FEL, TORO Groundsmaster Put Together

[Xfaxman]

Used the box blade in float today to spread some dirt:

 

[Xfaxman]

Used the box blade to push the last of the dirt pile into the bucket on the V417:

 

[Sean2202]

I really enjoyed reading this thread. @Xfaxman Thanks for doing this writeup. Nice work.

 

[Xfaxman]

Thanks. Hard to realize that I put it together 15 years ago.

 

[Garauld]

Looks like a fun project!

 

[Xfaxman]

Thanks, but not as much fun as your "Swamp Thing".

 

[Xfaxman]

Used the 4' box blade on the TORO+Loader to put the raked out hay from the storage barn, into the 6' bucket on the V417:

First push:

Backed up to get the picture:

Moved over and lined up:

Second push:

Pushed what was left on each side to the center:

Final push into the bucket:

Job well done,

:

 

[jrsavoie]

Thanks, but not as much fun as your "Swamp Thing". View attachment 682127

Is there a link to t the swamp thing?

 

[Xfaxman]

Yep: My Senior design project - a "Swamp Thing" tracked vehicle clone

Much more work than my put together.

 

[IndyJay]

Yep, once something hits the go pedal linkage under there, there is no stopping forward movement. You can't push hard enough on the reverse part of the pedal. Turning off the key is all you can do.

Here is the description that is with the picture:

View attachment 605821

Poor original design, should have done opposite.

 

[IndyJay]

Don't understand it...
I asked the seller if it comes with the loader and he acted like he didn't know what I was talking about.
Some people!

 

[Xfaxman]

I guess he hasn't seen this thread

 

[Xfaxman]

Some more pictures with the 4' box blade in the Push mode:

Leveling loose dirt dumped by the V417:

The view from the seat:

 

[kpphoto]

Got a request from MBTRAC to do a build thread on what is pictured in my Avatar. So here it is.

Started with this 1990 TORO Groundsmaster Traction Unit. It didn't have the rotary deck on it. Notice the seat is offset to the left, the decks are offset to the right to mow around trees like a zero turn.

View attachment 304875View attachment 304876View attachment 304877View attachment 304878

Got it in September, 2004, had just over 3,000 hours on the 3 cylinder, 22 horsepower Mitsubishi diesel engine.
It drives a hydrostatic transmission bolted to a Spicer automobile type axle rated at 1800 pounds.

Here is a better view of the axle (don't ask how I got it ):
View attachment 304879

Changed the turf tires to ag type:
View attachment 304880View attachment 304881View attachment 304882

Looks different without the deck. I would kill for a loader put on mine.

 

[Xfaxman]

I would kill for a loader put on mine.

Instead of killing it would be better to buy a loader.

 

[farm boy00]

How has the toro held up for long term use?

I've got a bigger model toro that I'm planning to turn into a mini sky trac.
Planning to put a service truck Crane on it to use as the extending boom

 

[Xfaxman]

How has the toro held up for long term use?

Good, no problems. Have the 4' box blade on it now:

I've got a bigger model toro that I'm planning to turn into a mini sky trac.
Planning to put a service truck Crane on it to use as the extending boom

Sounds interesting, please start a thread on the build. I recommend a quick attach on the front. My pin on attachments are difficult to swap out.

A mini sky trac would be like a mini version of my V417: Compact telehandler

 

[Vigo327]

I too have been scheming how to build an even mini-er telehandler.
Sign me up for that build thread!

Glad this toro loader still exists. Too many cool builds are a ‘flash in the pan’ where it gets 80% usable but then never gets finished and then rots away or gets parted out.

 

[Btwoodman]

Xfaxman,
I noticed your toro w the fel and a few other groundsmasters have the deck lift arms and springs removed. My front blade can't raise much with the arms and spring in place. Is there any trick to removing these? I'd like to remove mine and I know there is probably quite a bit of tension on those springs.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Xfaxman]

I don't remember any problem removing them, but that was a long time ago.

For those that haven't seen the springs they are visible in this picture:

Found a better view of the arms and springs: