Still earning its keep

[IAfarmguy]

After almost 70 years the 520 still earns its keep. I needed a tractor to put on the grain auger. Since the 4430 was a little overkill for this job, I chose the right tractor. Dad bought this tractor from the local JD dealer in the mid 70’s. At the time we needed it for the four row front mount cultivator. JD of course but not sure of the model. We used the rock shaft to raise the two rows on the left. The two rows on the right used a one way hydraulic cylinder. At various times I used the tractor on the four section harrow, four row planter-a 494 or 495, model 38 sickle mower, hay rake, the New Holland hay baler from my posts a few weeks ago and many other jobs. Many years ago now the tractor got a used set of 14.9-36 tires which gave a bit more speed for tractor rides. Dad and I drove it several hundred miles, probably more on WHO radio great iowa tractor rides. With the slow first gear it also did ok in a few local tractor pulls. That’s enough for now. Thanks for staying this long!

 

[Absent Minded Farmer]

Nice setup!

Probably decent on gas, too.

Mike

 

[Bryce Burden]

Looking good, love seeing the old ones still being used. We do just about everything around our small farm with vintage equipment, our newest machine is a 51 Allis WD, and our biggest is a 41 Farmall M.

 

[Bob Bancroft]

After almost 70 years the 520 still earns its keep. I needed a tractor to put on the grain auger. Since the 4430 was a little overkill for this job, I chose the right tractor. Dad bought this tractor from the local JD dealer in the mid 70’s. At the time we needed it for the four row front mount cultivator. JD of course but not sure of the model. We used the rock shaft to raise the two rows on the left. The two rows on the right used a one way hydraulic cylinder. At various times I used the tractor on the four section harrow, four row planter-a 494 or 495, model 38 sickle mower, hay rake, the New Holland hay baler from my posts a few weeks ago and many other jobs. Many years ago now the tractor got a used set of 14.9-36 tires which gave a bit more speed for tractor rides. Dad and I drove it several hundred miles, probably more on WHO radio great iowa tractor rides. With the slow first gear it also did ok in a few local tractor pulls. That’s enough for now. Thanks for staying this long!View attachment 131669

In the spring of 1966 near my 11th birthday, a new 2510 arrived to replace the 50. I couldn't believe they were related, but the colors proved it! The 50 hated me, and I hated it. Imagine a small 10 year old trying to operate that thing with a four row cultivator(no power steering). There were several other issues, but it's a long story. I thought the 50 had 38 inch tires, but maybe that's because the weights fit on the 2510? The four row cultivator still sits in the shed where Dad last removed it in 1992.
Your 520 is a pretty sight. And with the power steering and those fenders we could have almost been friends. There's still that darn hard operating hand clutch though!

 

[showcrop]

A fellow here in NH has always done well at the pulls with one.

 

[jddrawbar]

After almost 70 years the 520 still earns its keep. I needed a tractor to put on the grain auger. Since the 4430 was a little overkill for this job, I chose the right tractor. Dad bought this tractor from the local JD dealer in the mid 70’s. At the time we needed it for the four row front mount cultivator. JD of course but not sure of the model. We used the rock shaft to raise the two rows on the left. The two rows on the right used a one way hydraulic cylinder. At various times I used the tractor on the four section harrow, four row planter-a 494 or 495, model 38 sickle mower, hay rake, the New Holland hay baler from my posts a few weeks ago and many other jobs. Many years ago now the tractor got a used set of 14.9-36 tires which gave a bit more speed for tractor rides. Dad and I drove it several hundred miles, probably more on WHO radio great iowa tractor rides. With the slow first gear it also did ok in a few local tractor pulls. That’s enough for now. Thanks for staying this long!View attachment 131669

Looks great! It's had a good home.

 

[John M]

Same here. Just finished cutting down 9 acres of weeds and such with my soon to be 84 year old Farmall M and BushHog Squeeler. Sad, though. Its probaly the last tine me and the old M will do it. My body just wont let me climb up on the thing.

 

[Richard G.]

Same here. Just finished cutting down 9 acres of weeds and such with my soon to be 84 year old Farmall M and BushHog Squeeler. Sad, though. Its probaly the last tine me and the old M will do it. My body just wont let me climb up on the thing.

John, I still use my 84 year old JD H in the garden.

 

[Buckhammer]

After almost 70 years the 520 still earns its keep. I needed a tractor to put on the grain auger. Since the 4430 was a little overkill for this job, I chose the right tractor. Dad bought this tractor from the local JD dealer in the mid 70’s. At the time we needed it for the four row front mount cultivator. JD of course but not sure of the model. We used the rock shaft to raise the two rows on the left. The two rows on the right used a one way hydraulic cylinder. At various times I used the tractor on the four section harrow, four row planter-a 494 or 495, model 38 sickle mower, hay rake, the New Holland hay baler from my posts a few weeks ago and many other jobs. Many years ago now the tractor got a used set of 14.9-36 tires which gave a bit more speed for tractor rides. Dad and I drove it several hundred miles, probably more on WHO radio great iowa tractor rides. With the slow first gear it also did ok in a few local tractor pulls. That’s enough for now. Thanks for staying this long!View attachment 131669O

After almost 70 years the 520 still earns its keep. I needed a tractor to put on the grain auger. Since the 4430 was a little overkill for this job, I chose the right tractor. Dad bought this tractor from the local JD dealer in the mid 70’s. At the time we needed it for the four row front mount cultivator. JD of course but not sure of the model. We used the rock shaft to raise the two rows on the left. The two rows on the right used a one way hydraulic cylinder. At various times I used the tractor on the four section harrow, four row planter-a 494 or 495, model 38 sickle mower, hay rake, the New Holland hay baler from my posts a few weeks ago and many other jobs. Many years ago now the tractor got a used set of 14.9-36 tires which gave a bit more speed for tractor rides. Dad and I drove it several hundred miles, probably more on WHO radio great iowa tractor rides. With the slow first gear it also did ok in a few local tractor pulls. That’s enough for now. Thanks for staying this long!View attachment 131669

Outstanding. I to have a 520. Nice tractor

 

[spacechem]

Thanks for posting. Should make an interesting puzzle!

Okay, That came out weird...