520Lxi comparison requested

[Mark Saracino 5]

I own a 1998 Toro-Wheelhorse 520Lxi and would like to ask what would be a comparable tractor sold today and for how much? 

Mine is 44” cut, 20hp, automatic transmission, steering AND deck elevator.  A wider cut than the current 44" cut and 20 hp would not be necessary as I cut one acre and the variations in the grave would irritate the edges of the deck. The hydraulic deck elevation is important beause my lawn has lots of stones and power steering is necessary due to the tricky grade, garden areas and trees on a slope. Likewise, with all the stones and grade imperfections, I need more of a deck lift height maximum than most.  I do not use attachments, but pull a cart trailer and broadcast spreader infrequently.

 

I bought mine for $2400.00 with 178 hours 10/2013 so it is getting old and beat-up from the property.  Here is a ink to its specs: http://www.tractordata.com/lawn-tractors/001/2/9/1294-toro-520lxi.html  Its original selling price was $9k, but prices have dropped considerably. I want to be best prepared for the purchase of a new one if necessary.  Your collective expertise and guidance would be appreciated.

Ciao, Mark Saracino

Edited June 13, 2021 by Mark Saracino
i erroneousyl left out the link for its specs

[JoeM 8,283]

Mark from what I know, when power steering comes in to play on the newer machines, the price and size goes up. Kubota GR2020, 9K, but is very nimble and sweet on the grades and hills. John Deere x534, about a third cheaper but 2 wheel drive, also nimble. 

I have a GR and had a X324, my son uses the x324 now and I still cut the grass with the GR. I do have a worker 522xi and it is great. I alternate just to run the xi some. 

I do see decent xi machines around for less than $1500. Might just want to keep an eye out on marketplace or CL for another good toro 522xi or 520Lxi.?????

[Pullstart 66,596]

Hi Mark,

 

what is it about your LXi that is becoming beat up?  These garden tractors are tough and just need a little love here and there.

 

on my Xi, I recently discovered ho bad the front axle pivot pin was.  That is about the only thing I’m aware of that is under built on the Xi series...

 

 

[Maxwell-8 4,367]

@Mark Saracino  How many houres does yours have? 

 

 

Do you have any Pics?

[Mark Saracino 5]

Thank you, Gentlemen.

 

JoeM - didn't know that 4WDs were available, and your recommendation for the Kubota GR2020 is good.  4WD would do well on my property.  A few years ago I had the electric system replaced for $800, then three years ago the steering arms, because I hit a rock.  My hope is that the three cracks on the deck will not cost too much.  I really like to keep everything I own until well past its expected life-expectancy from cars, to clothing to equipment in the office, etc. I believe that folks in this forum believe the same. As an example, I drive my used cars to over 200 miles.  The problem is, each time I tell myself that 'I will not do that again' and consider unloading the vehicle at 150k, I falter and keep them until the repairs cost more than the car!

 

pullstart - thanks for the encouragement and video link.  Yes, the machines are very well built as attested to by how easy it is to remove the deck.  I fear that the costs of repair may start to become prohibitive.  I appreciated your encouragement to keep 'the beast'.  Possibly, the hesitation of my repair shop is making me apprehensive.  I may consider an authorized Toro repair shop, because it has access to the parts.  LIkewise, there are so may online parts stores, practically one can find almost anything - except a 2013 BMW 550i (F10) manual transmission car.  I was a manual driver for over three decades.

 

Maxwell-8 - Thank you, Sir. The machine has 402 hours on it.  Is this low for its 23 years of which I have owned it for 15 years?  

Edited June 13, 2021 by Mark Saracino
great niece Khaleesi loves it

[bds1984 1,497]

A little maintenance can go a long way on these machines, but, if I were in the market for a new rig, I'd probably be looking at a Simplicity.  They can be had with power steering and 4WD if willing to pony up the $$$ for it.

[Pullstart 66,596]

If you were looking to find some new stuff for your machine, next week there happens to be the best Wheel Horse show ever not too far from you.  The Big Show in Biglerville / Arendtsville at the South Mountain Fairgrounds will attract folks from all over.  Hope to see you there!

 

[Maxwell-8 4,367]

13 hours ago, Mark Saracino said:

Is this low for its 23 years of which I have owned it for 15 years?  

Nice tractor, yes that is low, have seen A Wheel Horse 312-8 about that age with 5000 hours on it.

 

Did the 550i came with a 6 speed manual????  Only know of an automatic

Edited June 14, 2021 by Maxwell-8

[Pullstart 66,596]

54 minutes ago, Maxwell-8 said:

Nice tractor, yes that is low, have seen A Wheel Horse 312-8 about that age with 5000 hours on it.

 

Did the 550i came with a 6 speed manual????  Only know of an automatic

the Xi series all had Eaton hydro transmissions in them.  The engine is mounted 90 degrees from what we’re mostly used to with the PTO on the front and a driveshaft driven off the flywheel side on the back.

[Mark Saracino 5]

bds1984 - thank you for the suggestion

pullstart - thank you for the show suggestion and it sounds like you really know the engineering behind the drivetrain on my tractor

Maxwell-8 - yes my 550i came with a manual and 2013 were the last year for manuals except the the 2 and 4-series cars.

[shallowwatersailor 3,214]

Before I bought my first 5xi, I had a serious discussion with a Kubota dealer. We had just moved to our house in Maryland and I had purchased my Stihl products from him. At the time I was still cutting the lawn with a push mower. I asked about the GR-series Kubota. For close to the same price I could have purchased a new BX1860. The drive on the GR-series is the problem as it is a bit complicated. Read the Kubota forums and the issues involved. 

 

If buying new and replacing a 520Lxi I would look at: Kubota BX1880, Mahindra e-Max, or possible a TYM Series 1. Dimensions of these three are very close to the 5xi .This is coming from a former owner of a 518xi, 520xi, and 523Dxi.

 

If buying used I would look for the 522xi that has hydraulic steering. The JD X500 sells mainly on the JD name and Simplicity is not what it once was after B&S bought it.

[peter lena 9,231]

@MARK SARACINO, nice job on that , might suggest using LUCAS EXTRA HEAVY DUTY . POLYUREA GREASE IN THAT ENTIRE FRONT END AREA. WALMART , $ 5 ,  really fail proof stuff ,  your work will really firm up that flex point , good job , pete

[Mark Saracino 5]

shallowwatersailor - thank you, as noted

peter lena - good suggestion, Sir

[WheelhorseBob 1,550]

402 hours. Congratulations you’ve gotten past the break in period. This is not equatable to a car with 150,000 miles. More like 25,000. Ok all that said with only one acre I’d look for a newer 314-414-416 with a 42-48” deck. Can’t go wrong with a classic. Btw you don’t need a tractor, unless of course you want one in which case I’d look at a kubota, Kioti, or Mahindra. 

[Mark Saracino 5]

...it was like music to the ears, WheelhorseBob!  Thank you for the comparison.  I'll keep this beast until I die or it runs me over.  Ciao.

[Mark Saracino 5]

Gentlemen,

Thank you for your input and encouragement.  The four cracks in the deck were weld-repaired for $175, which was less than I thought the fee would be.

Hearing from you owners that the tractor is durable and of high quality has encouraged me to drive it easier and maintaining a long-term approach with repairs.

When my repair man, whom I respect much, said that if I buy a new machine, it, too, would have it front-of-deck would get beaten-up just like the current machine.

I'll keep "The Beast" for as long as I can.

This forum was very helpful and appreciated.

Ciao