60 inch Deck

[BrianX128 107]

Will a 60 inch deck fit on a 418-a frame? I know they don't on the C series. I have a transplanted 20hp engine on the 418 frame and have been eyeing a couple 60" decks in my area. I've got a C161 that has a 42" deck that could use the 48" from the 418 frame. If it's not possible I'll just leave the 48 on the 418 as is but this 20hp engine is almost bored with that deck and same with the 16hp with the 42.

[Blasterdad 2,691]

The C & 300-400 series are pretty much the same frame, I think you'll have issues with the front wheels hitting the deck without the forward swept front axle.

[Pullstart 62,814]

 but swept front axles and reduction steering can be adapted to a 418 frame 

[kpinnc 11,941]

Can't remember who at the moment, but somebody on here has a 60 on a 416-H with 6-inch front wheels. Of course you'd have to swap the steering knuckles to the longer ones that are used on 6-inch wheels...

[c-series don 8,677]

@kpinnc That would be me! It turns about 95% before the wheels rub the deck as you can see in the picture. It really not an issue though as my yard is mostly wide open. I must say that the 60” deck does a nice job! Taking it on and off in the spring and fall is not that fun though! 

[kpinnc 11,941]

7 hours ago, c-series don said:

@kpinnc That would be me! It turns about 95% before the wheels rub the deck as you can see in the picture. It really not an issue though as my yard is mostly wide open. I must say that the 60” deck does a nice job! Taking it on and off in the spring and fall is not that fun though! 

 

That's definitely a nice setup you have Don!

 

And yes I agree on how much fun the 60 is to install and remove. It is an absolute bear, even on the 520. The size is part of it, but the weight of the deck makes it difficult to maneuver into place. It's really a 2 person job!

[cleat 5,861]

It is too bad that Wheel Horse designers did not put on some kind of swiveling wheel design for moving the deck sideways under the tractor or make a way to safely drive up and over the deck.

Another thing that can be done to the front end is a forward swept axle without reduction steering to make it cheaper and easier.

My 520HC came that way.

It actually steers fairly easy and would be quicker steering for mowing.

 

Good looking setup you have there don.

Do you have any issues with the mule drive ?

My 60" deck uses a different one.

[kpinnc 11,941]

8 hours ago, cleat said:

It is too bad that Wheel Horse designers did not put on some kind of swiveling wheel design for moving the deck sideways under the tractor or make a way to safely drive up and over the deck.

 

It does help considerably... See below. That's a 48 from an Exmark, but well over 200lbs.

 

8 hours ago, cleat said:

My 520HC came that way.

It actually steers fairly easy and would be quicker steering for mowing.

 

Good looking setup you have there don.

Do you have any issues with the mule drive ?

My 60" deck uses a different one.

 

My 520-H has the swept axle without reduction steering. It's not bad at all so long as the front tires are properly inflated.

 

Can't speak for Don, but my standard mule drive works fine compared to the one that came with the 60 deck. The belt tracks better on the pulleys. I have used the correct one, but I don't see the (adverised) benefit. Maybe I'm doing something wrong, but I've mowed with both and they both work.

 

Edited March 14, 2023 by kpinnc

[c-series don 8,677]

@kpinnc @cleat That’s guys for the compliments! As far as the mule drive goes I just use the standard one and never had an issue. Since I don’t have a forward swept front axle I have to jack up the front of the tractor to get the deck under it. And yes I have thought about making a wheel set similar to the one above. Then I get the deck in place and say I’m going to do it next time. This has been going on for years!😂😂

[kpinnc 11,941]

3 hours ago, c-series don said:

Since I don’t have a forward swept front axle I have to jack up the front of the tractor to get the deck under it. And yes I have thought about making a wheel set similar to the one above. Then I get the deck in place and say I’m going to do it next time. This has been going on for years!😂😂

 

FWIW, I have to drive my 520-H up onto the deck. 

 

I plan to make my 60 into a towed mower. It cuts decent, but it just isn't worth the hassle of putting it on and taking it off. My Exmark 48 modded deck cuts better with no clippings on the Onan shroud.