Production years
1990s-2000s
John Deere grain drill ยท 1990s-2000s
John Deere 520 Grain Drill
The John Deere 520 is a 20-foot integral soybean and grain drill, commonly equipped with Tru-Vee double-disc openers. It is known as a wide three-point drill for soybeans and small grains, with mechanical metering and common 7.5-, 10-, or 15-inch row configurations.
Working width
20 ft
Row spacing
7.5, 10, or 15 in., by configuration
Number of openers/rows
32 at 7.5 in.; 24 at 10 in.; 16 at 15 in.
John Deere 520 specifications
| Production years | 1990s-2000s |
|---|---|
| Drill type | Integral three-point grain and soybean drill |
| Working width | 20 ft |
| Row spacing | 7.5, 10, or 15 in., by configuration |
| Number of openers/rows | 32 at 7.5 in.; 24 at 10 in.; 16 at 15 in. |
| Opener type | Tru-Vee double-disc |
| Seed and fertilizer boxes | Grain or soybean seed box; grass-seed attachment available on some drills |
| Weight (approximate) | About 4,000-5,000 lb; confirm by opener and box configuration |
What the 520 is used for
The 520 was intended for broad-acre soybean and small-grain seeding with a tractor three-point hitch. The 15-inch configuration is associated with soybean work, while narrower row versions fit wheat, oats, rye, and other drilled crops.
Owners value the wide, integral design, mechanical feed system, and double-disc placement. It is best matched to a tractor with sufficient three-point lift capacity and ballast, and it is more practical in fields where its 20-foot transport width is acceptable.
Why the John Deere 520 stands out
The 520 is notable for combining a 20-foot integral frame with Tru-Vee double-disc openers and mechanical metering. In good condition, it offers accurate drilled-row placement and a simple system familiar to many Deere owners, but the large mounted weight is central to tractor selection.
Buying a used John Deere 520
Inspect the Tru-Vee discs, opener bearings, seed boots and tubes, closing or row-cover equipment, down-pressure springs, and frame for cracks around hitch points. Operate the drive to check every feed cup, shaft, chain, and sprocket, then inspect seed-box bottoms and lids. Confirm the actual row spacing because 7.5-, 10-, and 15-inch versions are materially different machines.
John Deere 520 frequently asked questions
How wide is a John Deere 520 drill?
The commonly documented 520 integral soybean and grain drill has a 20-foot working width.
What row spacings were used on the 520?
Common configurations are 7.5, 10, and 15 inches, with 32, 24, and 16 rows respectively.
Is the John Deere 520 suitable for no-till?
Its Tru-Vee double-disc openers can handle more residue than a single-disc drill, but confirm the exact machine's equipment and do not assume every 520 is a dedicated no-till drill.
Specifications are commonly cited figures for general reference; exact figures vary by year and serial number, so confirm against TractorData.com and the machine's records. Values and prices of used grain drills vary by condition, use, and region. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.