re: Used PT\'s

Thanks -- at that price, I'm game. Can anyone confirm if the old Kohler-engined PT425's (Dec 2000 vintage) used this size nut? Once again, I find myself 900 miles away from my loveable MUT...

funpilot · May 11, 2006

Re: Used PT\'s

Mark, that wrench is currently not available. BobRip...how far are you from Norfolk?

catsco · May 11, 2006

Re: Used PT\'s

Sorry the wrench isn't available; I must have purchased the only one! It arrived a few days ago - works fine.

It's a Thorsen brand wrench, but made in China.

Mark H.

catsco · May 11, 2006

Re: Used PT\'s

To follow up the wrench thing, I checked with Farmhardware.com; they are NOT going to get any more of these 1-13/16" wrenches due to a problem with their supplier (Olympia, an importer) who is no longer in business.

According to the person with whom I spoke, Farmhardware bought many hundreds of items from that company, so this is a really bad thing for them.

SO, here is another source that is only slightly more expensive:

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product2_6970_200320007_200320007

This wrench is $22.99 plus $9.00 or so for shipping depending upon where you are located.

Mine that I purchased from Farmhardware was about $18 plus $7.50 shipping to Colorado.

More expensive, but still a great bargain compared to local prices of well over $100.

Even though these wrenches are made in China, they are more than adequate for the PT user to tighten the main nut. I'd support a U.S. company, but can't spend five times the price for a wrench that will be used a few times a year.

Had it not been for the post in this forum, I could have saved more money by not even buying a wrench since I didn't know the nut should be checked and kept tight! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Regards,
Mark H.

Barryh · May 11, 2006

Re: Used PT\'s

>>Had it not been for the post in this forum, I could have saved more money by not even buying a wrench since I didn't know the nut should be checked and kept tight!<<

Your welcome, I think /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

BobRip · May 11, 2006

Re: Used PT\'s

( Mark, that wrench is currently not available. BobRip...how far are you from Norfolk? )

I am about 100 miles from Norfolk. Clint Blake is in Mechanicsville, just east of Richmond. This is probably an hour closer.

Bob Rip

BobRip · May 11, 2006

Re: Used PT\'s

( >>Had it not been for the post in this forum, I could have saved more money by not even buying a wrench since I didn't know the nut should be checked and kept tight!<<

Your welcome, I think /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

)

If this coupling wears out, you will be very sorry. Keep it tight.

Bob Rip

Barryh · May 11, 2006

Re: Used PT\'s

You sound like a man who speaks from experience, do you know someone who had one wear out? Since the 180 only has one articulating cylinder, and I have a lot of uneven ground to travel. You can bet I will. Thanks

tracdoc · May 14, 2006

Re: Used PT\'s

( To follow up the wrench thing, I checked with Farmhardware.com; they are NOT going to get any more of these 1-13/16" wrenches due to a problem with their supplier (Olympia, an importer) who is no longer in business. )

Yup...that's a bummer. I followed up on your suggestion of Northern, and bit the bullet. I went for 5 combo wrenches, ranging from 1 3/4" through 2". They ran $110 plus $22 shipping. They arrived at my doorstep Friday (3 days). Nice satin finish stamped with Northern logo, and "limited lifetime warranty" (whatever that is /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif). Nearest Northern store is a 90 mile drive 1-way, so the $22 shipping was worth it in diesel and time---not to mention that the store may not have had in stock one or more of the 5 (just my luck, it would have been the 1 13/16ths /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif)

I was a tightening fool on my PT yesterday. Found my articulation needed it /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif, as did the swivel on my 60" mower, just to note a couple.

Thanks again everyone for this helpful thread /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif