welderman85 53 #1 Posted October 21, 2013 Hi all I'm trying to figure out what to do for this winter I want to put a blower on a tractor but can't figure out witch one I have a 520h with a bad onan and a c-85 I also have a 14hp vangaurd twin to install in either tractor the c-85 would get electric lift to help with the blower. What one is a better blower tractor also if I just the the 8 horse in the c85 what can and lower horse power tractor like this handle like deck size,plowing I haven't ran it yet but was told it runs good. Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zanepetty 117 #2 Posted October 21, 2013 The 8 HP tractors are surprisingly stout. My friend has one with a k181 Kohler. I have a 7 HP and it also surprised me when I got it. I have a dozer blade/snow plow on it and I have graded my driveway ,(steep) , and it never bogs even in high gear. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 23,166 #3 Posted October 21, 2013 I think 8hp is a bit to small for effective and efficient snow removal with a blower attachment. Its a great snowplow machine tho. Get the Onan fixed or repower the 520 with the Vanguard, you'll have hydraulic as well if you go this route. Mike........... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cdsl810 181 #4 Posted October 21, 2013 I'm running the 520-H with a snow blower to make use of the available torque of the 20hp Onan with the hydro lift as a bonus. My 310-8 is going to be wearing a plow. It's much easier to lift a blade by hand vs. the blower, and the 10hp Kohler is more than capable of pushing a blade. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zanepetty 117 #5 Posted October 21, 2013 Sounds like a plan! :) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WH nut 553 #6 Posted October 21, 2013 Go ahead and put it on the 8hp, it will surprise you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
608KEB 796 #7 Posted October 21, 2013 With a 8 speed in low, That C-85 should handle a blizzard no problem. But if you where in a hurry to clear the driveway the 520H would be the ticket. I have a 75 B-80 that I use to plow. If it had the 8 speed transmission I wouldn't be afraid to put a 37" snowblower on it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,033 #8 Posted October 22, 2013 I love my 520 for the ease of lifting the blower, speed control of the hydro, and the power to spare, not saying the little 8hp can't do it, but I used a blower on a C-121 8 speed, and lifting the blower was work even with a lift spring, (electric lifts are slow) and all the clutching and shifting, if you run in to deeper snow you need to shift gears so you don't over load the blower, but with a hydro you just let up on the motion control till you can mover faster. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dbartlett1958 99 #9 Posted October 22, 2013 Blowers and Hydro's, a wonderful combination! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
welderman85 53 #10 Posted October 23, 2013 Is it stupid to repower a 520 with a 14 horse v twin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leeave96 490 #11 Posted October 23, 2013 Is it stupid to repower a 520 with a 14 horse v twin Absolutely not! I repowered a Simplicity from an 18 HP twin to a 14 HP twin - both are Vanguards. If you got the 14 HP engine - use it and don't look back. Good luck, Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
boovuc 1,090 #12 Posted October 23, 2013 Agreed! In almost all applications of your tractor, you will rarely need all 20 rated HP of that original motor. Even a 2-stage blower can be handled by a 14 horse motor. Once you have it repowered, you can delve into the issue with the Onan and you don't skip a beat with a tractor being down during the winter months. I would love to have a "good" Vanguard Twin to repower my C-175. Time allowed, I'll put my spare K301 in that C-175 and not worry about it "not being original" or being "under-powered". The bottom line is.........your tractor is 100% operational. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
