Uncoupling the Brake & Diff-Lock - I believe that linking the brake & diff-lock together serves to wear the diff-lock parts out more quickly. The CI transaxle 3100 series tractors weigh almost the same; have no diff-lock and their (exact same size) brake works just fine. The diff-lock pedal rotates around a shaft threaded on the end of the brake shaft; a bracket is located between the two and a tang on that bracket contacts the pedal to engage the diff-lock when the brake is applied. I just ground off the welds that attach the tang, painted the bracket and re-assembled.
Dipstick Oil Fill - I like the thread-on cap that Kohler uses on some of the later Command engines. I installed one of these on the GT2550; it made checking the oil much easier and does not leak. As I had the closure plate off to reseal, it was the perfect opportunity to install one again, as for this engine I had to bore out the dipstick hole to install the kit.
Quick Oil Drain – The stock Kohler uses is a pretty crappy lash up (often installed loose) that has leaked on every Command that I have owned. I removed it on the GT2550 and installed a ball valve set up in its place four years ago – and have not had a drop of oil leak since. So when I had the front cover off the GT3235 to cure an oil leak, I installed the same parts on it before the oil cooler went back on. Unless you want to lift the engine, the existing pipe needs to be hack-sawed off. Next a 3/8” barb fitting replaces the old pipe fitting, and connects via a 3/8” hose (Gates oil-resistant) to a 90⁰ elbow. The elbow mounts to an “L” bracket attached to the frame using the bolts for the hydraulic coupling bracket. An all metal ball valve is screwed into the elbow (Permatex #2 on the joints), with a rubber cap on the end to keep dirt out. Tidy and out of the way behind the frame rail, when it’s time for an oil change you just slide a pan underneath and turn the handle.
Sen Dec Tachometer - I added the same tachometer as I have been using on the GT2550. The Sen Dec tachometer has been reliable in that installation, so I got another one for this tractor. On the GT2550 a curb setting of 3660-3690 RPM gives about 3600 RPM under load and I will use the same setting on the GT3235.
VDO Oil Temperature Gauge - This gauge uses a bulb type sender, plumbed into the unused right side sump drain plug hole, using an adapter between the sump and the bulb. The case side is a pipe fitting and a nut behind the bulb seals it to the adapter. I found a nice area in the center of the dash just below the hour meter with nothing underneath (almost - the column adjuster rack needed to be notched) to mount the 2” gauge. It is a mechanical gauge so the braided line to the bulb must be carefully routed, and it is illuminated with power from the light circuit. This gauge has a nicely graduated, almost 360⁰ sweep face that will be interesting to watch when the summer temps climb.
I will post more when I get the time.
Dave
