Wanting to learn about model 520H. Considering purchase.

[mbarb54 8]

I currently own a 1989 310-8 that has served me well for the last 14 years. It has a 10 hp Kohler engine. I've used it for lawn & snow. It's still a good machine, but is showing some wear.

 

Someone locally is selling a 520H with snowthrower, cab and 48" deck.. I thought it might be an opportunity to upgrade to a newer (1996 model) and perhaps better tractor  model. I'm wondering if anyone call tell me anything about the 520H and how it might compare to the 310-8.  For example I've never heard of Onan engines.

 

Any information would be appreciated.

 

Mike

[Tankman 3,523]

I've had a 520-8 for six months or so. Great machine.

Lots of talk 'bout Onan engines but, I haven't experienced any problems other than it is a gas guzzler. Oh well, no big deal just a bigger gas can.

Can't comment on comparisons, I enjoy all my Horses.

Maintenance is the key. :smile:

[546cowboy 302]

As far as the 520 it's self they are one of if not the best of the herd. They do require more attention that other Horses, like doing the maintenance and keeping the engine free of grass clippings. I have owned 5 and still own one. You couldn't find a better machine as long as it is well maintained and has 1000 hrs. or less on the hour meter. Onan engines have been used in generators, welders and many garden tractors for years.

[Red-Bovine 334]

We've had our 520H since 1992 and it has been a real workhorse for us. We have the 48" deck, a grader blade and the 44" two stage snow blower. We did experience valve problems with the Onan and I repaired the valve seats in each cylinder on two occasions. In retrospect, I think more dilligent cleaning on the fan screen and a cooldown after operating on hot days may have helped keep the seats in place. We really like the tractor and have some expensive attachments, so I decided to repower with a Honda GX630 V twin rather than repair the Onan again. When we considered what we could get for the price of doing the conversion, it was a no brainer that we keep the 520H and repower. The conversion was very easy and well worth it. If the price is good, go for the 520H. Even if you need to repower later or repair the Onan, you will still have a great tractor.

 

Red

[Ken B 3,189]

If you have to sell the 310-8 to help offset the cost or make space for the 520 I wouldn't do it. Sooner or later you'll need the backup. Parts and repairs to that Onan are EXPENSIVE.

[Forest Road 594]

The 520h was built to be the best. Unfortunately the Onan won't last as long as your 10hp Kohler.

[leeave96 490]

My vote would be to buy the 520H and keep your 310-8, make room for both.  A two tractor plan (which I had before I went nuts and bought way to many tractors) is a great thing.  With it you get some flexibility/benefits.  First, you get the best of both worlds.  You have a gear drive and a hydro tractor - bases covered.  You can rig the 520H for snow duty and keep the 310-8 to finish out the mowing season or get it started - saves you from having to constantly switch between blade/blower and mowing deck.  You also have some back-up with a two tractor plan - one tractor goes down, you got a back-up ready to go.  With regard to the 520H, you will love it - especially if it has the swept forward axle and steering reduction gears.  The Onan sounds great - some of the crap out, others last a long time.  The good news is - the 520H makes a GREAT foundation for a repower down the road.  This is what I plan on doing with my 520H - if the Onan ever lets go.  Add Matt's foot control kit to your 520H and you have IMHO one of the most comfortable driving tractors ever made.

 

Good luck,

Bill

[Save Old Iron 1,571]

What you are comparing is similar to an analogy of a 4 cylinder pickup truck to a V8 pickup. For light duty, both will perform well and you will benefit from lower maintenance and consistent lower fuel bills on the 4 cylinder. The 4 cylinder will not have the "grunt" of the V8 in hauling heavier loads and will wear out quicker if you constantly ask it to perform at or beyond its limit. You can perform the same work with a 4 as an 8 but you will have to make more trips in the 4.

 

In tractor speak, the 520 will gobble 2 or 3 times the fuel as the 310 when cutting 1 or 2 inches off the top of your lawn. The 310 will struggle more in heavy snow throwing. A 520 will clear your drive in half the time of a 310. The 310 will still have a slight edge on fuel consumption savings. Remember horsepower is a given amount of work over a given amount of time. Half the horsepower still gets the job done only it takes twice the time.

 

In my experience, one consistent hallmark of an Onan user is they seem to always have a backup tractor parked in their garage or have a WH "bubble gum machine" like fleet of tractors out in the barn. When the Onan fails, they just grab the next Onan in the barn and keep working. Not a bad setup if you have the room, desire, and $$$ to maintain multiple tractors. Some folks just want to cut an acre of grass and not start a collection.

 

Also important to consider, when querying members of a tractor collectors site, you might not receive completely unbiased opinions.

 

More and more often, failed Onan engines will be replaced with a Honda or Briggs Vanguard engine. A good choice, but a $1500 to $2000 choice. This trend is the most powerful evidence of the "qualified" love and dedication of the Onan power option. The qualification being "If it runs, I love it. When it dies, it's outta here".

 

I provide help with electrical issues on several forums on the internet. Onan issues are without doubt the most time consuming, most difficult and most expensive issues to resolve. Folks who have access to inexpensive machine shop services, don't mind spending weeks / months searching for used Onan parts, or have room for at least one other tractor to mow or blow while the Onan is being rebuilt, typically think Onans are the cat's meow.

[Wheelhorse84 87]

What he said.

[Shuboxlover 481]

It needs to be mentioned also that the 520's do their other quirks (like electrical issues)  Check the wiring, and if it's still all stock and not cut up, you may have a good one on your hands.  With that said, I have a dozen or so horses and my 520 is my go to machine when something needs done!!!  I love it!!!!  I would not suggest running a 2 stage blower on you 310 (don't even think it could handle it in deep snow) and with the gear reduction steering in the 520 it's almost like you have power steering.