60" deck on a C-Series or 3/400 series

[IthacaJeff 151]

WH'ers:

I'm really in need of a larger mower deck for a new property we just bought. The

only large (60") WH decks were on some GT-14s and 520Hs. So, my question, how

"easy" would it be to fit a 60" WH deck on something like a 414 or 416 or C160?

I know this subject has been hinted at in this forum before, but I'd like to know if

anyone did it and how.

I know the 520H with the 60" deck had forward swept axles and perhaps a spring-

loaded mule. But could this deck fit on, say, a 414 with the smaller front and rear

wheels that would give more clearance? And fit without TOO much fabrication?

Could such a beast of a deck be lifted with the standard manual lift?

Why not just look for a 520H, you ask? First, cost. Second, I like the 8 speed.

Third, I don't know anything about Onans!

Thanks,

Jeff in Ithaca, NY

[hodge 6]

Will a 14 or 16 horse engine pull a 60" deck?

[Nick 13]

A while back this came up and there was a 60" deck from a c-195 mounted on another tractor by using 6" wheels. I saw it but cant remember how close things were but there was a picture posted in that other discussion. I have my doubts that a 520 60" deck would fit by simply changing tires but cant say Ive ever seen it tried.

Have you thought about buying/building a tow behind offset mower?

[zieg72 209]

Here is my $.02... I have a 60" deck on my 520H. The tractor has 438 hours on it. Based on the load it gives on the engine I doubt a 16 hp engine would be stout enough unless your grass is not thick and you don't let it get to high before your cutting. I have a thick lawn and I can cut it faster with my 269H and 52" deck versus the 60" on my 520H. The 60" deck is VERY heavy and I can't imagine lifting it with a manual lift. I am going to put a 48" on it when I am done with the tiller and see how that works. I only have 1.5 acres to take care of though. That is my story and I am sticking to it.

[IthacaJeff 151]

WH'ers:

Thanks for the advice. With our new property (which we have yet to build on),

we expect about 2 ac of "lawn", which really means football/baseball/soccer

field for my 6 kids. I also expect the need to periodically mow or tend to

another 3 ac or so. A couple of weeks ago I did ask this forum about

a tow-behind mower, which I think is a good idea if I can find a used one

at a good price. I'm also looking for a larger garden tractor than my 310-8

to do the things I anticipate doing. . . more gardening, tilling etc. (think

Micah in Maine!). My 310-8 has a fried mower deck (center spindle area with

stress cracks, rust, etc.), so I think it will remain dedicated to snow plow

duty.

(I currently mow with a 15 year old MTD I got for free. . . a pitiful sight I

know. . .currently looking for a C160, 414/416 with 8 speed and a Kohler if

any of you may be willing to part with it).

Thanks again,

Jeff in Ithaca, NY

[Duff 206]

Jeff, get with Stevebo, one our RS members here, who has or until very recently had a decent 416-8 for sale. Look up his profile from the members list and PM him. If he's still got it, he's a good guy to deal with! He's in CT so it would require a bit of a road trip from Ithaca, but not an unreasonable one.....

Duff :omg: