Hi from southeast PA (researching a 520xi)

[bas157 0]

Hi

Joined the forum as I'm looking for a new mower and found a 520xi that I'm thinking about buying. Figure I could try to find some decent info on it here in my research before buying.

 

I think its an '06, somewhere around 450 hours. He said it has 20hp air cooled Kohler, power steering and 60" deck. He said he is pretty firm on the price at $1800. Does that sound like a good price?

I thought the 520xi didn't have power steering though?

 

I've read some posts about the 60" deck having rust issues, where do they tend to rust out?

 

Any specific areas to pay attention to on the 520xi?

 

With good maintence, any estimate how many years I can get out of it? I'm hoping a lifetime (about to turn 40).

 

Hoping to look at it this weekend.

 

Thanks!

Bruce

[Challenger 27]

Hello Bruce,

 

The 5xi tractors are fine machines.  A true 520xi will not have power steering.  (A 522xi would have power steering.)  Assuming you are not planning to equip the tractor with a two stage snow blower or front end loader, the lack of power steering won't be an issue.

 

In my opinion the 60" deck is a well-built brute.  I've yet to see one with serious rust issues.

 

Assuming that the machine has been well maintained and properly serviced, and that you continue this pattern,  there is every reason to believe it will last your lifetime. The engine should be able to achieve 1200 - 1500 hours or more before any thought of a rebuild.

 

The $1800 price is a little below market.  ($2000 - $2500 wouldn't be out of the question as we head into Spring)  You'd be purchasing the machine for a small fraction of its original cost.  This represents a solid value and money wisely spent.

 

Good luck.

[Brian K WheelHorse 28]

I agree on the price. It's not unusual to see nice xi models go for $3500.

[can whlvr 993]

[bas157 0]

They guy said it had it picked up by a shop and regularly serviced. No plans for a snow blower (have a nice Ariens I haven't had to use the past two years). FEL would be sweet but I wouldn't use it enough to justify the cost of it, but if I stumbled on a good deal I'd probably pick one up.  On the phone I asked him if he'd go lower than $1800 and he said he thought it was priced very fairly. Hoping to check it out tomorrow, just have to have the seller arrange for someone to show it to me as he moved out of the area already...didn't want to pay to ship it to the west coast.

thanks

[VinsRJ 721]

Welcome to Red Square!

[Challenger 27]

I've thought about this some more today.  If the tractor checks-out I'd jump on it.  Next month,  (Spring get ready to mow season), similar tractors will come on the market I bet at HIGHER prices.

 

Take your time, look it over carefully, check for leaks or other obvious needed repairs.  Start it and run it around--if possible for 30 minutes-- and really warm it up.  Weak hydro problems will often not present themselves until the machine is warm.  Fortunately this model tractor is known to be almost bullet-proof.

 

Does the current owner have service receipts?  The Owner's Manual?  What tractor dealer did the service work?  That shop will be able to give you a good sense of the machine.

 

I own  Toro Wheel Horse 5xi tractors for use at our home and at our business.  I've been running 5xi machines since 2001.

 

You may get more responses if you pose your questions in the regular Wheel Horse Tractors section of Red Square.

[Kelly 1,029]

[rexman72 210]

the XI series is a good machine

[jimt1971 237]

Welcome to Red Sqaure from another SE Pa guy.

[Amanda 81]

Welcome to 

[tunahead72 2,423]

Hey Bruce, can't tell you anything about the 500 series tractors, but I can say   from yet another southeast PA member!

[Jake Kuhn 1,555]