Steering Reduction

[Shuboxlover 478]

If I was to buy a steering reduction assembly from a "newer" 520-H.....would it fit my 1989 520-HC with standard steering? Or would I have to modify a bunch of things???

:omg:

[Raider12 13]

From everything I have read here in thepast says it will bolt in very nicely. I have added this reduced steering to my 1990 520H with no problems at all.

[rickv1957 72]

Yep,should bolt on fairley easy,Rick

[bitten 134]

Might have to drill two holes. Standard system has two mounting tabs and the reduction has four.

[Shuboxlover 478]

Will I REALLY notice a difference,

I mean, is it worth the 250-300 bucks people are getting for them?

unless someone on here has one to sell cheaper? :omg:

[Nick 13]

The reduction steering help with steering effort but I wouldnt expect power steering like results. If you find a good price might be worth a try.

[Fiddlestix 0]

Will I REALLY notice a difference,

I mean, is it worth the 250-300 bucks people are getting for them?

unless someone on here has one to sell cheaper?

Here's what I can say about the reduction effect and this may directly apply to your machine if so converted...

I have a '91 520H with the reduction steering and swept axle AND run with a 60" deck JUST LIKE your signature states.

It does decrease steering effort DRAMATICALLY and you can cruise with ease. It even halves the effort without rolling.

HOWEVER, as with all types of mechanical ratio devices, there is a compromise. The wheel will now take 3 or 4 turns lock to lock.

IF you mow with this machine and it is equipped with the 60" deck AND you have many obstacles, you WILL GET WORE OUT sawing that wheel from lock to lock to get that 12" of deck protruding outboard of the front wheel around that tree coming up...FAST!!! This is eased by slowing ground speed so you can whirl away with the wheel. But now that requires one hand on the wheel and one on the hydro lever. It is my opinion that when used as such, you must install a speeder knob. This will allow one hand steering and the other on the hydro lever. With a 48" deck and smaller... not so much an issue since you don't need to swing as wildly nor rapidly around trees since the edge of deck is much closer to the turning radius centerline.

Agreed, it is not power steering but it is the closest thing without the complications. Hydraulic or power boosted steering opens up another area of alternatives to correct the excessive amount of turns... a large displacement orbital valve with small cylinder(s) means less turns and so on.

I suppose it is good (possibly the only recourse) for those that cannot machine or fabricate their own modifications. If one has a mechanical aptitude and desire, there are at least 2 or 3 better performing alternatives for less money. I chose to devise my own mods which I labeled (tounge in cheek) SuperFront and detailed here...SuperFront.

Good luck with it! :D

[MalMac 1,331]

I do agree with Fiddlestix. I have 2 520's one with reduction one without. The reduction is definately easier. Wish I had it on the tractor that has a loader on it. With that being said the reduction will take alot more turns of the wheel to get the same amount of work done as opposed to the standard fan gear system. I mow 4 acres with obsticales if you are an out of shape short fat guy like me, it will wear you out. On the other hand using the fan gear system with a 2 stage snowblower or with a 60in. deck the the effort to stear can kick your you know what. So I guess like all other things dealing with Wheel Horse it's a matter of opinon.

[Shuboxlover 478]

Fiddlestix........GREAT RIGHT-UP....I will definitely take your words into consideration...

I mower 3.24 acres and there are not a TON of obstacles, but I do mow in stripes, so I have A LOT of turning at the end of each pass. I will have to think about this.

THANK-YOU VERY MUCH :omg: