any toro groundsmaster fans on here?

[MultiMow]

I don't know if it would be classified as a crappy design. It's just something that they improved over time. Nice for when you want to back up a hill, otherwise you'll never notice.

True... but with the weight distribution, I've never noticed my 325 slipping when backing uphill.... and that's on some pretty steep slopes on wet turf, too.

 

[MultiMow]

So there are actually two parts to what I replaced? that explains you talking about two different things, lol I kept thinking I only have one pump! And yes crawling under them is not easy, I used a little four wheeled cart with a scissor jack to hold it and move it. You have inspired me to take mine apart, will it be obvious what is wrong, or what will need to be replaced? Or is there just a rebuild kit you buy that has all the good stuff in it? Mine had been weak, but the last straw was the bolts holding it together came loose and it lost all the fluid. Of course going down a big hill, it was a fun ride, and I was able to put it back together and drive it back up the hill but it was never the same. It was so cool to put the new pump on and have the ability to raise the deck and get up the hills easier.

Yes. The transmission is a modular "inline" pump and motor assembly. Picture the separate pump and motor design like you find in Grasshopper zero turn mowers... but instead of external hydraulic lines linking the two, the units are mated to each other with internal fluid passages.

Download the full parts manual. It has a great exploded view.

 

[Xfaxman]

XFaxman:

We've discussed transmission issues before, with both of us having noted poor performance in the 325 compared to the 328... even though their transmissions are identical.

We already covered the difference in fluid spec (325 calls for 10w30 motor oil, versus the 328's spec for standard hydraulic fluid).

After reviewing the specs for each fluid, I couldn't find enough difference between the two that would justify flushing/changing fluid. Furthermore, I spoke with another 325 owner who had switched to hydraulic fluid with no increase in performance.

I think I may have found a solution.

I couldn't find a troubleshooting manual for the 325... so I downloaded one for the 328. The 328 axillary hydro circuit (steering and lift cyclinder) shows a cooler at the end of the return line. My 325 does not have any such cooler... does yours?

If your 325 also lacks a cooler, then we'd probably do well to install one from a 328.

Thoughts?

Wow, thanks for all the good posts this morning. :thumbsup:

All of the 300 series have an oil cooler, it is built into the radiator:

 

[MultiMow]

#1- sorry for all the unnecessary posts... I started reading from where I left off some time ago, and was replying as I went. Lol

#2- will have to check the flow on my cooler

#3- what do you think about installing a reversible electric fan, in place of the OEM? I have a lot of chaff with all the rough cut mowing... and it clogs the radiator screen on nearly every pass. I stop at the end of every 2 passes (out-back) and clear the screen.

I was thinking I could use a smart controller, and program it to reverse direction for 10sec when the amp load gets to a certain level.... much like the reversing fans on newer Toro units. Thoughts?

 

[MultiMow]

Another thought I've been playing around with, is trying to find a modern (read: "servicable") replacement for the Sundstrand 15 series in the GM 300s. My reasons are:

-I can't find rebuild kits

-used units in questionable condition are around $700

- the only supplier I have found for a rebuild kit, wants nearly $1000 for it.

I've looked at Eaton's 11 series, but it won't handle the power (limited to 20hp)... but I've seen people run them on Wheelhorse tractors with 26hp Honda engines and pulling plows/harrows/etc. without issue.

Another thing I've noticed... John Deere used the same Sundstrand 15 series inline trans on their model 400 garden tractors. The only difference (from what I can tell) is that particular version uses the 4 bolt flange and output shaft, designed for the Peerless differential. I was thinking I could get one of those and use the output shaft and mounting flange from my unit. The JD models are far more common, and sell for about $3-400 less than the 2 bolt flange units used on the Toro GM 300 series.

Any ideas?

 

[Xfaxman]

--------------------

#3- what do you think about installing a reversible electric fan, in place of the OEM? I have a lot of chaff with all the rough cut mowing... and it clogs the radiator screen on nearly every pass. I stop at the end of every 2 passes (out-back) and clear the screen.

I was thinking I could use a smart controller, and program it to reverse direction for 10sec when the amp load gets to a certain level.... much like the reversing fans on newer Toro units. Thoughts?

That would by handy.

I just reach behind the seat while mowing and brush the screen, never had to stop.

 

[MultiMow]

That would by handy.

I just reach behind the seat while mowing and brush the screen, never had to stop.

My arms are too short to clean more than half the screen while moving, and my neck/back won't allow any more movement. Lol

 

[PaulAm]

Paul:

You may want to try bending the rod, as opposed to shortening it. If you bent it outward (away from the rear of the unit) you could easily get 3/4in reduction and gain some clearance... this way, should you replace the tie rod ends/etc. with proper pieces later, it can be returned to stock.

Just a thought.

I finally got around to pulling off the tie rod and gave it a close inspection. Looks like one side took a substantial hit, so I bent it back. Whatever hit it also bent the shank on one of the tie rod ends which takes out 1/2" of adjustment. Toro wants around $100 for that part. Does anyone know of a cross that will fit? A) that's a $20 part and B) I know Toro didn't make them. I found some that look close and I plan on stopping by NAPA next week to see if we can match up something. Really wouldn't be that big a job to change them out to something readily available and cheap, but I'm trying to avoid more work.

If I find a cross that fits I'll post it here.

 

[zmech]

Post number one with a question of course.
What model number is the Danfoss pump in the Toro 325D? I went to Danfoss website but need a model number or type.

I am a proud owner of 1995 325D with 2560 Flail Mower attached. I love this machine. Will post pictures later when I am not at work.

The day I picked it up. It had only 580 hours on it.





I will get some better pictures of it tomorrow.

 

[Xfaxman]

Do you have the TORO part number?

For model 30788, 2WD: Toro Master PartsViewer