toddr 19 #1 Posted June 22, 2017 I just picked up my first Wheel Horse, a 1996 or 97 520H with 356 hours. It runs great, but looks like it was stored outside from the surface rust I'm going to need to work on. It came with the 2 stage snowblower, but no mower deck. I'm really looking forward to using the snowblower on my 500 ft driveway come winter. In the mean time, I want to set it up for mowing, so I'm looking for a 42 or 48 inch deck. This brings up my question on the mule drive, from the picture can anyone tell if this is the drive for the 60 inch deck or will I be able to use it with the smaller one I want? Oh, lurking on this forum already cost me $250. After seeing it, there is no way I can live without the pedal mod. Thanks in advance for the help 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TDF5G 2,069 #2 Posted June 22, 2017 Your horse looks mighty fine. That's very low hours. The 22 stage snow thrower ought to do the job on your long driveway. I can't answer your question on the pulley support box, I have no experience with the 60" deck, but it looks like the ones I have for the 36" and 42" decks. You will need the correct length belt to correspond with the deck. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1995 520H+96+97 937 #3 Posted June 22, 2017 That mule drive will also work for the 48" deck. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EricF 589 #5 Posted June 22, 2017 The 48" deck is great. Wide enough to get a lot of mowing done quickly and efficiently, but not so big and heavy it's hard on the tractor frame like the 60" deck. The 520H has plenty of power to mow through tough grass even with a big deck. Just keep the blades sharpened. One drawback with a big, efficient deck though. Less seat time... Welcome to the addiction! 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,498 #7 Posted June 22, 2017 Todd, welcome to the best wheel horse place. Nice ride. Glenn 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JimmyJam 542 #10 Posted June 23, 2017 Nice looking tractor! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TIGman 2,006 #11 Posted June 24, 2017 !!! Great looking 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 6,796 #12 Posted June 24, 2017 That mule is for a 42 or 48" deck. You can not mount a 42" side discharge deck to that machine as it will hit the rear tires (trust me, I tried). However, a 48" deck will work perfect. You can also fit the monster 60" deck on your 520. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
toddr 19 #13 Posted June 24, 2017 1 hour ago, cleat said: That mule is for a 42 or 48" deck. You can not mount a 42" side discharge deck to that machine as it will hit the rear tires (trust me, I tried). However, a 48" deck will work perfect. You can also fit the monster 60" deck on your 520. Thank you for this information. I think you just saved me a lot of aggravation. I was going to look at a 42 side discharge tomorrow. What part of the deck hits? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 6,796 #14 Posted June 24, 2017 The rear wheels on the deck hit the rear wheels of the tractor. Other models of Wheel Horse and also the older 520 used smaller 23 x 9.5-12 tires. Your 520 uses 23 x 10.5-12 rear tires. They are just wide enough to rub the rear wheels of the deck. 48" deck is wider so the tires clear. 42" rear discharge deck fits I believe but have never tried. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EricF 589 #15 Posted June 25, 2017 Learned another thing new today! The 520 is a quirky beast in some ways. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,143 #16 Posted June 25, 2017 Humm...in what ways??? inquiring minds will want to know. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EricF 589 #17 Posted June 25, 2017 WH kind of "pushed the envelope" with the 520 series... Had to redesign the front axle when they wanted to fit the 60" deck, then the plow frame had to be changed since the front wheels would get in the way with the swept axle... Larger rear wheels to work better with the big Onan's power output and expected heavy uses... but then the mower deck selection gets limited. BIgger, heavier parts here and there, like the tie rods... Zerks, zerks, and still more zerks... everything that can be made grease-able is, to hold up to harsh use. Like I said somewhere else, it's a lot like what happens when the engineers get turned loose on a common family car platform and turn it into a muscle car version. Interesting things happen in the details. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,143 #18 Posted June 25, 2017 Well yeah... how much does that 60" deck weigh? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stratostar250 919 #19 Posted June 25, 2017 (edited) 3 hours ago, AMC RULES said: Well yeah... how much does that 60" deck weigh? about 315 lbs. its not fun trying to put it on, but it does mow like no one elses business. but yes, you have the correct mule drive. the one for the 60" deck has a goofy spring on it which no others do. Edited June 25, 2017 by stratostar250 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
