520H frame-front end

[zieg72 209]

Been pondering a while at my engineless 520H as to what to do. I mainly like the fact of the easy steering and overall size-ride. After tilling with my other 520H and reading other threads for what I am planning to use this tractor for would better be suited as a non-hydro. What transmissions or whole tractors would be good donor material for an engine/transmission/manual lift? Would a C series be a good candidate? I have more time than money to do this project but my ultimate goal is to have this one used for tilling and snow removal/backup mower and keep my 520H for mowing duty. I could then sell my 269H.

[Bow_Extreme 550]

I've been tilling with my 520H. I've probably tilled roughly 5 acres with it this year so far. It does a good job but I could see where a manual with low gear range would probably work better for tilling. For mowing the hydro is the best!! Rather than transplant which is alays fun to begin with, why don't you pick up a C series manual tractor. They can be had for a good price if you look around long enough. The possibilities of an engineless 520H are good to. Just think, you could drop a diesel in it and have more torque than you'd ever need. This would take time and money just to acquire the parts so I don't think there are very many cheap options unless you have a bone yard out back. I'd search for a 520-8 model, expensive but probably worth it.

[jtmoyer 1]

i picked up a 417-8 to till with over the 520h. the hydro was ok unless i was tilling under grass. the 417 will be my plow tractor also and the 520 the snow blower in the winter and the mower in the summer. you could part out the the 520, 80+for the hydro lift parts and about $250 for the front end. with that you could could find a nice 8 speed.

[rustyoldjunk 127]

i think most any 8 speed should bolt in,just be sure to use one with 1 1/8 inch axles that way you also get the 8 pinion differential.C series or 400 series should be the right one.this is my guess.

[kpinnc 14,603]

It does a good job but I could see where a manual with low gear range would probably work better for tilling.

I dunno Zieg, I think I would prefer hydro. The low range does very well, but if you have a lot of clay, I would say stick with the hydro. Even "low-first" is a bit faster than you'll want in that situation. The tiller does it's job, but leaves the clods a bit big for my tastes. The hydro will move a bit slower at full throttle.

I just started using my tiller on an 8-speed, and I can tell you I will be moving it to a hydro shortly.

Kevin

[zieg72 209]

Thanks for the comments, they are great information.

Is it true that the Hydro uses more HP than the manual? I think I read that somewhere which is why I am leaning that way. I am thinking the simplicity of a single cylinder 16hp, strip the wiring and save it in case my 520 has a problem. I would also put the hydro trans on a shelf just in case. The spring action on the seat which translates into a smooth ride, at least a whole lot better than my 269H is why I am leaning toward the 520 frame. I haven't seen or driven a C series but still may be an option but the gear reduction steering is a must. My shoulders hurt bad after I mow with my 269H but are fine with the 520H.

[kpinnc 14,603]

Is it true that the Hydro uses more HP than the manual?

Without getting into something more technical than I can explain myself out of- I understand that a general rule of thumb on any SINGLE hydrostatic pump is that parasitic drag accounts for about 4 horsepower loss on any engine.

How that compares to a mechanical transmission? I have no idea. But with the size machines we are working with, and the fact you're thinking of using 16hp, I would say you're fine keeping the hydro. Anything short of a 60 inch deck should be no problem whatsoever. After all, you're basically talking about building the equivalent of a C-160 Auto or a 416-H. Both are WAY up on the capability scale.

Just my $.02.

Kevin

[Kelly 1,033]

I'm in lower MI. and have a bunch of C's parts and runners, I could help you find parts, or a tractor, I trade, wheel and deal.

[Bow_Extreme 550]

And if Kelly can't help you first, I will have a C160 ready to go shortly. I'm waiting on parts to get here. I'm also in Southwest Michigan.

[crazy horse 0]

just installed a 16 single on a 520h and it has plenty of power. runs 48 inch deck great.

[zieg72 209]

just installed a 16 single on a 520h and it has plenty of power. runs 48 inch deck great.

Thank you, now I am on the lookout for a good running 16hp single.

[zieg72 209]

Well I added to the stable tonight. I just hauled home a C165. Supposedly just needs a starter, we'll see. It has everything I want to re-power the beast. I will have to get it running first and check out the engine/trans. I am going to do it right if I do, paint everything purty...