Jim Turner 42 #1 Posted June 13, 2021 (edited) I am interested in installing the tach-o-matic system onto my 877 and or 867 for the purpose of using the more modern style 36" rear discharge deck. Has anyone done this before on a short frame? Also I am in the market for a 36" rear discharge deck. Edited June 13, 2021 by Jim Turner Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,040 #2 Posted June 13, 2021 The mid hitch will bolt up fine. The front tach o matic may bolt on IF you have the holes in the front frame rails that I think you don't have. The front tach o matic adapter sold to retrofit Raiders and the like will not work as the frame holes are spaced different. There is more room between the front axle and mid hitch on long frame tractors as opposed to the shorties.. There are also no holes for the center lift bar. You would have to use a chain or something similar. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim Turner 42 #3 Posted June 13, 2021 (edited) Thanks mike, I figured I would need to drill some new holes for the front tach-o-matic. I was wondering if there might be a different amount of space between the front axle and mid hitch where I would need to use a shorter deck belt. I was just hoping there would be enough room between the wheels for the deck to mount and still have the front wheels steer without hitting the deck. I think it would be a pretty cool project if I can pull it off. If it is possible I am sure I can fab up any bracket needed to get the front tach-o-matic mule drive to mount up. Edited June 13, 2021 by Jim Turner 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,029 #4 Posted June 13, 2021 You might be able to use the earlier frame mount mule drive that does not use the attach-amatic. They have a lever and spring that tensions the deck drive belt. I have a couple of these that will be coming to the show. Two of them are in the upper left in this pic. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,679 #5 Posted June 13, 2021 The hole spacing for the Old style mule drive and the hole spacing for the 8-5541 hitch accessory are the same. Either one should fit your tractor. . 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,040 #6 Posted June 13, 2021 It's different on my 857. I tried to do the same thing and it wouldn't fit. I think the mid hitch interfered with the front hitch If I remember right 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,679 #7 Posted June 13, 2021 Mike you are correct but if you replace the mid mount brackets with modern ones it should clear. The original 856 mid mount brackets are different as the old deck front mount shaft had the pulleys and sat farther forward. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,040 #8 Posted June 13, 2021 Good to know Paul. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,648 #9 Posted June 13, 2021 Buy a late model front hitch and weld some mounts on it. Don't know how easy is to find an original replacement for the early models. There should be a lot of the late models. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,040 #10 Posted June 14, 2021 What type of PTO would you run? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,029 #11 Posted June 14, 2021 I took a look at my 855 to see if the early mule drive would fit. It is the correct width to fit on the frame, but as stated above, the mid Mount would have to be moved to the rear. The raider style PTO could probably be installed, but it would require major altering of the belt guard to clear the PTO. Two threaded inserts exist in my hood stand that could be used to mount the PTO lever support. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,679 #12 Posted June 14, 2021 The interference issue in Ed's first pic goes away if you use a more modern midmount tach matic ( Second pic here) 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites