520 Front End Conversion

[Hydro 131]

I bought a 520 front end and the gear reduction steering. I want to change out the steering on my 314 but I am not sure about whether I want to use the forward swept front axle. I will never own a FEL and the heaviest attachment I am likely to have is my 2 stage blower. I also have hubs and rims to fit the 520. I'm not sure what to do. I have thought about beefing up the 314 axle to accomodate the hubs or just leaving the front end alone and only using the gear reduction steering.

The main reason I did not want widen the front end is it is easier for mowing around stuff with the 48" deck and the narrower front wheel stance.

What do you guys think?

[zieg72 209]

It will look kind of goofy without getting the 520 rear rims if you put the forward swept axle. Also if you plow you will need the completing kit to move everything forward.

[Hydro 131]

I should have mentioned I have two sets of 520 rear rims. One set with turfs, the other with ag's. I will keep the wider rear rims on regardless.

[zieg72 209]

The I would change it. I know I felt more stable on the side of my driveway with my 520 versus my 417. I didn't notice a turning radius difference when mowing around trees using the same deck on either tractor FWIW.

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,363]

Gary,

Here is my 417-8 with the upgraded 520 with gear reduction steering on it. I would not even consider NOT installing it. The best upgrade ever !!

[Hydro 131]

Thanks Guys I have everything I need plus the 4 hole rims and hubs so I might as well go all the way. Stevebo that's a pretty awesome looking 417. I like that front weight and of course the 3 pt hitch.

[can whlvr 993]

if i were you id do it,you have all the parts,and you have 2he other machine if you dont like it for mowing

[wh5208speed 645]

I think the 520 axle and gear reduction steering is the best upgrade you can make for your Wheelhorse. As far as mowing.....the 520 has a tighter turning radius 28" versus 32" on the standard axle.....which would make mowing easier.

Some other things you may need to look at when making the axle and steering upgrade:

1. Bell Crank ......When I made the swap on my C-161-8 the bell crank was a little too long and it touched the steering gear when the attachment lever was all the way down. I changed it to a 520 bell crank and it worked just fine. I don't know if the newer 314 bell crack is like my C-161 or like the 520 bell crank.

2. The standard steering gear base only needs two holes in the frame....the gear reduction steering requires 4 bolts...so you will need to drill out the 2nd set of holes (pretty easy).

3. The steering shaft on a 520 is longer so you will need to cut it down an inch or two....or have it stick up a little higher.

Thad (Ohio)

[MalMac 1,331]

There is one thing that may be good or maybe bad, just depends on who's eyes your looking through. When you make the steering easier mechanically (using gears in reduction as in this case) VS. doing it hydraulically you will increase the number of times or distance you must move the steering wheel VS the number of times or movement of the old fan gear. I mow with both types one being on a 520 and I must say that I have notice you must do alot more work in steering in tight places. I like the ease of the reduction I am just saying I have notice a considerable amount of turning you do compared to the normal fan gear steering.

[zieg72 209]

There is one thing that may be good or maybe bad, just depends on who's eyes your looking through. When you make the steering easier mechanically (using gears in reduction as in this case) VS. doing it hydraulically you will increase the number of times or distance you must move the steering wheel VS the number of times or movement of the old fan gear. I mow with both types one being on a 520 and I must say that I have notice you must do alot more work in steering in tight places. I like the ease of the reduction I am just saying I have notice a considerable amount of turning you do compared to the normal fan gear steering.

Yes you are correct, a $10 spinner knob fixes that right up.