Toro 78268 with Attach-a-Matic

[syncar 18]

Hello there,

 

I own a WH 312-8 with the Attach-a-Matic system.

I am looking to buy a new deck Toro #78268 1997 48" Side Discharge Mower.

 

It seems the deck has a different attachment system than the Attach-a-Matic one.

Indeed the one I am planning to buy has no mounting system provided (picture attached).

 

Is there a way to mount this deck on my tractor?

Thanks

[daveoman1966 3,745]

The deck shown appears to be pre-drilled to accept Tach-O-Matic lift hardware.  You MAY need to trim off the two big  brackets in the rear and the two little ones in front...but it should work ok.  You'll also need to change the pulleys AND the deck belt spring-tension system.  These too, should swap over from your other 48" deck.

 

 

[rmaynard 15,428]

If you haven't already purchased that deck, don't. Find one that is made for your 312-8, with all the proper brackets. That deck is from a vertical engine mower. 

Edited May 28, 2021 by rmaynard

[Maxwell-8 4,275]

On 5/28/2021 at 7:02 PM, rmaynard said:

If you haven't already purchased that deck, don't. Find one that is made for your 312-8, with all the proper brackets. That deck is from a vertical engine mower. 

I know, true. but good luck finding one.

 

Have seen one deck for sale in the past 6 months, went away within a day for 200$. 

And a Commando 8 deck that I bought within a day. In France it's not gone be any easier I am afraid

 

Depending on where he lives in France I may can help.

Edited May 30, 2021 by Maxwell-8

[rmaynard 15,428]

Sometimes you can find a good used 1973 or newer Wheel Horse with Tach-A-Matic and a 48" deck for less than the price of a deck alone. 

[syncar 18]

Thank you all for your help

 

On 5/28/2021 at 4:57 PM, daveoman1966 said:

The deck shown appears to be pre-drilled to accept Tach-O-Matic lift hardware.  You MAY need to trim off the two big  brackets in the rear and the two little ones in front...but it should work ok.  You'll also need to change the pulleys AND the deck belt spring-tension system.  These too, should swap over from your other 48" deck.

 

 

 

Got it for the mouting brackets.

However the swap of pulleys and spring system is a problem.

Attached is a picture of my current 42" rear discharge deck Toro 78350 (1997). Maybe it's not obvious in the picture, but rust has badly damaged the structural integrity of the pulleys. It works today, but anytime the spring-tension system bolt might cease...

That's why I need a new deck, and that's why I'm afraid to dismount everything, because I'm sure I'm gonna have to break a pulley or 2 in the dismantle, import a new pulley from the US at high cost, plus I'm not sure the result is worth it

 

On 5/28/2021 at 7:02 PM, rmaynard said:

If you haven't already purchased that deck, don't. Find one that is made for your 312-8, with all the proper brackets. That deck is from a vertical engine mower. 

 

It is indeed almost impossible to find this in France, that's why I was ready to do a 5-hour trip (one way) to get this one...

Following both your advice I'm thinking I'm gonna let it go 

 

Edited June 4, 2021 by syncar

[kpinnc 11,932]

That is a standard 48sd that already has holes drilled to accept the regular hitch brackets. A typical WH offering. They didn't waste anything for sure. 

 

You'll need to find/ and fab something of a height adjust quadrant- or lock into one height, and a double pulley for the middle spindle. An idler/ tension pulley shouldn't be hard to come up with, and the underside of the deck is likely already drilled in the spots to add the factory tensioner. That deck has a reinforcement plate already, so you may not need the one that is normally found on the regular 48.

 

If I needed another deck, I would get it. Just depends how much fab work you're comfortable with.