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]

Originally Posted by 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!

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.