Sweet Relief For My B-80

[bowtiebutler956 650]

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

[Jake Kuhn 1,581]

Looks like a nice tractor and I bet the b80 will enjoy some time off from work. Jake

[Sparky-(Admin) 24,031]

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............

[AMC RULES 37,251]

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?

[bowtiebutler956 650]

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:

[bowtiebutler956 650]

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:

[varosd 1,185]

Holy Crap! Things are bigger in Texas! That thing is a Beast!

[Jake Kuhn 1,581]

Thats gonna make one nice worker matt! ~Jake

[WH Raider10 17]

Nice machine! Looks great!

:)

[bowtiebutler956 650]

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:

[bowtiebutler956 650]

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:

[Foozerush 40]

Bravo!!! Nice Job!!!

[Tankman 3,525]

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:

[byrunner 0]

Looks good. I like the crome, bling bling.

[bowtiebutler956 650]

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:

[KC9KAS 4,745]

That looks like a brand new machine....Looks Good!

[krazy_horse 59]

That is a serious grass cutting machine and your repairs and paint look very great!