bowtiebutler956 650 #1 Posted April 25, 2012 As many of you know, I have a B-80 I recently restored. Some of you have also heard me whining about how hard I've been having to work it keeping up with over 5 acres. Well not any more! My dad likes watching a local online auction we have down here, and he told me the other day he saw a couple of mowers I might like. Well, to make a long story short we bought 2 of them for next to nothing. We went and looked at them before bidding, and neither one had a battery, and we were not allowed to get them running or mess with them at all. We bid very little for them, because their condition was unknown, and we ended up getting them for less than half our maximum bid! Got them to my shop, and I was out mowing with the 1993 Toro 325-D groundsmaster in under an hour. I had the 2010 Snapper SC2142 ZTR running great in a matter of minutes, however all the deck mounting brackets are bent up, and in need of repair. The Snapper is OK, but I really like the Toro, it has a 25hp Mitsubishi Diesel that runs great, a 72" deck that needs new spindle bearings, and it shows 3800hrs on the clock, but its very solid. I'll spend some time repairing anything that needs repair, and slap a coat of paint on it and put it to work. Sweet relief for my B-80! I don't know if I should have posted this here or not, its not a Horse, but it is a Toro. Probably should have put it in other brands. Matt 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jake Kuhn 1,554 #2 Posted April 25, 2012 Looks like a nice tractor and I bet the b80 will enjoy some time off from work. Jake 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 21,294 #3 Posted April 25, 2012 What a beast! Was there a learning curve to get used to driving something with rear wheel steering and a deck that big? I could see me mowing down the bushes around my house and whacking the car ! Mike............ 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,124 #4 Posted April 25, 2012 Looks like that hot Texas sun put some serious patina on that paint job Matt. Glad you got 'em both cheap, and up and running in short order. Wonder how long before they're both fully restored? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowtiebutler956 650 #5 Posted April 25, 2012 Looks like that hot Texas sun put some serious patina on that paint job Matt. Glad you got 'em both cheap, and up and running in short order. Wonder how long before they're both fully restored? I have no intention of restoring the Snapper, just to fix and put into service. However the Toro will get a good going thru, new deck bearings, seat, paint, and decals, and whatever it needs to be in proper working order. Sparky, I'll have to get back to you after I've used it for awhile. I would say, none of the plants, shrubs, or cars will be safe untill I get adjusted to this monstrosity! Matt :flags-texas: 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowtiebutler956 650 #6 Posted August 29, 2012 Thought I'd finally give this thread an update. I've been busy, so it took awhile for me to actually get to work on it. First off, this is not a resto, its just a freshening up. I resealed the hydro, engine, and replaced anything that showed more wear than allowable. This thing is going to be working hard for a living, so the paint is far from perfect, but it will look alot better than it did. Its not done yet, but I've been making progress. Here are a few pics. Matt :flags-texas: 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
varosd 1,185 #7 Posted August 29, 2012 Holy Crap! Things are bigger in Texas! That thing is a Beast! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jake Kuhn 1,554 #8 Posted August 29, 2012 Thats gonna make one nice worker matt! ~Jake 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WH Raider10 17 #9 Posted August 30, 2012 Nice machine! Looks great! :) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowtiebutler956 650 #10 Posted September 1, 2012 Just another quick update. I've gotten some more assembly work done, and its now able to drive under its own steam. I still have alot of work left to do on the deck, and still have some work to do on the hood, but its getting closer all the time. In the first pic you'll notice the patch I did on the deck. Its not pretty, but its strong. Matt :flags-texas: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowtiebutler956 650 #11 Posted September 8, 2012 Well, its time to wrap this thread up. I had it out mowing today, and this thing will cover some ground in a hurry! What a Beast! I even added a new seat, and a chrome exhaust pipe. One of the hood decals is on back order from Toro, but other than that this refresh is done. Matt :flags-texas: 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Foozerush 40 #12 Posted September 8, 2012 Bravo!!! Nice Job!!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tankman 3,518 #13 Posted September 8, 2012 I second the "Bravo." Quite a 'freshen up' project! Looks like a real machine, know you'll get used to the rear wheel steering in short order. Wow! Very nice! I still think I can't drive on the right side of the car. How does one do that? Congrats, job well done, good price. Should serve well like us old Jarheads! :laughing-rofl: 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
byrunner 0 #14 Posted September 11, 2012 Looks good. I like the crome, bling bling. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowtiebutler956 650 #15 Posted September 11, 2012 I'm glad you like it Byron! It would have been alot more fun if you had been hear to help finish it. Don't have to much fun on your vacation. Matt :flags-texas: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KC9KAS 4,741 #16 Posted September 11, 2012 That looks like a brand new machine....Looks Good! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
krazy_horse 59 #17 Posted September 13, 2012 That is a serious grass cutting machine and your repairs and paint look very great! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites