Toro HDXD tail lights upgrade

We have 3 units . Replaced 2 lights assemblies between all 3 machines in 3 seasons .

You get them all working and after a few bumps one or the other loose a brake light etc . I know who cares it's just golf stuff right until somebody runs into the top dresser bending the spinners . 

Anyhow I like to keep it as I received it for as long as I can . 

Winter work goal … do something about this lighting system

 Cheap see the notch for the pin it wouldn't be a problem if there was one for the other pin !!

Hit a good bump with a loaded box and they bump off loosing contact sometimes .

Only notched for one  pin .

Last time doing this on the top dresser . 

Ordered sealed units from lawsons .

Bulb goes … throw it away and get a new one . new wiring harness just snaps in .

Had to do a little  modification on bracket

Direct soldered wires together . For me it's the only way . So far zero fail . wrap the electrical tap in two directions while its hot . 

Cut the original bracket

Welded to new bracket

Like so

Reinstall

Panicking on the grommet . They finally came in .

Push grommet in then light all the way . 

Bigger … Brighter and fingers crossed no issues . 

Rear LEDs wired off tail lights . 

A pair cost less than one OEM light assembly . 

JD 4320 waterpump install Andrews job of the day

The young guy we've in on Wednesday's is working out great . Natural abilities for this type of work. His welding is pretty good too. 

Last week I'm getting the student to do a job from start to finish . 

Removed Hood and anti-freeze before he arrived .

He was a little surprised that it was his job to finish . 

Rad/shroud removal 

Removing fan pullies etc..

After  removing the water pump Andrew did a great job cleaning area up for repair . 

 Lots of new parts .

I may have to get hoses at some point their starting to feel a little soft . 

Installing new water pump . Gave him a few pointers . Like torque at two different increments and if you don't have a sequence to follow always work from center out and use a sealer on threads of bolts if they go into anti freeze cavities .

Helped a bit with belt . It can get confusing at times .

Rad and shroud going in .

Getting ready to fill 50/50 anti - freeze and water 

Finally running it and checking for leaks . All good .

Well Done 

I learned to let go a little and trust someone with skills to do a great job . 

John Deere 2500 E belt tensioner

We love both of our 2500 E .They do a great job on greens .

You may want to check the belt tensioning idler on engine .

Both machines failed around 1000 hrs.
The first time we where lucky

The second time not so much

Wheels are hydraulic driven so we could drive it back .

Idler wheel is a pretty good chunk of steel . I'm guessing 3 to 4 lbs .  

second unit went at about the same hours . Took the radiator and fan out . Not repairable . $$$.$$. 

I would suggest taking tension of the belt during oil changes after 500 hours and check for bearing wear . I'll be checking mine every oil change from here on in . 

Repair wasn't to bad .

Winter maintenaince 8800's hrs. 2500 +

Getting a few hours on these work horses. Working out great so far. A few new machine bugs and a little learning curve for me but over all a great machine here. Very comparable to the 4300 I had at the last course. I find the decks a little sturdier. Also, so like the smaller decks on both machines they tend to give a better after cut appearance. Contour better on hills and moguls. 

Lift arms bushings are getting sloppy . Time to change them out .

I like the JD gear we have but their parts books etc. are not user friendly at all .To many times their are part # changes for specific serial # etc .  For just once I would like to just go get a part # with out dealing with all the BS that goes with it .It's so screwy that the dealer doesn't even know .Wanted to order bushings had to look all over parts break down .See because rear lift arms are in one section and front are in another  (hydraulic tank axle section) 

 part # call for more than what's there. Dealer was going to send me 50% more of them than I needed???????????????

There are only 10 bushings!!!!!!

Only company I question their position on parts books and free access to repairs.

 The first ones on the lift .. decks removed 

Used this blind hole bushing puller. See the tensioner for claws .... very nice.

For the other side there is no access to use tool on front lift arm. Made a tool by grinding down a grade 8 washer and bolted it together.

Easily drove the other side out.

While waiting on bushings (no rush winter work) I cleaned up decks to repaint. 

They turned out great

 My go to bushing press. 3/4" threaded rod backed with a bunch of washers.

If your decks are not staying level in the up position and seem to flop around either way, then check this stopper on ram. Mine was worn bad and was by passing. Took it off and built back up with weld. 

 Ya pipe clamp. roll pin I had was slightly under sized.

 Also ordered more washers to shim it closer for it to hit properly. I think front bushings wore out enough causing this issue.

 Solid contact not hitting ram rod.

 Doing up downs. Self-centering every time 

 Had am issue getting decks off knuckle. I welded nut to side but the next one we just welded a bead on nut to keep it from spinning. Replaced with new nylocks later.

Second ones being done by Andrew (student )

  Service Park brakes. Left sides always bad. Everyone turns in one direction I find ...left or right-handed doesn't matter. Ordered replacement springs from Lawsons and cut them down to fit. 

Learning we didn't have to weld nut to side a bead will do to lock it from turning 

A few more pics of Andrew hard at work.

Learning to prep your work area before tear down. 

Left tire also wears out twice as fast 

Good skills to have in your tool box.

Lastly after checking all hoses and timelines on fluids and filters. We replaced rear wheel motor hoses and cleaned up these coils. Preventive maintenance. Had one a while back we had one unit that would go up but would not go down. These coils built up enough corrosion to have them act up.