520 HC - 48"mowing deck - cutting height

[Larry Clement 1]

I have a 1989 520HC with 48" deck. Does anyone have a set up chart, diagram or tips on how to get more height from the deck. I would like it to cut at 3". Any tips? Thanks

[DougC 2,641]

Raise the deck up to full height withe the hydro. and mow. Or put larger wheels on the rear of the mower deck and do some experimentation .My best guess mate.

[lynnmor 7,302]

 

Set it up as per the instructions in the manual.  Manuals can be found on this site.  Usually decks are set up with the front down about 1/8", keep this to a minimum.  If you still are mowing too low, increasing the wheel size on the deck and resetting the adjustments will help.  I have been able to get 3" with the factory wheels.

[Larry Clement 1]

I appreciate the advice. Thank you. Tomorrow I will go at it again. I am thinking larger rear wheels be may a solution. I am wondering now if I can adapt the air filled tires found on a fridge cart might work. Trials and tribulations. 

[skrusins 128]

I had a guy tell me to add three shims under the plate, bolted to the deck,
with the height adjusting holes in it. He said us the square fender washers,
like they use to aline car fenders. Add one on the lower bolt and two under the top bolt,
and this would tip the adjustment block back just enough to give me, about,
another half inch of grass height. I did this 3yr. ago and it worked.

[Larry Clement 1]

Yes I wondered about shimming also. Thanks so much!

 

[Ajbass60 2]

Hi,  I was also looking to increase the tire height. Deck cuts way to short on the high setting. How did this work out for you?

[Paul Dietrich 19]

I have my deck set at 3" cutting height on my 96 520 H 48" deck using the standard wheels. I put a level on the deck to adjust the front to rear. 

Edited October 25, 2021 by Paul Dietrich