Repower options on a Excel 260?

[daytripper]

I called my local dealer and he gave me a number to call at Hustler. The guys I spoke with were very helpful and emailed me the parts and operators manuals PDF.
I just bought this 260 without an engine. It originally came with a Kohler MV20 57510 engine with a 1&1/8X3&5/32 shaft. This engine is nearly $2000. I'd like to explore some options on repowering it with a more economical powerplant. I'm going to have to buy engine pulleys and misc controls and a bunch of other parts to complete this machine. I'm a Master Auto Technician with 30+ years experience wrenching, so I'm up for the challenge. Any thoughts on this project would be appreciated.
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[mowerconsultant]

Its going to take some research but you should be able to do it.
Who is the dealer you talked to?

[daytripper]

Fred's Outdoor Power and Equipment In Three Rivers MA. I am actually going to pick up the machine tomorrow and take some measurements and see what motors will fit in the space available. I'd like to keep the cost under a grand if possible. I know this may be a stupid question but do all vertical shaft engines in the 20 hp range spin in the same direction? I'd hate to find that out the hard way!

[daytripper]

my serial number is 6811738 model number 924191 any way of determining the model year from these numbers?

[mowerconsultant]

Fred's Outdoor Power and Equipment In Three Rivers MA. I am actually going to pick up the machine tomorrow and take some measurements and see what motors will fit in the space available. I'd like to keep the cost under a grand if possible. I know this may be a stupid question but do all vertical shaft engines in the 20 hp range spin in the same direction? I'd hate to find that out the hard way!


You need to talk to the 251, 251k, 260, and 260k experts, Richey and Clapper in Sudbury MA.
They will point you in the right direction in regards to what to repower it with and what will fit.
Yes all the engines rotate in the same rotation.

[daytripper]

Thanks: I'll call them tomorrow.

[daytripper]

was the ONLY engine that will work is a Kohler CV22 Grand total $2329. I'm pretty sure I don't want to spend this much on this machine. This machine originally came with a 20hp Kohler Magnum maybe I'll get lucky and fine a used one and go from there.

[daytripper]

20hp Briggs Vanguard engine today. I talked to the guys you suggested and they said that only a Kohler CV22 made to Hustler Specs would work on a 260K. I'd rather scrap the 260 than invest the kind of money a new engine would cost from the dealer. If the Vanguard doesn't work out I can still afford to scrap or part it out. This is my hobby not livelyhood.

[mowerconsultant]

With enough time and "garage engineering" I am sure you can make it work.

[daytripper]

the Vanguard engine fit like a glove and purrs like a kitten. I really like how this machine operates. Special thanks to Todd in Hustler Service Parts for the invaluable information on dimensions and part numbers. Now all I have to do is wait for the grass to grow.

[mowerconsultant]

Post up some final project pictures and some mowing pics, sounds like you got a great mower now.

Pj

[Madair]

Where did you find a muffler for the vanguard engine? Also what is the exact model number for the vanguard engine. I have a 260K and need a new engine.

[daytripper]

Where did you find a muffler for the vanguard engine? Also what is the exact model number for the vanguard engine. I have a 260K and need a new engine.
The numbers on my Vanguard engine model is 351777 type 1036-A1 code 95012311. You can download the entire parts manual from the Briggs website. I used a Briggs part number 691501 exhaust manifold for parts because it was the cheapest one on eBay and I knew I was going to cut it up anyway. The manifold came with a 692099 muffler. I fit it nicely in front of the motor and added a exhaust deflector to direct the exhaust downward. The Vanguard uses a 1 inch crankshaft instead of the 1&1/8 inch that you have. The length is 3&5/32 still though. I believe the part number for the pulley from Hustler that is needed is 520643 and the 1 inch spacer 008532 is also needed. The cables are also longer and I got generic ones at my local lawnmower shop. The wiring took some work too but i got my machine as a basket case and a lot of that was missing anyway. It is pretty simple though.

I have had a chance to do some mowing with this set-up and the engine works great, plenty of power and very smooth and quiet. I love the 260K it mows great and the Bac Pac catcher is sweet.

Good luck: Mike

[daytripper]

Update on this repower: I used this machine all season and it worked wonderfully. I love the operation and performance, the cut is perfect even at top speed and the catcher works great too. I like the easy one arm dump from the seat. I even mowed 4 acres of field a month after I cut it with a sickle bar, not one problem. This machine sucks up leaves beautifully too. The Vanguard motor is smooth, powerful, and trouble free so far.

[mowerconsultant]

Great to hear !!!