John Deere 520 Manual Steering

[TNFARMKID]

Does anybody have any idea how rare it is to have a 20 series tractor without power steering? I just reunited my grandfathers 520 with my family after being gone 40 yrs. Everybody I have talked to has only 1 or maybe 2 without it. Thanks in advance.

 

[tomstractorsandtoys]

It was an option and there are a few that did not have it. Some farmers and even dealers though that as a farmer you were soft if you thought you needed power steering and even the float ride seat. The first few farmers that bought cabs for their combines were laughed at as well. Tom

 

[ET]

I have a 520 with no power steering. Somewhere I saw that around 500 were built without the power steering option.

 

[Mike M]

I would say pretty rare , but it will likely not make it worth more money for resale it will hurt it.
Same with no live pto and ones with rockshaft but no yoke for the 3rd link.

 

[tomstractorsandtoys]

I just sold a 630 that had a rockshaft but no yoke for the top link. Tom

 

[Jon Erickson]

Nice to hear you found the family tractor!

 

[Paul_IN]

I believe your number is close. The Two-Cylinder magazine had the numbers several years ago. The factory codes were different for tractors with and without power steering which allowed them to make a count by studying the serial number registers.
I have a 520 that the only option it has is a rock shaft (assume it was used as a cultivator tractor). I enjoy the 520 series tractors and have a few. I really want one with zero options; just 4 wheels, a seat and a flat back rear cover. This was base equipment if you study the factory price lists and the things we see on many tractors were all optional adders.

 

[8850dave]

We have one we have owned for over 30 years came from the old Forrest Illinois consignment auction held along Illinois route 47

 

[8850dave]

My dad told me back then Martin in Roanoke would sell many that way cause it cut the cost and many farmers did not realize it until they had used them. I have a kit to put one on a tractor but sure looks like a tremendous amount of work. Also I have a JD 630 that appears to have came without the factory tach.