1984 L345DT Refurbishment

[DSDispatch]

Removed the hood, battery tray, and much of the cooling system. The radiator was pretty beat up, so I found a replacement and ordered that. I already have a new thermostat, hoses, and clamps in hand, so a cooling system upgrade is on the way.

Feels like the restoration really started once I got this torn down!

Does anyone know if these units had front mounted PTO implements like a snow-blower, etc.? I'm wondering what the splined shaft is used to drive.

Battery tray was pretty rusted with some failed metal, so a little welding will be required to clean that up.

I think i need a new fan too:

 

[Russell King]

Does anyone know if these units had front mounted PTO implements like a snow-blower, etc.? I'm wondering what the splined shaft is used to drive.

The front splined shaft is an extension of the crankshaft. It is used to drive systems like an electric clutch for a belly mower, or a hydraulic pump for some front end loaders.

 

[D2Cat]

Went by my local dealer today to pick up another can of "old" orange. They have a restored 80's vintage tractor in their showroom and I snapped a photo of the yellow pedals.

I've got to say, I don't like the yellow on the throttle lever and foot actuator. Has anyone else seen this on other similar vintage tractors or is this just something they decided to do?

The guys at the parts counter were stumped when I asked them about the "kubota yellow". After talking to the guys in the shop they suggested using safety yellow from tractor supply, but I'm not sure it will be mustard enough. So grateful to have first world problems!

This old tractor had yellow peddles so when I worked on it I used Cat Yellow.

 

[evantwheeler]

Cool project, thanks for taking the time to share. I have a couple old L345dt's waiting for the same treatment. They are great tractors, I just passed 100hrs of use on the L305dt I bought a couple years ago, don't know how I'd get along without it! The 305 is just a bit too small for the L1720 FEL IMO, so I searched for a 345 and found 3 of them in short order for prices I couldn't pass up. The 345, with slightly longer wheelbase and larger tires, seems like it will be the perfect tractor with the 1720 FEL. Will continue to check back in here for progress. Merry Christmas!