What's the toughest of the big WH's?

[Lymedog 2]

Hey guys, I'm looking for a big tractor to complete my grand slam... I looked online at a d250,d180,c195 ,520-8 and 520hc. Any suggestions on these big powerful WH's?

By the way, my dad has an early 310-8, it's been sitting out in his yard in Sullivan county ,NY for years. It's totally "rust" colored from the harsh mountain weather, but to this day starts up on the first turn over and had literally pulled over a 1000lbs of wood and men without even a whimper. I'd say on toughness, like my 80 yr old dad ... You just can't stop em!

I like the 310-8 but I own a 416-8 ,312-8, and a 268h but am still looking for the toughest and best overall " Big Beast WH"!

Any suggestions from the "ones in the know" !?!

[ericj 1,578]

520-8 got the power of the twin 20 hp onan and the toughness of the 8 speed rear. but all of them are tough competitor. the D250 is definitely a contender but talk about hard to get parts,but i would take one in a heart beat at the right price. but attachment don't interchange like the 3,4, and 500 sieres just my 2 cents worth.

 

 

eric j 

[546cowboy 301]

Well the 'D' series are big but like stated above, attachments are hard to find along with parts and most owners have a parts tractor around too. I have often thought I would like to have one but those two things along with the wide turning radius have kept me from actually buying one along with the prices people want for them. If I had to choose a 'D' it would be a D-200 with the Kohler.

 

I know most think 520's are a pain with electrical problems and the possibility of a valve seat popping out but for my money nothing beats a 520H from 1990 and up. I have had a 520-8 and I really don't see any advantage to the 8 speed unless you are plowing a garden maybe. I don't so I am a hydro fan and even if I did garden with one I would still prefer the hydro. I don't like the idea of stopping and shifting gears when you have to back up. The HC's were only built in '88 and '89 and I never saw the advantage of either one. I have owned three and never had a problem with the hydro's. The other thing is all the attachments are easy to find and parts are readily available.

[Killer 2000 Chevy 83]

I'm kinda partial to my 1054. It's heavy, and heavy duty.   I love the looks of them too! So I would vote 953, 1054, or GT14   

[953 nut 55,043]

  I love the 953/1054 also, but as far as big and tough you may want to look for a GT-14, mine has a Front end loader and 3 point on it and it is a Beast!

 

 

[BPjunk 184]

Welllllllll considering the D-250 has a wet sleeved Renault industrial gas engine rated at only 19.5 hp but the true hp rating was 28 hp ...... hummmm then there is the 10 speed transmission ...... ohhh yeah the differential lock ..... I think these reasons make the D-250 pretty tough.

 

Wild Bill

Richmond, VA

[Lymedog 2]

Thanks everyone,

I like the look of the gt 14, but I don't think it would out pull my 416-8. I never looked at the 1054 and the single range Hydros are out.

I'm gonna take a look at a 522xi clone ( NH GT 22) with my dad. It's got 22 hp , split range hydro and heard it can pull a house down.

And yes, it's not my preferred 8 speed 80's - 90's models but ill give it a look and a test ride.

Thanks again for the input.

Lymedog

[Tankman 3,518]

Having owned numerous Horses, I'll vote for the 520's but, like the looks and possibilities of owning a D Series Stallion.

 

Most all my Horses were Kohler powered. Hearing a lot of negative chit chat 'bout the Onan's made me skeptical of owning one.

 

My '90 520-8 is powered, Onan. Love it, the Stud has more power than most can phantom. Never, and I mean never, complains 'cept, "More fuel. More fuel." I can live with his thirst. You would think he was high 'n dry on the desert.

 

I can't think of anything a 520 couldn't handle.

 

Vote ~ 500 Series. 

Edited July 6, 2013 by Tankman

[Brrly1 1,146]

GT14 with loader, mid mount grader blade, rear back blade make it one of the nicest tractors I own plus my 520xi. Thats all I know for know. Oh yeah its less than two months away. Go Hawkeyes!!!!

[Lymedog 2]

Thanks Tank,

My dream would b to own a 520-8, but they are sooo hard to find. But if I see one, I'm gonna jump on it. I had one, a few years ago and

Hesitated. As you know, those who hesitate are lost! I could kick my own a** for that loss, but I hope it'll come available again.

I'm gonna try the NH GT 22 (522xi clone) and give her a whirl. I heard they are " Tanks" too.

Lymedog

[dennist 139]

If you are looking on the newer xi models, then just skip looking at the NH GT 22 and go straight to the 523DXI it has huge tourque and will mow/pull/plow, you name it, with ease and power steering and just sip the fuel. Easy to get on and off and just a great tractor.

[Lymedog 2]

Thanks dennist,

I'd love to get one, the problem is to find one. For the prices they want for the 523dxi , I could buy a 4x4 NH diesel or Kubota bx series.

If I could find the deisel at a fair price, then bring it on. Most want to rape you on it.

Lymedog

[sned 15]

Lymedog I have moved my 8,000 pound boat with my franken tractor that had a 10hp kohler and a 400 series 8 speed. Definitely more pull power than my GT 14. Recently pulled my hot rod with the GT and it struggled. I want my 8 speed back. GT is cooler and heavier built but pull power is what this thread is about.

[leeave96 487]

My view is a C series or 300, 400 or 500 series with 8 pinion rear end, hydro or gear drive is a tough tractor.

[Rollerman 290]

Guess I'll weigh in here.

How are we determining "toughness"...pulling power?, brute strength?, long term survivability?

 

Over the years I've done a lot of swapping, selling...general Horse trading & have had all the above models in my stable at one time or another.

Here's my thoughts on some of them.

 

D's...the hydro D's are built like tanks.

I mean literally they are big, square, & take a lot of room to maneuver.

There known for sloppy steering, weak hydro's (more related to wear & tear than design), complicated DCL linkages. early D's had problems with the bull gears spitting out the bolts & breaking the transaxle cases open. 

For a hydro they have plenty of yanking ability, but a hydro will never be as efficient as a gear drive.

They are a tough Horse...but not the toughest.

 

D250...nice machines (I like mine a lot!), probably Wheel Horse's only true entry to the "CUT" market.

Like any Horse they have there share of issues, parts availability, weak steering & transaxle problems.

Built with a Renault engine, Italian steering gearbox, German transaxle, cuts grass with a John Deere deck, assembled by Gutbrod in Germany, imported to the states with Wheel Horse stickers...is it really a Horse or a stepchild at best?

Plenty of power & a lot of neat features, but again I don't think it's the toughest Horse.

 

GT14's...I've had a few & they are "tough", but no more so than any other big block hydro Horse.

 

520's...I'm not a 520 fan.

I had one great one with a 48" deck that would mow grass or plow snow like crazy.

Then I've had three others that were less than great, weak frames (I suspect from heavy use carrying a 60" deck causing them to crack at the mid point), blOnan issues, wiring problems, finicky carbs & thirsty, thirsty, thirsty!

I think the 20HP Onan & 60" deck were to much for the Wheel Horse chassis...

They are a sweet sounding machine & have a lot going for them...I don't think very "tuff" though.

 

953/1054's....round hoods on steroids.

Pretty tough, early models had some issues with the spider gears going "bang".

Not all that "tough" either.

 

IMOP...a C series with a big block Kohler, 8 speed, 8 pinion trans is the toughest tractor ever built by Wheel Horse.

They are simple to work on, plenty of pulling power, survive & keep going.

I know of a C120 a barn collapsed on & sat under that mess for years, when it was dug out eventually it took very little to get it running again. 

(that's tough!)

They may not out pull a D, GT14, 520...or even a 953/1054, but when is the last time you seen one of those in front of a sled?

 

Opinions are free & vary, those are just my thoughts on what Wheel Horse's "toughest" model could be.

To much caffeine tonight.

[Lymedog 2]

So Roll,

Your saying buy a case 446.... String up the 250, 520 and gt14... And pullem all around like string toys.....lol .... Just kidding.

My dad had one about 8 yrs ago and it was a beast! But, I'm a WH guy and I like collecting em.

I wanted to ask you what is your take on the 522xi or NH GT22? I was looking at one and wanted any expert advise on them.

I'd really want a 523dxi but can't find one and they are selling at 2000 more than the 522xi.

Lymedog

[Ken B 3,164]

After riding around on Stevebo's Senior I'd have to say it is one of the toughest. I also think it would yank most of the tractors mentioned above with ease. Imagine how tough a Senior was when it was brand new! Just my take on which is the toughest. Of course they ain't so easy too find!

[C-85 681]

Hi "Toughest" W/H fans,

 

I really enjoyed reading all these comments, here's my 2 cents. 

 

As far as toughness goes, I like cast iron, lots of cast iron  , go cast iron!

 

So I like Kohler singles the best for engines.

 

I like 8 pinion non hydro transmissions as far as ruggness goes.

 

As I said I like cast iron, so if grills were to be evaluated, the old GT's (not Work Horse) cast iron grills would be hard to beat!

 

 

C-85

[Rollerman 290]

So Roll,

Your saying buy a case 446.... String up the 250, 520 and gt14... And pullem all around like string toys.....lol .... Just kidding.

My dad had one about 8 yrs ago and it was a beast! But, I'm a WH guy and I like collecting em.

I wanted to ask you what is your take on the 522xi or NH GT22? I was looking at one and wanted any expert advise on them.

I'd really want a 523dxi but can't find one and they are selling at 2000 more than the 522xi.

Lymedog

Hmm, my limited experience with the Case/IR hydraulic drive GT's...they are tuff tractors with lots of potential with the hydraulics, fast in high range, but not very good pullers.

Seems like I remember a youtube video awhile back with a Horse & a Case having a tug of war.

Lymedog I have never owned or operated an XI or New Holland.

I haven't heard anything bad about them other than the price.

[Rideawaysenior 25]

The D250 is a nice machine.  Only problem aside from hard to get parts is the tranny.  The power input is via worm gear to a brass ring gear.  This area is what commonly goes on those machines.  This is just my opinion but I think that if you want a good reliable non complicated unit that is powerful and easy to work on, the 416-8 with the single cylinder Kohler 16hp engine is the machine.  That motor has torque up the WAZOO. 

 

I've had the D250 and a D160 a 520 and all were nice tractors but nothing was easier to work on for me and more reliable than my 416. 

[Tankman 3,518]

I just re-read the post. Enjoying the comments 'cause I don't know what I'm doin'. Just having fun and seat time with the boys. Wo.....wo......work! Lawns and property are always **** 'n Span clean.

 

Forty years ago, my 1st WH, forget the model number. Long gone. The 1st Horse started this whole WH frenzy. Tank goodness my sons and I got an early education. We all laugh watchin' purchases at Home "Cheapo" and Lowes. OMG!

 

A bit relaxed, semi-retired, I spend more time than needed playing with the Herd and Grandsons. Those boys, elementary schoolers, love Horses, camo clothing, work boots, Tractor Supply, welding, changing oil, tamping the driveway, backpack blowers, weed wackers and workin' with the Stallions. My Sons laugh and me and the Grandsons! The nerve!

 

Currently our goto Horses are the '85 416-8 and the '90 520-8. I do like the wider stance of the front axle. Just for looks I guess. The Boys shine the wheel covers diligently and spray McQuires tire shine on the tires and the polyethylene gas tank (works great on the PE tank).

 

Although the 20hp Onan runs like a Patek-Philippi watch, worries me. Stories I guess. The 16hp Kohler is POWER too. Both great Horses.

 

Now, sorry, off topic. 'Cause we guys like red, and always liked IH, us boys are going to look at a "like new", kept indoors, local, runnin' great, 48" deck, Cub Cadet 582. Any thoughts on this non-WH "thing"?

 

PS. Sorry, just thinkin' (I think, I think) again. Miss my Farmall ('32) and gas powered washing machines.

Edited July 12, 2013 by Tankman

[bitten 134]

Using a big heavy roller as a test, I have found that my D200 out performs all the others. The roller wount push it around like it will the 520's or my GT14(which comes in second). There are other things to consider but overall toughness goes to the D. I dont know anything about the D250 but they do look like they would do well in this test. 

Using a tiller the D wins again (although I dont have a tiller for the GT14)

1025lb. dry weight (79' D200) I would believe that it has to be one of the heaver Wheel horses made.

[Lymedog 2]

Hey tank,

Do you know anyone local, pa,nj,or ny selling a 520-8.... Still looking. Checked out the NH gt 22.... It was, say the least a P.O.S..

Not giving up ,but still looking for the tough as nails and strong as a bull WH!

[Lymedog 2]

Hey everyone,

We picked up a 314-8 from a local guy who kept his tractor in very old shape. He serviced the horse, changed the head gasket, did a complete overhaul on her. She runs like a top... Is tough as nails. His son was gonna use her as a puller ,but we bought it before he could modify it.

I have my sights set on a 417-8 with a Kohler series II motor. I don't know much about this kohler... I know single banger Magnums, Onans and Command Pro , but never had a older twin Kohler.

Is this a worth while investment.... I read nightmare stories about older kohler twins...oil issues... And I'm leery!

Are the 417 Kohler twin motors as strong as the 16 hp single kohler or the super smooth running Onan 16?

Any comments .. Please give me some info before I buy and is $1000 too much?

Sorry guys... That was very GOOD shape.... Dumb IPAD spell checker.. :)

[RMCIII 838]

_{Here we go again...  I believe this topic has circled around once or twice already this year. Lym, John M. and I have some knowledge of the 5xi series. He has more than I, but I think we both agree any of the 5xi tractors are truly built to take a beating. The only (2) down sides I have encountered. 1) - No posi-diff. lock. 2) - No 3-pt. hitch. However, after putting weights on the wheels, there has been no hill or incline wet or dry the XI has failed to conquer. If you do decide to go the XI series, make sure you opt for the power steering. These things are HEAVY. My only regret is not waiting for one with the PS. But then again, the entire package of the mower, deck, blower, soft cab, chains and weights only cost $1,650.00. For that price I can deal with the extra effort it takes to turn the wheels. Oh, there is 1 more thing. Bring your wallet if you need to replace or repair anything. Unless you find it here, in RS, or on Ebay. You are going to pay a premium for the parts, N.O.S, through Toro. I thought Deere parts were expensive. Hold on to your bills they will just "blow" away. < But then again, it is relatively trouble free if you keep the main. up.}

 

_{As for "tough", well that is all in the matter of the use of the word. Any of the 300, C, 400 or 500's are tough. It just depends on your overall use of the word.}