2003 Toro 520xi

[GMguy]

Hello. New to the forums and need a little expert advice. I tried the search funtion but I just kept getting errors. I am looking at purchasing a used Toro 520xi with 157 hours on the clock and am wondering if there is anything I should be looking for specific to that particular tractor.

I will be mowing about 2.5-3 acres of rolling land and may be interested in getting a snow blower for it IF it can handle fairly heavy snow falls and about 300 feet of driveway.

Any pointers or specs would be appreciated.

Thanks
Jeff

 

[jcmseven]

I have never owned one myself but I have heard these are good machines. They are heavy duty and all shaft drive/hydro. Toro marketed them originally to compete with the older JD 400 series machines. The only thing I do not like about them is they do not have differential lock to my recall. This is important with the tasks you describe. The tractors are heavy and well-made and 100-200 hours is really nothing on these machines. If you run a blower, you will need chains and likely weight ballast to make things go well. I would say wheel weights plus filled rears or a ballast box would do the trick. They show a lot of attachment options, some of them heavy duty, so either Toro feels the machines can handle them or they are thinking optimistically.

John M

 

[JohnSinVA]

That machine is comparable to a current JD X7xx series tractor or the older X4xx/X5xx and 4x5 series tractors, a 3000 series CC, etc. It will handle the tasks you describe with little problem provided you equip it correctly with chains and proper ballasting. The Kwik-way FEL can also be fitted to this machine. To get anything heavier duty you would have to step up to a sub-compact.

 

[arthurb]

GMguy,

I own a 2004 520XI with 180 hours on it. I have the 60" mower deck to mow 3 acres of flat ground. Here are the following attachments that I use with my 520XI: 10" moldboard plow, 36" disc, 40" cultivator, 48" front blade, 42" aerator/drop spreader and a 40" dethatcher. As mentioned in the first post the 520XI does not have a rear differential lock transmission.

I bought a pair of Super Lug ag tires from my Toro dealer to use when plowing snow, or using other ground engaging equipment. I'm also using chains and wheel weights on the Super Lug ag tires when doing these ground engaging, and snow removal chores. I have no complaints with lack of traction when using this combonation as mentioned. I do not have a snow blower attachment. I did have traction problems when just using the standard turf tires with chains and wheel weights though.

The Super Lug ag tires make a world of difference. I have a 20'x80' stone driveway with a lot of room to push snow off to either side of the driveway. I can actually start to climb up the snow piles when pushing the snow into the piles with the Super Lug ag tires. I use to own a 1998 Toro 314-8. I traded it in on the 520XI. I had a single stage snow blower on the 314-8, and I use the turf tires with chains and wheel weights. I wish I had used the ag tires on the 314-8. I do know a little bit about snow removal. I live in Northeastern Ohio on the shores of Lake Erie. We can receive from 1 to 2 feet of lake effect snow overnight during the winter. I have been very happy with my 520XI, and I have no problems or complaints with it. I hope this info is useful to you.

arthurb,

arthurb,

 

[GMguy]

Thanks for the replies guys. I bought the tractor, now I have to see if I can track down some used attachments for it.

 

[Rick_CT]

GM Guy,

May I ask what you paid for your 520xi, I am thinking about retiring my wheel horse charger 12 that I have using since 1973, and think the 520 would be a good replacement (3 acres, 550 feet of driveway). I was 14 years old when my father purchased the Charger 12 brand new, and now I'm 46. She still runs but is "starting" to need a little attention. This should give you an idea on how long that 520 is going to last you, as they are built in the "Wheel Horse" tradition.

Best of luck with the 520, I hope it gives you as much enjoyment as my tractor has given me.

Rick

 

[arthurb]

Rick CT,

Are you referring to a new, or used 520xi?

arthurb,

 

[GMguy]

GM Guy,

May I ask what you paid for your 520xi, I am thinking about retiring my wheel horse charger 12 that I have using since 1973, and think the 520 would be a good replacement (3 acres, 550 feet of driveway). I was 14 years old when my father purchased the Charger 12 brand new, and now I'm 46. She still runs but is "starting" to need a little attention. This should give you an idea on how long that 520 is going to last you, as they are built in the "Wheel Horse" tradition.

Best of luck with the 520, I hope it gives you as much enjoyment as my tractor has given me.

Rick

$3500.00
2003 Model with 157 hours in like new condition.......but I am Canadian and usually we have to pay significantly more than our friends to the south.