any toro groundsmaster fans on here?

[MultiMow]

FINALLY got "Joline" mowin' today ('98 model 325-D 4WD with Guardian Recycler 72").

I've found the PTO belt has a LOT more adjustment than people understand. My belt appeared to be the OEM original. The blades would engage slowly, but the slightest load would bring them to a halt.

I tightened the linkage spring down to where there is just enough pressure to hold the linkage upright (without slack).

With this adjustment, my old, probably never replaced, cracked through the middle, dry-rotted belt will drive my deck. I tested it in some high grass, and the engine RPM dropped all the way down to nearly stalled before I disengaged the PTO.

 

[MultiMow]

As a side note, has anyone else had problems with their Groundsmaster 300 series climbing hills?

If I have to go slow for any length of time, slopes are all but impossible. My tranny stays unbelievably hot, and hydraulic lift becomes slow. I thought it was the hydraulic filter, but the tranny and hydraulics run off two separate circuits.

The hydraulic filter is brand new. I have a couple very small leaks, but nothing major enough to lose that much pressure.

 

[jrsavoie]

The axle tube, or the axle itself? The tube is flange mounted by several bolts, so there should be no space at all.

There is no flange on the axle tube on the 1996 Toro 223D. It looks like somebody previously tried putting a layer of JB Weld or something where the axle tube meets the hydrostat. I will try to get pictures

I tried searching to find a manual online. I did not come up with much yet.

Just this which I thought should be what I am looking for, but I did not figure anything out looking at it.

https://www.toro.com/golf/docs/2011_parts_cat_gm.pdf

 

[MultiMow]

There is no flange on the axle tube on the 1996 Toro 223D. It looks like somebody previously tried putting a layer of JB Weld or something where the axle tube meets the hydrostat. I will try to get pictures

Ah... my apologies. I was thinking about the 300 series.

 

[jrsavoie]

Apologies accepted!! LOL

But do you have any words of wisdom or good links on my issue on the 1996 Toro 223D Gorundsmaster?

I'm wide open to suggestions as long as they don't involve proctology

 

[MultiMow]

If it's leaking at all, you have a blown seal.

Follow the links at the Toro website to get both the parts manual and troubleshooting manual.

The links will take you to a third party they use to digitize and archive manuals for discontinued equipment. It's advisable that you have the model and serial numbers from your data plate.

 

[Xfaxman]

As a side note, has anyone else had problems with their Groundsmaster 300 series climbing hills?

If I have to go slow for any length of time, slopes are all but impossible. My tranny stays unbelievably hot, and hydraulic lift becomes slow. I thought it was the hydraulic filter, but the tranny and hydraulics run off two separate circuits.

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

Yes my 1996 325D does not climb well, I back off of the go pedal to get the best power, but it just stalls and whines.

I haven't noticed any transmission heat when mowing heavy stuff.

It will not climb this 18 degree slope:

 

[MultiMow]

I can't even touch my trans/pump head... even just mowing the yard.

 

[MultiMow]

Yes my 1996 325D does not climb well, I back off of the go pedal to get the best power, but it just stalls and whines.

I haven't noticed any transmission heat when mowing heavy stuff.

It will not climb this 18 degree slope:

View attachment 480041

View attachment 480042

Just got off the phone with Dana/Spicer...

They are checking on a higher ratio for the axle.

I'm hoping it's cheaper than the price difference of a new mower.

 

[Xfaxman]

Just got off the phone with Dana/Spicer...

They are checking on a higher ratio for the axle.

I'm hoping it's cheaper than the price difference of a new mower.

You might check the TORO parts list for the 328D, model 30627. see if it uses the same part number axle and differential.

My 328D easily climbs the steeper than 18 degree end, where the brush pile is, that can be seen in the picture