JD 50 vs 520/530

Bill(Wis) · Feb 2, 2020

The 520/530 models which followed the 50s were significantly heavier (about 1000 lbs) than the 50. That 1000 lbs was concentrated totally on the rear of the tractor. The basic difference was the 520 having 36" wheels vs the 50 having 38" wheels. The 520 cast iron wheels must have been 500 pounds heavier (each) than the 50 with cast iron wheels? I'm getting this info from Nebraska Test #486 (JD 50) and Test #597 (JD 520). All tests were conducted with cast iron wheels, no cast iron ballast and tests with ballast had about the same amount of liquid, no fenders. Example: Without liquid ballast, the 50 weighed 4855 lbs and the 520 weighed 5809. The static weights showed the front end weight on the tractors to be the same (1280) but the rear weights were about 1000 lbs heavier for the 520. That along with a boost in HP brought about by 75 more rpm and an increase in compression from 6.10:1 to 7.1:1 and using higher octane gas made the difference in test G. Almost 1200 lbs.

coonie minnie · Feb 2, 2020

I think you'd find the power trol assembly to be quite a bit heavier on a 520/530 than a 50, as I'm guessing the tractor tested at Nebraska likely had a rockshaft and maybe 3 point hitch. Other assemblies like brakes were likely heavier as well- at least the brakes on my 720 are bigger than on my 70. I'm guessing there might be some internal differences as well not easily seen. In short, while the cast centers were different, I don't think that was the sole increase in weight.

buickanddeere · Feb 2, 2020

(quoted from post at 12:08:50 02/02/20) The 520/530 models which followed the 50s were significantly heavier (about 1000 lbs) than the 50. That 1000 lbs was concentrated totally on the rear of the tractor. The basic difference was the 520 having 36" wheels vs the 50 having 38" wheels. The 520 cast iron wheels must have been 500 pounds heavier (each) than the 50 with cast iron wheels? I'm getting this info from Nebraska Test #486 (JD 50) and Test #597 (JD 520). All tests were conducted with cast iron wheels, no cast iron ballast and tests with ballast had about the same amount of liquid, no fenders. Example: Without liquid ballast, the 50 weighed 4855 lbs and the 520 weighed 5809. The static weights showed the front end weight on the tractors to be the same (1280) but the rear weights were about 1000 lbs heavier for the 520. That along with a boost in HP brought about by 75 more rpm and an increase in compression from 6.10:1 to 7.1:1 and using higher octane gas made the difference in test G. Almost 1200 lbs.

B is good . 50 is better . 520/530 is best .

Bill(Wis) · Feb 2, 2020

I agree and I actually like the 520 a little more than the 530 because of the vertical steering wheel. Makes standing up easier. I
got interested in this and have done a little more research and found one reference stating that the factory shipping weight of a
520 was about 500 lbs more than a 50. Somehow, that 520 at Nebraska ended up 1000 lbs heavier than the 50. All of it on the rear
end. The brakes on the 520 are slightly heavier and the parts will fit on a 60 or a 620 but not on a 50. And I can't tell from the
Nebraska photos if one was equipped with a 3 point hitch and not the other? Both were tested without fenders and no cast iron
weights. 1000 lbs difference is a lot. I'm going to the Keystone tractor museum on 17 Feb. Maybe they'll have one of each to look
at or maybe someone there will know. I'll have a caliper and a magnifying glass plus a tape measure. (;>))

ET · Feb 3, 2020

The 3pt hitch on the 520 is defiantly heavier than the old power-trol on the 50. The original 50 tested would have been an early one with wheel centers that had windows in them. Those centers were lighter and known for cracking if they got over tightened.

John Deere D · Feb 3, 2020

I own serval makes and models of Tractors..

My JD "520" is the most versatile machine for my requirements......18.4 X 30...calcium filled..

My MF FE 35 X is a close photo finish to my JD 520.....

Neighbors JD 50 is OK.........

Rims and Tires were changed as soil conditions dictated...

Lois (my wife) has short running gear...I installed a deck so she can add FUEL, check the coolant before she hits the field...

Bob..

johndeeregreg · Feb 4, 2020

i would bet money that 90% or more of that 1000 pounds is in the powertrol/rockshaft/3point. i think all the pieces for the 3 point hitch add up to around 300 pounds, then you have the rockshaft housing and all the components, i have never weighed that but that's probably 500 pounds or better ( and i know that its replacing parts on the 50 so you have to deduct those weights from that but there is quite a bit more iron on the 520/30's. and i wouldnt doubt if there are some gears that are heavier or other internal parts towards the rear.

JD 50 vs 520/530

Bill(Wis)

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coonie minnie

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buickanddeere

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Bill(Wis)

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ET

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John Deere D

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johndeeregreg

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