Tractor for plowing/tilling?

[cheesegrader 433]

Now that I have two 520H tractors, what do I need?

A third one!

I thought I would trade implements as I use them, but...

The loader never comes off the new one, and the old one has a 60" deck all summer, and a 2-stage blower/cab all winter.

Neither of these are fun to remove, and I have a fair amount of plowing and grading to do each year.

So I am thinking I need another tractor.  Snowblade in the winter, rear box blade/plow/gravel blade/grader and tiller in the summer.

I think an 8-speed would be better for these tasks, and a 520-8 would be easiest as far as swapping parts, but they are sooo rare.

I've seen a few 416-8's for sale locally, and one 518-8, but they were all really rough, and overpriced.

What would you look for as the best option for a dedicated ground-engaging implement tractor?

 

[Dieselcowboy 210]

I have a C160auto that does a very good job with all the tasks you listed. I have not been able to run it out of power yet. It is just a good heavy weight all around. Plus mine has hyd lift. That is almost a must as s.blowers and tillers are so heavy on the handle.

[Tankman 3,523]

Cheese Head you are showing early symptoms of classic WHA (Wheel Horse Addiction).

 

Why of course you do need a third Stallion. Who doesn't?      

[AMC RULES 37,195]

I read, you could swap an 8 speed rear into one of your 520's.

[cheesegrader 433]

I don't want to swap out my hydro's.  I need them just the way they are!

I like the idea of hydraulic lift, but I think the plowing and grading is awfully hard on the rear end.

Seems that an 8 speed would take the abuse better.

A bigger C series might do, I just don't have any experience with them.

I like the bulk of the D's, but worry about getting parts.

Oh, the addiction is getting BAD!

[JackC 617]

[What would you look for as the best option for a dedicated ground-engaging implement tractor?]

 

For plowing and other ground engagement tasks and for the money you can't beat a D Series.

[leeave96 490]

I don't want to swap out my hydro's.  I need them just the way they are!

I like the idea of hydraulic lift, but I think the plowing and grading is awfully hard on the rear end.

Seems that an 8 speed would take the abuse better.

A bigger C series might do, I just don't have any experience with them.

I like the bulk of the D's, but worry about getting parts.

Oh, the addiction is getting BAD!

 

 

I wouldn't be to feared of damaging a hydro rear end vs a gear drive.  If you get one of the higher end tractors like another 520H, you will have an 8 pinion tranny and I'm pretty sure a 1-1/8 inch axle, coupled to the Eaton 1100.  That's a mighty combo.  The hydro lift will be much appreciated with those heavy implements.  I would put the tranny/axle set-up in my 520H tractors against my fine 314-8 gear drive tranny any day - I consider both designs equal in terms of strength.

 

That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

 

Good luck,

Bill

[bigfkd22 11]

My c160 got away from me (don't ask dang near killed me ) hit my house (brick)and with wheel weights and chains and spun the tires until I got it shut down. I thought it was going to knock the house off the foundation! I plow and till the whole neighborhoods gardens with my c161-h and c160-h. They might not be as tough as 8 speed but there pretty tough. I have a 520xi as well so I think I have something pretty strong to compare too. Also who wants to keep lifting the tiller or plow without hydraulics? I don't mind tilling with the hydro at all. Just my 2 cents.