Which One Would You Keep

[richmondred01 2,307]

I’m at crossroad now and I need to choose between selling my 520-8 or 160-8.

Both have been taken down to the frame and restored. The 160 engine has been rebuilt and the 520 has had a valve job, decarbed and had the wiring updated with the 9 pin connector upgraded and replaced. The 520 has a wheel horse electric lift.

Both are outstanding tractors.

The 520 has been power coated. Both have rear Clevis hitch’s and new tires. 
Which one would you keep?
 

[Rob R 977]

Which ever one is you "go to" reliable Tractor otherwise you will regret it. Ask me how I know...….

[Skwerl58 766]

A tough decision!!! Both of them are really nice and different era tractors.  I would keep the 520 due to it having the electric lift and it is what I would like to have if I did not have my 414-8. 

[ebinmaine 73,010]

That's a tough catch....

 

520 - 8 with a forward-leaning front axle and electric lift....

 

Most of you are well aware of my liking for the B and C series but I probably would have to lean towards the 520 if it was going to be a worker.

[The Tuul Crib 7,339]

Im a single cylinder man so that would be an easy choice for me.

[roadapples 6,983]

520 if you need a 60" deck or 2 stage blower. Otherwise I'm partial to the 160

[Terry M-(Moderator) 2,251]

The C-160 would be my choice as I like the older stuff..

[clueless 3,263]

I think in the long run you will be happier with the 520. So how much for the 160? 

[tom2p 2,394]

it is my duty as a member of this forum to encourage you to keep both 

 

consider it your civic / red square duty ... good for red square and good for the country ... lol

 

 

[Lee1977 7,226]

A good C-160 is going to be harder to replace.  

[squonk 43,944]

C-160 and don't look back

[tom2p 2,394]

 

have not used ether machine - but my guesses :

durability and maintainability - the C-160 wins 

 

performance and comfort - the 520 wins 

 

how many hours on the 520 ?  if the 520 has high hours this would tilt the scale more in favor of the C-160 

 

[River19 87]

First, they are both lookers........really nice restorations.  Second, the comment of "go to" tractor resonated with me as making sense.  That being said, I would keep the 520.

 

If the 160 was hydro I would probably say that one, but that is what I have so I am partial.  That long ass manual lift lever reminds me too much of our old 1968 Raider 8 (I think it was a Raider....).......it gives me flash backs to when I was a kid.......but that could also just be my own issue and I need to spend some couch time with a licensed professional.....but I digress....

 

520....

Edited April 2, 2020 by River19

[rayshorses 102]

I would keep the 160. It has plenty of power, Its easier to work on and its bullet proof.I have to admit that the 160 is from my favorite era of wheelhorses . 

[Stepney 2,354]

Keep'em both!
 

..Just park the 520 in my garage .. if thats OK ..

Hahaha

 

Personally I'd keep the C160 from a point of operation. Unless you run a 60" mower, IMHO, there is little difference.

[JCM 10,251]

Very tough decision and I am glad I don't have to make it. Both great tractors and the 520 is somewhat rare with the 8  speed. I had 2   520's and sold a 1993 hydro, bad move, always regretted that but a separation and divorce was the reason. Really nice with the electric lift though, you may have to flip a coin, that 160 is pretty sweet.

[tom2p 2,394]

2 hours ago, Lee1977 said:

A good C-160 is going to be harder to replace.  

520-8 might be just as difficult or more 

 

not positive - but I believe 520-8 only made one or two years and in fairly limited quantity 

 

 

[Ed Kennell 42,192]

All my tractors are hydros with hyd. lifts.    I could never go back to a manual lift.      So, given those two choices,  I would keep the electric lift.

Is it possible to put the lift on the C-160?

[JCM 10,251]

@tom2p        I'm  thinking 520-8 just one year 1990.  Would love to try one of those out. I really do like 8 speeds but once you blow a lot of snow with a hydro,  there's no looking back. I'v heard 225 built but that may be a myth.

[JoeM 8,443]

WOW! a ton of work in those machines, to much to let go. If it was me...... I would get rid of the wife's car and keep them both! 

 

[ZXT 2,401]

Is it bad that I decided "BOTH!" before I ever clicked on the link to see what they were?

[Tractorhead 9,212]

That is a real hard choice, no doubt about it.

 

Both are beauty‘s and both have their pro‘s and con‘s.

As long as it not be a must, i would keep em both,

but if i must take that decision i‘m not sure but i would keep the 160.

 

But i would have a real hard fight with myself to let one go.

[WVHillbilly520H 10,376]

520-8 , Onan power when you need it forward swept axle and the pure rarity... So yeah 520-8.

[clueless 3,263]

16 minutes ago, WVHillbilly520H said:

520-8 , Onan power when you need it forward swept axle and the pure rarity... So yeah 520-8.

so how much for the C160??

[c-series don 10,154]

3 hours ago, JCM said:

@tom2p        I'm  thinking 520-8 just one year 1990.  Would love to try one of those out. I really do like 8 speeds but once you blow a lot of snow with a hydro,  there's no looking back. I'v heard 225 built but that may be a myth.

To the best of my knowledge there were only 225 520 8 speeds built. I’m a C-Series guy though and though but that 520-8 is one bad ass tractor especially with electric lift. You probably won’t find a better tractor for rototilling. I’m thinking it’s easier to come across a C-160 than a 520-8? So I’d keep the 520. Actually I keep both!😂