RedPower47 111 #1 Posted December 26, 2022 What would you guys choose if you had to? 417A or 520H ? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,170 #2 Posted December 26, 2022 My 417A series II is a dedicated mower with a 48"SD. My 520H is a dedicated snow machine with a heated cab and 54" blade. Both are beasts, but Kohler parts are more readily available and less costly than the Onan. If all else is equal and the KT17 is a series II, the 417A would be my choice. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 21,315 #3 Posted December 26, 2022 I prefer the Kohler motor over that Onan 20. Plus all the extra “goodies” on the 520 are just things to fail at some point 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,170 #4 Posted December 26, 2022 My '88 520H does not have the forward swept axle or reduction steering. If you are looking at a '90 or newer 520, it will have the forward swept axle and possible the reduction steering.. This would be a plus if you plan to install a FEL or a two stage blower. And of course the 417 can not run a 60" deck. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,739 #5 Posted December 26, 2022 Series 2 KT17 is an excellent engine more than enough power. The 520 has a whole lot of nonessential electrical gizmos that can fail..just look at the Electrical forum here...520 series are over represented. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,471 #6 Posted December 26, 2022 Another vote for the Kohler. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kennethdizeo 4 #7 Posted December 26, 2022 i have both Tractors 418A with a 17hp Kohler using a 42" Snow blower...have to run it on Max Throttle to operate Auger in full operation ! 520H Onan20hp seems to have increase in power over 418A + the feeling of a Wider Beam on Frame for beef !~ i have not tried the Snow Blower on it...just a 48" Mower Deck which runs excellent with this Tractor ! in closing the 418A is a bit under powered for a Snow Auger Blower ! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Horse Newbie 7,069 #8 Posted December 26, 2022 I say the 520H… all those electrical components are nice to have to keep you aware of how your machine is performing… sorta like instruments in an airplane ✈️ 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
c-series don 8,705 #9 Posted December 26, 2022 (edited) I’ve had a 44” two stage blower on my 417-A for over ten years. Some of the storms we’ve had dumped anywhere from 20”-30” of snow. The series two 17 hp has been nothing but impressive! If the moisture content of the snow is right this thing will throw snow to the phone wires!! Edited December 26, 2022 by c-series don 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blasterdad 2,692 #10 Posted December 26, 2022 6 hours ago, RedPower47 said: What would you guys choose if you had to? 417A or 520H ? I did have to choose... I chose both. I like my Kohler's though, so 417A. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
horseyheaven 112 #11 Posted December 27, 2022 My vote is for the 520. Those Onans are awful impressive for power and torque. I also have a 417A and I like it. The Onan just has more grunt. I do like the sound of both though. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
