DG1776 20 #1 Posted February 12, 2019 Hello everyone. I used to have a Wheel Horse years ago and got rid of it. I'm now in a position where having a lawn tractor would be nice again. Ideally I would use this to push snow. I don't need a snow thrower as I already have one. I could use this for some light mowing but that is not the main reason for looking for one. So here is my question...please give me advice on what would be a good model for moving some snow. I've seen that the 520's are well liked for pushing snow but heard some minor complaints about the Onan engines, though I don't know how much of an issue that would really be. I've heard those are really good engines too. Here are my options of what I'm looking into. 520H, 416-8, D-180. Another option is a local tractor that I believe is a C-141. So any advice is appreciated. Also if I've not considered another option I'd love to hear about it. Thank you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 23,065 #2 Posted February 12, 2019 Welcome to Red Square. If it was me, I would go with the 416-8 or the C-141...the main reason for my choice is availability of any parts and attachments. The 416-8 "No Name" is basically a "C" series horse...both Kohlers and no problem getting parts. Just my opinion. Of course, if your drive way is 1/2 a mile up hill both ways and gravel, the other 2 choices would have to be considered. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KC9KAS 4,744 #3 Posted February 12, 2019 @DG1776 to I have found that a Wheel Horse (no matter what model) will push snow very well with the right amount of weight & tire chains, BUT I have also found that the hydros (with hydraulic lift) do not wear me out after a day of mowing or snow pushing! On the other hand....the gear drives seem to do better if you have a rear mounted garden tiller. I have a D-200 and it is big & strong and a pain to maneuver! These are my observations and are worth what you paid for it! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 17,494 #4 Posted February 12, 2019 IMO an 8hp engine is all you need to push snow. Even the older little 4hp RJs and Suburbans work well for pushing snow. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 57,904 #5 Posted February 12, 2019 I have pushed snow with standard shift and hydros and both will do a good job. I agree with Steve that the C-141 or 416-8 would be very good choices.High horsepower is not needed for snow pushing, lots of people do it with 8 or 10 HP . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 27,532 #6 Posted February 12, 2019 I echo what is said above - any Wheel Horse will do... I only have experience with a C 105 (10 HP) with a blade. Works like a charm... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rjg854 11,879 #7 Posted February 12, 2019 I like the short frame 8hp's for plowing snow. Plenty of power and manuver able in small areas. Something like an 855, 856, 857, Commando 8, there are quite a few models similar to those. Simple to work on, easy on gas and a lot of fun. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldlineman 1,495 #8 Posted February 12, 2019 My 1979 c-101 10 hp kohler bought new by me has pushed tons of snow and alot of dirt too. Weight and gearing will do the job! Just do the maintance and they will last a lifetime mine is well on the way to doing that. Bob 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 40,484 #9 Posted February 12, 2019 For plowing or blowing snow, I would only use a hydro with hydraulic lift and foot controlled motion. Ten HP is enough to push snow. For turning a blower and the hydro, I would want 12HP minimum with 14-20 being much better. I just cleaned 4 driveways in 70 minutes with my 312Hydro with 48" blade. I have a solid link on the plow lift so I can apply down pressure as I pull up to garage doors and parked vehicles, drop the blade and back drag the snow to where I can push it. I (the hydro) probably lifted the blade and changed F/R direction 70-80 times . With a gear drive this probably would have taken several hours. So, I recommend a hydro with 12HP minimum. Then If your needs change, you can even run a blower or a 48" deck . 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 22,080 #10 Posted February 12, 2019 I prefer the 1981 and newer tractors mainly because I plow snow at night ( like I did today) and they have the much better sealed beam headlights that actually shine way out ahead of you. The 70’s C series have lousy headlights that barely shine out past the snow-plow blade. For ease of maintenance I would also lean towards a single cylinder Kohler with an 8 speed tranny. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WVHillbilly520H 10,376 #11 Posted February 12, 2019 1 hour ago, stevasaurus said: Welcome to Red Square. If it was me, I would go with the 416-8 or the C-141...the main reason for my choice is availability of any parts and attachments. The 416-8 "No Name" is basically a "C" series horse...both Kohlers and no problem getting parts. Just my opinion. Of course, if your drive way is 1/2 a mile up hill both ways and gravel, the other 2 choices would have to be considered. Steve, some 416-8 were actually the Onan twin just like the 520-8, now @DG1776 since I am a little bit biased I would say go get that 520H with the hydro drive and hydraulic lift, hopefully it has the snow plow with it as if it's 1990 or newer you will need the snow plow frame extension kit to clear the swept forward front axle, and since I've owned 1 since new, there's nothing quite like and Onan growling when working just my experiences and opinion, Jeff. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cschannuth 3,817 #12 Posted February 13, 2019 Welcome! I push with a 6HP and a 16HP. Both will push as much snow as fast as I want to go in any gear. Both have loaded tires and wheels weights and are a blast to run. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,333 #13 Posted February 13, 2019 But if you want to push snow fast get a hydro...faster forward faster changing direction and much faster backwards... 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 40,484 #14 Posted February 13, 2019 's the only way to fly. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cazngz 19 #15 Posted February 13, 2019 If you get a lot of snow... the bigger the better. Take it from an old D-180 owner. A little weight, 2 link chains and the stock plow ( moveable left and right from the seat, hydraulic lift ) will make the chore dare I say, enjoyable ? Well, maybe if you're young it could be. My D-180 had 15 inch tires, 200 lbs weight around the wheels and car 2 link chains. In over 20 years I only called my neighbor and his backhoe one time and that was due to the fact that I didn't plow the night before and we ended up with over 20 inches of snow till morning. It would easily plow snow over the top of the blade. I used to laugh at 6 to 8 inch snows. I believe the D series were top of the line at the time. I also had several standard shift tractors before the horse. They worked OK but I've never owned another standard shift after the horse, even for yard and mower work if that tells you anything... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 50,730 #16 Posted February 13, 2019 Can you tell these clowns are all addicts DG?? to Red Square! All of the above suggestions are spot on. Truth be told I'm on the fence about your statement "I got rid of it" Them's fighten words around here! While some suggested older round hoods like RJG suggested they might be a little hard to find but again forgive him as he is an addict. I would lean towards something in the 3 or 400 series range in a hydro, a bit more available. Don't rule out a eight speed if you like to jam gears but a hydro is quicker. Good luck with your search and let us know if any more help is needed. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cschannuth 3,817 #17 Posted February 13, 2019 (edited) 2 hours ago, pfrederi said: But if you want to push snow fast get a hydro...faster forward faster changing direction and much faster backwards... I solved that on my 606 predator rat rod by upsizing the engine pulley. It does 9 miles an hour in third gear in 5 mph in reverse. None of my hydros can touch it. Plus that little 42 inch long frame blade on that short frame tractor is light as a feather. Edited February 13, 2019 by cschannuth 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DG1776 20 #18 Posted February 13, 2019 3 hours ago, Ed Kennell said: For plowing or blowing snow, I would only use a hydro with hydraulic lift and foot controlled motion. Ten HP is enough to push snow. For turning a blower and the hydro, I would want 12HP minimum with 14-20 being much better. I just cleaned 4 driveways in 70 minutes with my 312Hydro with 48" blade. I have a solid link on the plow lift so I can apply down pressure as I pull up to garage doors and parked vehicles, drop the blade and back drag the snow to where I can push it. I (the hydro) probably lifted the blade and changed F/R direction 70-80 times . With a gear drive this probably would have taken several hours. So, I recommend a hydro with 12HP minimum. Then If your needs change, you can even run a blower or a 48" deck . I appreciate all of the replies. Ideally a hydro with hydraulic lift would be my choice. Great info from everyone. Thank you all very much. Kind of leaning between the 416 and the 520 at this point. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lane Ranger 11,125 #19 Posted February 13, 2019 15 hours ago, wallfish said: IMO an 8hp engine is all you need to push snow. Even the older little 4hp RJs and Suburbans work well for pushing snow. I agree with John (wallfish) ! a B-80 is one of the best overall Wheel Horse tractors for a home/residence use. My main tractor even though I have both bigger (and smaller motors on other Wheel Horse tractors! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cazngz 19 #20 Posted February 13, 2019 9 minutes ago, Lane Ranger said: I agree with John (wallfish) ! a B-80 is one of the best overall Wheel Horse tractors for a home/residence use. My main tractor even though I have both bigger (and smaller motors on other Wheel Horse tractors! Will it push snow ? Sure. I used a 3 speed Dynamark 8 HP tractor with a home made blade for years pushing 2 residences with driveways almost a hundred yards long a piece plus a circle turn around. Took me hours in heavy snows. Then I got a 16 HP box store tractor also a 3 speed and thought " Wow , what a difference " and got done obviously in less time. Then came the D-180 and all of a sudden my times were cut considerably in the cold wind blown snow. I guess our opinions are driven by our experiences and just as importantly where we live and how much snow one gets. I'm a whole lot older now and while I still do my own plowing and enjoy it for a short while, its also nice to get back in the house to hot soup and survey your job. Nice tractor btw... 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DG1776 20 #21 Posted February 13, 2019 Thoughts on the 414-8? I understand it's not a hydro transmission but that's not necessarily a bad thing in my mind. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
formariz 11,994 #22 Posted February 13, 2019 16 hours ago, pfrederi said: But if you want to push snow fast get a hydro...faster forward faster changing direction and much faster backwards... That together with a 10 pinion differential like on a Charger makes the ultimate plow machine. My neighbors love to watch me backup my Electro on my icy 6% grade driveway at full speed. Pushing a full plow of wet snow up the driveway not a problem either. 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,333 #23 Posted February 13, 2019 8 minutes ago, formariz said: That together with a 10 pinion differential like on a Charger makes the ultimate plow machine. My neighbors love to watch me backup my Electro on my icy 6% grade driveway at full speed. Pushing a full plow of wet snow up the driveway not a problem either. My winter horses are all 10 pinion hydros wouldn't trade them for anything else. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 17,494 #24 Posted February 13, 2019 4 hours ago, DG1776 said: Thoughts on the 414-8? I understand it's not a hydro transmission but that's not necessarily a bad thing in my mind. A perfectly capable machine. And don't let these old men fool you, lifting a snow plow manually isn't really that tough if you're setup is correct. I even have extra weight on the blade and the blade frame and have no problem lifting it manually. The plus is that you can use a solid link to push on the handle for down pressure and the blade still floats with the terrain. Hydro down pressure doesn't allow it to float. I'm a gear jammer fan since that's what I started on with the exception of using the 2 stage blower. That's on a hydro 418-C and certainly wouldn't want to be lifting that. And certainly wouldn't mind running a 10 pinion hydro either!!!!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 40,484 #25 Posted February 14, 2019 6 hours ago, wallfish said: And don't let these old men fool you, Now John, I have to take expectorate to that. Us old guys could easily lift those blades and blowers if we wanted to, but we found a better way. Why I haven't had a clutch in a vehicle since I bought that new VW bug in 1964. What a piece-o-@#$% that was. Anyway, I even added motors to my ice cream maker and meat grinders. And then there was Mad Max with the tiller on the front so I didn't have to turn my neck. Geez, what time is it? I musta dozed off. Where did I put my glasses? 1 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
