1995 60" Deck Mounting

[rmalcook 0]

Here is a good one. I have a 1995 60" deck and want to mount it to a 1988 520H. Turns out it don't fit. Has anyone done this retro-fit? It would appear that if I were to buy a new front style axle and swap it out I would have enough clearance for the front wheels.

I don't think I want to modify the deck to move it further rearward as this would be more work. Not to mention the drive belt length will now change. So what do you think?

[Sparky-(Admin) 23,143]

Sounds like you need a Forward Swept Front Axle from a newer 520. If you find one make sure to get the spindles and tierods as I dont think your old ones will work in the newer axle. Which means that your front rims will also not work with the newer spindles so get the front rims/tires as well.

Mike.........

[rmalcook 0]

You make very good points. I have not done any research on this yet. I have a 1988 and 1995 parts manuals and will compare front end parts. I do concure on the tie rods. The rest I was not aware of. Thanks.

[Nick 13]

You can also pull a swept axle from an 1988 or 89 520-HC. I dont remember if they have different tie rods also forget if they came with 3/4 or 1" spindles. The HC didnt have reduction steering that i do remember. :thumbs2:

[kpinnc 14,620]

The HC didnt have reduction steering that i do remember.

The 1990 520-H also had the swept axle without reduction steering. 1991 and up have the reduction steering.

You will also need the correct mule drive assembly to make the 60 inch deck work. A standard one will not work.

Kevin

[Nick 13]

A standard Mule drive can work with a 60" deck. The mule drive for the 60 had an added spring loaded function not found on other standard mule drives. I don't know if that came out initially with the 88 HC and 60" deck combo or if they had to add it as an upgrade to correct a problem that came up when using the big deck. :thumbs2:

[kpinnc 14,620]

A standard Mule drive can work with a 60" deck.

Oops!

Thanks Nick!

Learned something today- I can go home now, right?

Kevin

[Nick 13]

I only know the mule drives can be interchanged because I had to put one of mine on the brothers 520 until he got his spring loaded mule drive fixed. Think he used it that way with no problems for the better part of a year so I just assume the big deck needs that little bit of spring load in the mule drive to help with shock load or maybe for keeping the belt tighter. :thumbs2:

[rmalcook 0]

Thanks Guys, you have provided me with some valuable input to think about. Looks like it can be done. From the conversation, I would be better off updating the tractor than cobbling up some modification on the deck and drive. I wonder if the axle is available still from Toro. Thanks again.

[Sparky-(Admin) 23,143]

Well its part# 5638-01 and RCPW shows it at $117.00. Of course that wont include all the other stuff you'll need like tierods and what not. Might be easier to find a 520 parts machine.

Mike.........

[Duff 206]

Mods, please forgive me if I'm stepping outside the boundaries here, but someone is parting out a 520 on FleaBay right now, I think.....might be a source of parts?

Duff :thumbs2: