Why is the 520-H so desirable? Please inform me.

[TonyToro Jr. 1,441]

I’ve been looking to buy a 520-H. My dad is telling me to ask why there there’s a such a big draw to a 520-H. What does this tractor do that has such a large following. Please explain it to me so I can tell him why I need one. 

[squonk 41,145]

I had a 520. Loved the sound and power. Hated the fuel consumption and constant electrical issues. When all of the bolts that hold the PTO side crank bearing loosened up on their own and covered my driveway and garage with oil I said no more.

[Pullstart 62,905]

I. Don’t. Know.  

 

I guess it has to do with an unmatched engine as far as power goes, a bulletproof hydro, hydraulic lift, and the ability to run up to a 60” deck.  And gear reduction steering in many cases.  
 

I still like my old round hoods better 

[Handy Don 12,233]

It is the strongest of the 3/4/500 series in horsepower. (The XI and LXI are on a different, larger chassis)

On the later units with gear reduction steering you also get 1" front spindles with bearings on the vertical shaft as well and room for thrust bearings.

Slightly beefed up frame.

Most instrumentation (and most electrical complexity).

Plus @Pullstart's notes: bulletproof hydro, hydraulic lift, capable of 60" deck.

They are a very strong and powerful machine.

 

Unless something in the list above is essential to meeting your needs, though, like a heavy FEL, 60" deck, two-stage snowblower, or some other implement. then there are less expensive, more economical, and (at least arguably) easier to maintain options. To me the sweet spots are the 314-H and the Kohler-powered 416-H.

 

The above said, we have a 520-H chassis running an 18 hp Onan destined for some heavy grounds maintenance at a camp but I'm preparing an 854 (8hp) round hood with a 36" deck to mow my lawn and move trailers and carts and do dethatching and aerating

 

Edited August 7, 2022 by Handy Don

[Darb1964 1,043]

I bought a new 520-H in 1989, I still have it. I worked it hard for many years and guessing well over 2000 hours on it. I've kind of retired it the last few years. I've yet to get it out this year, it needs some loving but with a good battery and fresh gas it would fire up and get the job done. A good running onan is hard to out work.

[TonyToro 1,049]

Thanks for all the input. I had a 414-8 that I wish I kept. I thought that was a do all machine. The C145 has great power and hydraulic lift. So that one goes many jobs for my son. We are about to retire a raider 12 from pulling. Freshen up that engine and that one will fill in what the C145 doesn’t do. @TonyToro Jr. has been talking about the 520-h and I figured you guys would know the ins and outs of this machine. 

[TonyToro Jr. 1,441]

And since the 520 is hydro.. what is your thoughts about its strength? Will it be able to pull a cultivator or plow snow?

 

[Handy Don 12,233]

The Eaton 1100 hydro is fully strong enough. Specs indicate it can transmit a full 17 horsepower to the transaxle. Choose stick or hydro based on your preferred operating experience and budget (hydros typically cost a bit more) not on "strength".

 

The 1100 is in 312-H, 314-H, 416-H, 520-H that I can think of and maybe more?

It is NOT in a 312-A, 516-H, or 518-H -- those all use an Eaton 700 which is just fine for mowing and snow blowing, but not recommended for serious plowing (soil or snow) or pulling and does NOT support a hydraulic lift. 

 

EDIT: fixed the list based on additional posts! IN the 417-A and a couple of earlier C models. 

Edited August 9, 2022 by Handy Don

[Ed Kennell 38,206]

53 minutes ago, TonyToro Jr. said:

Will it be able to pull a cultivator or plow snow?

Mine pushes a 54" blade without even grunting.

 

 

 

 

[Pullstart 62,905]

If you wonder @TonyToro Jr. what an Eaton 1100 will hold up to, take a look at @Skipper’s monster tractor!

 

 

[roadapples 6,983]

The only reason I have a 520H is for the 2 stage snowblower. 

[bds1984 1,435]

The 520H is one tough horse.  I've been using my 1988 520H for the last seven winters for plowing and pushing snow into piles over four feet high without skipping a beat; all four wheels are ag tires with wheel weights and the rears are loaded.  The Achilles heal for these machines is the valve seat issue on the rear cylinder (which mine suffered from), but with proper cleaning of the cooling fins and adding ventilation holes on the belt guard, the life of the Onan can be extended greatly.  Unfortunately, my first 520H came to me as a roller so I installed an M18 Kohler from a yellow machine and have never looked back or doubted the durability of the Eaton 1100 transmission in it.  My second 520H (and first running Onan) just arrived last week and will be used for lawn duty as I much prefer the hydro transmission and gear reduction steering setup over any 8-speed for mowing.  I can tell you the Onan is a much more thirsty beast of an engine compared to my 315-8 and C165, easily double the fuel consumption, but the exhaust note sure is sweet! 

[Cee245 818]

On 8/7/2022 at 8:15 PM, Handy Don said:

 

The 1100 is in 312-H, 314-H, 416-H, 520-H that I can think of and maybe more?

It is NOT in a 312-A, 4xx-A, or 518-H -- those all use an Eaton 700 which is just fine for mowing and snow blowing, but not recommended for serious plowing (soil or snow) or pulling and does NOT support a hydraulic lift. 

 

Not quite...

My old 417A came with the 1100.  Not sure about a 418 though... also the 516H came with the Eaton 700. 

Edited August 9, 2022 by Cee245

[Ed Kennell 38,206]

11 minutes ago, Cee245 said:

My old 417A came with the 1100.

Yep, my 417A has the 1100.     What I have found...any 3,4, or 500 series  hydro tractor that has a hydraulic lift has the Eaton 1100.   If they have manual lift, they have the Eaton 700

[rokon 64]

I use mine primarily for snow duty. I have enough weight on it that it does a great job of towing cars up my driveway to the garage, and it makes an excellent trailer jockey. It has no problem moving my 20 foot double axle utility trailer around.

[19richie66 17,508]

I have a late model C-175 blackhood with the eaton 1100. The 418-A and 418-C had that transmission too. I put one in my GT14 and my wife’s 1054. Great hydros. 

[Ike 75]

The 520h is built like a tank.  Over sized front axles and the gear reduction steering makes turning effortless.  The Onan is smooth and plenty of torque.  I like the instrumentation.  Not many garden tractors with rpm meters.  If you can operate a volt meter and can turn some wrenches they last a long time.  Keep the engine clear of debris and don’t spray machine with water.  Blow off after each use with compressed air or leaf blower.  They hate water.  
 

 

[AHS 1,440]

On 8/7/2022 at 6:13 PM, squonk said:

I had a 520. Loved the sound and power. Hated the fuel consumption and constant electrical issues. When all of the bolts that hold the PTO side crank bearing loosened up on their own and covered my driveway and garage with oil I said no more.

Love the sound and power, hated the electrical issues. Bingo! I had a 520, Onans are very expensive to work on! If I could’ve bought a 520 new, and kept it pristine it’s whole life; I’d still own a 520. I’ve got a 414-8 with a Kohler magnum and that has plenty of power for snowblowing. Out of all my tractors, my 414-8 is the best.

[TonyToro 1,049]

On 8/23/2022 at 3:36 PM, Ike said:

The 520h is built like a tank.  Over sized front axles and the gear reduction steering makes turning effortless.  The Onan is smooth and plenty of torque.  I like the instrumentation.  Not many garden tractors with rpm meters.  If you can operate a volt meter and can turn some wrenches they last a long time.  Keep the engine clear of debris and don’t spray machine with water.  Blow off after each use with compressed air or leaf blower.  They hate water.  
 

 

Very nice machine!

[TonyToro 1,049]

On 8/24/2022 at 4:30 AM, AHS said:

Love the sound and power, hated the electrical issues. Bingo! I had a 520, Onans are very expensive to work on! If I could’ve bought a 520 new, and kept it pristine it’s whole life; I’d still own a 520. I’ve got a 414-8 with a Kohler magnum and that has plenty of power for snowblowing. Out of all my tractors, my 414-8 is the best.

The sound the Onan makes reminds me of our Ford 8n. They sound very much alike to me. I Agee I should have kept the 414-8 I had . That one was older with the K series very strong machine.

[Pappy 4430 8]

On 8/7/2022 at 5:49 PM, TonyToro Jr. said:

I’ve been looking to buy a 520-H. My dad is telling me to ask why there there’s a such a big draw to a 520-H. What does this tractor do that has such a large following. Please explain it to me so I can tell him why I need one. 

I don't desire anything with an "H" behind it....... I do love my 520-8 and my 312-8 though. I don't like hydro tractors of any brand. Don't buy automatic transmission trucks either 🤷😁.  To each their own though.