MAH 50 #1 Posted March 7, 2015 Yesterday I was plowing my parents driveway during the snow storm. The first time I used my dads 520-hc. It plowed OK but the second round I took the 518h and went much better because the steering wasn't nearly as hard. Tire pressures are about the same on both tractors and neither have weight or chains on the front tires. Both had the same size plow on at the time (we put the blower on the 520 to do the neighborhood). Is this normal for the forward swept axle? I'm pretty sure he keeps the joints well greased. The other thing is at this point neither tractor is charging the battery but when I get some free time I'll have to dig into that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zieg72 209 #2 Posted March 7, 2015 Forward swept axle with non-gear reduction steering the HC's had is more difficult than the standard front axles on the 518 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmsgaffer 2,053 #3 Posted March 7, 2015 Im not entirely sure on those models but I think the heavy duty 520s (HC and all models 91 and up) had wider tires up front too. That will make it harder to steer. As far as battery charging, check the 30A fuse in the fuse block to make sure it is still good and check the block itself for melting or corrosion. Its a common problem on these tractors, you may have to replace the fuse block. If they look fine then the regulator could be bad, These units can be very sensitive to being run without a good battery in them, so if you ever jump started them on a REALLY dead battery there is a decent chance that the regulators are shot. If you have to replace the fuse block. check out Glen Pettit In the vendors section. He makes a nice fuse block cover for these to help keep out dirt and moisture to prevent corrosion. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Theroundhousernr 590 #4 Posted March 7, 2015 A friend of mine with a 520-8 has the same steering setup as the 520HC ( forward swept axle but no gear reduction). He swears up and down it steers much better than a regular C series. He even has a two stage blower hanging off of it. I have not drove it though. His theory with easy steering is because under the spindle , between the spindle and axle, is a bearing and thrust washers. Also the heavier bearing in the wheels like small trailer wheels. Either way , the 520HC should not steer harder. Some times, its old ,old hard grease. Could be a crushed bearing or chewed up thrust washer. I would jack it up and trying steering. Wont tell you much but it could point towards the thrust washer and bearing. Its amazing what pulling apart the front end and cleaning it up with and fresh grease will do to the steering. Kyle Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MAH 50 #5 Posted March 7, 2015 It was a late start to the morning (my son stayed at paps last night) so I went over and worked on the tractors a little. Here's what I found on the charging issues. I checked voltage on the battery terminal of the voltage regulator. I had no voltage and found the 30A fuse blown by the starter solenoid.I also had to jump the starter solenoid to start it. Solenoid was bad. Swapped it with the spare tractor and its all better. As for the 520hc not charging, the stator ohmed out good and the batt terminal on the voltage regulator had 12v. So off to the spare tractor for spare parts and swapped the regulator. Now have too working tractors again. Now off to do a little investigation for the steering this afternoon. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MAH 50 #6 Posted March 7, 2015 It was a late start to the morning (my son stayed at paps last night) so I went over and worked on the tractors a little. Here's what I found on the charging issues. I checked voltage on the battery terminal of the voltage regulator. I had no voltage and found the 30A fuse blown by the starter solenoid.I also had to jump the starter solenoid to start it. Solenoid was bad. Swapped it with the spare tractor and its all better. As for the 520hc not charging, the stator ohmed out good and the batt terminal on the voltage regulator had 12v. So off to the spare tractor for spare parts and swapped the regulator. Now have too working tractors again. Now off to do a little investigation for the steering this afternoon. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MAH 50 #7 Posted March 7, 2015 Pulled the spindles out of the front axle, cleaned and lubricated with new grease. lubed all the joints including the steering gear under the dash. Definitely made a difference and it feels similar to the 518 steering which means you don't need both hands so steer the thing anymore. What I did find though is worn front spindles. Didn't mic the front axle but I would imagine that is worn a little too. Anyone know of a fix? I would assume it would be having the spindles machined down and front axle bored out so it can be sleeved. I have seen an older front end fixed this way but with a brass bushing. I have my doubts about using brass bushings. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmsgaffer 2,053 #8 Posted March 8, 2015 You may be better off posting a wanted ad for a swept front axle in the classifieds. The swept axle may be a little more expensive/harder to find but it will still probably be cheaper than doing all that machining work to it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MAH 50 #9 Posted March 8, 2015 (edited) The front axle isn't that worn yet that something has to be done about it. I wasn't sure if anyone has repaired any before and may have other suggestions. Edited March 8, 2015 by MAH Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cleat 7,249 #10 Posted March 8, 2015 I put brass bushings in my Ford LGT to tighten things up. My old Simplicity came with brass bushings from the factory. Cleat Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Don1977 605 #11 Posted March 8, 2015 If it isn't worn that bad just keep is greased regular. 2 ply tire makes steering harder because they tend to fold up on any large resistance. 4 or 6 ply rated tires will make it easier to steer as they will roll over things that make the 2 plys fold up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
