Need advice with my Conquest

[Les]

After 16 years of hard use, I would never have believed that a Sovereign could be beat, but I have to say that my Conquest is growing on me! The one thing that I do not like about the Conquest is the lack of a power lift. I have seen Landlords with an electric lift and would like to put an electric lift on my Conquest. Most likely by buying a linear actuator and control switch from the Surplus Center in Lincoln, NE. I have several questions, as follows: 1. I have heard that the Conquest can have electrical problems, will it even handle a linear actuator? 2. Is the lift mechanism the same as a Landlord? 3. What would be the spec required for the linear acutator? length of travel and power level With the Conquest(50" deck) I can mow much faster than with the Kubota(gear drive) and a 60" King Kutter rear mower. So far this year the Kubota has been staying in the shed. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[andrewk]

I think I would source out the parts from the prestige, and go hydraulic, but I don't know what that would require. It may require changing the rear end, and that would make electric much more appealing. It's been a few years since I have been under one... I don't remember what kind of real estate is under there for an actuator, but it should be pretty easy to get one in there. As for power lever, it needs to lift probably 150 percent of the deck weight, to account for any additional weight that might be added. More power if you run a blower, or will run a blower off the deck. Hope this helps, I know it isn't much- Andy

[Les]

Thanks, but I don't see much chance of retrofitting the hydro lift, as the Prestige has the K-71 Sunstrand, cast iron, and the Conquest has the K-66 Sunstrand, aluminum, different castings. Plus the K-71 has a bigger capacity pump for higher speeds. Plus by the time I buy the parts it would most likely be cheaper just to buy a Prestige. I was thinking along the lines of a $100 linear actuator and a $30 control switch. Which I believe would work if the actuator is the right size and stroke, and if the electrical system on the Conquest can handle it.