jchris 27 #1 Posted May 17 Hello everyone! Been stalking the site for a few weeks looking for a future garden tractor of various makes ( not all red) and made the decision. Found what could be a diamond in the rough, trying to set a pick up tomorrow AM. Keys to the decision on going wheelhorse was a great support group ( all here) and childhood memories of em roadside for sale. Needed to grow up and move away from mowers. Added benefit of growing up is at 10 you really couldn't afford one with a paper route. Looking forward immensely to the 2 hour journey tomorrow if the stars align and will post pics if I can. 2 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 21,314 #2 Posted May 17 3 hours ago, jchris said: Hello everyone! Found what could be a diamond in the rough, trying to set a pick up tomorrow AM. Care to share what model you’re looking at? We might be able to point out something that should be checked out on XXX model for example. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jchris 27 #3 Posted May 17 7 minutes ago, Sparky said: Care to share what model you’re looking at? We might be able to point out something that should be checked out on XXX model for example. She's a 520h with a rear discharge mower. Dunno the size. And at the last minute here the seller has informed me that another interested party will be viewing it today before I can get there. My hope is that it falls through. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ohiofarmer 3,265 #4 Posted May 17 Welcome to Red square! Don't worry about finding a tractor if this one gets bought by someone else. I have bought non running tractors, but the Onans can be expensive to fix if not running. C series of twelve horsepower are enough to get some work done and are easy to work on. The later ones as 300 400 and 500 have more electrical diagnostics required,but the bonus is electronic ignition. The Kohler engine would be my preference over the Onan. That opinion is shared by at least one pro lawn mower mechanic who spent a crap ton of money fixing his onan. My favorite is the c- 160 . My favorite everyday model is a 314 8 with a Kohler Magnum engine. Plenty of power to run a 48 inch deck 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,834 #6 Posted May 17 just plan to head to Biglerville, PA the weekend after Father’s Day, you’ll find what you need there! It’s the Big Show, baby! 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,066 #8 Posted May 17 What part of Rochester? I'm about 40 miles to the east in Waterloo 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Monstrosity 1,127 #9 Posted May 17 (edited) Welcome! Sounds like the seller is an awesome person... First contact has has purchase until falls through original time of meet without contact.. I hope the swoop in doesn't make a deal..... My 1277 didn't run got it running with bare minimum, and the 953 I made a custom out of it the engine I traded with cafoose for a tiller... Edited May 17 by Monstrosity 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jchris 27 #10 Posted May 17 1 hour ago, Monstrosity said: Well the lure of greenbacks 14 hours before I got there was too much for the seller. Had to cancel all pre-made arrangements for the truck, trailer and time. The truly unfortunate part was the price. According to the seller ( with a grain of salt as always) the fuel line rotted away and got parked last year. He had a few for sale but only one that looked via photos with the trek. Had a rear discharge deck on it. The price? 300 bucks. A steal for sure. But alas it is no more. Back on the hunt. Hope to find another 520h. Probably not for that price though. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jchris 27 #11 Posted May 17 3 hours ago, squonk said: What part of Rochester? I'm about 40 miles to the east in Waterloo I'm in the western suburbs. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Monstrosity 1,127 #12 Posted May 17 14 minutes ago, jchris said: 300 bucks. A steal for sure. But alas it is no more. Sounds like someone on here might have swooped in lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jchris 27 #13 Posted May 17 Just now, Monstrosity said: Sounds like someone on here might have swooped in lol That's what I thought, a collector. And was my biggest fear, realized Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sailman 1,291 #14 Posted May 17 I know your interested in the 520 but for a first wheel horse I would seriously consider a C model, C-120, C-160....or early 300 or 400 series with Kohler motors. Easy to work on, great workers and not as complicated as the 520. Just my $.02 worth. 6 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,415 #15 Posted May 17 1 minute ago, jchris said: That's what I thought, a collector. And was my biggest fear, realized Ain't worth being concerned about. Really. There'll be plenty more..... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,415 #16 Posted May 17 Just now, Sailman said: I know your interested in the 520 but for a first wheel horse I would seriously consider a C model, C-120, C-160....or early 300 or 400 series with Kohler motors. Easy to work on, great workers and not as complicated as the 520. Just my $.02 worth. Absolutely agreed. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jchris 27 #17 Posted May 17 1 minute ago, ebinmaine said: Ain't worth being concerned about. Really. There'll be plenty more..... But not today 😁 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,415 #18 Posted May 17 5 minutes ago, jchris said: But not today 😁 Hahahahahahahahaha. THAT'S a valid point 👉 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Monstrosity 1,127 #19 Posted May 18 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/fyA78GcRRSURT85D/?mibextid=kL3p88 Idk where this is but it's clean Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Monstrosity 1,127 #20 Posted May 18 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/MnhugejpEK16DxXc/?mibextid=kL3p88 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Monstrosity 1,127 #21 Posted May 18 Here's a 520 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/m4FmyjX27E4cdeaf/?mibextid=kL3p88 Sorry you got me looking 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jchris 27 #22 Posted June 9 To round out the topic I got a 416-h yesterday. It's rough but looking at the long game here. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 5,450 #23 Posted June 9 (edited) @jchris When you can we all like picks of the tractors. I hope all goes well and most of all enjoy the site. Edited June 9 by Retired Wrencher 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jchris 27 #25 Posted June 9 I will get pics very soon. For now we will say it's got the perfect face for radio 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites