WildmanC120 613 #1 Posted August 10, 2018 In my search for a bigger horse and not spend a whole lot of money, what do you think this 520H is worth? What should I look for that are common issues with these? Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 6,698 #2 Posted August 10, 2018 I can't find a single thing that hasn't been messed up. Run! 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WildmanC120 613 #3 Posted August 10, 2018 2 minutes ago, lynnmor said: I can't find a single thing that hasn't been messed up. Run! Can you tell me what you see that's messed up? Asking $500 so I would expect some things will need work Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,027 #4 Posted August 10, 2018 Well the back tires are nice...Other than them ... Hours??? (But teh hour meter probably hasn't run in years... I am with lynnmore step away... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WildmanC120 613 #5 Posted August 10, 2018 7 minutes ago, pfrederi said: Well the back tires are nice...Other than them ... Hours??? (But teh hour meter probably hasn't run in years... I am with lynnmore step away... it has 11xx hours...If that's even right right. UGH. Finding something decent in this area is not easy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 6,698 #6 Posted August 10, 2018 I am currently working on a "low hour" 520 H engine that was in the weather like the one in question, never again, the rust was a serious issue. A valve seat was loose, the intake leaked and the governor is bad, just to mention a few faults. Now about the proposed tractor: Muffler tabs broken. Heat shield missing PTO severely rusted. PTO brake missing. Front axle is straight, not a desirable type, Bend in seat support says broken. Spark plug wires are redneck. Steering wheel crocked, possibly needs replaced. Seat spent. What are the rubber mounts in the rear fender? Cab mounts? Bolts missing. Cover plates missing. General appearance is junkyard quality. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cee245 742 #7 Posted August 10, 2018 (edited) Yikes! That there is a parts tractor. If you find a nicer one, you could buy this one for the few spare parts it offers. Good luck I would be ok with 100 - 150. Most of that would be the cool guy rear tires. Cory Edited August 10, 2018 by Cee245 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Gman 476 #8 Posted August 10, 2018 and and bought one last year with a blown forward cylinder (fixed now) 250 Canadian. That makes mine look show room quality. I'd pass. 100 maybe for parts for when you get one Sorry to be blunt 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 36,936 #9 Posted August 10, 2018 310-8 speed up there, Albany area C/L for $300... supposedly just needs a clutch return spring. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WildmanC120 613 #10 Posted August 10, 2018 1 minute ago, AMC RULES said: 310-8 speed up there, Albany area C/L for $300... supposedly just needs a clutch return spring. No thanks. I already have a C-120. I'm looking for at least a C-160. Preferably a c-175/195 or 520H 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
varosd 1,185 #11 Posted August 10, 2018 Not worth $500 note the air cleaner cover lying on the floor in the first picture. It goes inside the pretty chrome air cleaner cover to actually cover the air cleaner. Possible carburetor mice in there if you got it as an extra 520 parts rig for cheaper it might be ok a quick hose down does not equate to NOS. Keep looking 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JAinVA 4,617 #12 Posted August 11, 2018 (edited) I have to say At least 2 of my 520 machines look rougher than that one.With that said they all had the gear reduction steering setup and that alone brings more that what I have in them.What you are looking at is a high hour 416 with 520 sheet metal and a little more power.The only thing worth much is the rear rims and tires.Parts machine for sure.I agree with most here that the loose and missing parts tell you walk away unless real cheap for parts.$500.00 in any market is nuts. Edited August 11, 2018 by JAinVA Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 50,999 #13 Posted August 11, 2018 Have you driven it yet? How well does the engine run? Is the transmission strong and the lift working as it should? That wad of wires hanging from the dash is a bit concerning to me. Unless the engine runs smoothly and the hydro is strong I would pass on it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WildmanC120 613 #14 Posted August 11, 2018 6 minutes ago, 953 nut said: Have you driven it yet? How well does the engine run? Is the transmission strong and the lift working as it should? That wad of wires hanging from the dash is a bit concerning to me. Unless the engine runs smoothly and the hydro is strong I would pass on it! I have not even gone to look at it. Those are the pics the seller sent me. It's been on Facebook marketplace for a little while and is priced higher then the $500 he said to come and get it. I was thinking 400 myself but will probably walk at this point. There is a nice looking 195 on Facebook but he wants 1300 for it with only a blade. It does not have the 3 point or PTO either. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ericj 1,576 #15 Posted August 11, 2018 the baffles are missing in the deck essentially turning it into a rear discharge,if you can run it and drive it and make sure it is firing on BOTH cylinders I would step out on a limb and say it could be worth it, not that I would pay it though. but parts could make it worth it. I would be into it for between $ 300.00 and $ 400.00 IF IT RAN . but I would probably part it out if I bought it. it is rough to say the least. If this is your first 520 I would probably walk away like everybody is saying. If you decide you want to go through with it you need to check and make sure it is firing on both cylinders. A quick way to check is to carefully feel the exhaust pipes under the heat shields to make sure both are getting hot. a compression test is best. an onan will run on one cylinder and still sound pretty good some people don't even know it is running on one cylinder. also get the hydro good and warm and see if it slows down. eric j 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WildmanC120 613 #16 Posted August 11, 2018 4 minutes ago, ericj said: the baffles are missing in the deck essentially turning it into a rear discharge,if you can run it and drive it and make sure it is firing on BOTH cylinders I would step out on a limb and say it could be worth it, not that I would pay it though. but parts could make it worth it. I would be into it for between $ 300.00 and $ 400.00 IF IT RAN . but I would probably part it out if I bought it. it is rough to say the least. If this is your first 520 I would probably walk away like everybody is saying. If you decide you want to go through with it you need to check and make sure it is firing on both cylinders. A quick way to check is to carefully feel the exhaust pipes under the heat shields to make sure both are getting hot. a compression test is best. an onan will run on one cylinder and still sound pretty good some people don't even know it is running on one cylinder. also get the hydro good and warm and see if it slows down. eric j This would be my 1st 520. I will keep looking for something decent. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FatJackDurham 318 #17 Posted August 11, 2018 I picked one up I. Better shape for $350. That one there looks to only be worth the rear tires and front axle and maybe the steering gears.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WildmanC120 613 #18 Posted August 11, 2018 This one is local. A little much I think but comes with deck and snowblower. https://albany.craigslist.org/grd/d/wheelhorse-520-with-mower/6650612580.html Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FatJackDurham 318 #19 Posted August 11, 2018 (edited) That crook in Salisbury, VT is selling a 520H for $600, on CL. but I am sure it needs work. Not as bad as the first one. but that second one you listed seems a fair price, for what you get. hh. It doesn’t have motion levers under the steering wheel like mine. When did they make them like that? Edited August 11, 2018 by FatJackDurham Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ronhatch 405 #20 Posted August 11, 2018 (edited) I don't understand how people can beat the 'you know what' out of was once a good piece equipment and have the guts to ask $500 bucks for it. If you're going to take care of equipment this way, stick with Crapsmen, MTD or the stuff they sell at the big box stores!! Edited August 11, 2018 by ronhatch 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JAinVA 4,617 #21 Posted August 11, 2018 (edited) Motion control lever down low was late 80s.I looked at a 310-8 on Craigslist for 3 months when I wanted to upgrade from a riding mower.I looked but thought the asking price to high.I still do but by looking every day for WHs I caught a screaming deal.If the deal is good the machine won't be for sale long.You may miss one but at least you will be aware of what is a fair price in your market.JMHO Edited August 11, 2018 by JAinVA Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
buckrancher 2,660 #22 Posted August 11, 2018 17 hours ago, ericj said: the baffles are missing in the deck essentially turning it into a rear discharge,if you can run it and drive it and make sure it is firing on BOTH cylinders I would step out on a limb and say it could be worth it, not that I would pay it though. but parts could make it worth it. I would be into it for between $ 300.00 and $ 400.00 IF IT RAN . but I would probably part it out if I bought it. it is rough to say the least. If this is your first 520 I would probably walk away like everybody is saying. If you decide you want to go through with it you need to check and make sure it is firing on both cylinders. A quick way to check is to carefully feel the exhaust pipes under the heat shields to make sure both are getting hot. a compression test is best. an onan will run on one cylinder and still sound pretty good some people don't even know it is running on one cylinder. also get the hydro good and warm and see if it slows down. eric j put your glass on Eric the baffle is in the deck 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ericj 1,576 #23 Posted August 11, 2018 (edited) I don't know what the heck I was looking at, but they are there I'm sorry eric j Edited August 11, 2018 by ericj 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 4,894 #24 Posted August 11, 2018 There are a few plusses to this generation. SW gauges (if they work). Steering wheel that says Wheel Horse on it. Wheel Horse logo in center of steering wheel and on engine shroud. No levers on steering column makes removing plastic trim much easier. Console shift is easier to put Matt's foot control kit on. Wire harness is simpler with no added relays. Charge wire goes directly to solenoid keeping it out of the 9 pin connector. Straight axle and regular steering will work fine so long as you don't use the 60" deck or 2 stage blower on it. You can add bushings to the spindles as well to reduce friction such as these. http://classickitchensandmore.com/wheel-horse-tractors-parts-c-42/wheel-horse-toro-lawn-tractor-34-inch-spindle-bearing-kit-new-p-5115.html I made some out of Teflon for my one 520 with straight axle and it steers fine. Cleat Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WildmanC120 613 #25 Posted August 12, 2018 2 hours ago, cleat said: There are a few plusses to this generation. SW gauges (if they work). Steering wheel that says Wheel Horse on it. Wheel Horse logo in center of steering wheel and on engine shroud. No levers on steering column makes removing plastic trim much easier. Console shift is easier to put Matt's foot control kit on. Wire harness is simpler with no added relays. Charge wire goes directly to solenoid keeping it out of the 9 pin connector. Straight axle and regular steering will work fine so long as you don't use the 60" deck or 2 stage blower on it. You can add bushings to the spindles as well to reduce friction such as these. http://classickitchensandmore.com/wheel-horse-tractors-parts-c-42/wheel-horse-toro-lawn-tractor-34-inch-spindle-bearing-kit-new-p-5115.html I made some out of Teflon for my one 520 with straight axle and it steers fine. Cleat Why cant you run a 2 stage blower on this model with the straight axle? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites