Toro Groundsmaster 325D 4x4 - What would you build?

[davem1111 2,030]

I saw this on Craigslist:   "Toro Groundsmaster 325D 4x4 For Parts".   Not much info in the ad, but I was curious.  After seeing a lot of the customs and modifications in here, I just started thinking,  "what could you do with one of these?"  and I think there are plenty of fun things one could do with it.  Of course, projects take money....   I don't know how much the seller actually wants (listed for $1, maybe they just want it gone). Don't know if it runs, probably not, but that would be a nice engine to revive, wouldn't it?

 

Just wondering, if you could get your hands on one of these pretty cheap, what would you do with it? 

 

[kpinnc 12,083]

Drop everything off the front and make it a loader machine.

 

I have a 220 Groundsmaster, and that is my plan anyway... If you google Toro Loader you'll see one that was converted. He didn't make it very safe, but it's a great concept.

Edited April 19, 2022 by kpinnc

[davem1111 2,030]

16 minutes ago, kpinnc said:

Drop everything off the front and make it a loader machine.

 

I have a 220 Groundsmaster, and that is my plan anyway... If you google Toro Loader you'll see one that was converted. He didn't make it very safe, but it's a great concept.

 

 

Very cool idea!  I could use one of those, but don't think I have enough "play money" for a project like that.  If I already had the loader on hand, maybe.

 

I didn't realize at first that the Groundsmaster 325D had a Mitsubishi K3D Diesel Engine, and I like the 4 x 4 aspect.  I found reference to one of these that I assume was running that sold for just over $1000.  

 

[kpinnc 12,083]

My P220 has an Onan, but it is shaft driven to a Sundstrand pump mated to a Dana axle that supposedly rated at 10K lbs. The trailing wheels have 1 inch axles, and the whole thing is bult fairly sturdy. Mine is not 4x4.

[Maxwell-8 4,277]

Use the 4x4 on a WheelHorse

[WHX?? 48,828]

I'll tell what would be t's on a ritz is build a deck over the back. Maybe even big enough for a small picnic table..... wait better yet a full wet bar! Turn it into a people haulin party wagon for shows. Complete with coolers, lighting, music & dancing girls.... That's a project I would spend some coin on! 

Edited April 19, 2022 by WHX??

[sjoemie himself 3,068]

5 hours ago, davem1111 said:

 

 

I would atleast inquire what they want for it. If it's not too much get it first, worry what to do with it (or the parts) later.. that's how my brain works atleast. 

The loader idea as @kpinnc suggested is cool and the 4x4 wheel horse as @Maxwell-8 suggested is also pretty sweet.

[davem1111 2,030]

58 minutes ago, sjoemie himself said:

 

I would atleast inquire what they want for it. If it's not too much get it first, worry what to do with it (or the parts) later.. that's how my brain works atleast. 

The loader idea as @kpinnc suggested is cool and the 4x4 wheel horse as @Maxwell-8 suggested is also pretty sweet.

 

4 hours ago, WHX?? said:

I'll tell what would be t's on a ritz is build a deck over the back. Maybe even big enough for a small picnic table..... wait better yet a full wet bar! Turn it into a people haulin party wagon for shows. Complete with coolers, lighting, music & dancing girls.... That's a project I would spend some coin on! 

 

I knew some good ideas would come up here!     I was looking at this thing and wondering how hard it would be to turn the seat and steering, etc. around so that the back became the front... put a full set of Ag's on it, maybe a 3-point.  And yeah, the party deck is a great idea too!    This machine could probably handle quite a load. 

[kpinnc 12,083]

24 minutes ago, davem1111 said:

here!     I was looking at this thing and wondering how hard it would be to turn the seat and steering, etc. around so that the back became the front... put a full set of Ag's on it, maybe a 3-point.  And yeah, the party deck is a great idea too!    This machine could probably handle quite a load. 

 

If you figure that out, it would be a beast. The hydrulics on mine are strong as heck. It has twin 4 inch diameter cylinders. Even if I don't build a loader, it could make for a bucket lift or a sort of fork lift that would be awesome. 

[davem1111 2,030]

3 hours ago, kpinnc said:

 

If you figure that out, it would be a beast. The hydrulics on mine are strong as heck. It has twin 4 inch diameter cylinders. Even if I don't build a loader, it could make for a bucket lift or a sort of fork lift that would be awesome. 

 

 

I talked to the guy - I didn't ask, but I think he is a groundskeeper for either a golf course, cemetary, or something like that.  The 325D is only a partial machine, missing the hydro pump and a bunch of other stuff. He said the engine does still run though. He said he has a 345 (gasoline - 4 cyl., 2WD) that is complete with mower deck for about $1500.   He has several newer Toro machines that he uses regularly.

 

I wonder if that diesel would fit on a 300 or 400 series frame.... 

 

Oh well, it's fun to dream.  I need some more parts for the tractors I have, and I've been toying with getting a bigger project, like a Ford 8N or Jubilee. We have 32 acres and I need something that can handle a brush hog.  Actually, I just remembered that my Dad's old 9N is still sitting behind my brother's barn in NJ. I don't think it has moved in 10-15 years. I can probably pick one up in better shape nearby than it would cost to ship that one out here to Indiana though.... 

[kpinnc 12,083]

6 hours ago, davem1111 said:

wonder if that diesel would fit on a 300 or 400 series frame.... 

 

Fit? Yes. Work without massive modifications? Nope. The output shaft on those mowers is inline with the frame, whereas the WH tractors have the drive facing left or right. The only WH tractors that could possibly work would be the xi machines, and only then if it would fit under the hood.