Opinions Please

[zeedubbya 18]

I really have a conundrum. I have a 500 special that I am totally in love with, and had/have full intentions of restoring. It's going to take some work but it's a great foundation. A fellow member has a C120 for sale that I'd really like to have--it would make a great machine for me--I'm in need of a good solid larger mower for this spring. I just can't afford them both. Should I try to sell the 500 special and pick up the C120 or should I hang onto it and restore it like I had planned? Opinions please? I hope I asked this on the right forum, I'm kinda new to RS.

[Kelly 1,033]

I would say do what is right for you, you know what your needs and wants are.

[AMC RULES 37,211]

Stop trying to be so practical. Restore the 500 as planned, and buy the C-120 too.

Besides, even with a dozer blade, who's got an extra 40K to spare for a new old tractor?

[Rollerman 290]

You can't go wrong either way, but there are a lot less 500 Specials that are going to present themselves to you than C series.

[grnlark 490]

restore the 500 and find a cheap mowing tractor on Craigslist

[rmaynard 16,371]

I would hang on to the 500 even if it means wrapping it up and storing it away until you have the time and the funds to do the restoration as planned.

[Ken B 3,189]

If you are into collecting then the 500 is a nice one to have. If you are more into Wheel Horse's because you have a need for a work tractor around the house but can only afford one...... Sometimes needs outweigh wants. Maybe you could offer the 500 up to someone that will restore it and put the funds towards the 120.

[Brrly1 1,146]

If you can, do both. Put the 500 special away for future restoration and see if you can muster up the money to buy the C series. I think someone before me suggested this. Thats my opinion

[KC9KAS 4,744]

If you can, do both. Put the 500 special away for future restoration and see if you can muster up the money to buy the C series. I think someone before me suggested this. Thats my opinion

That is what I would do if at all possible. JMO, but you asked!

[can whlvr 994]

:text-yeahthat:

[steamfitter 0]

if it was me I would do the restore and pick up another machine just my 2 cents

[speedyleedy 205]

I think would keep the 500 special & find a cheap riding mower to use ! :eusa-think:

[jusjeepn 59]

I know you say you can't afford both. Is this due to the restoration cost or you just can't swing the C120 without selling the 500? I personally have never been partial to trailer queens. Sure there're nice to look at and they run and drive..... around shows, but they never get worked because no one want's to mess up all their hard work. A repainted worker is more my speed and my interpretation of what they were designed for. That being said, Kelly is right, do what best suits your needs and or wants!

[Don1977 605]

The C-120 with a 42" deck would be alot better mowing tractor. The 500 Special would be better to fix as a show tractor.

[WHEEL HORSE BILL 7]

Get the money buy the c-120 and restore the 500. You won't be upset GODD LUCK!!!!!!!

[zeedubbya 18]

What an overwhelming response! It seems almost unanimous! I think I'll keep my 500 special for now, plan a restoration down the road, and try to rustle up the money to buy the c120 by spring. It would be hard to part with it because it has such great potential. Thanks for the input!

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,541]

IMO there is a limited market/value on a 500. You need to ask yourself what you really think the value is on that machine? If you like it then I would keep it, restore it and bring it to shows. Go out and find yourself a nice 10+ hp wheel horse as your worker.