any toro groundsmaster fans on here?

[Creamer]

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

How can it heat up when you are always off taking pictures?

 

[Xfaxman]

How can it heat up when you are always off taking pictures?

I guess you have found the reason why it runs so cool.

 

[MultiMow]

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

My 328 service manual says "use this manual (322/325) in conjunction with the Kubota engine service manual"... and specifies the same transmission/axle characteristics.

I did, however, re-read the tranny maintenance specs. It specifies the margin for oil fill level is 1/2 inch below the full mark to no more than 1/2 inch above. Given the machine was designed for 15 degree tolerance, I assumed the pump was starving, aerating the oil. It is also possible that the previous owner filled with hydraulic fluid instead of the recommended conventional motor oil... which does not have the same anti-foaming/aeration agents.

I topped off the oil level to just shy of 1/2 inch above the fill mark. The unit now climbs hills with no stopping... so long as the grass isn't deep enough to use up the extra horsepower (I run the deck at minimum cut height, which creates a LOT more vacuum for better mulching).

I wouldn't expect the 25hp Mitsubishi K3D to ever handle loads like the 28hp Kubota in the 328. Not from the agentsted power reduction, but also due to Kubota's notoriously conservative HP and their more ample torque curve below peak power RPM.

FYI-

DO NOT use high-milage formulated oils, such as Valvoline "Max Life" etc... these oils have agents that will soften the seals and o-rings, creating a whole new world of problems in the pump/valve systems. Also, DO NOT use viscosity modifiers such as Lucas "Oil Stabilizer" etc... as the increased viscosity gives the oil more "hang time", increasing aeration and effectively countering the anti-aeration agents in the oil.... NO BUENO.

I use Pennzoil. It has the highest detergent content while avoiding the added softening agents, and about the best anti-foaming agents.

 

[Rocky J]

For those that don't know what a Groundsmaster 72 is, pictures from an image search:

View attachment 467411

View attachment 467412

I still mow with the GM72, Time to patch my deck again and I have to get my engine parts from Germany because it has the Continental R Renault engine in it. I have had it on Propane for many years, propane unit off of a floor burnisher and a 20 pound grill tank. Always starts ,I am fat enough to make the spring ride seat work well. Bought it used about 17 years ago it is a 1979 with a cab and snowblower, It came with the manuals and original receipt showing it was $18000 when bought new. I also have a zero turn but my first choice is the Toro GM72 with the offset deck, it goes under the bushes a few feet .

 

[Creamer]

So the real key is the front deck?

 

[Rocky J]

So the real key is the front deck?

Yes and that it is 6 foot wide so that it has the 2 foot of deck sticking out past the wheel. That part also makes it easier to trim around small trees, I can trim a tree as small as a pop can with out much effort. So yes any out front mower with the offset would make me happy, next time it will have power steering, this GM72 does not and after a 4 hours you start to feel it. This has the 28 HP Continental R engine (750 cc Renault Car Engine and is plenty of power for mowing 6 inch tall grass but is short on power for the 48 inch two stage snow blower even when I am running on Gasoline.

 

[MultiMow]

Yes and that it is 6 foot wide so that it has the 2 foot of deck sticking out past the wheel. That part also makes it easier to trim around small trees, I can trim a tree as small as a pop can with out much effort. So yes any out front mower with the offset would make me happy, next time it will have power steering, this GM72 does not and after a 4 hours you start to feel it. This has the 28 HP Continental R engine (750 cc Renault Car Engine and is plenty of power for mowing 6 inch tall grass but is short on power for the 48 inch two stage snow blower even when I am running on Gasoline.

I too, have a 72" offset deck. You're correct with the offset. It allows me to mow beneath my fencelines VERY well. On fencelines with access to both sides, I need only touch up around the posts with a string trimmer... this saves HUGE amounts of time.

On the flip side, mine is the 325D with 4wd and power steering. The only drawback to the power steering is the cost of maintenance. As with most other pre-3000 series Groundsmasters, the steering cylinder is no longer available. Upon inspection, mine had a nick in the rod... requiring polishing as part of the rebuild. This ran repair cost up from $160 to $275.

The steering cylinders are an odd size (7.15 stroke), and cannot be replaced with off-the-shelf cylinders unless you modify the rear axle linkage to accept an 8" stroke unit (not advisable).

 

[Creamer]

My Zero Turn has a front deck but it is only 60". I wish I had bought the 72". While I can go right around most obstructions it would be really nice to have an extra 6" sticking out that left side to not half to get quite as close to the spruces, lilacs, etc.

 

[Rocky J]

I have about 400 foot row of Hedge trees, they have a thorn on the limbs about the size of a #4 finish nail and will rip the shirt right off my back and leave me with bright purple scratches on my arms. I use 1 cup antifreeze in each tire to keep the thorns swelled up so I do not loose air over the season. Also the black berry bushes can be hateful as well. For being a finish mower the Ground Master has a little bit of Bush Hog in it. My blades are the 14 inch disks with four 6 inch knifes on the outer edge that fold back when they strike something to solid as well they slide over the dirt when you bottom out and just leaves a spot that is shined up.

 

[MultiMow]

I have about 400 foot row of Hedge trees, they have a thorn on the limbs about the size of a #4 finish nail and will rip the shirt right off my back and leave me with bright purple scratches on my arms. I use 1 cup antifreeze in each tire to keep the thorns swelled up so I do not loose air over the season. Also the black berry bushes can be hateful as well. For being a finish mower the Ground Master has a little bit of Bush Hog in it. My blades are the 14 inch disks with four 6 inch knifes on the outer edge that fold back when they strike something to solid as well they slide over the dirt when you bottom out and just leaves a spot that is shined up.

What model do you have again?

I've never seen a Toro with fulcrum blades.