What deck for my C-161??? 520 front end swap...Who has done it???

[WildmanC120 613]

Could I just use something like this and not have to change that steering plate? 

[WVHillbilly520H 10,373]

6 minutes ago, WildmanC120 said:

Could I just use something like this and not have to change that steering plate? 

Possibly, if the studs are smaller than the 520 spindle holes you could use "bushings" to make up the difference, offhand I can't remember the tie rod stud diameter (I'm thinking 7/16")

[Ed Kennell 38,021]

1 hour ago, WildmanC120 said:

 

UGH...no. I didn't know that. 

Will a normal one work since its not going on a 520 anyways?  

I am not sure if it is related to the swept axle, the heavier deck or the 520.       I'll ask the question in a separate post and see if we get an answer.

[WildmanC120 613]

So...I took a look at my tractor today.  I'm not so sure the front end swap will work how I want it to.  The crank on the predator sits lower then standard so the belt angle to the mule is much less.  The belt is much closer the front axle now then it was before.  I think that by adding the forward swept axle would create clearance issues and the belt would hit it.  

I think I am just back looking for a 48" deck.

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,330]

Might look something like this. Mine is a 416-8

 

 

[WildmanC120 613]

14 hours ago, stevebo said:

Might look something like this. Mine is a 416-8

 

 

Are all the axles notched like that for the belts?

[bds1984 1,429]

11 minutes ago, WildmanC120 said:

Are all the axles notched like that for the belts?

Yes they are but I think it is more for the single stage snowblower tensioner .  I went though this swap on my C165 a few years ago and for a time I ran just the front axle and wheels until I was able to get the old steering wheel off to install the gear-reduction set-up.  I had to make a custom set-up with the tie-rods, but that is nothing that cannot be done on a Saturday and a beverage of choice.  If you don't like the 60" deck, and cannot find any decent 48s off a C/3/4/500 series, you can find one off a 260 series and install your attach-a-mattic hardware and deck spindles/hardware as I did for my 48" deck.
But don't give up hope on running the 60" deck!  It'll be worth it!

[WildmanC120 613]

2 minutes ago, bds1984 said:

Yes they are but I think it is more for the single stage snowblower tensioner .  I went though this swap on my C165 a few years ago and for a time I ran just the front axle and wheels until I was able to get the old steering wheel off to install the gear-reduction set-up.  I had to make a custom set-up with the tie-rods, but that is nothing that cannot be done on a Saturday and a beverage of choice.  If you don't like the 60" deck, and cannot find any decent 48s off a C/3/4/500 series, you can find one off a 260 series and install your attach-a-mattic hardware and deck spindles/hardware as I did for my 48" deck.
But don't give up hope on running the 60" deck!  It'll be worth it!

 

As long as all the axles are clearanced like that I should be ok.  I guess I'll just get the parts and go from there. I would really like to run the deck.  Would be great for my 3 acres.  

[WVHillbilly520H 10,373]

49 minutes ago, WildmanC120 said:

Are all the axles notched like that for the belts?

Here's my Anniversary 520H pics of the belt over the axle...

[clueless 2,975]

Put a 48" on the C160 and enjoy the extra seat time. The 60" deck and mods seem like more work and money just to save 25 or 30 minutes . 

[WildmanC120 613]

14 minutes ago, clueless said:

Put a 48" on the C160 and enjoy the extra seat time. The 60" deck and mods seem like more work and money just to save 25 or 30 minutes . 

I don't have a 48 or I would.  Also they seem to be more expensive then the 60 and mods. 

[WildmanC120 613]

16 minutes ago, WVHillbilly520H said:

Here's my Anniversary 520H pics of the belt over the axle...

 

Nice setup.  Thanks for sharing the photos showing the notch.  I should be ok then. 

[WVHillbilly520H 10,373]

29 minutes ago, WildmanC120 said:

 

Nice setup.  Thanks for sharing the photos showing the notch.  I should be ok then. 

Bought that one new in 1998...

[roadapples 6,983]

4 hours ago, clueless said:

Put a 48" on the C160 and enjoy the extra seat time. The 60" deck and mods seem like more work and money just to save 25 or 30 minutes . 

Just from what I've learned on here the 60's are hard on frames too...