Fair value 520H, 60" deck, plow, and snow blower

[lodestonefarm 41]

I'm slowly approaching the conclusion that my WH520-H isn't the best machine for my needs.  I'm considering selling it and getting a zero turn.  I've used this tractor, with middling results, to clear snow and mow.  For my property, it's actually better at moving snow then mowing grass.  My yard is lumpy (mostly roots) and getting larger (probably nearing an acre now).  It has a fence to mow along (2-strand electric), several garden beds to mow around, and 15-20 trees, with more fruit trees and blueberry bushes on the way.  There aren't really any big open or long sections that allow the large deck to shine but it does ok.  The real issues are 1) it's slow; 2) I can't get the deck high enough to easily avoid roots- which means lots of backing up and turning which leads back into problem 1.  I'm not looking for golf-course quality cut.  In some areas a brush hog would be fine, but the tractor is too large and heavy to be practical.  

 

For snow removal, I've only ever used the push blade.  I bought a really clean blower last season and it's worked great.  Hasn't snowed since I bought it.  The plow does ok on my 600'+ driveway as long as the accumulation is under about 10" but it can take a while.  I think a faster ground speed would actually improve its performance, allowing it to 'toss' snow a bit further and decrease time.  Generally, my drive isn't narrow, but I've got a section where there isn't much room to store snow.  That, and we can get snow in December that will still be in piles come March, is why I got the blower.  I also do my parents drive which is about 1/3 mile up the road but not as much surface area as mine.  The commute time is kinda a pain in winter.  

 

All this is to explain that I'm conflicted.  I like the WH.  It's been a good machine, runs great, plenty of power, starts right up in winter, but it isn't so good at what it does that I can't get rid of it.  There's another issue.  I'm the only one willing to operate it.  Kids are reaching chore age in the next few years and would like them to take over the lawn.  Some difficulty Steering, lack of belt guards, hand/pedal manipulation, etc aren't the easiest or most intuitive to use, even for my DW.    

 

I'd also like to mow some additional areas on the property only a couple times a year almost brush hog it really.  The low deck height makes this a non-starter.   

 

One obvious issue is how to replace the snow moving capabilities.  I came a across a Woods Mow'n Machine that has deck, blower, blade, and cab.  Seller is asking $4500.  I'm trying to figure out how much of that I could offset with the sale of my WH and attachments.   

 

I know you'll be asking for pictures.  I'll try to get some.  In the meantime, here's my text version:

tractor: 1995 520-H better than expected shape for its age (missing bezel around one light, ding in the front sheet metal, faded paint on the top of the hood), runs very strong, starts right up, < 700 hours

snowblower: single stage nearly brand new.  no rust, no dings, everything in perfect working order

48" plow: used, functional does NOT have the extension kit

60" deck: good shape for it's age.  No holes, newish belt, heavy as all get out.  missing belt guards on side spindles.  

 

What's a fair price/what could I expect to sell it for (say within 3 weeks)?  

 

Thanks for any/all opinions/suggestions.  

[ericj 1,579]

I've always said that if you want to sell something for full value it will take a while, but if you want to sell it fast , then you have to make it low enough to make it a good deal for somebody else to take a chance on it, or good enough deal that they will jump quickly. With out pictures it's hard to say for sure. but here my  tractor and deck $ 800 to $ 1500.00 + or - on top end a little. snow plow WITHOUT extension kit $ 100.00 or just slightly more. they are a dime a dozen around my area. the snow blower you don't say weather it is a tall shoot or short shoot and that makes a big difference $ 100.00 short shoot up to maybe $ 400.00 for tall shoot. I maybe a little on the low side, but like I said if you want to sell with in 3 weeks you need to make a deal worth someone to open their wallet for. if you don't have to sell in 3 weeks you can ask a higher price and sit back and wait for a good offer. good luck

 

 

 

eric j

 

[cheesegrader 433]

The last rig that I bought was a '95 520 with 350hrs, a two stage thrower, 60" deck and a tiller for $1700.  Also got a spring tine, a single bottom plow, weights and chains.

I think it was a great deal.  The tractor had electrical issues, a bad throttle cable and a carb full of crud, but they all got resolved for less than $100.

There are two high hour (1000+)520's with single stage throwers and 48"decks for sale in my area at $1500.  Both have been available for over a month.

 

[lodestonefarm 41]

@ericj and cheesegrader-

 

Thanks for your comments.  I know I promised pictures.  I've been at work all weekend so I haven't had time to get some pictures up.  The snow thrower is a tall chute and in excellent condition.  I agree with cheesgrader, sounds like you got an excellent deal especially if most of it was in good+ shape.  There's a 520 on my local craigslist for $3500 which seems awfully high to me.  I suppose that should make it easy for mine to look like a bargin ; )

 

I've been thinking about this more.  I'm just not sure if I can get both snow removal and lawn mowing taken care of better than I already do if I sold this stuff and bought something else.  I'm not really in a position to put more money into this problem.  I really just need decent mowing and decent snow removal.  Sure I'd like to speed things up but that's a luxury I don't really have.  The way I see it I've got 3 options:

1.  keep what I've got with no change in results.

2.  sell what I've got and put that money into a zero turn mower (this would speed up mowing and deal with my lumpy yard better) and buy a back blade for my compact tractor

3.  make a few changes to what I've got to get better results.  

 

Option 2 would probably work.  I've got an old 24HP diesel 4x4 tractor that could move snow if I had a back blade but it can be difficult to start in the winter and I don't have chains for it.  

 

Option 3.  What about selling just the 60" deck and replacing it with a 48" rear discharge and the front mount carrier?  Would this allow me to raise the deck a bit more?  This probably wouldn't speed up my mowing time but maybe I could get the deck and caddy for the same price I could sell my deck.  

 

Any thoughts?  Maybe I should start a different thread for that?