Thoughts on the old Hydro-Ax 520

[john_bud]

Hi,

Was looking at an old Hydro-Ax 520 with the 8' single spindle brush mower. Don't know much about these units, can't seem to find specs on line.

What are folks thought and feelings about them? Power, reliability, parts support, performance, maintenance? This unit is in fairly decent cosmetic shape. Not sure what all to check mechanically.


One thing is that it is much cheaper than a mulching machine! The whole deal is less than a small head.

Any input is appreciated!

jb

 

[Robbie Hegwood]

Those are what did the job before the invention of skid steer mounted mulchers. They are still around and for larger right of way projects they would probably work the best. All they want is it on the ground. There has actually been a need for the tractor as a carrier for larger mulchers, they have been retro fitting mulchers on them and putting them back in service. They are really designed for the woods better than anything else right now.

 

[john_bud]

Robbie,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

I was wondering about getting one and using it to clear land for hunting plots. That seems to be an under met service in this area. I already have the tillage equipment, but just a 5' brush cutter and 30hp tractor limits the clearing activities to 1-2" brush / small trees and beats the tractor way too much.

You hear any bad things about them? Biggest down side is that it's too big to transport without a large semi & trailer. If the road speed is high enough that may not be a real big deal (maybe?)



jb

 

[Robbie Hegwood]

Actually as far as "mulching equipment" goes they are the simplist. But they are large and of higher H.P. so when it breaks it MAY break big. But the up side is most heavy equipment mobile repair should be able to fix it, it's not a specialty hard to find and get to parts on a skid steer. Also with cutting brush it should be a walk in the park for such a large machine.
Yes road travel with it is a option. If you find work for it charge a delivery fee, I know alot of guys here doing it. Then hire someone to haul it, let them deal with the truck and all the expenses that go with it. Plus if you use them alot you may get a better rate.

 

[john_bud]

Robbie, that sounds good. Hopefully will be able to eyeball it up good after the holiday and will bring a buddy that used to be a heavy equipment mech.

Note: I bought an old backhoe with a broke trans, but the engine was supposed to be good. He listened to the engine for a minute, adjusted the throttle for different RPM's, acellerated the engine from idle to high rpms and said it has a broken ring land or a broken ring. Ha! It sounded great -- but on teardown had a broken ring land and a broken compression ring requiring an over bore. I will feel pretty good if he gives the thumbs up.

Hope your Biz is picking up and have a Merry Christmas,

jb