Cee245 818 #1 Posted September 24, 2022 Since I bought this 314, I've gone over it fixing little things here and there. The hour meter didn't work I'm guessing since it had 54 hours when I bought it and i highly doubt it's true. Cleaned some connections and it works so far. Anyway, I ordered a new belt, idler pulley, shift boot... I noticed this, (in pics) shock absorber underneath the panel. I thought these were only on later models (post 1998). Wow, Those suckers are a bit expensive for me. Isn't there a spring option? The shock is not blown out, but it's worn and seems a little loose/weak when i took it off. I'd rather use a spring since a new shock absorber is like $140+ online and I'm guessing a large spring would perform as well or better. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,319 #2 Posted September 24, 2022 Check A-Z Tractors, they have a drop in replacement for 1/3 the cost. Yes, you can replace it with the heavy spring used on the C series - P/N 10995 if I recall correctly... Bill 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 21,315 #3 Posted September 24, 2022 I completely removed that shock damper thingy. Running my 315-8 now with just the spring and it’s much better. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,625 #4 Posted September 24, 2022 @Cee245 agree with the spring replacement , those cylinders and dry rusty / related linkage points , make for erratic , operation , notice your lift lever end , swivel point is dry , ensure both ends have aerosol penetrating lubricant , remove shift plate , that cylinder and related small bearing idler pulley , often combine for erratic clutch action . pete 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,659 #5 Posted September 24, 2022 The spring is the way to fix it. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rick3478 428 #6 Posted September 24, 2022 Leave the wore-out gas spring where it is, may still provide some damping. Add old school extension spring to other side of tractor, should be a little hole in the axle casting to hook it in IIRC. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cee245 818 #7 Posted September 24, 2022 Thanks for the suggestions Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,319 #8 Posted September 24, 2022 Thanks Mike - the the correct P/N is 108035 - recently bought 2 - one for the 502, one for a spare for the working girls.... Cee - Don't use a pair of pliers or Vise-Grips to install the spring, as that can nick the end of the spring, and that is where it will break. Use a pair of brake spring pliers with the hook ( who uses these nowadays??) hook the spring, other end goes on the Unidrive near the hole in the gusset - stretch the spring, seat the end in the hole, roll the hook of the tool out. Been there... done that. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,217 #9 Posted September 25, 2022 8 hours ago, ri702bill said: Use a pair of brake spring pliers with the hook Didn't have those so I used a bit of wire looped around the spring end and clamped with vise grips. Cut the wire after the spring was in place. Kinda awkward but ya gotta do... 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cee245 818 #10 Posted September 25, 2022 Ordered two. And thanks for the brake spring pliers tip! I check HF tool and it looks like they have a decent kit. I like when I get to buy a new tool for a job! 😂 I know I'm not alone. Lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cee245 818 #11 Posted September 29, 2022 Got the idler installed with new belt. It's a genuine toro wheel horse belt $$. Not that it matters, but I see it's kinda brown. I thought they'd be black I guess. Still waiting for my other stuff to come as I choose the slower, cheaper shipping on some items. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
