1991 520-H plow rig

[JCM 9,130]

Been a long time coming to have the 520 set up for plowing somewhere in the time frame of 20 years. I bought this plow new in 1990 one year after the 89  312-8 was purchased and used it for a couple of years plowing the driveway. Back then I had no idea that the 520 required a front extension kit so the front tires would clear the blade when angled. Only used it twice and decided to buy a 44'' two stage and set that up on the 520 instead. I was able to locate an Original Cab Co hardtop soft cab,and misc parts pile, basically all new , slightly used. In that pile was brackets etc of which the seller and I had no idea what their purpose was. Those were in the garage of a new house he bought and the PO left them behind. Also a rear Kwik-Way rear weight box with attaching parts etc that I still have. Last year I repainted the front side of the 48'' dozer blade and cutting edge with Rust O leum regal red. Last weekend I repainted the rear of the blade with Toro new red. Have not used the Toro paint since the early 2000's and here are my thoughts and opinions. The regal red seems to spray a wider pattern than the Toro so the overlaps are much closer when using Toro. The color has that less orange look to me than the Toro. The Toro dried much faster and able to handle it much sooner.  Taking into consideration last weekend was absolutely perfect for painting and drying outdoors. I feel the Toro is a closer match than the regal when trying to get close to the original panels on the rest of the tractor. Here are some pictures as it sat today. This will be used to clean up after using the big tractor and for smaller lighter storms.I consider the 520-H semi-retired after performing flawlessly for the past 21 years. Forgot to add a big Thank you to Mike and Eric for help with the NOS rear weights Mike and the offset plow lever Eric . Chains will go on when the snow flies.  Enjoy the pics all.

[ebinmaine 67,438]

VERY nice Jim!

Glad to help out.  

 

Will you run it with the cab?

 

[JCM 9,130]

35 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

VERY nice Jim!

Glad to help out.  

 

Will you run it with the cab?

 

No cab on this one Eric.

[Horse Newbie 7,069]

3 hours ago, JCM said:

Back then I had no idea that the 520 required a front extension kit so the front tires would clear the blade when angled

Where does this extension kit go ?

[c-series don 8,689]

The extension kit goes on the rear of the plow frame. It lengthens the plow for 520’s  with a forward swept front axle.

[Horse Newbie 7,069]

Thanks @c-series don,

I have it then… guess it threw me off a little when I read “front extension kit.”

It extends the back of the frame which in turn extends the front of the frame…

 

I would just call it an extension kit… or an extension…

 

And this “ kit” is needed on all long frame WH’s, not just the 520’s with the swept forward axles, correct ?

[c-series don 8,689]

 @Horse Newbie No, the kit is only necessary for 520s with a forward swept front axle. The kit is not necessary for any other tractors. 

[WHX?? 48,815]

Just a beast Plunge. Keepherunnin they just don't make em like that anymore... 

[c-series don 8,689]

Something about a black cutting edge I like! So I painted mine 👍🏻

[peter lena 8,612]

@JCM  very nice set up on that  !  do any plow quadrant / related , linkage detailing / easy function ?  pete

[JCM 9,130]

Yes @peter lena  I gave that quadrant and associated parts a good lube job. 

[peter lena 8,612]

@JCM  glad you did that , when I first did mine , just kept tweaking  on it , adjusting , tightening up , the lever pull handle , made for easier / faster response . had it up off the floor , so I could roll around it for motion checks .snugged up all movement areas , red aerosol grease , at lever quadrant pull slide . it was such a difference , also did the other , 2 plows , recommend things that I have been doing . combine that with a slick plow blade face , and  plowing is much easier ,  thanks for the shout , pete

[Sparky-(Admin) 21,315]

On 10/6/2023 at 6:45 PM, JCM said:

 Forgot to add a big Thank you to Mike and Eric for help with the NOS rear weights Mike and the offset plow lever Eric . 

 

 

 

 Nice to see those weights getting used! They spent many years just sitting in storage here. 

[leabassett@sbcglobal.net 149]

I just picked up a 312-8 with a 48" plow. It has chains and 55 lbs weights. How deep of snow could I push with it?

[ebinmaine 67,438]

8 hours ago, leabassett@sbcglobal.net said:

I just picked up a 312-8 with a 48" plow. It has chains and 55 lbs weights. How deep of snow could I push with it?

 

That's a question with a lot of answers.  

Is the snow light and fluffy ? Or a coat of slush ?

How much more weight can you install on the tractor?

 

We run two VERY different tractors for snow plowing.  

My Other Half uses a mid 60s Wheelhorse with Limited Slip Differential and lower weight. 

I use a mid 70s C Series more similar to your 312 in capability.  

My own rig is VERY heavy.  

I have fluid filled tires all around and steel weights. 

 

Typically we use the snowblower for anything above 4"-5" wet snow or 6"-8" dry snow, then scrape the yard with the plows.  

 

It'll be a fun learning experience for you.  

 

 

[Handy Don 12,214]

15 hours ago, leabassett@sbcglobal.net said:

I just picked up a 312-8 with a 48" plow. It has chains and 55 lbs weights. How deep of snow could I push with it?

Simple answer: quite a bit!

As @ebinmaine noted, dry vs. wet is important. 

Having a place to put the snow also matters.

[leabassett@sbcglobal.net 149]

I was thinking 4" wet snow max with a little hill. May have to go out every few hours to keep up with the snow.

[ebinmaine 67,438]

1 minute ago, leabassett@sbcglobal.net said:

I was thinking 4" wet snow max with a little hill. May have to go out every few hours to keep up with the snow.

Once you get the "hang" of it you'll be fine.  

Where to pile snow. 

When to plow. 

How to cut the amount being moved and only use half the blade.  

All a matter of experience.  

 

[leabassett@sbcglobal.net 149]

I use to have a plow truck so I know a little about pushing and pilling snow,