Challenger 27 #26 Posted August 3, 2013 (edited) I think that Kawasaki FD 620D engines up to serial# 150198 may have the cam gear concern. Some sources suggest that Kawasaki hit this serial number some time in 1998, therefore later engines have the better cam gear. Additionally, some sources state that the FD 620D engines were built in BOTH 18hp and 20hp configurations. (I don't know that as fact, I've just read other posts on other forums that suggest this. You'll need to do some homework to better establish facts). Edited August 3, 2013 by Challenger Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vic3500 0 #27 Posted August 3, 2013 Thx Challenger. I didnt realize that. I guess given the whole situation, I maybe better hold off for a bit. I'm away on holidays for a week or so after tomorrow, I think maybe I better hold off and maybe research that engine a bit . I'll try to stop by tomorrow and get the serial off the engine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Challenger 27 #28 Posted August 3, 2013 May I suggest you also get the serial number off the tractor itself. You'll find it below the seat, just flip the seat forward. With the tractor serial number we can determine when the machine was built. (However tractor assembly dates and engine manufacturing dates will not be the same of course.) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RMCIII 838 #29 Posted August 3, 2013 If you are still unsure of the price, value, ect... Check out TractorHouse. They currently do not have any xi tractors, but they do have 8 New Holland GT's for sale. Most are priced more than what the dealer by you is asking. None have the rear bagger. The only difficult parts to come by are not actually parts, but the attachments. Everything else I've been able to find and since the New Holland uses similar parts, that becomes another source if you have a dealer by you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vic3500 0 #30 Posted August 3, 2013 Yes it's true the price is not too far off for what i get. I didnt get a chance to get out the dealer today to get serial and engine number. I'm a bit concerned about the cam issue now. Unfortunately, ive also run out of time as I'm away for a week on family holiday first thing in the am. Thanks to all for the helpful advice. I'll be revisiting the issue when i return. Now with a serial number, will someone in the forum be able to answer the cam issue? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Challenger 27 #31 Posted August 3, 2013 Yes, I think we can get that nailed down with the engine serial number. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigfkd22 11 #32 Posted August 4, 2013 I have a gt235 and that is what I use to mow with. I love it. It has the vanguard engine no hydro lift but that's ok with me. I use my wheel horses for plowing, blowing, tilling etc. The twin touch is hard to beat and no the foot control on the xi is not as good IMHO.. I picked mine up for 1250 2 years ago so u might find a better deal on one. Having said that I am in full pursuit of a 522 xi or 520lxi! My biggest concern for you is that is "only" a mower and attachments are going to be nearly impossible to find out there. It's hard to wait I know! If it were me and I was spending that kind of cash on a mower. I would pick up jd 455 diesel or a zero turn. I guess now the stoning can begin. Sorry Good luck!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vic3500 0 #33 Posted August 4, 2013 I have a gt235 and that is what I use to mow with. I love it. It has the vanguard engine no hydro lift but that's ok with me. I use my wheel horses for plowing, blowing, tilling etc. The twin touch is hard to beat and no the foot control on the xi is not as good IMHO.. I picked mine up for 1250 2 years ago so u might find a better deal on one. Having said that I am in full pursuit of a 522 xi or 520lxi! My biggest concern for you is that is "only" a mower and attachments are going to be nearly impossible to find out there. It's hard to wait I know! If it were me and I was spending that kind of cash on a mower. I would pick up jd 455 diesel or a zero turn. I guess now the stoning can begin. Sorry Good luck!!! lol I get where your are coming from. BTW the GT235 i mentioned above, at the same dealer has the Briggs, if i recall correctly. Not a bad looking machine, but no hour meter. With regards to the "only a mower" i believe you are correct. If I can't even find one other Wheel Horse GT in my area, I'm not likely to find too many used attachments. That being said. I love the solid build of this machine. The ground engaging tranny is important to me because I have some steep hills, and I'd like to maybe pull a heavier that utility cart type trailer. I'm fortunate enough to have a skid steer with a couple decent attachments to handle my heavier dirt work. Some of my property is pretty rough and rocky, and the deck height and seemingly more "limited" adjustability of the deck is also a concern. I like the Deere brand, and previously had an X300 that sadly had the K46 trans. I felt it was a ticking time bomb for the steep terrain i was dealing with, so I sold it, even though it had no problems. Steep / rough terrain is also why I've excluded the zero turns from my search. If I could find a decent, low hour Deere with a K71 or stonger tranny at a good price in my area, I would seriously consider it. Even then, when you compare the 520lxi weight against almost any Deere GT, they seem light. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RMCIII 838 #34 Posted August 4, 2013 Steep terrain??? How steep? Reason I ask is there is 1 MAJOR downfall to the xi line.. No locking diff. So if it is a little slippery in the morning, along with steepness, plus the added no locking diff.. You may find you are spinning a lot. That being said, I run with my wheel weights all the time, solved the issues of the wheel spin. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vic3500 0 #35 Posted August 4, 2013 It's steep enough to worry me transmission wise, but my x300 and a Craftsmn GT i tried have both made it up. I mow mostly when it's dry. haven't missed the diff lock yet. Thx Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leeave96 490 #36 Posted August 5, 2013 FWIW, I've been running ag tires and wheel weights on my Wheelhorse tractors for years and working some unreasonable hilly areas. Tractors go like Jeeps. Never really had a need for a dif lock, but would like to have one, just 'cause... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forest Road 594 #37 Posted August 5, 2013 I have a 522xi, Kohler powered, with a factory loader and weight kit. Adds about another 800lbs to the tractor. I bought it with 1000 hours from a local dealer. They gave me a 30 day warranty with it. They spent 2 - 3 hours with me making adjustments and checking it out. I got it home and removed the sheet metal. I found all the pedal linkage to be loose. As well as all the steering linkage. A couple more hours with the wrenches and some locktite and its all good. The hydro is strong. Motor runs great. For what I paid I have ZERO complaints! But I did have some reassurance from the dealer. I wouldn't have made the purchase without it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
