PT425 8 Hour Maintenance Page

I start by sweeping off the entire unit with a wisk broom. Next, I remove the 3 plates that cover the center tunnel with a 7/16 inch wrench or socket. Then I vacuum out all of the crevices and the engine compartment with a shop vac. After that I blow off the entire unit with compressed air. Then I wash it down with Simple Green cleaner and water, being careful not to get any cleaner near the greased bearings. Dry it off, put the covers back on and I'm done. If I don't wash it down it takes about 15 minutes. If I do wash it it takes about an hour.

Here's some before and after pictures.

Picture 1 shows lots of grass clippings and a trash bag over the seat to keep it dry.
Picture 2 shows a close up of the front of the unit after the grass clippings have been brushed off. Pay special attention to gettng the grass clippings out from around the wheel motors. It builds up in there and needs to be removed with a stick or screwdriver.
Picture 3 shows a view looking down between the front wheel and the side of the tractor. A long stick is needed to get into this area as well.
Picture 4 shows the 4 bolts that have to be removed on the left side of the tunnel to remove the access panels on the left, right and top of the tunnel. The left side is the same.
Picture 5 shows the inside of the tunnel with the cover removed. The debris seems to enter through the hole in the front of the tractor where the hydraulic lines pass through.
Picture 6 shows the tunnel with all covers removed. The arrow points out the infamous "Hidden Grease Zerk". My unit came with no grease zerk, just a threaded hole. I could grind out a hole so that I wouldn't have to remove the cover, but I like to get in there and clean it well.
Picture 7 shows the left front of the engine compartment with lots of debris.
Picture 8 shows the right front of the engine compartment before cleaning. The hydraulic oil filter is in the right lower corner.
Picture 9 shows the front of the unit with grass packed around the left front wheel motor as well as the two holes through the "firewall" where debris can enter the tunnel.
Picture 10 shows the front of the unit after cleaning. I use spray lithium grease as recommended by Power Trac on all of the ball type joints and spread some multi purpose grease on the quick connect locking pin areas. I also use multi purpose grease on the two grease zerks located on the curl pivot cross bar.
Picture 11 shows another view of the front with the lift arms at full height.
Picture 12 shows the three grease zerks for the treadle assemply as well as one ball type joint.
Picture 13 show the other two balltype joints in the treadle assembly that have to be spray greased.
Picture 14 shows the top center pivot grease zerk. don't forget  both ends of the steering rams on each side as well.
Picture 15 shows the grease gun attached to the bottom center pivot point grease zerk. It is usually packed with dirt and needs to be cleaned out before greasing. There is no way to see it unless you would put the tractor on jacks or a lift, so you have to feel your way around.
Picture 16 shows the left front of the engine compartment nice an clean.
Picture 17 shows the left rear nice and clean as well.