2305 mods- radiator support, hydro fan under pan,

kljunior · Feb 20, 2006

Glad I got my 2305 before spring as I've had a chance to assess possible weak spots and hopefully make it more bullet proof. After hearing some peoples complaints about the radiator movement and how it may send the radiator into the fan with a little extra bouncing, I decided not to take any chances with mine.
This mod took most of the front to rear movement out of the radiator, and took less than 30 mins. to measure up, make, and install (not including the paint drying). I think it will solve the problem if there was one.

kljunior · Feb 20, 2006

The strut rod is made from steel brake line. A small fiber washer under one end was placed to give a small amount of preload as there is still a very small amount of flex. Hood latches perfectly. I don't see any way for the radiator to hit the fan with this rod installed.

JDFANATIC · Feb 20, 2006

Clever! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

RalphVa · Feb 20, 2006

So, have you done anything about the hydro fan underneath?

What they should have done on the 2305 is to put the hydro oil cooler in front of the radiator, like is on the 4010 (and probably 4110, etc.)

Ralph

kljunior · Feb 21, 2006

Here is the belly pan I made up. It's kind of crude, but you can't see it without laying under it and it should do the job just fine. It is not intended as a "skid plate" but rather a simple brush guard to keep small twigs or branches from contacting the plastic hydro fan. It is just cut from a piece galvanized sheet metal, and fastened at the loader frame brace and the oe hydro fan guard. When I was making it up, I planned on making and mounting a couple of small brackets to support the pan in the middle, but after fastening at the front and rear, it was nice and tight with no rattle so I left it alone. I haven't mounted the 62c mm mower deck yet, but I don't think it will interfere. I'll have to check it out in the spring.
from the front:

from the rear:

left side:

moose736 · Apr 5, 2006

kljunior, can you list the specific hardware you used and dimensions of the steel brake line, and belly pan? How thick was the galvanized sheet metal? Where exactly (on the frame) did you attach the screws for the belly pan...did you add material to attach the screws? Thanks for the pictures! I would like to add to my 2305 when it arrives to prevent these potential problems. Thank you.

kljunior · Apr 6, 2006

Well, the radiator support is 3/8 line I think. As far as it's length, it would be best for you to take your own measurements depending on where you will mount it. Add about 3/4" to each end for the bends. A simple shhet metal scre will hold it in place.
The belly pan was made from a piece of galv. sheet metal I had leaning in the corner of my garage. It is only to stop branches and twigs from getting to the fan, so it doesn't have to be too heavy. Get something you can cut with hand snips. Just look at the pics and you will see that it is mounted to the loader frame crossmember in the front and to the fan guard in the rear. You will have to drill your own hole and mount with small bolts.