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Sunstar 20 Questions

2K views 6 replies 5 participants last post by  sonny 
#1 ·
Hello again,

I have found what appears to be a nice Sunstar 20h with a few attachments w? 1000hrs a few hours away. The owner bought it from his FIL and really doesn't know much about it. I am wondering if it has a diff lock with 2 speed rear end, as the pics really don't show that area well. If it just has the traction control, will that work fine with the FEL? I have read certain rear tires are more desirable? Anything else to look for "if" I drive to see it.
 

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#3 ·
Check for play in the steering. Check for valve cover leaks. Check as well as you can under the engine covers for packed in dirt and grass. Run it for awhile make sure it doesn't over heat. Check for all the other basic leaking etc.
 
#4 ·
Thats a newer version with a Kohler Command. Can go wrong with either one (Magnum or Command)

Looks like the rear wheels were turned inside out so it has a wider stance. They came with 26" or 23" tires. Not sure which is better.

The steering is hydraulic and shouldnt have much play unless a tie rod end is worn out.

IMO, the Sunstars were the last of mohicans as far as super garden tractors go. Very H-D and built to last

And cheap as dirt to purchase right now

Go for it!
 
#5 · (Edited)
Hello again,

I have found what appears to be a nice Sunstar 20h with a few attachments w? 1000hrs a few hours away. The owner bought it from his FIL and really doesn't know much about it. I am wondering if it has a diff lock with 2 speed rear end, as the pics really don't show that area well. If it just has the traction control, will that work fine with the FEL? I have read certain rear tires are more desirable? Anything else to look for "if" I drive to see it.
The Peerless 2500 in my MF1655 doesn't have a diff lock, but I never missed it doing FEL work. Now that I have a SCUT with diff lock, I realize that it would have been helpful in a few situations, just not essential.

I've found that the 26x12-12 turfs when loaded with Rim Guard and equipped with 2-link chains and a set of wheel weights makes for a formidable loader tractor. For payloads in excess of 400-500 lb, a counterweight of 200-500 lb on the 3PH is very desirable.

More aggressive tires may suit your ground conditions better if it's soft, but GT loader work in soft or wet ground conditions is iffy at best. The problem is with the smaller diameter front tires when carrying a payload. They tend to sink in soft soil due to the extra load and can stop the tractor. Flotation is the name of the game for front tires, and aggressive treads tend to sink more than turfs or highway rated utility trailer tires. A 500 lb payload applies something in the order of 1600 lb to the front tires. Front wheel traction for steering is not a problem for a FEL equipped GT. I've had 18x9.50-8 trailer tires on the front for about 20 years of service.

That is a good candidate for a FEL. The power steering is a bonus that was not included with my MF1655.
 
#7 ·
I just bought a sunstar 20 last week, only has 60" mower, also has 1069 hours on meter, actual or not who knows. voltage regulator shot, needs trans fluid changed, motor oil and filter change, deck removed and get rid of the shields so grass can be cleaned after use and a few other odds and ends. The 20 has power steering, diffy lock, 2-speed axle, and turning brakes. See if yours has rear pto! mine don't but my sunstar 18 does. I think they are an ok unit once you get them up in good shape.
 
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