5XI Mower Deck Conversion

[KBEAT]

Has anyone ever tried to convert a deck from a 520H to a 5XI ? I have a 520XI with a 48" deck and wanted a larger deck for it, the 60" if I could find it. Since it's hard to find XI decks I was thinking about converting a 60" deck from a 520H that I can get locally. Anyone ever tried this before ? Any pitfalls you guys can think of ? The frame mounting looks close if not exact, I am sure with a little welding it could be adapted. Not so sure about the belt drive/idler side of it, never had a 520H but with the side belt PTO don't know if the pulleys are located different.

Appreciate any comments or suggestions.

 

[Boyd W]

Xi deck suspension is different than 520-H and others. Look on EBay for deck parts as Joes Outdoor Power and a few other parting out shops list Xi series deck parts now and then. Google 520-H 60" deck and lookup part numbers. Then do the same for an Xi 60" deck. A large dealer out east list model numbers for Xi, 260 and possibly the 520-H attachments. You don't want to alter blade tip speed as slower means poor cut,, and too fast can destroy bearings and turn gravel into missiles.