Simple vs reliability model/years

[FLtractor 23]

1 hour ago, ebinmaine said:

 

 

There are 4 main types of Wheelhorse manual transmission. 

3 and 4 speeds are two. 

6 and 8 speeds are the other two. 

 

All are quite rugged. 

A couple have different capabilities. See 6 and 8 speed listings below.  

 

 

3 and 6 speeds are made up to 1969. 

4 and 8 speeds from 1970 up. 

 

The difference between the two families is the location of the brake shaft. 

 

3 speeds, 4 speeds, and a few light duty 8 speeds use a 4 pinion differential. 

6 speeds and a few early 8 speeds use a 10 pinion Limited Slip Differential. 

8 speeds from 1973 up use an 8 pinion open differential. 

 

8 pinion 8 speeds are known to be the most rugged. 

 

 

Your own 3 speed is very capable.  

 

 

Oh ok interesting. Thank you for the explanation. 

[Beap52 1,178]

Simple vs reliability vs availability.   I sold a C-141 that, once I converted to electronic ignition, was a fine machine.  Rear discharge wasn't my favorite.   I had a barn find 520H gifted to me that had sat ten years. After spending about 600 dollars getting it running including new tires it has preformed flawlessly.  Side discharge which I like better.  

 

I've only these two to compare.  If I had to pick between the two I'd still choose the 520H. The steering is wonderful. The nine pin connector issue has been solved. All of my machines are kept inside and dry which I would think adds to longevity.  I like the smoothness and sound of the Onan. 

 

Whereas I'll likely never have another Wheelhorse, (I'm at the stage in life if I buy something, I will sell something.) I'm content with the one I've got.

[Retired Wrencher 5,634]

23 hours ago, T-Mo said:

There are some bad design flaws in all brands, Wheel Horse included.  I.e., plastic hoods and fenders, and the tow lever on the C1X1 series hydrostatic models were hard to almost impossible to get access to.  And if you have a lot of property to maintain, you will want to get access to that lever eventually.  The primary drive belt systems on the Wheel Horses wasn't the most efficient design, robbed a lot of hp getting to the deck.  The angle frame design wasn't as heavy duty as with some competitors.  As with all brands, there's good and the bad.

 

The mid to late 80s Wheel Horses, in my opinion (take or leave it) were the best to where a lot of design flaws were ironed out or removed.  And as mention, the Kohler Magnums were great engines.  The Kohler K series and the Command series were also good engines.  If maintain properly, the Onans were okay as well.  The Eaton 11 transmissions were stronger than the Eaton 7 transmissions, so that's one area to look at if going hydrostatic drive configuration.  The 8 speed gear drive transmissions have proven to withstand the passing of time.

Well said T-Mo! Good info there.

[Treepep 629]

C series

 

Nuff said. 

 

Love them all. 

 

C is tough, simple, reliable. er fixable.  My vote