3Horses 10 #1 Posted August 6, 2017 Has anybody heard of a 520 HD.??? It's suppose to be the commercial series.? I have an opportunity to buy one for $700. Any advice or opinions.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,147 #2 Posted August 7, 2017 520-HC maybe...yes, you are correct. Marketed as a commercial model with less electrical bells&whistles. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cafoose 3,392 #3 Posted August 7, 2017 Here's mine 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EricF 589 #4 Posted August 7, 2017 520HC's are less common than 520H's, if that matters to you. They're said to be geared to run a little faster than a regular 520H. They will always have the forward-swept front axle (which eventually was applied to all 520s in later years) so that they can run the 60" deck. (FYI; the forward-swept axle also makes fitting the plow blade more challenging-- it requires the lengthened frame to accommodate the forward-swept axle, so just any old front blade won't fit.) Inspect the frame carefully for cracks in the middle, around the pivot for the lift arm. If this tractor ever ran the heavy 60" deck, cracking in that area is a known problem. A welder can repair and reinforce it there, so it's not a showstopper, but it's something to be aware of and look for. 48" decks won't overstress the frame. All 520 models should have the reinforcement plate which prevents cracks where the frame and transaxle meet -- so that's not likely to be a problem area on 520s. Although the HC is a slightly "simplified" 520 (fewer gauges), it can still be subject to the same electrical gremlins as any other because it has the same safety switches as any 520. It uses the same 20-horse Onan engine and Eaton 1100 hydro unit, so service issues are no different and well-documented in the forums -- there shouldn't be any surprises. Just be aware that it might need some attention given to the wiring and try to see if the engine has been kept clean enough -- grass packed into the cooling fins can indicate potential heat-related issues with the Onan. Give it a good inspection -- look for the possible frame cracking at the lift pivot, look for messed-up or damaged wiring, check the overall condition of the engine and hydro unit. Test the hydraulic lift if you can, and look for leaks. (But a bunch of oil and grime on top of the transaxle and hydro unit doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem -- they tend to accumulate spilled oil because they're not easy to fill through the dipstick tube.) A loose hydro motion lever that won't stay where you set it isn't a big deal -- usually the friction bolt under the seat just needs to be tightened. Unless it's been beaten to death, any problems you find are generally fixable and just worth negotiating over for the final price. Go in informed, but unless you spot something that really turns you off, go for it! 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
