bas157 0 #1 Posted March 16, 2013 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Challenger 27 #2 Posted March 16, 2013 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brian K WheelHorse 28 #3 Posted March 16, 2013 I agree on the price. It's not unusual to see nice xi models go for $3500. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bas157 0 #5 Posted March 16, 2013 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 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VinsRJ 721 #6 Posted March 17, 2013 Welcome to Red Square! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Challenger 27 #7 Posted March 17, 2013 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. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rexman72 210 #9 Posted March 18, 2013 the XI series is a good machine Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimt1971 237 #10 Posted March 18, 2013 Welcome to Red Sqaure from another SE Pa guy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tunahead72 2,412 #12 Posted March 19, 2013 Hey Bruce, can't tell you anything about the 500 series tractors, but I can say from yet another southeast PA member! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites