90’s 520H on marketplace in my area…is it worth the asking price or should I haggle?

[MainelyWheelhorse 2,668]

 

This 90’s 520 tractor is on FB marketplace for $600 about 10 minutes from my house. I’m pretty interested in it as this tractor in remotely nice condition in my area with the same implements is 1000+ and an 4 hour trip to either end of the state. It seems to look pretty solid. Most of my tractors I have now started out in close to the same condition with the exception being the C-141. This comes with a rototiller, and what looks to be a decent sized mowing deck. From the description the seller said the tiller was not locked up and worked great when it was used last. It also “ran great when parked”. I asked about if it has the desirable parts for 520’s and the seller referred me to her husband. I have his cell and I figured I’d call him soon. I figure that worst case scenario I have some more heavier duty parts and more implements to use or sell if I need to. Is it worth the $600 or should I haggle or let it pass? Thanks!

Edited 11 hours ago by MainelyWheelhorse

[TonyToro Jr. 2,471]

Looks to be the same age as my 520 as it doesn’t have a swept front axle. So I believe it’s a 1988. 
Price seems a bit steep for me but depending on the condition of the rototiller id at least look at it and see if the guy is open to offers?

[MainelyWheelhorse 2,668]

 

@TonyToro Jr. The tiller looks solid and not rusted badly too and not beat into the ground. Supposedly it spins free and isn’t locked up. It looks more dirty than any thing else. I’ll have to check it out closer though to know for sure. What do you think would be a good price for the tractor? I thought about starting around $500 as I don’t know if it runs now. The attachments are nice but I don’t necessarily need them. I’ve got other attachments I could use on it.

Edited 11 hours ago by MainelyWheelhorse

[kpinnc 18,470]

Haggle! All they can say is no. 

 

Definitely earlier than 1990. Looks great if it was here in NC. Plenty of good stuff to work with regardless. 

[TonyToro Jr. 2,471]

10 minutes ago, MainelyWheelhorse said:

 

@TonyToro Jr. The tiller looks solid and not rusted badly too and not beat into the ground. Supposedly it spins free and isn’t locked up. It looks more dirty than any thing else. I’ll have to check it out closer though to know for sure. What do you think would be a good price for the tractor? I thought about starting around $500 as I don’t know if it runs now. The attachments are nice but I don’t necessarily need them. I’ve got other attachments I could use on it.

That tiller looks to be in pretty good shape!

Defintely go and look at it and do what @kpinnc says 

Haggle!

[MainelyWheelhorse 2,668]

@kpinnc it seems to be in pretty good condition for up here too. tractors, plows, and cars tend to rust up quick especially if it’s gotten near whatever they use on the roads up here. It seems to be relatively rust free. Yeah, if I can resurrect the C-141 in three months this shouldn’t be too hard.

[MainelyWheelhorse 2,668]

4 minutes ago, TonyToro Jr. said:

That tiller looks to be in pretty good shape!

Defintely go and look at it and do what @kpinnc says 

Haggle!

Ok! You guys talked me into it😁

[oliver2-44 11,538]

The tiller tines do not look too worn, they are not significantly rounded on the ends.

Edited 2 hours ago by oliver2-44

[JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,575]

Haggle. Why not. Best of luck. 

[ri702bill 12,248]

How many hours on the tractor?? Buying a Hydro without being able to try it out?? Be cautious... hope it is not just a lawn ornament.

[MainelyWheelhorse 2,668]

1 hour ago, ri702bill said:

How many hours on the tractor?? Buying a Hydro without being able to try it out?? Be cautious... hope it is not just a lawn ornament.

The seller wants me to contact their husband as I think it’s one of those deals that the seller on FB is listing it on FB for someone who doesn’t have it. I haven’t committed to it yet. If it runs I’ll try out the hydro. Like I said earlier if the tractor is a dud I would at least have a parts machine for the black hood C-85,  the C-141/ the other running tractors. If it’s a non running dud there’s no way I’m spending $600 on it.

[Sparky-(Admin) 25,581]

  Doesnt have the swept axle or the gear reduction steering. The wide/deep rear wheels appear to be missing. Looks like a 48”

deck. 
  Being unable to test or hear the Onan engine, hydro trans, deck or tiller it’s all one big gamble. If ya feel you still want it I would shoot lower..like $400 (have your trailer hooked to the truck and cash in hand) and let the seller bring the price up to the 500 number. 
  Good luck! 

[Ed Kennell 46,237]

Yep, '88 or '89 model.      I never believe the "it ran fine when I parked it outside and never moved it for five years".         The Onan could be a simple fix or a money pit.

I consider it a $150 roller and if the tiller and the 48"deck turn free add $300.   I would start at $400.

[953 nut 66,644]

11 hours ago, MainelyWheelhorse said:

“ran great when parked”.

Those four words are a warning that something ain't right now         but you won't know until you get it home.

If you need a tiller and a deck they have value. If you plan on reselling them they are a bit less valuable because time will tell how good a deal it was.  

The fact that it is setting in an open field and they didn't even clean it up makes me think a realistic seller will take whatever they can get for it. Unless you have an overwhelming desire to have this 520 I would start at $ 200.00 and walk away at $ 400.00.  Just too many unknowns and the seller is obviously not motivated enough to seek a higher price by having it "run great when sold."

Edited 1 hour ago by 953 nut
fat finger

[pfrederi 20,676]

Looks like not the only "Ran when parked" tractor he has rusting away (John Deere in the back ground)

 

To me you are buying a tiller (with out all the pulleys)  and a parts tractor.... The deck buried in wet leaves probably not in good shape