520 LXI Questions

[Inspectorjoe 471]

I promised my wife I won't be buying any more tractors, but after spotting a Marketplace ad, I may soon be putting myself in the doghouse.

This 520 LXI looks like it hasn't led a pampered life, but the asking price is only $500. The only problem mentioned in the ad is a damaged deck wheel mount. The year isn't given, so I don't know if the engine has the plastic cam gear, but even if it did, given the asking price, that wouldn't be a deal killer. As a bonus, it's only about two miles from my house, so I could drive it home. My only tractor transportation is a minivan. I've had a Lawn Ranger, a Charger 10, a 1973 14 Automatic and a C-120 in it, but I I can't see getting the 520 LXI in.

My main issue is snow blade availability. I don't if I'd be able to find one without driving 300 or more miles. I'm not even sure what they look like. I saw a blade online (pictured) that isn't too far from me, but the ad doesn't specify what it fits and I haven't heard back from the seller. It has an unusual bend in the handle, but it doesn't match one I saw online that was attached to a 520 LXI. Thinking of another possibility, would it be possible to (easily) modify an older long frame plow to fit?

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,102]

They came out as 1989 models but this one may be 1999 or newer because it looks like the NMIR (No mow in reverse) switch can be seen under the seat.

The proper dozer is model 79355

Click on the large blank space near the top of this link.

The rear attachamatic hitch still mounts under the rear axle but attachments connect front and rear of the hitch so that will affect dozer A-frame length. I think the assembly may also be wider.

I don't think this will help.

79350 blade or an earlier version is what you are wanting to use. If I remember correctly this kit is very expensive but maybe you can make it up.

 

[roadapples 6,983]

You better be calling. It won't be there long at that price...

[DennisThornton 4,769]

Awesome Wheel Horse!  Improvements, (with some complications) over the old Horses.  But harder to find attachments!

 

Cam gear could be an issue but I'd still be all over it!

 

Drive it home!

[Inspectorjoe 471]

11 hours ago, gwest_ca said:

They came out as 1989 models but this one may be 1999 or newer because it looks like the NMIR (No mow in reverse) switch can be seen under the seat.

The proper dozer is model 79355

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Thank you for posting that very helpful information. 

I found a blade, but it's being sold with a 522xi, which seems to be identical except for the engine. The guy is asking $600 for the tractor and blade. That pair would probably be a good choice, but I really like the idea of the water cooled Kawasaki, and it's about 50 miles away, which would make it tough to drive it home.

[Inspectorjoe 471]

10 hours ago, roadapples said:

You better be calling. It won't be there long at that price...

 That's good advice. I contacted the seller, and if the rain holds off, I'm going to see it in the morning. 

[JoeM 7,874]

I have both Kohler 22 and the Kaw 20.

 

Differents on the two I have.

The Kawasaki is smoother, starts easy (electric fuel pump), and makes less heat via the more efficient liquid cooling. Uses less fuel. Parts are expensive like the ignition module. One issue on these is the ignition voltage runs through seat switch and this can cause the engine to sputter. The seat switch will act like a resistor.  

 

The Kohler has more balls, blows a lot of hot air around.  Parts are plentiful. Likes Gas.  

 

I have a modified WH plow that I use on a xi. I can measure it and take a few pics . If it stops raining, might even lay the two xi and modified frame side by side. I don't know what you have welding and modification wise at your disposal. 

[Inspectorjoe 471]

2 hours ago, JoeM said:

I have both Kohler 22 and the Kaw 20.

 

Differents on the two I have.

The Kawasaki is smoother, starts easy (electric fuel pump), and makes less heat via the more efficient liquid cooling. Uses less fuel. Parts are expensive like the ignition module. One issue on these is the ignition voltage runs through seat switch and this can cause the engine to sputter. The seat switch will act like a resistor.  

 

The Kohler has more balls, blows a lot of hot air around.  Parts are plentiful. Likes Gas.  

 

I have a modified WH plow that I use on a xi. I can measure it and take a few pics . If it stops raining, might even lay the two xi and modified frame side by side. I don't know what you have welding and modification wise at your disposal. 

There's a bit of a fly in the ointment. The map wasn't accurate. Instead of being two miles away, it's closer to 10. When I bought my Farmall H, I drove it 10 miles home, but that won't work with a garden tractor. The good news is, the guy has a trailer and is willing to deliver it. Instead of looking at it today, I'm now going Sunday. 

Thanks for the info on the differences and the offer to take measurements from yours. If this 520Lxi falls through, I'll look at the 522xi that's 50 miles away. I want the kawi because of the cool factor, but the ie comes with a blade. If I end up getting the 520, I'll definitely take you up on the offer of measurements for modifying an older WH plow frame, since I already have two, and it would eliminate the hunt for the proper one. I have no skills or equipment (I last welded around 30 years ago), but I know a guy who can do it.