does everyone end up with a 416-8 or 520h?

[bean 85]

I've looked at several wheel horse tractors, and every person selling their 8-12hp tractors has a 416-8 or a 520h sitting in the back of the garage. is that the final destination for wheel horse enthusiasts? it certainly makes sense.

I have noticed a larger supply of the 520s, compared to the 416s. were there less of the 400 series sold, or are they all keepers, and not sold often?

[dcrage 628]

I guess I kinda fit into that observation -- I added a 418-A to my garage this winter (but am NOT selling my 310-8) -- I always dreamed of owning a 520-H, but it feels like I scratched that itch with the 418-A -- My 418-A is a few years older than the 520s and 416s you are seeing -- And for what it is worth, I have an 18 HP Kohler twin instead of a 20 HP Onan -- (So does that mean I don't have the same worries about valve seat stuff??) -- I guess I will find out over the next few years

[Ken B 3,164]

Good question. As far as grass cutting duties go the 520 is the end of the line for me, anything else would be a step down. I've wanted one for yrs. now and I finally have one and I love it. Sure, I'll have to deal with Onan issues and what not sooner or later but pimpin ain't easy. :ychain:

[1maidenfan 202]

I just sold (couple weeks ago) a 416-8. I purchased this for use at my dads house, turns out his yard is to rough for a rider. ( almost to rough to push mow) I did like the 416 but it does not compare to my D series tractors. I would like to try out a 520 though. :twocents-02cents:

[bean 85]

those onan engines have the most beautiful sound. it's like the ferrari of the tractor world :)

[AMC RULES 37,132]

That's funny...I started with a 520 and worked my way back to the roundhoods from there.

[bean 85]

maybe it ultimately goes full circle, and everyone ends up with a suburban, lawn ranger, or an rj.

if gas gets any higher, i might have to :ychain:

[CRE1992 135]

Ive had a 520H, a 418A, a 414-8, and a 314-8. My 416H was my favorite and I regret letting her go =[. I only have a 418A now. How ever I just picked up my 418-A and I like her, she just needs some TLC and she has been getting it over the last week. So I have not had a chance to fall in love with the 418A yet. However as said about the 418A, it has a Eaton 11 and a Kohler 18hp magnum, it is really the best of both worlds, unless someone has a 420LSE they are hiding =D.

[mdclem 12]

That's funny...I started with a 520 and worked my way back to the roundhoods from there.

I'm on the same page. Started with a 1989 520-H and now restoring a RJ-58 and a 35 on tap.

[decksetter 50]

I just sold (couple weeks ago) a 416-8. I purchased this for use at my dads house, turns out his yard is to rough for a rider. ( almost to rough to push mow) I did like the 416 but it does not compare to my D series tractors. I would like to try out a 520 though.

Sold to me!! and John you can come down and mow with my 520H sometime if you want to try it out.

Personally I like the 520H, but I like the 416H better for mowing given the same deck on both. It's a narrower track than the 520 (narrower tires) and just feels more maneuverable. The 520 seems to cut better at a higher ground speed, but I'm not sure if that's because of the wider tires or just because my yard now is smoother than the one I used to cut with a 416H.

The 416H just feels really agile for as big as it is. The 520 feels bulkier, and the 416-8 is by no means a quick machine because you're shifting all the time. For cutting grass around all my trees and such the 416H is a dream to me (maybe I'll get another....).

All that said, I would like to have a smaller machine around. There's no need to burn all the fuel in that 20 horse Onan just to pull around a lawn cart full of limbs and brush. I could do that with a 310 or an old C series or something, and I'd like to have another for lighter stuff eventually.

[leeave96 487]

I've got a little different take on this - maybe...

The 520H with swept forward axle and steering reduction is a mighty fine tractor. It looks awsome and the sound of the Onan is very cool. They are the BMW of Wheelhorse tractors - IMHO.

I've got two 520H tractors and a 314-8. I still like the 314-8 better, but use both for mowing and different chores. I highly recommend having at minimum a gear drive tractor and a hydro tractor.

That being said, your post might ought to read, "Does everyone end up with a 416-8 AND a 520H."

Bill

[varosd 1,185]

Still love the B-80! I will put forth that there are always a B-80 or 8 hp engined WH in a lot of folks collection. they were the "entry level" into the garden tractor and the pull start 7 HP also since it had the same rock steady tranny

[bowtiebutler956 650]

Still love the B-80! I will put forth that there are always a B-80 or 8 hp engined WH in a lot of folks collection. they were the "entry level" into the garden tractor and the pull start 7 HP also since it had the same rock steady tranny

I'm with you Don, I love my B-80! Granted it has had a heart transplant to a K301 12hp, but its just a great machine! Although, I must say that my ultimate is a C-160, and I will own one some day.

Matt :flags-texas:

[squonk 41,166]

I like to stay in the 60's and 70's era. It seems to me that all the 300,400and 500 series tractors I come across are all beat up and rusted. I picked up a C160 parts tractor that had been in the weeds 3 years and was in better shape cosmetically than a lot of the newer ones I've seen. I was at an auction last week and there was a 72 Raider 14 there that out side of the seat and belt guard looked almost new

[Foozerush 40]

I love my 416-8.... Then I love to hop on my 8-25, to get that open wheel go-kart feel when mowing...

[Hydro 131]

I just sold (couple weeks ago) a 416-8. I purchased this for use at my dads house, turns out his yard is to rough for a rider. ( almost to rough to push mow) I did like the 416 but it does not compare to my D series tractors. I would like to try out a 520 though.

Sold to me!! and John you can come down and mow with my 520H sometime if you want to try it out.

Personally I like the 520H, but I like the 416H better for mowing given the same deck on both. It's a narrower track than the 520 (narrower tires) and just feels more maneuverable. The 520 seems to cut better at a higher ground speed, but I'm not sure if that's because of the wider tires or just because my yard now is smoother than the one I used to cut with a 416H.

The 416H just feels really agile for as big as it is. The 520 feels bulkier, and the 416-8 is by no means a quick machine because you're shifting all the time. For cutting grass around all my trees and such the 416H is a dream to me (maybe I'll get another....).

All that said, I would like to have a smaller machine around. There's no need to burn all the fuel in that 20 horse Onan just to pull around a lawn cart full of limbs and brush. I could do that with a 310 or an old C series or something, and I'd like to have another for lighter stuff eventually.

That is exactly the way I felt about my 416H...until the engine went. It was a very nice machine.

[MalMac 1,331]

Well I am guilty too of what bean said. If you look in my shop you will see 2 520's setting in the back. Just recently I did bring one into service sort of. Usually though you will find me using my ol trusty C's they are the bread and butter of the Wheel Horse's always there when you need them. The 520's are nice but I like my C's better.

[kpinnc 12,138]

Like many, I love the sound of my Onan. I usually drove it out into the yard, made a couple laps, and put it up. My way of getting my fix I guess...

Then I get out the 310-8 or the 867 and work. My Toyota gets better fuel economy than my Onan. :ychain:

[Prater 75]

I love my 416-8 for the garden chores. I think its hard to beat the 8 speed with a tiller. I mow with a commercial Toro ZTR so my use is limited to pulling stumps, gardening, and blade work. I did however change out the steering column, I think the C series has a stronger column mount for the steering. My 416 column mount out of stamped steel did not hold up.

[liketoplayto 6]

I STARTED OUT WITH A 312-8 WHICH I BOUGHT NEW IN 94 AND I STILL HAVE HER I HAD SEVERAL 520 H I LIKE THE LOOKS AND THE SOUND OF THE ONAN ENGINES BUT I FELL IN LOVE WITH A 416H AND GOT RID OF MY 520 S I LIKE EVERYTHING ABOUT HER EVEN LOW HOURS ON IT I USE THE 312-8 CANT GET RID OF OLD FAITH FUL NEVER DID ANYTHING TO HER TILL LAST SPRING HAD TO REPLACE SWITCH DRIVE BELT AND MOWER PTO BELT I THINK ITS LITTLE PRICE TO PAY FOR IT WAS THE ONLY TRACTOR I HAD UP TO 2 YEARS AGO AND I LOGGED OVER 1100 HOURS ON IT FROM MOWING AND BLOWING SNOW AND ENGINE RUNS AS GOOD NOW AS THE DAY I BROUGHT IT HOME AND FIRED HER UP IN LONG RUN I GUESS ITS WHAT U FEEL MOST CONFORTABLE WITH AND ENJOY PLAYING WITH BECAUSE IF MOWING BECOMES A JOB MEANS UR NOT HAVING NO FUN AND THEN IT WOULDNT MATTER WHAT UR SITTING ON.

[SousaKerry 501]

I can't stand the hoods on them modern tractors, If I owned a 520 I would rip off the hood and dash tower and put a black hood on it. And I would rip out that crappy onan and put in a nice twin Kohler. But that's just me... I will admit I do have two tractors with the ugly duckling black stripe round hood thingie, they are both vertical shafts without a motor, why I have not scrapped them yet is beyond me.

[stevasaurus 22,767]

Nope. :) :) :)

[546cowboy 301]

My first Wheel Horse was a 1990 520H that had a broken rod. Got it for free I think from a friend of mine, there may have been some trading there, I can't remember. Anyway, I have had about thirty or so since and I do have two 520's at present. As much as I like the C's nothing really compares in a tractor to a 520 with a 60" deck for mowing. Last year I found a deal at an auction on a Woods 5180 zero turn and now that's all I mow with. Nothing sounds or runs like a good Onan 20 though and sometimes I get the '91 out and mow for pure pleasure!!!! :happy-jumpeveryone:

[Duff 206]

I can't stand the hoods on them modern tractors, If I owned a 520 I would rip off the hood and dash tower and put a black hood on it. And I would rip out that crappy onan and put in a nice twin Kohler. But that's just me... I will admit I do have two tractors with the ugly duckling black stripe round hood thingie, they are both vertical shafts without a motor, why I have not scrapped them yet is beyond me.

Wow! Now tell us how you really feel!

Duff :laughing-lettersrofl:

[kthack657 279]

dont have either of them...I like the weird stuff :D