New To Me Wheel Horse 518H!!

[Wheel Horse Kid 105]

As some of you know, my 520H's 20 HP Onan blew a few weeks with major damage involved. I was looking for another motor to put in the 520H as it is a really nice tractor and I just didn't want to part it out, but I didn't have the money to buy a new Briggs or Honda for it.

 

I came across a 1988 518H for sale from a farm tractor dealer in a local classified magazine a few days ago and went and checked it out this morning. It turned out to be a pretty nice tractor (not a show tractor by any means), but it is very solid and runs great and the deck is in great shape which is what was important to me since I will be putting the 18  HP Onan engine and 42" deck from the 518 on my 520 and then will part out the 518. The dealer actually raised his price to $850 from the $750 advertised price in the classified listing, but I was able to get him down to $700. I know that was probably a little high being as the tractor is not in great shape, but considering the fact that an Onan and deck for my 520H would cost me probably $800+, I don't think I did too bad coming from that stand point, plus I will be able to part out the rest of the 518 and recoup some the money I invested in it.

 

Here are a couple of pictures of the 518 after I got it cleaned up and also a video of it running. It has 805 hours on the working hour meter. Let me know what you guys think! I will be sure to start another thread once I start the conversion of the 18HP Onan to my 520H.

 

 

 

 

One question...This 518 actually has electric lift. I was under the impression that all 518's had manual lift. Was this some kind of a dealer add on or option?? Definitively looks professionally done, not a home made job at all. Just curious...

 

Thanks,

Taylor

[WH nut 553]

Looks like you made a good deal to me, too bad you are going to part it out.

[AMC RULES 37,134]

Don't think I'd part that one out.    

[squonk 41,226]

After you take the engine out and there's not much left of value except the 700 trans and elec lift.

[WH nut 553]

After you rip the motor out, what would you want for it with the old Onan?

[Wheel Horse Kid 105]

Thanks everyone for the feedback! I appreciate it! To be honest, the tractor does not look near as nice as the pictures show (has white spray paint on the seat pan and trans, has some surface rust and flaking, and the decals are pretty beat up). I am still probably going to take off the deck and motor for my 520H, but I will think it over some more first. I am on a pretty limited budget and I think that doing it this way will be more economical than going out and buying an Onan and a deck for my 520. Yes, I know the 518 will be parted out and all, but you do have to remember that the 520 will be brought back to life!

 

 

 

After you rip the motor out, what would you want for it with the old Onan?

 

I was actually planning to keep the old Onan for parts as Onan parts are getting pretty pricey these days and I think I could use them in the future. Thanks for asking though..

[jay in nc 210]

my 518 has an electric lift just like yours. it doesent lift as well as a manual lift & you have to take the  side pannel and lift cylinder off to change the oil filter.real pain in the ass. so when the eaton 700 trans finaly goes the motor will go on a 520. b.t.w. this onan has 1700 hours on it & has just started puffing smoke at startup.

[Wheel Horse Kid 105]

my 518 has an electric lift just like yours. it doesent lift as well as a manual lift & you have to take the  side pannel and lift cylinder off to change the oil filter.real pain in the ass. so when the eaton 700 trans finaly goes the motor will go on a 520. b.t.w. this onan has 1700 hours on it & has just started puffing smoke at startup.

Thanks for the info Jay! It must have been a factory or dealer option then since there other 518's out there with electric lift. Like I said, I am going to put the Onan and deck from the 518 on my 520 so I am glad that I won't have to worry about servicing the electric lift. Good to hear your Onan is holding up so well for you! Hoping I can get 2,000 hours out of mine. Maybe it is not possible, but that is what we are shooting for!

[WH nut 553]

Ok, without the junk Onan?

[Wheel Horse Kid 105]

Ok, without the junk Onan?

I would sell the 518 as it sits for $500.  I figure that is what I can get out of it if I would part it out. The electric lift alone is worth $350 (that is what one went for on Ebay a month or so ago). The mower deck and motor would NOT be included in that price. Let me know if you are interested...Taylor

[WH nut 553]

 

Ok, without the junk Onan?

I would sell the 518 as it sits for $500.  I figure that is what I can get out of it if I would part it out. The electric lift alone is worth $350 (that is what one went for on Ebay a month or so ago). The mower deck and motor would NOT be included in that price. Let me know if you are interested...Taylor

 

No way would I give 500 for a tractor with no motor or deck. Sorry

[Wheel Horse Kid 105]

 

 

Ok, without the junk Onan?

I would sell the 518 as it sits for $500.  I figure that is what I can get out of it if I would part it out. The electric lift alone is worth $350 (that is what one went for on Ebay a month or so ago). The mower deck and motor would NOT be included in that price. Let me know if you are interested...Taylor

 

No way would I give 500 for a tractor with no motor or deck. Sorry

 

Ok, well that is your choice not to buy it. You asked for a number and I gave it. I would probably not pay $500 for it myself, but when I know that I can get $500 out of the electric lift and trans alone, I am not going to take less than that for the whole tractor. I am just trying to recoup as much of the $700 I have invested in it as I can as I am on a very limited budget. No need to be rude...

[WH nut 553]

 

 

 

Ok, without the junk Onan?

I would sell the 518 as it sits for $500.  I figure that is what I can get out of it if I would part it out. The electric lift alone is worth $350 (that is what one went for on Ebay a month or so ago). The mower deck and motor would NOT be included in that price. Let me know if you are interested...Taylor

 

No way would I give 500 for a tractor with no motor or deck. Sorry

 

Ok, well that is your choice not to buy it. You asked for a number and I gave it. I would probably not pay $500 for it myself, but when I know that I can get $500 out of the electric lift and trans alone, I am not going to take less than that for the whole tractor. I am just trying to recoup as much of the $700 I have invested in it as I can as I am on a very limited budget. No need to be rude...

 

You are correct it is my choice,wasnt being rude, just declining your offer. Get your wrenches out. Good luck

[Wheel Horse Kid 105]

 

 

 

 

Ok, without the junk Onan?

I would sell the 518 as it sits for $500.  I figure that is what I can get out of it if I would part it out. The electric lift alone is worth $350 (that is what one went for on Ebay a month or so ago). The mower deck and motor would NOT be included in that price. Let me know if you are interested...Taylor

 

No way would I give 500 for a tractor with no motor or deck. Sorry

 

Ok, well that is your choice not to buy it. You asked for a number and I gave it. I would probably not pay $500 for it myself, but when I know that I can get $500 out of the electric lift and trans alone, I am not going to take less than that for the whole tractor. I am just trying to recoup as much of the $700 I have invested in it as I can as I am on a very limited budget. No need to be rude...

 

You are correct it is my choice, get your wrenches out. Good luck

 

Planning to tear it down this summer and I am sure I will have my money back in no time! FYI, I already have someone who is interested in the electric lift for $300. Have a Great Night!

[leeave96 487]

One thing you might consider just for kicks is to swap out the 520's sheet metal (if you can) with the 518's sheet metal. That would get you the brighter Wheelhorse red paint and non-Toro decals.

I think the price you paid is good. Good plan with keeping the old Onan for parts and parting out the remains of the 518.

[Wheel Horse Kid 105]

One thing you might consider just for kicks is to swap out the 520's sheet metal (if you can) with the 518's sheet metal. That would get you the brighter Wheelhorse red paint and non-Toro decals.

I think the price you paid is good. Good plan with keeping the old Onan for parts and parting out the remains of the 518.

 

I kinda like that idea! Would have to make sure everything will transfer over though like you said. Definitely going to have to think this one over! Thanks for the compliments! I appreciate them!

[Forest Road 594]

The electric lift should bring $100+ on eBay. Good luck with it!!!

[Wheel Horse Kid 105]

The electric lift should bring $100+ on eBay. Good luck with it!!!

Thanks!

[ericj 1,578]

check the wiring diagrams before swapping i am pretty sure there are some wires that don/t match up between the 88,  89's and the 90 and up 520's because of the way they did the fuses and start and safety relays. (in the 9 pin plug )  ran into that my self 1 time. good luck with your project and keep them onan's purrrrring

 

 

eric j 

[Wheel Horse Kid 105]

check the wiring diagrams before swapping i am pretty sure there are some wires that don/t match up between the 88,  89's and the 90 and up 520's because of the way they did the fuses and start and safety relays. (in the 9 pin plug )  ran into that my self 1 time. good luck with your project and keep them onan's purrrrring

 

 

eric j 

 

Thanks for letting me know about that Eric...I will be sure to check the wiring situation out.

[Lane Ranger 10,977]

Reading all this make me realize why I like the old Wheel Horse round hoods and their simple (for me) design! 

[Jake Kuhn 1,556]

Reading all this make me realize why I like the old Wheel Horse round hoods and their simple (for me) design! 

Me too! 

[Wheel Horse Kid 105]

 

Reading all this make me realize why I like the old Wheel Horse round hoods and their simple (for me) design! 

Me too! 

 

 

 

Reading all this make me realize why I like the old Wheel Horse round hoods and their simple (for me) design! 

 

Yes, the newer ones are definitively a lot more involved than the old Round Hoods, but I LOVE listening to those twin cylinder Onans and the hydrostatic drive is definitively a big plus for me since I have a lot of trees in my yard. Plus, I have always been fastened with all the extra gauges and stuff! LOL! Planning on giving this conversion one try and if things go south in a hurry, I have a really nice original B80 in the backyard that is just itching to get another 8 HP Kohler put in it and become my mowing tractor. Keep your crossed for me!