Welcome! Please use the navigational links to explore our website.
PartsASAP LogoCompany Logo Auction Link (800) 853-2651

Shop Now

   Allis Chalmers Case Farmall IH Ford 8N,9N,2N Ford
   Ferguson John Deere Massey Ferguson Minn. Moline Oliver

Discussion Forum

1970's vintage Hydro-Ax 520 with Detroit Diesel

Welcome Guest, Log in or Register
Author 
john_Bud

12-25-2007 09:46:56




Report to Moderator

Hi,

Will be looking at a logging wheel loader with an 8' mower on the front (7" tree spec!). Now that's a mower.

Haven't seen it yet, but was told it has a detroit diesel in it. What are the areas to look at for condition on the DD engine? I don't have any experience with them. Unit has just under 3000 hours (assuming the clock works.)

Anyone have any experience with the Hydro-Ax units?

Thanks,

jb

[Log in to Reply]   [No Email]
jm.watkins

12-27-2007 11:36:18




Report to Moderator
 Re: 1970's vintage Hydro-Ax 520 with Detroit Diesel in reply to john_Bud, 12-25-2007 09:46:56  
I could tell you a lot about the unit..too much to wright just call my cell some times and tell me who you are will tell you more about the unit and it,s possible uses.. Jerry 731-707-0860
if you get voice mail be sure and leave me a phone number and I will get back with you



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
chip man

12-26-2007 21:41:06




Report to Moderator
 Re: 1970's vintage Hydro-Ax 520 with Detroit Diesel in reply to john_Bud, 12-25-2007 09:46:56  
Hi, I have operated Hydro Ax mowers for 7 years. The 520 should have a 4-53 detroit. At work we would put 22-2400 hours a year on a mower. As far as the engine goes, I would check the oil for condition, anti freeze, fuel dilution, etc. Find out the service schedule, check the air cleaner. If you want to get really in depth, you should take a new oil filter with you to change it, and cut open the old one and if you don't know what to look for, take it to some one who does. Also the are air box covers that can be removed to inspect the piston rings and bores, better take gaskets if you want to do that. When you go to start it remember this is winter and you will need the battery (8D) fully charged, disengage the pump drive clutch, and if it is close to freezing plug in the block heater for 3 hrs or so. If there is no block heater you will need really good jumper cables and a can of ether. If it is really cold (20 degrees or more below freezing) take a tiger torch or stay home till the weather warms. The engine will smoke all the time, more when cold, and after it's warm the oil pressure should be at least 20psi at an idle and higher than 35psi reved up. The hydraulics can be very expensive to repair and easy to damage. Frame components would have to be made if they need replacing. If you have any more questions, post them and I will answer them

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
john_bud

12-27-2007 08:38:06




Report to Moderator
 Re: 1970's vintage Hydro-Ax 520 with Detroit Diesel in reply to chip man, 12-26-2007 21:41:06  
Thanks, Chip Man!

Do you know the weight of the unit? I was estimating it at 25k (well, more like a wild azz guess really).

How good are they are clearing old pastures, and making openings in the woods? I would want to use it to make wild life food plots and for pasture recovery.

Thanks again,
jb



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
chip man

12-27-2007 16:37:13




Report to Moderator
 Re: 1970's vintage Hydro-Ax 520 with Detroit Diesel in reply to john_bud, 12-27-2007 08:38:06  
You are pretty close with the weight, I would have said 22-23,000 lbs, depending on tire size, and more if there has been a lot of fishplating repairs. All the ones we have at work have custom heavy mowing decks, and extra plating in some areas of the frame. Yes, the Hydro Ax would be good at recaiming pastures, and opening up space in the forest. We use them for right-of-way maintnence, roadside and cross country, and at times they are very overgrown. Sometimes farmers object to what we do, because of the stubble left behind.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
JDknut

12-26-2007 04:48:45




Report to Moderator
 Re: 1970's vintage Hydro-Ax 520 with Detroit Diesel in reply to john_Bud, 12-25-2007 09:46:56  
Hydro Ax is a big name in logging equipment, especially the tree harvestors. The modern ones use Cummins. The Detroits are good reliable engines, among the best ever made, but they leak oil sometimes and the two cycle scream can get on someone's nerves. Also, they can be hard to start in cold weather. Detroits were a staple in logging equipment of all kinds until Cummins came out with the 5.9 and 8.3. The one in the Hydro Ax you rae looking at one probably has a 3-53 or a 4-53. three or four cylinders and 53 cubic inches per cylinder. Very good engines.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Blackhole49

12-29-2007 06:16:54




Report to Moderator
 Re: 1970's vintage Hydro-Ax 520 with Detroit Diesel in reply to JDknut, 12-26-2007 04:48:45  
Years ago in the construction industry (mid 70s) the rap on the 53 and 71 series engines was: You could take a brand new one in the crate, open it and take a picture of it, hang the picture on the wall and when back the next morning there would be a puddle of oil under it.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
john_bud

12-26-2007 06:05:09




Report to Moderator
 Re: 1970's vintage Hydro-Ax 520 with Detroit Diesel in reply to JDknut, 12-26-2007 04:48:45  
Thanks!


jb



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
[Options]  [Printer Friendly]  [Posting Help]  [Return to Forum]   [Log in to Reply]

Hop to:


TRACTOR PARTS TRACTOR MANUALS
We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]

Home  |  Forums


Copyright © 1997-2023 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy

TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters

Website Accessibility Policy