bluetuna08 0 #1 Posted September 18, 2008 I am looking at a 520H in rough shape. it has 4 flats, missing battery and throttle cable and the front chrome hub caps are gone but the rears are still there. it has a side discharge mower deck that does not fit right due to the wide rear tires. it has been out behind a place for 4 years. the long dollar is 600 bucks. it is the model with the heavy duty front axle that is swept forward. please let me know what you all think because I value your honest opinions. thanks, Matt Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kj4kicks 154 #2 Posted September 18, 2008 Hi Matt, it's really hard to tell without pics. Also some models had the swept axle, but not the gear reduction steering. Any idea what year it is? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,033 #3 Posted September 18, 2008 With out seeing it, this is just my opinion, but for that kind of money it would have to run, and run pretty good, and maybe even mow, parted out it could bring that kind of money. My uncle bought one earlier this year running and mowing in pretty fair shape, and he only paid $375 but it is older with out the forward swept axle, I bought one with a bad motor, for the front axle and paid $150. It should have a hour meter on it, check that too, If it was me I'd pass, but that is me, maybe offer less, try to hear it run, or just walk away, and come back some other day. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MaineDad 87 #4 Posted September 18, 2008 Matt, The 520H is a great tractor. But I would be very concerned about the one you are looking at if it's been mistreated. Does it run at all? Will the owner let you drain the engine oil to see what it looks like? Those Onan engines are real tough, but getting harder to find parts for and kind of expensive to fix. If the transmission is good and the engine runs, then $600 may be fair but I would offer less. If the engine does not run and the tranny is bad then I would recommend to stay away. Let us know what you do... Micah Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 14,642 #5 Posted September 18, 2008 Matt, as much as I like a 520, I don't think anyone should throw out a price for you without some pictures. Also, one thing to as the owner is how the engine ran before parking it, etc... Heck, I would ask if I could try and start it with a new battery before agreeing to buy it. Onan engines are nice, but expensive to repair. You've also got the question of the condition of the hydrostatic tranny to check out. You'll have to forgive me- Because I am CHEAP. If I was gonna drop $600 on a tractor, even a 520, I would find out as much as I could before doing so. I've taken a portable air tank and a fully charged battery to several "horse hunts", just so I could pull the tractor out in the open and get a good idea of it's condition. If I looked at an old round hood that I could turn the engine by hand, I'm good with that. But a 520H is a much more complicated machine... Don't get me wrong, a functional 520 is easily worth that kind of money, even if the tractor looks rough. The rear wheels and front axle components are probably worth a couple hundred on Ebay if they're in good shape. But I'd make sure the engine turns over at least, with no funny noises before I'd go that high. Just my $.02... Kevin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tookies 0 #6 Posted September 20, 2008 For comparison, I picked up a 520HC with the deck, in good condition (normal wear n tear for a 20 year old tractor) for $650. The tires arent exactly cheap, and if its been exposed to weather out behind a place electrical problems could be a nightmare........$300....tops. And it still may be a dud. my $.02 cents to...... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bluetuna08 0 #7 Posted October 1, 2008 I bought it! I am not sure if it was a good buy or not but I really wanted it and I like a bit of a project anyway. I am picking it up thursday and will probobly have it running by maybe the weekend depending on how much begging for forgivness I have to do with the wife. I will have pictures thursday night I hope. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
T-Mo-(Moderator) 4,606 #8 Posted October 1, 2008 Congratulations on your purchase. As for it being a good deal, only you can be the judge of that, especially since you stated you really wanted it. I can't wait for the pictures. :banghead: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bluetuna08 0 #9 Posted October 3, 2008 well its the 520 is home and parked next to the 312-8. I am surprised at the difference in size between the 520 and 312. I guess I thought that they were the same frame just that the 520 had a bigger engine. after getting it home I put a battery in and it would not turn over. the engine is not siezed and all the grounds are good. maybe the problem is in the switch...I actually dont like electrical problems. on the newer horses its hard to isolate the problem. are there wiring diagrams available for the 520? I will post some pictures later I hope...I just need to download them onto the laptop. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bluetuna08 0 #10 Posted October 3, 2008 I forgot to add that it actually needs less than I thought. it only has one flat (the other three held air) the flat one is slashed so I will need a replacement tire. since I am buying one tire I think I will just buy 2 ags. what size ags are people running on 520's? and I will get the ags calcium weighted too so I can keep the way cool hubcaps :banghead: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bluetuna08 0 #11 Posted October 3, 2008 heres the beast in the stable! Attached Image Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Duff 206 #12 Posted October 3, 2008 Congrats on your new machine, Matt! One thing - about loading the tires - there's quite a discussion in one of the past threads here you may want to look at before tucking the calcium to it. As I recall, the stuff can do nasty things to your wheels. There are other more gentle liquids you can use and still keep those hubcaps! Cheers! Duff :banghead: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Raider12 13 #13 Posted October 3, 2008 since I am buying one tire I think I will just buy 2 ags. what size ags are people running on 520's? These normaly have a 23x10.5x12 tire on the rear. I too have recently purchased a 520 that had been left to sit out side and needs a little luv. All of my tire have a lot dry rot. So since Im buying all 4 tires. Im looking to move to a taller tire. Maybe even a 25x10.5x12. But even though there are a lot of choices for tire types, there is not as large of choice for size. I found a nice tread pattern in a 24x10.5x12. As far as you getting a "Deal" or not. If it's want you want, then you did just fine. Looks like you and I both will be restoring our 520 over this winter! Denver Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
