Help Me Find My First WH!

[KVustrud 92]

I'll try to keep this as short as possible, but I LOVE old garden tractors and have had several JD's and a few others.  I have spent countless hours researching all brands as well as owning and tinkering with several models.  My backyard is pretty large, gets covered with leaves, and is on a slope.  I'm a yard guy, I reel mow my front (both Bermuda).  The only 2 types of tractors that'll cut my grass evenly due to the slope are a Simplicity and a WH due to the deck actually riding on the ground vs. hanging from the tractor like a JD GT does.  I know all about the differences in Hydros, ie Eaton 1100, 700, TuffTorq 71/72/66/46, and then the manuals.  I have decided on WH over Simplicity has the Simplicity Conquests only come with a K66 and are more "box-store" looking than the WH 300-500 series.  The older Sovereigns etc. just are not as common as well.  All this to say, this is what brought me here. 

 

I need to find a WH!  From what I've researched, all 300-500 series tractors are on the same frame, is this correct?

 

I want to find a relatively clean one (I hate rust) with 800 or less hours and would prefer a bagger to come with it.  I'd be happy with a 42-48" deck.  I found an all original 520H with bagger garage kept that is beautiful I can get for $1,200, but it's a 5 hour drive one-way and I just don't have the time right now to go get it.  Not saying I won't, but I wish there were something closer.

 

Give me your opinions and info. on the 300-500 series, hydro vs. 8 spd, etc.  **I do not want a tractor with the Eaton 700.**

 

How hard would it be to find a bagger system if I buy a tractor without one? 

 

Thanks in advance, I am in NE GA! 

[clueless 2,987]

Wheel Horse did produce a couple of baggers for the 300,400and 500. The power bagger fits the 42" or the 48" side discharge deck and a non power bagger for the 37" side discharge deck. Both are hard to find, but they are out there. If the 520H with the bagger doesn't have a lot of hours and is in good shape find the time and go get it . If not let me know where it is.

 

[Ed Kennell 38,146]

5 hours ago, KVustrud said:

Give me your opinions and info. on the 300-500 series, hydro vs. 8 spd,

I have  a 312, a 417, and a 520.  All have the Eaton 1100 and hydraulic lift and foot pedal motion control. 

IMO, this is the best transmission unless you plan to run a tiller.   Then I would go with an 8 speed.

Due to the fuel consumption and the enormous amount of heat, I only use my 520 for winter snow duty.

I use the 312H with 42 RD and 42 SD decks to do my mowing.   I use the 417 w 48" SD for back up mowing and when mowing the fence lines.  The wider deck reaches further under the bottom wire.   I never tried it, but I feel the 312 would easily handle the 48" deck.

I store all my tractors inside so I don't have any issues, but the 520s are notorious for wiring problems if stored outside.

If I were limited to one tractor for mowing duty only, it would be the 312H.

[JCM 9,130]

to   If that 520 is in that great condition all set up that is a steal IMO. @Ed Kennell  is correct. I also have a 312, 417 and a 520. As Ed stated the 520 does blow out some hot air but so does the 417 Kohler. I used a 42 '' and a 48'' SD deck on my 312-8 for mowing for years without any issues. That 520 is a beast. If it has service records all the better. Baggers do pop up but can be tough to find as much as a 520 in nice condition. @KVustrud   Go get it.

[lynnmor 7,305]

I've been running 520H tractors for 32 years already, no serious problems aside from some previous owner neglect.  I did have a fuse block, flyball spacer and ignition module go haywire if you want to call that serious.  As far as the heat, I never noticed it.  Currently mowing with a 25 HP zero turn and it takes at least as much gas to do a mowing, probably more.

[Pullstart 62,838]

  @KVustrud!  I can’t help with finding you one down there, but if you pay for fuel, wear and tear and some southern grub I might drive to get one for you!  

[KVustrud 92]

Haha, thanks everyone!  Sounds like I'm in the right place and sounds like the 520 I need to jump on (which I figured).  I talked with the owner this AM and I am going to throw him a couple hundred extra for him to drive about 90% of the way!  Shooting for Thursday or Friday of this week!  Keep ya posted and hopefully post pics soon! 

[953 nut 55,195]

1 hour ago, KVustrud said:

I am going to throw him a couple hundred extra for him to drive about 90% of the way! 

If he is driving the Wheel Horse 90% of the way he will need a big head start!          OH, by the way, we do enjoy ribbing one another from time to time.

[Horse Newbie 7,069]

@KVustrud ,

 

to  !!!

 

Go get that 520-H !

Here is my 1994…

 

Ihave one question… Have you ever seen a prettier tractor than a Wheel Horse ?

 

I love mine !

 

 

If you wind up making a deal and purchasing the 520, I warn you-it won’t be your last Wheel Horse !

 

That’s how it started for me. I bought my first- the 1994 520-H from a lady who just wanted it out of her yard.

Next thing you know, I’m doing a good refresh on it…

 

Then a guy at work found out I had a Wheel Horse and gave me a 1984 Work Horse GT-1600.

He said all it needed was a fuel pump, but I went a little further…

 

I am currently working on getting my 3rd Wheel Horse back to a good service worthy condition- a1977 C-160…

 

Edited October 18, 2023 by Horse Newbie

[KVustrud 92]

I'm beyond excited and really hope this works out.  Finalizing details today! 

 

I LOVE the old Onan but I am quite familiar with their "difficulties."  The tractor has 600 hours on it, so if it's been well maintained I'm hoping to get several years out of it.  However, I do not have the time for tinkering like I used to now with young kids.  So when the Onan starts giving me trouble it'll be sold (to you guys first of course)....not messing with it lol!  I've done several engine swaps on all kinds of stuff.  I know I can eventually find a clean Vanguard for cheap on FB so I'll probably buy one when I find a deal and keep it on standby.  My question is, are the Vanguards setup with the appropriate bearings on the crank to keep the manual PTO as is?  I really like that and do not want to change to electric! 

[SylvanLakeWH 25,539]

2 hours ago, KVustrud said:

The tractor has 600 hours on it, so I WILL get several DECADES out of it. 

 

There, fixed it for ya...!

 

Nice find!

 

[KVustrud 92]

1 minute ago, SylvanLakeWH said:

 

There, fixed it for ya...!

 

Nice find!

 

 

 

Even better! 

[KVustrud 92]

Alright, we're set to meet Monday!

 

Question, someone I had messaged about a 312-8 wrote me back last night finally.  This tractor looks brand new, literally.  All original, 190 hours, flawless....Nice ag's on the rear and the skinny grooved tires on the front even.  $1,500 firm - no bagger.  Any opinions on this vs. the 520?  

 

I do like the simplicity and less to go wrong with the 312....but I also like obvious positives of the 520.  I could buy them both and pick one, keep the bagger, sell the other lol.  

 

Just curious for some feedback....still leaning towards the 520 and set to pickup Monday. 

[drodg33 101]

Well my ownership experience has been nothing but positive with the 315-8 and the 312-8.  My dad had a 312 that he had for maybe 20 years and then I ended up donating to our local parks department.  They still use it fairly often.   I had a 315-8 that I had for like 15 years and sold it to make for some room in my garage.  It was a great tractor also.  That is my two cents.  

Edited October 19, 2023 by drodg33
Bad sentence structure

[KVustrud 92]

Alright, some questions on the 312-8, as it sure is tempting!  I spoke with the owner, it's an older couple who says they owned a Toro dealer for 40 years and just sold the business to their daughter.  A neighbor apparently bought this tractor new from them and then they acquired it again recently because of a death or something.  They seemed like a super-polite, standard little southern couple (which I love!).  Said the tractor has 197 hours on it.  See the images below.....You can tell that yes, it's a low hour tractor - it does look nice and clean.  The closer I looked though I swear the deck and the footboards/PTO pulley have been re-painted and possibly the rear-end.  My phone did not show the color difference like my computer screen does which is why I just noticed this.  Also, the rear axle hub ends are red as well.  This doesn't necessarily concern me if something was repainted (although I'd rather it not be)....but I wanted ya'll who are familiar to look this tractor over and tell me your thoughts. I circled the area in blue to point out what I am seeing. 

 

I don't want some refurbed tractor.  My gut is that this is not that......muffler looks low hour, tie rods, controls, etc. an all do.  Plus, all of the stickers look original.  If it does have 197 hours on it and was well kept it would not need to be restored.  I also didn't get that vibe from talking to the people.  Also looks like a nice farm/building with some organization going on in the background.  

 

Just looking for opinions! 

Edited October 19, 2023 by KVustrud

[KVustrud 92]

I just looked online a bit, seems like general images on Google kind of show this trait too....

[KVustrud 92]

I think I'm starting to settle on the 312-8, still wanting opinions on my pictures though!  If anyone is interested in the 520, let me know.  I'll put you in touch with the guy!  He's a great/honest dude and it's a super clean ride! 

 

Now, I need a bagger for a 42" WH deck!  Hopefully taking delivery Sat of the tractor if it looks as good in person! 

[Horse Newbie 7,069]

2 hours ago, KVustrud said:

They seemed like a super-polite, standard little southern couple . Said the tractor has 197 hours on it .

And only used it to cut grass on Sunday…

Edited October 19, 2023 by Horse Newbie

[Ed Kennell 38,146]

2 hours ago, KVustrud said:

I swear the deck and the footboards/PTO pulley have been re-painted

It does appear everything but the hood was repainted.        TORO had some issues with paint peeling. 

[Handy Don 12,214]

There isn’t all that much that a 520-H can do that a 312-8 cannot, but there are some things. The hydro motion and lift, of course, and then a two-stage blower, a 60” mower, and \ a 54” dozer plow in heavy snow.

If none of these apply, the 312-8 is a win.

Yes, I agree it was likely repainted.

[KVustrud 92]

It’ll just be a mower for a nice Bermuda yard. I just refuse to buy anything other than a durable “garden tractor” type as I do have a hill and may pull some things or make a small food plot. 
 

Anything stand out on the 312 I should be wary of? 
 

They said it was always stored inside so I’m just wondering why with 197 hours it’d need repainted. 

[953 nut 55,195]

2 hours ago, KVustrud said:

I’m just wondering why with 197 hours it’d need repainted.

If it was owned by an older person there may have been some scuffs and scrapes when he was getting on and off the tractor.

6 hours ago, KVustrud said:

  I spoke with the owner, it's an older couple who says they owned a Toro dealer for 40 years and just sold the business to their daughter.  A neighbor apparently bought this tractor new from them and then they acquired it again recently because of a death or something.

I would guess that the former dealer couldn't stand to see blemishes and wanted to make it look good, did a little touch up.

  I would buy the 312-8!

[drodg33 101]

I would say based on what I have read and my experience with the 312 you will have less headaches down the road.   I just bought a 418-8 and love it waiting to mow next spring with it.   

[KVustrud 92]

6 minutes ago, drodg33 said:

I would say based on what I have read and my experience with the 312 you will have less headaches down the road.   I just bought a 418-8 and love it waiting to mow next spring with it.   

 

Kind of my thoughts as well....sometimes simple is better.

[KVustrud 92]

Alright, the 312 is being delivered tomorrow AM!!!!