JCM 9,168 #1 Posted November 21, 2023 Looking for some info on swapping a 2 stage Toro blower to a 418-A with a Kohler KT series 2 17 HP engine in regards to belt length. Since 2002 I have had my 2 stage on a 91 and a 93 520-H up to recently 2 winters ago when I decided to swap it onto the 418 to give the 520 a well deserved break. Everything went well on the swap until it came down to the belt install and it did not go as easy as it did installing it in the 520. The belt needed some persuasion to get around the PTO. Is there a way to measure from the center line of the PTO to somewhere on the blower to check the length with another member who has a 2 stage Toro blower currently installed on a 1991 520-H with forward swept and gear reduction and someone whose has one on a 417-A with a 2 series kohler for comparison ? If there is a simple answer that I am missing I would appreciate it. Would like to hook it up to the 400 series this winter that way we probably will not get any snow this winter. Thank you guy's. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 17,000 #2 Posted November 21, 2023 Hmmm. I changed mine from a 418 C to a 520 HC and it's the same belt. The belt is easier to take off than it is to put on because that spring has quite a bit of tension. But those belt tension pulleys do have a lot room to move so even a shorter belt should still fit on there. I find it easier to get the belt started in the PTO pulley groove and spin the pulley while pulling on the belt with the other hand. You could measure the distance from the front mount Tach A Matic to the PTO on both of your tractors. Put a bar or threaded rod in the Tach A Matic and measure from the bar to the PTO. I'm guessing they are the same or close to the same but never had a 418A tractor. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
c-series don 8,708 #3 Posted November 21, 2023 @JCM I can measure the one on my 417 tonight, but I have to agree with @wallfish that the belt should be the same. I think I used the belt mine came with but it’s been a long time and I can’t remember! I think you have my number so please text or call me to remind me to check it out late this afternoon, I’ll gladly help if I can. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,515 #4 Posted November 21, 2023 Does belt installation have anything to do with the height at which the snowblower is setting while being put on? I know they're able to be lifted up/down but I wondered if the tension changes maybe?? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,178 #5 Posted November 21, 2023 I'm not sure what tractor @cafoose had the Ber-Vac on, but when I got it from Chuck and put it on my 520H, the same belt fit. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,178 #6 Posted November 21, 2023 35 minutes ago, ebinmaine said: wondered if the tension changes Just looking at the geometry Eric, yes, the distance from the PTO to the blower drive pulley decreases slightly as the blower is raised. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,515 #7 Posted November 21, 2023 1 minute ago, Ed Kennell said: Just looking at the geometry Eric, yes, the distance from the PTO to the blower drive pulley decreases slightly as the blower is raised. Ok Ed thanks. @JCM is it possible you had the blower body setting a little different while installing it on the 400? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cafoose 3,355 #8 Posted November 21, 2023 43 minutes ago, Ed Kennell said: I'm not sure what tractor @cafoose had the Ber-Vac on, but when I got it from Chuck and put it on my 520H, the same belt fit. I had it on my 1988 520-HC 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JCM 9,168 #9 Posted November 21, 2023 1 hour ago, ebinmaine said: Ok Ed thanks. @JCM is it possible you had the blower body setting a little different while installing it on the 400? Always with the blower down on a flat solid surface. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
