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!

 

[DSDispatch]

Got my hand on four BL8060 front suitcase weights. I got them from tractorweights.com based in Wichita Falls. Freight shipping was only $120, plus the cost of the weights, so I felt like it was a good deal. Their customer service as great and the email dialog was very responsive.

 

[DSDispatch]

I couldn't find much info on the correct bolts to use, so took a few measurements and headed to the hardware store. I ended up using 3" long 1/2" carriage bolts. I ground down the edges a bit to make them fit the weights.

Here you can see they don't quite fit:

Judicious use of the grinder makes them seat in the groove.

My front bumper is a bit deformed, so a friend is helping me cut a fresh piece of 1/4" steel to refurbish it. Stay tuned for the finished setup.

 

[DSDispatch]

Friend with cool tools are a true blessing. They will usually cost you large sums of money as you gain exposure to smoother, faster, quieter ways of doing things. It is very important you buy the tools and continue the chain of education. Plus, you can restore more tractors!

This is how the bumper started the evening:

Next, we cut off the offensive, gnarled section (see black line above)

 

[DSDispatch]

Next, the fun begins! The bumper is made of 1/4" steel, but we didn't have any on hand, so 3/8" was used instead. The plate was loaded onto the table, the correct values were entered, and we were cutting!

A few hisses of air, some splish-splash of water, a couple errant sparks and we had ourselves the start of a new bumper:

 

[DSDispatch]

From here we moved the 3/8" thick rectangle over to the press. Two 90 degree bends were placed at precise positions.

Remember, calculate to four significant figures, measure with a tape, and cut with an axe. Some adjustments were made on the fly.

A test fit after bending revealed we were getting somewhere!

 

[DSDispatch]

We made a few adjustments, used some custom-calibrated washers to get it to hold steady, and welded all four portions on each side. I think it's beefier than stock and should hold the four weights just fine. Stay tuned for more updates as the cooing system is nearly back together.

 

[DSDispatch]

Here it is with a coat of that older Kubota blue

And mounted with a set of Kubota 55lb suitcase weights:

 

[D2Cat]

I like that hook you have under there, but you're making it difficult to get to. Nice work!

 

[DSDispatch]

With everything back together and tightened up it was time to fill the new radiator.

In goes the coolant. Manual says 2 gallons.

Once full, I noticed the thermostat housing was weeping fluid.

I used a new gasket and cleaned the top and bottom of the thermostat housing, but apparently not well enough!

More gasket debris needs to be removed...

That looks better!

 

[DSDispatch]

Wanted to get a better seal and would have used the "black" gasket maker, but high-temp was all I had on hand.

Used a few q-tops to dab gasket maker in place. Careful not to get it on the center or near that hole.

Directions indicate the need to hand tighten and then let sit for an hour before putting a ratchet on it.

One it set up, I tightened, confirmed the weep hole wasn't blocked and hopefully we're good to go!

 

[Hugo Habicht]

I only see broken links for your pictures.
Am I the only one that has this problem?
All pictures in other threads are fine.

 

[Lil Foot]

I see pics.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I only see broken links for your pictures.
Am I the only one that has this problem?
All pictures in other threads are fine.

Restart your computer and see if the issue fixes itself.
If not check other threads for pics.

If you are getting none send me a PM.

 

[Hugo Habicht]

Restart your computer and see if the issue fixes itself.
If not check other threads for pics.

If you are getting none send me a PM.

Tried another browser where all pictures show fine. Problem must be on my side so. Please disregard my post. Weird though that it is only in this thread, pictures in all other threads are fine. The joys of modern software