JD 520 vs. JD 620

CG4440 · May 29, 2015

Hey guys! Im going to an auction this
weekend and planning to bid on a John
Deere model 520 and John Deere model 620.
Both run good and are in restorable
condition. Im torn between the two. Just
curious what you guys thought of each one,
if one has greater value, etc. Also,
whats the highest I should bid on them?
In addition, I might bid on a Cockshutt 50
unrestored and a Farmall Super M restored.
Let me know your thoughts on them too!
Thanks in advance!

davediehl@hotmail.com · May 29, 2015

I've seen each hovering around the 5,000 mark in running condition and restored. I've seen others as low as 1,000. I guess it all depends on the crowd and how deep their pockets are.

bill mart · May 29, 2015

I think there were less 520's made. Bill

centash · May 29, 2015

Get the Cockshutt!! Rare tractor, more power, more user friendly to novice drivers.

Ben

RLA · May 29, 2015

520 is easier on gas & will pull less. Bothe are great tractors. We don't have a 520
but do have a 530. If it's a later model 520 it about the same tractor. Depending on
the over all condition I wouldn't bid over 3K on either one unless they are really nice.
Grab the belt pulley on the 520 & spin it, make sure the support bearing feel/sounds OK.
if it doesn't bid on the 620....We have a M,B,A, 530, 2 60's, 620, 630, 2 730's Diesels.
All get used to farm with...

showcrop · May 29, 2015

Everything else being equa, the Cockshutt would be the far better buy. The JDs are everywhere, the Cockshutts are far less common, so when finished you have something worth a lot more. If you take it to a show it will be way more of an attention getter than virtually any JD.

old popper · May 29, 2015

Another thing to consider, is the platform size. I have both, 520 & 620, and the platform is a little small for my size 12 feet sometimes. The 620 is a more comfortable tractor to operate.

buickanddeere · May 29, 2015

520/520 need to have the first reduction gear bearings inspected and usually replaced.

Bryce Frazier · May 29, 2015

Ya, operator comfort is really something to think about on those JDs.... Maybe you have seen a picture of me, but I am 6'5, and wear 16's on my feets!

I litteraly can not drive a JD B, I LOVE the little Bs, but can not drive them, period (only for a few feet, loading on a trailer, etc.)

Drove an A, and it really didn't feel much different, but I actually fit on it!!

If the 520 has a tight station (because in reality it is a B) and you are a big guy like me, it would be worth paying a little extra for the 620, and being able to drive it!!

Personally, I would dump the two JD's and go for the Cockshutt. IF it is nice shape, it will be worth a lot more in the long run, however it may be more costly to restore, harder to get parts, and even harder to know how to restore it (paint, etc). BUT, there are LOTS of JD's out there, and people see them green ones and think "oh cool, a John Deere" thats it. VERY few people say "oh! a 520! OH and theres a 730D! COOL!" Thats what us tractor freaks do!

Good luck either way.... Would love a picture of that Super M.....

Tx.Ricefields · May 29, 2015

I agree with Ben.....If you haven't been around the hand clutch, the poppers can be awkward to get comfortable with. I've been using a hand clutch since I was 10 & that was 60 yrs. ago, second nature to me.
The Cockshutt would be fun to play with, until you had something go wrong with the Buda engine.
What can you say bad about a SM, sweet, simple, and reliable.

onefarmer · May 29, 2015

If your not into the hand clutch go for the Cockshutt. Having been raised on a JD620 it's second nature. I hadn't driven the 620 for years until dad died and I inherited it. When I drove it it was just like I was never away from it.

W_B · May 29, 2015

I saw a nice running, restored 720 go for $8500 just last weekend.

RandyB(MI) · May 29, 2015

good advice below. Might depend on what you are going to do with it AND what you have to haul it with. 520 will haul on any 7000# + trailer with 1/2T pickup. 620, you are going to need 12,000# trailer and at least 3/4 T truck. I would get the 620 for a "user" and the 520 for a "play toy". Hauling heavy wagons etc, you will want the extra weight of the 620.

mdross · May 30, 2015

I have hauled all our tractors including our 70 behind a 1/2ton Ram short bed no problems what so ever, using 14k deckover. Actually hauled the 70 from Conn. to Maine running 70/75 mph. Of the two you asked about it has to be what your plans are for the tractor the 620 would be the one for all around work.

JD 520 vs. JD 620

CG4440

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