any toro groundsmaster fans on here?

[aczlan]

I have a chance to pick up a Groundsmaster 327 for a decent price. Any weak spots look for? From what I can see it has a gas engine and a 72 inch deck on the front. Reportedly one of the spindles needs bearings and deck need some patches. Under 1700 hours on the hour meter.

Aaron Z

 

[jrsavoie]

If you can round up some stainless, it works real good for deck patching and rebuilding. You can weld it with regular rod or wire. Something like 7018, 8018, 9018 or 10018 - or equivalent wire, Sometimes you can pick up small pieces for scrap price from contractors that do stainless work - Probably a sheet metal contractor that does commercial work

 

[Xfaxman]

I have a chance to pick up a Groundsmaster 327 for a decent price. Any weak spots look for? From what I can see it has a gas engine and a 72 inch deck on the front. Reportedly one of the spindles needs bearings and deck need some patches. Under 1700 hours on the hour meter.

Aaron Z

There is a lot of info available from Toro online. 327 is a series number, the model number is 30781 or 30787, the first part of the serial number shows what year it was manufactured.

Do you know which deck is on it? There are several decks for the 300 series.

There are always Groundsmasters and parts for sale on eBay.

 

[aczlan]

I am going to pass on it, I was looking for my father in law and he wants to stick with his current mower for a little longer.
It has a 72" deck on it, but I dont know more than that.

Aaron Z

 

[MultiMow]

My front tires are 23 x 850 x 12 and my back tires are 18 x 6.50 x 8

Those are OEM sizes. Shouldn't be an issue.

 

[MultiMow]

On the bi directional clutch on the 1998 325D I can turn the clutch both directions with the driveshaft unhooked. Does that tell me anything about the condition of the clutch?

I still have not got the bolt that holds the bi directional clutch on, out from inside the shaft.


I am thinking about removing the cab from the 325D for summer use. Has anybody done this? How hot is the cab in the summer time?

It looks like I may be in need of a couple of parts to install if the cab is removed. Looks like I might need something around the electric control box. I am not sure what else.

The 1996 Toro Groundsmaster 223D is leaking hydrostat fluid around the right axle tube. How do I go about fixing that? Which hydrostats would be an easy swap? - It might be easier to swap out the front axle on this one than to tear it apart and fix it. If I can find the used part at a reasonable price

The leak should be a simple axle seal replacement.

 

[MultiMow]

Ok I had the back wheels on the ground. I can turn the bi directional clutch, both directions without the rear differential turning. But you can tell there is a little something there. the clutch is not spinning freely at hand sped

I just called a Toro commercial service department for advice.

On the 1998 Groundsmaster 325D, with the bolt that holds the bi directional clutch to the rear differential - He said most of those issues arise from either the front or rear differential being worn or loose, allowing the whole differential to twist .My next thing to check.

He said on the axle tube for the 1996 Groundsmaster 223D, They heat the aluminum housing and slide the axle in.

He said if the axle has slid out a little and is leaking, I need a new differential housing.

I am wondering if I heated the housing up, Cleaned it up, put a generous amount of epoxy around the tube, if I could push it back together and be leak free.

Or does anybody have a line on a front differential for the 1996 223D Groundsmaster?

I also have a question about applying herbicide / Roundup / Burn Down in an area where there are a lot of little trees and shrubs about 9' away from the area that I am going to apply herbicide before planting soy beans.

I realize this is not the spot for this part of this post. A mod can feel free to edit this and repost as appropriate.

I have 2 1/2 acres to spray burn down on, then to plant soy beans.

There are Lots of trees and shrubs around.

I have the chemical and anti-drift.

Is there something like a weed whip that you can drag behind?

Any recommendations would be appreciated

I would be interested in hiring somebody On Wednesday May 23, 2018 near Clifton, Il, If anybody is close and interested in such a small job.

Any suggestions on getting this done would be appreciated.

Wondering about something like this. It says it goes on the front of the tractor. This one is 5' wide . I would like a little wider.

Do they make something to go on the back of a tractor, 4 wheeler or whatever that hooks to the sprayer pump?

String Wing, 5' Wick Chemical Applicator | Agri Supply 71934

Do you have a lot of slack in the rear axle pin? (The one that hold the axle to the frame)

 

[jrsavoie]

On the 1996 Toro 223D

It is leaking where the tube goes into the pig.

I was told they heat the case and slide the axle tube in. I haven't got to looking at the schematic for it yet

Guess no time like the present. Just sitting here afib'n anyway

The service guy told me that they sometimes crack around the axle tube. Have to see if I can figure out how to push the axle tube, back in tight. And then see if I can figure out how to make it stay there.

If anybody sees the part for a good price, let me know

Toro | Parts – Groundsmaster 223-D 2 Wheel Drive

 

[MultiMow]

I have a chance to pick up a Groundsmaster 327 for a decent price. Any weak spots look for? From what I can see it has a gas engine and a 72 inch deck on the front. Reportedly one of the spindles needs bearings and deck need some patches. Under 1700 hours on the hour meter.

Aaron Z

They're fairly underpowered for what they are. If you plan on mowing any taller grass or mowing hillsides... I suggest a diesel unit, or a 345.

The engine used in a 327 is a fairly dependable unit, IF it's been maintained properly. If it's ever been ran hot, or without the governor functioning properly... It's an oversized paperweight. The Continental engines aren't tolerant to abuse, or neglect... and they're getting harder to find parts for.

 

[jrsavoie]

Do you have a lot of slack in the rear axle pin? (The one that hold the axle to the frame)

On the 1998 Toro 325D

That is the next thing to check. A service guy told me to also check the front. He said he has seen this caused by either end / differential being loose.

The bolt is broke off at an angle. I am going to try to get in there with my mini die grinder to get a good starting point for the left hand drill.