C-120 mower deck question 42/48 sd???

[privateer 1]

This machine currently has a 36" sd deck. I'm looking for a wider cut. A 42sd 5-1010 or possibly a 48"sd 5-1210. Anyone have their k-301 pushing these decks? Looking to spend less time on the deck next season. A 48 would be real nice but I don't think the kohler 12 can handle it. Am I wrong?

I also have an older single stage snowblower with wings that came off my 656 in good working condition. I have the flag and the lift tube I would think about trading for a 42" or 48" deck. I do not know the model # off the top of my head.

Thanks for any help.

Rich

[MaineDad 85]

My K301 C-120 has a 42" SD deck and it works very well. Never tried a 48" with it but I think it would do fine...

[Sparky-(Admin) 22,257]

I'm pretty confidant that the C-120 came with 42" decks back when they were new so spinning up a 42 should be a snap. Will it run a 48"? I suppose so but why work a 35 year old machine (plus or minus a couple years) that hard.

Just my opinion.

Mike.......

[varosd 1,185]

just to chime in, I was in the same place with a 36 RD deck but mine is under a B-80. The 42 deck only came on the 10 hp and up. I agree that the 48 might be pushing it but it all depends on how old the single lung 12 hp is. I' m sure more folks pushing a 48 under a 12 hp will let you know their thoughts. I don't know if those 6 more inchs (no pun intended) will add less seat time. not sure what the weight difference is depending if you are going up and down a lot of hills. I know that when I was looking at at a 42, most folks rec getting a later year one that had more rollers and more reinforcent on the lip/edge. Me? I'm just started dragging a set of gang reels 60 + width and loving it!! :dunno:

[TT-(Moderator) 1,147]

Reminder: A 953/1054(A) used a 48" deck. As long as you don't try to mow a hayfield, it should work better than that combo.

[Jim_M 179]

I had a 48" deck mounted on an 8 horse gear drive tractor once and it pulled it surprisingly well. I think you'll be fine with a 48" on a 12 horse. If your tractor is a hydro you may have to be careful not to let your grass get too tall between mowings. The hydro pump uses up around 2 horsepower.

But if it's a gear drive you should have no problem at all.

[C-85 726]

When I was selling Wheel Horse in the early & mid 80's we used to recommend -

For C series tractors

8hp 36"rd or 37"sd

10hp up to 42"

12hp up to 48", but 14hp would be a better

14hp, 16hp & 17 any of these. It's been a long time since I was in the business. The only exception I can think of would have been if the larger tractors with their bigger tires would hit the smaller decks rear wheels.

The C-125 was our most popular tractor and I sold quite a few with 48" decks and never had any complaints.

Unless your tractor is tired I'm confident that it will handle the 48" just fine.

C-85

[C-85 726]

I should add - none of the C series tractors, actually most of the W/H tractors didn't come with any attachments. Occasionally we sold a tractor without a mower, although mower decks were the most popular attachments by far. Some folks didn't have a lawn and just wanted a plow and tiller for example. Having the tractors with no attachments made them much easier to sell and then we added what ever implements the customer wanted.

[can whlvr 993]

it really depends on your lawn,and how much you mow it,yes it will drive a 48,but it will work best with a 42,how many trees do you have,etc,thats my opinion,a 42 will be the perfect match

[privateer 1]

Thanks for all the input.

it's a hydro and sounds like a 42" is my best fit.